Whether you currently own a rental property or are thinking about purchasing one, it’s critical that the property attracts good tenants. Reliable tenants who won’t give you many problems as a landlord are not easy to come by, and they typically have higher expectations. That’s why it’s important to think of ways you can increase the appeal of your property. Despite being in uncertain times, you can work on these projects now and then open up the property to tenants at the right time.

Below are Treehouse Gift & Home's suggestions for practical changes that you can make to your investment property, so that it brings in the best tenants and gives you a good return.

First Steps for Your Business

The first part of drawing in renters is making your rental business official. You can set up your new business by establishing an LLC, for instance. This will provide personal protection liability for your company and your personal assets. Next, you'll want to pick a reputable realtor that specializes in rental properties to show you areas that are profitable. Then you’ll want to price your new property accordingly. This will ensure that you are able to rent your property at a high rate and stay profitable as well.

Inspect the Property

One of the first things you should do as landlord is to ensure your rental property is in good repair. Do a walk-through of the property and inspect it for any needed repairs (e.g., broken steps, holes in the drywall, broken cabinet knobs). You will want to perform an inspection each time a tenant moves in and moves out, as well as every three to six months when the property is occupied. Making sure your property is fully functional (and clean) will not only attract good tenants, but it will also show tenants what condition you expect the property to be kept in.

Routine maintenance and repairs can cause a great deal of stress for landlords, which is why hiring a property manager is generally a good idea. If you bring in the right agency, they will be able to help you screen tenants, handle rent collections, and keep the property well-maintained.

Explore Renovation Ideas

If you want good renters, your property has to be up-to-date. No one wants to live in a place with dirty walls, old carpet and wobbly furniture. Consider what renovations need to be made, and think of how you can get it done within your budget. For instance, painting all the walls yourself can save a good deal of money, which will leave more funds to invest in updating the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors, which will raise the property’s value the most. For furniture and decor ideas, feel free to browse our offerings at Treehouse Gift & Home.

Add thorough security.

Tenants also want to know they are safe when they’re home. Make sure all doors to the outside are in good condition and have high-quality locks. Invest in a good alarm system if there isn’t already one, and consider putting a fence around the property if necessary. Also, explore your options with smart home security, which can be a heavy attraction for renters.

Enhance First Impressions

Curb appeal is also essential for any investment property. You want the property to be attractive not only to your tenants but also to everyone else who drives by. So, perform some routine lawn maintenance and basic landscaping, such as:

• Mowing the grass
• Trimming bushes and tree limbs
• Adding some native plants around the property
• Putting mulch or pine straw in plant beds

Additionally, make sure the property is clear of clutter — from the yard to the walkway to the porch. A messy yard is a quick way to turn off potential renters.

Update the Appliances

Another way to make your property more appealing to renters is to bring in new appliances. An outdated oven, refrigerator, or washing machine is not only an eyesore, but it also gives the impression that the appliance could stop working at any given moment. For most tenants, knowing that the appliances will work well throughout the duration of their lease is a big deal.

Attracting high-quality renters to your investment property is key to keeping the income flowing. Once you've established your business and found a place to rent out, remember to routinely inspect your property, and consider hiring a reputable property manager to help with many of the duties that come with being a landlord. Think of any updates you can make to the property, and make sure it is adequately secured. Finally, boost the curb appeal and put in new appliances if necessary.

Photo Credit: Burst

Adding rugs to your interior spaces will boost the aesthetic and practicality of the home. Whether your prefer natural or synthetic fibers, you can find an option that showcases interesting colors and patterns to transform the look of a room. If you want to add these comfortable pads to your home, below are several strategies to help you incorporate them naturally.

What Should You Do When Adding Rugs to the Home?

1. Define Open Floor Plans 

Open floor plans allow you to communicate with friends and family members freely throughout the home, even when you are not in the same room. However, it can be challenging to make each space distinct so that the home doesn't feel like one large room. When you want to break up the space, place a rug in each section. Utilize different colors and patterns, and place one beneath your dining table and on your living room floor to partition the areas. 

2. Adorn Beds & Sofas

A flat-weave rug with fringe along the edges can add pops of color to any bedroom. They can even function as an alternative to a duvet during the summer, as they require minimal maintenance and are easy to remove. All you have to do is roll it to the foot of the bed before you go to sleep.

Furthermore, you can freshen the look of sofas by covering them with flat weave rugs. Place one over the back and seat of the sofa and smooth it carefully. Then, tuck the sides into the crevice between the arms and seats.

3. Make Rooms Bolder

You can even make subdued rooms feel bold and vivacious with the addition of a rug. For instance, a dining room with muted wall colors will look more visually interesting and dramatic with a bright floral pattern beneath the table. On the other hand, if the space already has bold wall colors or ornate upholstery, choose a solid color that naturally blends with the flooring to prevent the space from looking too busy. 

4. Offer an Excellent First Impression

Mats that feature meaningful messages and beautiful artwork can make guests feel at home in your residence. To do this, place one on both the exterior and interior sides of the door. This will add a welcoming pop of color to the entryway, as well as prevent guests from accidentally tracking dirt and mud onto your flooring.

When you want to increase the beauty and practicality of your home, visit Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. This gift shop is one of the largest in the state, featuring over 10,000 square feet of home decor and novelties. Whether you need a rug, wall decor, or gifts for a religious friend, their experienced team can help you find the perfect items. Call (608) 433-7896 to ask about gifts in stock, and visit the website to browse their inventory.

Giving presents to neighbors, friends, and family is an excellent way to spread holiday cheer. Religious gifts are particularly special because they lift the spirits and remind recipients of the reason for the season. Here are several Christian gift ideas to consider for your loved ones this year.

What Are Some Religious Gift Options?

1. Checkbook Covers

Investing in a faux leather cover that has an embossed Bible verse is a practical and meaningful gift for your loved ones. Whenever the recipient starts to write a check, they’ll receive a greeting with an empowering and inspirational Scripture quote. For example, some of the most common are “Blessed” (Luke 1:45), “I know the plans” (Jeremiah 29:11), or “Fruit of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22).

2. Bibles 

A new Bible is an appropriate and meaningful Christmas gift that people of all ages can appreciate. For example, baby keepsake Bibles are ideal for couples who are expecting or recently had their first child. Large print versions, on the other hand, are perfect for older parents who may have trouble seeing small print. Colorful Bibles with debossed scripture on the front make excellent gifts for children, teens, and young adults.

3. Crosses

If your loved one is fond of decorating their home with religious symbols, consider gifting a cross with artisan detailing and hand-painted graphics. This home decor is especially useful throughout the holidays, emphasizing the meaning of the season. These can even include messages, such as “Bless This Home,” which is a perfect gift for friends or family who recently moved into a new residence. Crosses emblazoned with “Love is Patient and Kind” are appropriate for newlyweds celebrating their first Christmas together.

4. Candles

From refreshing citrus-basil to tart red currant, candles can fill indoor spaces with fragrant aromas throughout the holidays. To add a religious element, look for candles that sit in a frosted glass enclosure and have Bible verses etched into the sides. This will enrich the homes of your recipients, as the light from the flame illuminates the Scripture.

When you need beautiful and meaningful gifts for the holidays, browse the selection at Treehouse Gift & Home in Onalaska, WI. This gift shop has over 10,000 square feet of religious gifts and home decor, including Bibles, candles, and more. Call (608) 433-7896 to speak to a friendly team member about your needs. Visit the website to browse their inventory or place an online order.

Whenever I reach this day of the year, I always get this nostalgic feeling that Christmas and the gift-giving season is near! I'm always energized by the shoppers who come in with their Christmas tree already up, and they are all ready to add some gifts under their freshly decorated tree and cuddle up on the couch with a nice cup of hot chocolate to admire the glimmering lights.

My top 3 Black Friday Traditions for my family follow: 

#1. Filling up your belly with all the Thanksgiving leftovers!  We always have plenty of turkey to take us into the next week at my house, and can usually feast on several more full meals before the stuffing and green bean casserole disappear!

#2. Black Friday Shopping! This year, committing to shopping a bit

differently by going to all your favorite local shops first.  You can Shop Small and pick up most of the gifts on your list while supporting local businesses like Treehouse Gift & Home, Mainstream Boutique, Style Encore, Salem Floral & Gifts, Moka, Cozy Coffee, Sweet Shop, Linda's Bakery, and more.  Remember gift cards to these shops make great gifts for family in the area who love to shop local and put money back into our community.  Try stopping by your favorite local coffee shop to fuel up for more shopping!

#3 Finish the final touches on your Christmas Decorating and get a few gifts

wrapped under the tree to start building that suspense throughout the month with the kiddos.  

For all your gift giving needs, come by your local Treehouse Gift & Home this Black Friday for some of the best Black Friday specials around like Buy One Get One 40% OFF Light-Up Glitter Lanterns & Foaming Soaps.  Also, Save 20% OFF Select Angels & Ornaments Black Friday - Cyber Monday.  *Excludes Willow Tree & Local Artists.

Photo By: Pixabay

Last year your loved one had an obsession with infinity scarves, and the year before that it was bath bombs. This year you are at a loss – they just bought a house so they already have the biggest holiday gift of all already, right? Wrong! Becoming a homeowner is the gift that keeps on giving, but there are plenty of items you can give them this year to make their house a home. Treehouse Gift & Home has a wide variety of great ideas, and the following are just a few suggestions to help you find the perfect gift to give the new homeowner:

• Welcome mat – We’ve all seen the simple welcome mats gracing front steps everywhere, but why not take it up a notch with a colorful new welcome mat? Or consider a flag that offers a cheerful greeting whenever they approach their new abode, or something that invites God into their home. It’s the perfect way to create a welcoming presence and further seal the deal that this is their new home sweet home.

• Holiday help – Moving into a new home is a lot of work, from unpacking boxes, to arranging furniture, to simply finding time to keep somewhat of a normal routine. Bless them by offering your services, whether it is helping to assemble furniture, finding the perfect home for the items in all those boxes, or bringing over dinner. Another great help is to clean their carpets for them. Just keep in mind the differences between steam vs. shampoo as you decide what will be best for their needs.

• Personal assistant – No, we aren’t referring to a celeb-status personal assistant, but being able to play music, check the weather, read an audiobook, or listen to the traffic report with nothing but a voice command pretty close. The Amazon Echo will come in handy when they need some upbeat music to make it through yet another box, or want to get lost in a book while also working their way through that long to-do list.

• Throw blanket – Who doesn’t love snuggling up with a soft, fuzzy blanket at the end of a long day? A soft Vera Bradley fleece throw is the perfect way to rest and relax, and it can even double as a pretty accent when draped over a couch or chair. Nubby pillows make a comfy accent as well.

• Scented candle – Candles are another house-warming go-to, and there are so many to choose from. However, most of the time, once the candle burns to the end it has finished its job. Opt for a candle in a beautiful glass jar which can be kept to house trinkets, jewelry, or serve as a mantel piece once the soothing fragrance has melted away. (You might also share with them Better Homes & Gardens’ tips for cleaning residual wax, like freezing the jar or baking it in the oven.)

• Holiday ornament – There are holiday ornaments galore, but how special would it be to have a customized, handmade ornament reminding them of their new home? Unskinny Boppy explains all you need to do is snap a quality picture of the new home, trace it onto clay, shape, bake and paint it. They’ll have an ornament to be displayed on the Christmas tree year after year, serving as a wonderful reminder of this new and exciting experience.

• Explore online – we’ve compiled plenty of choices here, but sometimes new homeowners have very specific needs. There is no reason to go broke if a new appliance or similar home item is the right choice, just look for Cyber Monday deals to stretch your dollars.

It can sometimes be difficult to figure out what to give everyone for the holidays, but with a new homeowner in your midst, you are blessed with a plethora of options. No matter what you choose, they are sure to appreciate the thought you put into it as they enjoy the holidays in their brand new home.

Visit Treehouse Gift & Home for more great ideas for all your holiday shopping!