Drive / Walk

A well maintained property

When you boil it down, property management is about maintaining and even enhancing value. Towards this end, the single most important factor is the first impression --- especially with commercial properties. This concept can also be applied to residential homes as well. Whether your staying or selling, the first impression that people get when they walk up to your home or property really is the most important. They need to sense that the property is well maintained and looked after.

So here's the easiest little "trick" I know. Keep your property swept clean. It's a rather deceptive little detail but one that gets missed or overlooked, even by some of the biggest players in the property management field. Almost on a subconscious level your mind will see debris collecting in corners along curbs, steps, walkways and buildings. From an architectural standpoint your home might look inviting and feel comfortable to a first time visitor but still there is a sense that something is not quite perfect. That's the litter, leaves and other debris collecting around your home between the street and front door!

Keeping your property swept clean is the easiest and about the most inexpensive thing you can do to keep your home looking well maintained. If you have a property maintenance contractor cutting your lawn and maintaining your flower beds, having them include a quick sweep of problem areas (corners that trap debris) every time they visit is usually very inexpensive. Most contractors that I have dealt with don't charge extra for this.

The next time you're at the office or visiting the mall, take a look around. How much litter, sand and other debris do you see? What do you think about the overall maintenance of the rest of the property and building? Exactly.