Maximize Your Curb Appeal

news • December 26, 2018

Four Key Tips on Maximizing Your Property’s Curb Appeal

We’ve all heard the maxim, “Never judge a book by its cover,” but if we’re honest with ourselves, we rarely follow that advice. It’s human nature to notice a novel decked out in eye-catching art before a drab or ugly one, and a paperback sporting an unsightly tear inevitably sits on the shelf far longer than the pristine copies surrounding it, unless sold at a steep discount.

If first impressions are key in the aisles of your local Barnes & Noble, they’re even more critical in the rental housing market. Potential tenants like to picture themselves in a home they can look at with pride in the evening after a long day at work, and show off to guests on the weekends. If your property’s exterior is unattractive, those fantasies will be deflated before they even walk through the door, and that disappointment will color their perception of what’s inside. A renter who’s impressed from the very first glance, on the other hand, will often pay a premium to turn their dreams of living in your property into reality.
That’s why curb appeal—the impression your property makes from the sidewalk—is so crucial to attracting the right tenants. Below, you’ll find a few useful tips on keeping your properties looking great outside as well as in.

Photograph your property’s good side

In the digital age, you can’t talk about curb appeal without first discussing what might more accurately be called “screen appeal.” Ninety-nine times out of a hundred, a prospective tenant will get their very first glimpse of their next home while browsing rental listings on a laptop or mobile device, so attractive snaps of your property are a must.

The easiest way to ensure your photos show your property at its best, of course, is to hire a professional, but if you choose to go the DIY route, you can still achieve great-looking results as long as you keep a few key variables in mind. Consider foregoing your iPhone in favor of a high-quality digital camera, and pay close attention to the ways in which weather and time of day affect lighting conditions. In addition, don’t forget to update your pics over the course of the year; those festive Christmas decorations may charm prospective tenants in December, but come July they’ll just be a distraction.

Show your lawn some love

This one may sound like a no-brainer, but there are few sights less appealing to a prospective renter than a lawn full of overgrown or dying grass, or one strewn with weeds. A green and well-kept lawn sends the message that you’re a landlord tenants can count on to tend to the details as well as overseeing the big picture.

Weeding, mowing and raking, however, are only the first steps to a truly impressive front lawn. Once you have the basics down, you can get to work adding the flourishes that will make your lawn unforgettable. You don’t need to undertake an extensive landscaping project—though that’s certainly one way to make a big impression. A simple splash of color in the form of a few well-placed flowers can help ensure your property sticks in renters’ minds long after their initial visit.

Make a grand entrance

No, this isn’t about perfecting the way you stride through your property’s foyer—although if you do so, I’m sure renters will appreciate your style and panache. I’m talking about the front door. No matter what else your tenant notices on the on the way in, they’re guaranteed to get an up-close and personal look at your property’s entrance, which makes it one of the most important areas to focus on when it comes to curb appeal.

You’ll want to keep a close eye on the condition of your hardware, making sure the door’s knob and hinges shine and the lock doesn’t stick. If no amount of polish is going to make your hardware look great, it may be time to invest in a fresh, matched set. Once that’s done, you might decide to redo that peeling paint job in a pleasing accent color, and replace those dated lighting fixtures with something a little more contemporary. Then your gaze might travel up to the house numbers. They’ve gotten a little dull, and that hanging “6” with a screw missing looks enough like a “9” to confuse guests and delivery drivers… You get the idea. Each element of your entrance contributes to a prospective renter’s overall perception of your property, and if you can craft an ensemble that’s not only functional, but stylish and cohesive, you’ll come out well ahead of the competition.

Create the perfect social space

Curb appeal may be all about pleasing the eye, but the area of your property visible from the sidewalk isn’t just something pretty for tenants to glance at before they walk through the front door; it’s also a place to relax and unwind, or enjoy the company of friends, family and neighbors. A few simple touches that evoke imagery of social get-togethers and long, lazy afternoons in the sun can go a long way toward helping renters envision themselves in your property.

Does your property sport a cozy front porch or patio? Make the most of it with the help of some well-chosen patio furniture. Even if not, you can still stir up fantasies of summer fun using little more than a few lawn chairs and a table with a colorful outdoor umbrella. Think of your audience as well; couples looking for a great place to raise children might appreciate a swing hanging from the shade tree out front. With imagination and a little elbow grease, you can craft the ideal social setting for any demographic.

Conclusion

Even the most stunning property needs regular maintenance to stay looking sharp, and once you’ve found the perfect tenants, keeping them requires frequent communication from an attentive management team. That’s where Guardian can help.

Guardian’s experienced staff is fully equipped to handle every aspect of your property’s day-to-day maintenance and management, from tenant relations and rent collection to emergency repairs. To learn more about what Guardian Property Management can do for you, call 651-287-2011 or email info@guardianprop.com.

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TL;DR An assumable mortgage allows a homebuyer to take over the seller’s existing loan instead of applying for a new one. This can mean inheriting a lower interest rate, original loan terms, and predictable monthly payments. FHA, VA, and USDA loans are typically assumable, while most conventional loans are not. Buyers must qualify with the lender and compensate the seller for their existing home equity. In high-interest-rate markets, assumable mortgages can offer significant long-term savings. For sellers, offering an assumable loan can make a property more attractive and competitive. Why an Assumable Mortgage Is Gaining Attention in Today’s Housing Market As mortgage rates remain elevated, many buyers are searching for smarter ways to finance a home without locking into costly new loans. One increasingly attractive solution is an assumable mortgage, which allows qualified buyers to step into an existing loan rather than starting from scratch. For buyers exploring assumable mortgage listings, this strategy can unlock access to lower interest rates, reduced closing costs, and more favorable loan terms than what’s currently available. Understanding how an assumable mortgage works can help you make a more confident, cost-effective decision. What Is an Assumable Mortgage? With an assumable mortgage, homebuyers can purchase a property by assuming the seller's existing mortgage loan. This option is particularly appealing when buyers want to benefit from lower interest rates, especially if rates have increased since the seller originally obtained the loan. By taking over the seller’s mortgage, the buyer inherits the same financing terms, including the interest rate, remaining balance, and repayment schedule. This approach can reduce borrowing costs and provide a strategic alternative to traditional mortgage financing. Why Choose an Assumable Mortgage? In a market where 30-year mortgage rates hover around 7.19%, affordability has become a major challenge for many buyers. Here’s why assuming an existing loan can be a strategic advantage in this environment. By assuming a mortgage, buyers can take over mortgage payments tied to an existing loan while preserving its original interest rate and repayment terms. This can make homeownership more accessible, even when market conditions are unfavorable. Additionally, sellers benefit by offering assumable loans, as they create a compelling incentive for buyers to accept higher sale prices in exchange for better financing terms. Some Examples of Assumable Loans Not all mortgages can be assumed, so understanding which loan types qualify is critical. Below are the primary types of assumable home loans buyers may encounter. FHA Loans To assume an FHA loan, buyers must meet standard FHA eligibility requirements. This typically includes a minimum down payment of 3.5% and a credit score of at least 580. USDA Loans A USDA loan usually requires a minimum credit score of 620 and adherence to income and location limits. In most cases, USDA loans are assumed with new rates and terms, though certain family transfers may allow assumption under the original conditions. VA Loans Assuming a VA loan requires lender approval and an evaluation of the buyer’s credit profile. While buyers do not need to be veterans or active-duty service members to assume a VA mortgage, a credit score of 620 or higher is generally preferred. A 0.5% VA funding fee still applies. Conventional Loans Most conventional loans include a due-on-sale clause, making them non-assumable. However, certain adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) may qualify for assumption if specific financial requirements are met and the loan is not converted to a fixed rate. How Does an Assumable Mortgage Loan Work? Understanding the mechanics of loan assumption is essential before moving forward. Here’s how the process typically unfolds. When you assume a mortgage, the remaining loan balance transfers to you, and you become responsible for future payments under the same terms. This includes the original interest rate and the monthly payment amount. However, buyers must also reimburse the seller for any accumulated home equity. This equity payment is made at closing and functions similarly to a down payment. Buyers may pay this amount in cash or finance it through a second loan. For example, if a home is worth $400,000 and the remaining mortgage balance is $250,000, the buyer would need to pay the seller $150,000 to complete the assumption. How Much Does an Assumable Mortgage Cost? While assumable mortgages can save money long term, buyers should understand the upfront costs involved. Here’s what to expect financially. Buyers may need to cover closing costs and a significant equity payment if the home’s value exceeds the remaining loan balance. VA loans also include a 0.5% funding fee based on the outstanding loan amount. For instance, if a home sells for $190,000 and the remaining balance is $115,000, the buyer must bring the $75,000 difference to closing. How to Get an Assumable Mortgage Loan Before pursuing an assumable loan, buyers should be prepared for several key steps in the approval process. Check Assumability First, confirm whether the mortgage is assumable, as most conventional loans do not qualify. Creditworthiness & Financial Evaluation Next, the buyer must apply to the lender and demonstrate sufficient income, assets, and credit to meet loan requirements. Potential Cash Difference Buyers should be prepared to bridge the gap between the remaining loan balance and the home’s current value, which can be substantial. Title Transfer & Mortgage Payments Once approved, the title transfers to the buyer, who then begins making monthly payments directly to the lender. Lender Denial If the lender denies the application, the assumption cannot proceed, and the buyer must continue their home search. The Benefits of an Assumable Mortgage Assumable mortgages offer several notable advantages for qualified buyers. Here’s why they can be appealing. Lower Interest Rates Buyers may secure a lower interest rate than what’s currently available, even if their credit score isn’t as strong as the original borrower’s. Smaller Closing Costs Certain loan fees are capped or reduced, often resulting in lower closing costs compared to traditional mortgages. No Appraisal In many cases, no appraisal is required, saving both time and money during the transaction. The Disadvantages of an Assumable Mortgage Despite the benefits, assumable mortgages are not without challenges. Here are the key drawbacks to consider. Limited Eligibility Only FHA, VA, and USDA loans are assumable, which limits availability for both buyers and sellers. Large Down Payment Requirement Covering the seller’s equity often requires significant upfront cash or a second loan. Additional Closing Costs & Fees Ongoing PMI, VA funding fees, and USDA guarantee fees may apply, increasing the total cost over time. Conclusion An assumable mortgage can be a powerful financing strategy for buyers navigating a high-interest-rate housing market. By assuming an existing loan, buyers may gain access to lower rates, reduced closing costs, and more predictable monthly payments. However, success depends on lender approval and the buyer’s ability to cover the seller’s equity. When evaluated carefully, an assumable mortgage can offer a compelling and cost-effective path to homeownership. If you’re exploring assumable mortgage listings or want expert guidance on whether assuming a loan is right for you, professional insight can make all the difference. Founded in 1999, Guardian Property Management has grown into a full-service property management company serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area. With deep local expertise and streamlined systems, the team helps remove the stress and uncertainty from property ownership, allowing clients to focus on protecting and growing their investment. To learn more about available opportunities or to get guidance tailored to your situation, connect with a trusted local expert today. Address : 3001 Broadway St NE, STE 605, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Phone : 651-287-2011 FAQs Q1. What is an assumable mortgage, and how does it work? Ans. An assumable mortgage allows a buyer to take over an existing loan’s terms, including the interest rate, after qualifying with the lender. Q2. Can you assume a VA mortgage without being a veteran? Ans. Yes, non-veterans can assume a VA mortgage, though lender approval is required and the seller’s VA entitlement may be affected. Q3. Are assumable mortgage listings common? Ans. Assumable mortgage listings are less common, but working with experienced real estate and lending professionals can help uncover viable opportunities.