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Nashville real estate is more competitive today than ever. The rental business is booming and the number of rental properties is increasing. 

If you are a rental owner in Nashville thinking of ways to increase the demand for your home, consider enhancing its curb appeal. Every tenant would want to live in a home that looks attractive and fresh. So, improving your house’s appeal can only help you get a greater pool of quality tenants. 

To truly make a lasting first impression, sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all it takes. When tenants see a well-maintained exterior, it signals that the property is cared for, which increases its desirability. Whether it’s a vibrant new color for the front door, a clean neutral hue for the trim, or a complete exterior refresh, the right paint job can set your property apart from others.

The GE Painting & Coatings specializes in transforming rental properties with a professional touch, ensuring your home stands out in a competitive market. Their expert painters understand that curb appeal is crucial in attracting high-quality tenants who appreciate a home that’s both welcoming and well-kept.

As the rental market continues to heat up in cities like Nashville, property owners are looking beyond just fresh paint and landscaping to attract discerning tenants—they’re investing in overall lifestyle appeal.

Today’s renters, especially young professionals and remote workers, are seeking homes that offer not just a place to live but an experience that aligns with their values—think walkable neighborhoods, modern interiors, and a strong sense of community.

That’s where platforms like Urban Living come into play, showcasing properties that reflect the evolving needs of today’s renters. Whether it’s a sleek kitchen renovation, energy-efficient upgrades, or adding smart home features, aligning your property with what tenants see in trend-forward listings can significantly boost its marketability.

In such a dynamic environment, staying informed and inspired by what’s working in similar urban markets helps rental owners make smarter investments in their properties—enhancing not just curb appeal but also the full living experience that high-quality tenants are looking for.

Here are three ways to improve the curb appeal of your Nashville rental and make it one of the most attractive homes in the neighborhood.

1. Do The Essential Repairs

Curb appeal is not just about decoration or increasing the visual appeal of the place. It is also about the operationality of the items in and around the home. Think about it, if the objects in the exterior like doors, windows, or siding look broken, will they add to the home’s appeal even if you decorate them? Probably not. Hence, the first step towards enhancing the curb appeal of your property should be to make the essential repairs. Start by examining all the objects in the exteriors closely, and if necessary, do the repairs right away. 

Once the basics are taken care of, it’s time to think about upgrades that do double duty—improving both aesthetics and performance. One of the most impactful changes? Swapping out old, weather-worn fixtures for high-quality window and door replacements. Opting for wooden windows and doors adds an unmistakable richness and warmth to the façade, something synthetic materials often struggle to replicate. Real wood not only complements a variety of architectural styles but also ages gracefully, offering both charm and durability. When sealed and maintained properly, these elements serve as both functional anchors and visual highlights, ensuring your home’s exterior feels intentional, inviting, and built to last.

Here are the repairs that you should prioritize –

• Damaged or old roof
• Damaged brickwork
• Damaged siding
• Broken gates, doors, or windows
• Broken or fused light bulbs or lamps

2. Improve the Exterior

The home’s exterior creates the first impression when a passer-by or an interested tenant looks at it. The more pleasant and welcoming it looks, the more potential tenants you can find. Some major and minor re-works that can add to the appeal of your home are – 

• Gate 

You would be surprised to know what a big difference an entryway can make to the overall appearance of your house. If the gate of your home is old or broken, it is time to change it. Consider installing modern gates made from iron mesh, cedarwood farmhouse design, wrought iron, or a rustic wood design. However, if your existing entrance is in good condition, consider repainting it to make it look more attractive.  

• Mailbox

Your mailbox deserves special attention when enhancing the appeal of your property. While it usually has a red or neutral color, you can consider adding your home’s name to it or decorating it. You can also maintain it by repainting the mailbox once every couple of years. However, you can also replace it with a wall-mount mailbox or a classic column mount mailbox. If you own a multi-family property, you can install multi-tenant mailboxes with the proper numbering. 

• Porch

Any potential tenant visiting the property can get impressed by a well-decorated classic porch. If your house has a porch, constructively use the additional space. Add patio chairs, coffee tables, lamps or lights, a small movable bookshelf, or a swing. Such additions can make the porch attractive and give your tenants a nice nook to relax and have their evening coffee. Adding Wall Light Fixtures along the sides of the porch or near seating areas can provide just the right balance of illumination. These fixtures create a gentle ambiance, casting soft shadows that add a touch of elegance and a sense of comfort. Not only do they serve as functional lighting, but they can also elevate the aesthetic, reflecting your personal style. When selecting wall lights, consider designs that complement your overall decor, whether it’s modern, rustic, or more traditional.

• Lights

Adding lights can upscale the look of the home in multiple ways. Firstly, the lamps and fairy lights can look very attractive and transform the appearance of your yard. Secondly, the doors, the garden, and the walkways will be visible even during the dark hours, thus increasing the security without any significant alterations. You can also install motion-sensor lights in your driveway to illuminate the parking during the night. 

Beyond the yard, thoughtful lighting inside the home plays a crucial role in setting the mood and defining the character of each space. A well-placed lamp can do more than just brighten a room—it can highlight architectural details, create cozy nooks, and add an artistic touch to your interiors. Especially in living and dining areas, lighting becomes a central part of the design, not just a background player.

For those seeking a blend of function and style, lamparas de techo are the best lamp choice to make a subtle yet powerful statement. Installed in entryways, kitchens, or above the dining table, these modern ceiling lights offer a sleek profile while delivering ample illumination. With clean finishes and contemporary designs, they don’t just light the way—they elevate the entire atmosphere, proving that lighting can be both practical and poetic.

Also, LED lighting has quickly become the preferred choice for homeowners looking to blend efficiency with design. Unlike traditional bulbs, LEDs provide crisp, bright illumination while consuming far less energy, making them a smart and sustainable option. Whether placed under shelves for subtle under-lighting or used to highlight artwork on the walls, LED strips are a versatile solution that offers both functionality and style. Their long lifespan also means fewer replacements, reducing waste and saving money over time.

For a more personalized touch, Avia Lighting Dallas offers a range of customizable LED options to suit every need. From smart lighting systems that allow you to control the brightness and color with a touch of a button, to sleek, minimalist fixtures that fit seamlessly into modern interiors, the possibilities are endless. LEDs come in a variety of colors, from cool white to warm amber, allowing you to create just the right atmosphere for each room. Whether you want to brighten up a dark hallway or set a cozy mood in the living room, LED lighting can be adjusted to suit your style.

3. Go Green

With an increasing awareness about climate change and sustainability among the younger generations of tenants, renters are now open to living in a sustainable home filled with plants. As a Nashville landlord, you can do your bit for the environment by integrating eco-friendly features into your house.  

Here are ways to make your home greener and more appealing –

• Plant a Garden 

Having a beautiful garden at the front of the home is the dream of many residents. So, use the space in the front of your home for landscaping. Keep the lawn mowed and plant different seasonal plants. Consider adding plant pots by the walkways to make them look neat and attractive. To take it a step further, working with a professional landscape designer can bring structure and creativity to your garden, ensuring that every element complements your home’s aesthetic. Sugar Green Gardens specializes in crafting beautifully designed outdoor spaces that are both functional and visually stunning, helping homeowners create the garden of their dreams. With the right expertise, your front yard can become a harmonious blend of nature and design, adding long-term value to your property while providing a peaceful retreat right outside your door.

• Install Floral Climbers

You can also choose to add climbers to your house. They can be very appealing and give your home a fairytale look. Add climbers to the front gate, windows, porch, and garden railings. However, do not overdo it by adding it inside the home or on the front door, as climbers can easily attract pests and cause an inconvenience to the tenants.

• Plant Air-Purifying Plants

Another way to go green is by planting indoor air-purifying plants like peace lilies, chamomile, lavender, or English ivy. These plants have a calming effect and are scientifically proven to improve health and wellbeing. 

When using the ‘go-green’ technique to upgrade the home’s curb appeal, try not to over-customize the house by adding too many floral plants everywhere. While planting trees will cool down the house and will require less usage of air conditioners and coolers, not all tenants may be on board with it. Therefore, maintain a balance between what you can do to make the house sustainable and what your potential tenants may want.  

While trees are a fantastic way to boost your property’s curb appeal and energy efficiency, keeping them well-groomed is just as important as planting them in the first place. Overgrown branches can block sunlight where it’s needed, encroach on the home’s structure, or even pose safety risks during storms. A clean, thoughtfully maintained landscape shows potential tenants that the home is well cared for, without tipping into overly personalized territory.

That’s where a reliable trimming service comes in. With professionals like Beswick Tree Service, you can keep your greenery looking intentional rather than wild. They’ll ensure that trees are pruned for health and aesthetics, shaping them to complement your home without overwhelming it. Proper maintenance not only supports plant longevity but also keeps your property neat and universally appealing.

Additionally, regular trimming helps avoid issues like root overgrowth or pest infestations that can turn sustainable landscaping into a headache. This kind of preventative care preserves the balance between natural beauty and practical living—just what today’s renters are looking for. A tidy, green environment suggests peace of mind, not high maintenance.

Additional Ways to Improve Curb Appeal of Your Nashville Rental

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are a few other ways to improve the appeal of your Nashville property –

• Clean the gutters
• Use a new garbage bin if the old one is broken or looks shabby
• Re-paint the exterior in aesthetic neutral colors
• Add front-door decor to make your home look more welcoming

Keeping up with the local rental trends and enhancing your property’s appeal all on your own can be difficult. You may also make the mistake of overspending on boosting the curb appeal. Always remember that over-personalized decorations can also make you lose tenants. You can take suggestions from an expert like a property manager to avoid this. 

Nashville property managers are aware of the local and regional housing trends. They will ensure that you make adequate changes to your home that attract a great pool of tenants. You can consult one of the most trusted property managers in the city, Omni Realtors and Property Management. 

We have been helping investors enhance their houses’ curb appeal for over 15 years. For more information on how we can help you improve your Nashville property, get in touch now.