How to Improve the Curb Appeal of Your Airbnb Property | Top 9 Tips

When it comes to your Airbnb property, what's on the outside is equally important as what's on the inside. If your listing features beautiful interior photos but fails to include exterior photos, or worse, if your listing includes exterior photos that look nothing like the property as it actually is, it is possible for guests to feel deceived when they pull up to an unkempt property and find a neglected front yard.

That's why “First impressions matter! ”

Don't wait for guests to walk through the front door to create a first impression. Bring a sense of wonder to your guests from the moment they set foot on your property. The outside of your home is just as important as the inside.

A guest's first impression of your Airbnb is formed within the first 7 seconds of walking onto your property, so it should be warm, inviting, and captivating. In these defining moments, your home needs to tell a compelling visual story.

What is Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal is the way your vacation home looks from the outside as well as the key features it embodies. You want your guests to have a sense of what they can expect in your home on the inside by presenting a stunning exterior. Keeping your Airbnb home's exterior in good shape will boost its curb appeal.

Why does Curb Appeal Matter for your Airbnb Property?

The exterior of your Airbnb influences the way guests perceive the property and home. It is the first visual greeting guests see when they enter the property.

Almost every Airbnb host knows how important curb appeal is for marketing a property. Besides the architectural design of your Airbnb property, it may be necessary to make some exterior improvements to your property to improve its curb appeal. This includes your roof, front door, landscaping, lighting design, paint, and any additional exterior features, such as a porch, outdoor seating area, among others.

Top 9 Tips for Boosting your Curb Appeal

Making your Airbnb's entryway clean, fresh, and inviting is the first step to increasing curb appeal. Small strategic changes can greatly enhance this outcome. Simply sprucing up your Airbnb property's exterior can transform it into an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming space.

1. Dress up the Driveway

Driveways are the first parts of a home that guests encounter. Imagine your guests arrive at your Airbnb property after a long flight - they can either be greeted with a weedy driveway or a clean one - what would you prefer?

A clean, well-tended driveway enhances the appearance of a home and reveals the owners' level of responsibility for it.

Here are some tips for creating and preserving an attractive driveway,

• The easiest way to get a clear path without a lot of costs is to use gravel or perhaps crushed bricks, or pavers.
• Repair minor cracks or reseal cracked driveways to bring them back to life.
• The grime on your driveway can be removed by power washing, and can be done bi-weekly or monthly.
• Plants or stones can be used to edge the driveway/path.
• Make your driveway stand out by adding a mailbox with a bit of personality.
• On either side of the pathway, add pathway lighting to create a modern, functional look.
• Winterize the driveway by plowing and clearing it (if applicable).
• Before guests arrive, make sure that your maintenance crew has it on their task list to clean the driveway.

2. Landscape your Garden Space

Landscaping the front of the property, such as grass, trees, and other foliage should serve as the foundation for curb appeal at your property. Every Airbnb property must have this distinctive element if it wants to stand out from the crowd.

Your front lawn should be uncluttered and simple when it comes to landscaping.

Landscaping Pointers:

• Maintain your lawn - Trim your grass and water your plants regularly (your guests won't want to see wilted vegetation!)
• Plants - Choose plants that require less maintenance, such as Sansevieria, ZZ Zanzibar, Pothos, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and Succulents.
• Flowers - Bring life and color to the entryway of your Airbnb entryway with seasonal blooms. Plant annuals and perennials that will thrive in your local climate on your property.
• Choosing trees that provide shade can benefit your home both in terms of keeping it cool and reducing costs by shielding the sun and wind from your home.

Side Note: Landscape your property so that the three different fire zones are considered if you live in an area prone to wildfires.

• Mow the lawn and pull out weeds regularly, at least once a week
• A fresh layer of mulch should be laid every year at the very least
• Ensure that your Airbnb is free from overgrown plants that look bad or block sunlight

Hiring a maintenance team that you can trust can ensure your garden is well-kept all year round with a great landscape design.

3. Paint the Exterior of your Home

New paint, siding, or trim details transform a home's exterior instantly and can make your Airbnb look and feel more welcoming at first glance!

Here are some signs that your Airbnb needs to be painted:

• Fading of the paint color
• Bare wood exposed to the elements
• Peeling surfaces
• Bubbling or blotchy patches on walls and surfaces

Evaluate the entire exterior of the property when considering a retouch and make sure nothing is overlooked. For example, if your Airbnb needs a facelift, take into account the windows, the porch, garage doors, back entrances, etc., while if a renovation hasn't been done for years, paint the entire exterior if necessary.

There is no doubt that this is an expensive investment, but in case it is peeling or needs serious repair, it's a good time to get it fixed before further damage occurs. Painting your Airbnb property regularly will keep it looking its best at all times. It is recommended to repaint a house about every five years.

Moreover, repairs like these can be deducted from Airbnb earnings as a tax deduction.

4. Front Entrance

An inviting front entrance can easily enhance your curb appeal. It creates a warm feeling for any guest who is driving up to your property. A listing photo that matches reality will also score you good reviews.

Front Door

Your front door serves as a symbol of welcoming guests to your home and therefore cannot be neglected at any cost. As such, you must pay close attention to the aesthetics of this element of your home.

Here are a few tips to get you started

• If the door is old, consider replacing it with a new door.
• Your front door can be made more appealing with a pop of color. Consider giving your front door a bold look by painting it with a vibrant shade that contrasts well with white walls. For example, cobalt blue or red can really make a statement.
• Add a wreath to the door to add a touch of cozy homeyness.
• You could pick a wreath color scheme that complements the color of the siding on your Airbnb. An elegant arrangement that fits every occasion, or customized wreaths to fit every season. ( Adding a placard with guests' names would also be a nice touch - if you like! )
• You can also make a statement by adding a door knocker for an aesthetic touch.
• Consider installing a smart lock on your doors and eliminating the traditional key, you and your guests won't have to worry about losing keys - and it allows for seamless Airbnb self check-in. Switching to digital or keyless locks is a smart move as contactless check-ins become more common.

Combining all these elements in a tasteful way will give your property a unique identity and create a statement exclusive to your property. Pinterest is a great resource to gather ideas for inspiration to DIY this project!

Welcome Mat

Your entryway is made friendlier by adding a welcome mat. Welcome Mats provide a warm welcome that is essential for every home in addition to catching debris.

As a starting point, here are a few tips:

• In choosing a mat, keep in mind that if your front door is colorful, coordinate your mat with it based on the color.
• Changing your welcome mat with the seasons is a great way to freshen it up. With a seasonal welcome mat, you can keep your front entry welcoming year-round whether it's for a holiday greeting or spring, summer, or fall-themed welcome mat.
• Invest in a few and swap them out seasonally.

In addition to being inexpensive, these are usually made of material that ensures long-term use.

Distinctive House Numbers

House numbers should be easy to find, and aesthetically pleasing. Your Airbnb property will gain more appeal if you add modern distinctive house numbers.

Here are some things you can do,

• Choose to upgrade your house number to large house numbers
• Use a contrasting color for the numbers so they stand out
• Add backlighting to the numbers so it is visible at nighttime
• Find these types of products which are readily available on Amazon in various colors/finishes, and are made of anticorrosive zinc alloy. Installation materials are usually made available with the purchase making it easy to install plus they can be attached to any surface - wood, cement, or brick.

A small upgrade like this can enhance your home's appearance and add character to it.

Front Porch

Your front porch greets your guests before the door and sets the tone for what is to follow inside the house.

Here are a few ways to make your front porch more inviting,

• Porch Light - The right porch light can really elevate the setting so make your guests' way to the door easier with a contemporary porch light or lantern-style sconces.

• Porch Furniture - Dressing up your porch with the right furniture is a must! Consider adding a seating area, a porch swing, or a few lounge chairs or beanbags, along with a few all-weather cushions and throw pillows. An ideal seating area should accommodate two to four people.

• Potted plants - An entryway or porch can be spruced up effortlessly with potted plants. Ideally, place two planters on either side of the front door; if the porch has steps, you may want to consider planting a few colorful seasonal flowering plants in planters on either side.

__Side Note: In case your home does not have a porch - try to create a front porch feel at the entryway, adding potted plants with greenery or flowers usually does the trick. __

If you do not live on the property, choose plants or flowers that require little maintenance.

• You should also upgrade the flooring and paint on your front porch when you renovate it, as well as inspect the sidewalk and steps leading to your door for signs of weathering.

Creating a statement area requires a cohesive upgrade. Think of it as creating and bringing to life a work of art. Your listing photos will look even better with these as they make your place look more inviting.

6. Outdoor Lighting

All Airbnb properties must have outdoor lighting! Most Airbnb guests arrive at your property after dark, so installing porch lights and garden lights can help make them feel safer, and comfortable and guide them into your property.

Elegant outdoor lighting creates a feeling of luxury in the evening light in your home, and you will be able to enhance curb appeal while also ensuring your guests' safety.

Light up the exterior of your Airbnb using these tips,

• Light up the entire front portion of your home – Install sufficient lighting that enables your guests to recognize your home from the listing photos you have posted.

• Choose bright lighting options – old-fashioned incandescent bulbs are inefficient and dim. Substitute these for LED light bulbs which are energy-saving. They make the surroundings crystal clear, and your porch appears brighter, making it easier for your guests to find the house number too!

• Add lighting to your garden landscape - There are plenty of options for solar-powered LED garden lights that are quick to install and will do the trick! Enhance the appearance of your property by placing lights behind shrubs or highlighting certain areas of your home. Ideas also include lighting up certain areas of your home's architecture or windows, pathways, and outdoor seating areas.

• Keep your exterior lights clean! – Outdoor lights are often mounted in fixtures that collect debris, dust, and even insects. So ensure your exterior light fixtures are clean before guests arrive. Dirty porch lights will be noticed by your guests more than a clean one and you don't want it on your reviews! Make sure you or your cleaning crew do not miss it from your automated cleaning tasks.

• After dark, keep the lights on! Turn them off during the day, but leave them on at night. You may want to consider smart lighting if you want a bit of a tech edge. Philips Hue lights are great as it offers automation options. Since they are LED it is more energy efficient. Having smart lighting can even make your listing stand out when you mention it in your features!

7. Give your Windows a little TLC!

Windows are also an important component of the exterior of your Airbnb, helping to create a welcoming atmosphere and improve its aesthetic appeal.

You may find these tips helpful,

• Window panes that are stained, cracked, or old should certainly be replaced. There may be a cost associated with this upgrade, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.
• Deep clean all your windows and wash away any grime. A sparkling clean window lets in more sunlight and looks great from the outside.
• For a decorative facelift consider installing shutters on your windows to add to your Airbnb’s distinctive ambiance
• The windows of your Airbnb home can also be enhanced with flower boxes. These decorative planters are great for bringing your home's curb appeal to a whole new level.

Pro Tip: Consider your home's color scheme and how much sun you get when choosing flowers and plants. Alternatively, you can use artificial flowers year-round without wilting.

Sparkling clean windows and overflowing flower boxes filled with colorful blooms are perfect for showing off your home's charm.

8. Create an Outdoor seating area

Creating an outdoor seating space doesn't require a large backyard. Maintaining a well-manicured lawn and pretty flowers while adding attractive recreational elements to your outdoor space is a great way to gain a competitive edge and stay booked all year round.

Guests love finding cozy spots where they can unwind so here are some simple and inexpensive ideas to consider

• A dedicated seating area can be a great addition to a front porch or backyard. Use hammocks, sun beds, or lounge chairs to create a seating area for reading or taking a sunbath or simply relax in the evenings.
• Your backyard can look inviting by installing a charming little gate. (A moon gate is particularly enchanting!)
• Easily accessible benches are a great addition to a garden next to a pond or water fountain.
• Add some zing to your outdoor furniture by adding patterned cushions! If you've created a theme or color scheme for the inside of the home, make sure the exterior of the house also complements it.

9. Repair the Roof

Last but not least make sure your roof is in good condition. There is no doubt that your roof contributes to the grandeur of your home and adds value to your property.

Here are some helpful tips:

• During inspections, examine the roof to see if there are any holes or other signs of damage.

It is recommended to hire professionals to have this checked in order to determine what needs to be done.

• If you haven't repaired your roof in several years, it may be time to upgrade and revamp your roof or sometimes even replace it.

Pro Tip: A roof made from efficient materials and adequately insulated reduces the need to heat your house during the cooler months and keeps your home cooler during the summer. Tiles made from clay and cedar shingles are excellent insulators.

Choosing a unique roofing material can distinguish your home or building from others and refresh its overall look. Here are a few curb appeal-enhancing, popular roofing materials:

• Slate roofing
• Copper roofing
• Clay tile roofing
• Wood shakes and shingles

A new roof can dramatically alter the look of your home. Adding the cherry on top, it will perfectly complete the look!

As We Wrap Up,

It is easy to make small changes that can make a big difference in curb appeal. Renovating and upgrading your Airbnb property can be a tricky endeavor, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Whether you make big or small improvements to your Airbnb exterior, you will enliven its curb appeal.

In tandem with these changes, you may want to upgrade your property management process as well. Being named Airbnb Premier Partner, Hostaway is the leading property management software in the industry. This all-in-one software allows you to manage your properties easily and expand your business as your needs grow.

Task Management becomes a priority at the peak of curb appeal. The maintenance of it, in particular, requires you to be vigilant and to keep track of things. It is here that Automated Task Management can provide you with the greatest benefits. With Hostaway’s services, you will be able to automate and simplify marketing, sales, communication, operations, reporting, and accounting processes, including many other features!

Find out how Hostaway can fit your property management business and improve your success. Contact us today to arrange a demo call with one of our product experts.