Now is the time to sharpen your wealth for the summer. In the DC rental market, the summer is the Super Bowl version. Tenants have moved and leases have been turned over. If you are not ready for game time, you will be sitting on the bench while scoring the competition.
Here’s how to prepare your rental property for the summer, stay competitive, and avoid scrambling once the heat (and demand) is on:
First impression number
In a walkable city like DC, curb appeal is not luxury. This is a ticket to play. Future tenants don’t just scroll through the list from the sofa. They walk around the neighborhood and see the buildings and rows of houses like real-life episodes of House Hunter. If your property appears to be devastated from the sidewalk, it doesn’t matter how good it is inside: you will already have lost their attention.
Start with a good power wash. The sidewalk, the front stairs, and its brick facades can collect a year’s worth of dirt and pollen, and there’s nothing to say, like a dimly lit entrance, “We didn’t get to it.” Once that’s done, grab a paint brush to refresh the details. Front doors, railings and window trims are often the first thing people see, with tips or fade paint sending the wrong message. Landscaping doesn’t have to be comparable to a botanical garden, but it must be tidy and intentional. A few potted plants, a few trimmed bushes, and a weed-free garden show that you care about. Don’t forget the lighting – Work porch lights add a layer of Poland and safety. Think about the appeal of curbs like dating profile pictures. If it’s not attractive, people don’t even swipe right.
Handle maintenance before repairing an emergency
DC Summer means one thing: humidity. And it’s not just uncomfortable. If you’re not on top of things, it’s the worst enemy of property. Tenants test A/C at the moment they move, so don’t wait for a 98-degree day when the AC compressor is clogged and not running that possibility. Check those windows and screens while you’re in it. They don’t want a unit that turns into a sauna because the windows aren’t open or the screen is shredded.
Piping is worth just once. In some older regions of DC, tree roots are known to meander into a century-old pipe. If drains and backups are slow, now is the time to act. Do not skip pest control. Ants, cockroaches and rodents all love a good DC summer, but your tenants certainly aren’t. Now, preventive visits can prevent spare emergency calls after night.
Upgrade what’s important
If your location still has the look of “Craigs Listings 2008” then now is your chance to shine with a lower cost that will be rewarded with higher rents and better tenants.
While there is no need to renovate the entire kitchen, several strategic upgrades will help you keep your property up to date without breaking the bank. Replacing the equipment on a dated cabinet pull or faucet is a quick victory. Replacing the old Formica countertop with Stone is a great investment, but a great addition.
Installing a smart thermostat or keyless entry adds a bit of glamour, especially if you’re looking to attract tech-savvy tenants. Also, don’t underestimate the value of LED lighting. Not only is the lighting brighter, but energy efficiency is a real plus when Pepco’s bill starts climbing.
Don’t forget about the marketing materials
Summer wreath windows move fast. Between May and August, tenants are quickly trapped in spots and are not wasting time on listings that seem outdated or obscure. Having strong current marketing materials can be the difference between locking up to a new tenant for weeks and seeing your property open while others are on the lease.
When writing a list, make sure it reflects the strengths of the unit and where it is. Is there a private balcony to catch the sunset? Please mention it. Are the washer and dryer pushed inside the unit rather than in a shared hallway? I will emphasize that. With DC Summer Heat, the central A/C and ceiling fans are not a bonus. They are expectations. If you’re lucky enough to mention shaded outdoor spaces or get close to a pool, splash pad, or one of the city’s beloved parks, say so.
Once the properties are shining outward and tuned inward, the final step is to make sure Polish is displayed in marketing. The list should be more than just a feature, it should be sold. This starts with an updated clear photo. Once the landscaping is clean, snap a new image, the paint will dry out and the light will hit the right. Do not use old photos from 2020 years ago. The tree on the front was still a seedling, and the trash can was on the shot. And always close the toilet seat first! Future tenants are well-versed and looking at photos that look like professionals will make their intuition cheer up.
Timing is everything
Make the most of your opportunities this summer. In DC there is a wave of renters moving to try and move before school starts. Prepare early and sell smartly, landlords not only find tenants, but also find great tenants. And they fill the units faster.
You might pick up that to-do list, schedule those contractors, and then handle the cold stuff after a long day of touch-ups. Thank you later to yourself when your rentals are leased and earning while others are still scrambling at the end of the season.
Scott Bloom He is the owner and senior property manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, please see columbiapm.com.
Summer Rental: How to Prepare for the Season First appeared on the Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News.
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
