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Does curb appeal matter when you choose an apartment?

July 11, 2012 | Filed under: Design Ideas,Featured | Posted by: Kombucha

When choosing your last apartment, did you pay much attention to how the exterior of the building looked? Curb appeal is one way for multifamily properties to draw your interest and residency. Even if you aren’t outwardly aware of it, a pleasing exterior aesthetic may have weighed an apartment choice more favorably in your decision-making. Here’s why.

First impressions matter: Just as when you meet a new person for the first time, walking up to a building you haven’t been to before will instantly create an opinion in your mind. Is the exterior well-kept, clean, free of graffiti? Has it been painted recently? Are there flowers or other landscaping blooming outside? Does it feel like a place you would like to come home to?

Walking into the lobby/foyer/entry hallway is an extension of what you see outside: Apartment communities that are serious about catering to their clientele will invest in updated furnishings, flooring and art accessories for their lobbies and hallways, in order to keep a positive “first impression” vibe going strong.

The outside look can set the tone for the entire property: A well-designed building with architectural style and detailed accents is likely to make a much stronger impression on you as a renter. You may also end up paying higher rent due to your perceptions of the building’s swankiness.

Street facing front doors also have curb appeal: If you rent an apartment with a door that faces the street, don’t forget that your unit will have curb appeal and enhance or detract from the property’s overall appearance accordingly. Don’t bring your apartment community down with you by putting tacky decorations or dead plants outside your door.

Even if your unit is internal to the building or located off a central hallway, do justice to your door. A pleasant doormat and nice wreath can go far to enhance your individual curb appeal and show that you care about your apartment.