9 Affordable Curb Appeal Ideas

Ascent Property Management • August 23, 2022

Homeowners and renters alike both desire curb appeal. No matter the status of your real estate investment portfolio, we've got nine affordable curb appeal ideas for your next weekend project. 


painted front door

Paint the Front Door

Depending on the quantity you need to purchase, paint can be an affordable weekend project to bring new life to your porch. Go bold with a bright color, or choose a neutral to appeal to potential renters.


Add Some Plants

Adding greenery to your yard can breathe new life into the space. Selecting drought-resistant plants will help reduce the cost of your monthly water bill. 


Pressure Wash

Old concrete and wood decks can usually benefit from a deep cleaning. Hardware stores typically have pressure washers that you can rent for the day. Be sure to clean a test patch before washing the entire area to ensure the pressure won't damage the material.


Update Mailbox

There is a wide array of mailboxes on the market, from standout art pieces to minimal receptacles. If your mailbox is rusted and falling over, it may be time for an upgrade.


Update House Numbers

New house numbers can help transform the overall vibe of your curb appeal. House numbers in a sanserif typeface will help modernize the home. If modern isn't your style, try a serif typeface instead for a more traditional look.


Swap out light fixtures

This tip also works well for the interior of your home. Update dirty and cracked light fixtures to create a cleaner look – unless you want your yard to look haunted!


painted garage door

Paint Garage Door

If you're already painting your front door, what is the harm in a little extra effort? Freshening up your garage door to remove scuffs and other damage can go a long way. Just be sure to give it a good scrub before you paint! 


Add Lights to Pathways

Lighted pathways are not only functional but also help add ambiance. Many of these lights are solar powered and have timers, making them a minimal effort addition.


Stay On Top of Upkeep 

Lastly, staying on top of upkeep around the yard is an affordable way to keep your curb appeal in tiptop shape. Dead leaves and brush are not only unsightly but a potential fire hazard. If you have rain gutters, they should also be on your upkeep list.


Ascent Property Management

What does a property management company know about curb appeal? Well – a lot! When you work with us, a walk-through of your San Diego property will be conducted to identify any recommendations for best property care. 


The purpose of this is to maximize the long-term health of your property, as well as the value of rents. If any deferred maintenance or recommendations are made, we will provide referrals to competent, licensed and bonded trade professionals.


You can reach us at 760-994-5037 or info@ascentpropertymanagement.com. 

How to Keep Your Rental Unit Cool: Tips for Landlords

By Ascent Property Management • June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.

Summer Events in San Diego: 2025 Edition

By Ascent Property Management • May 27, 2025
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How to Fill Rental Vacancies Quickly

By Ascent Property Management • April 24, 2025
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Termite Season in San Diego: What Landlords Should Watch Out For

By Ascent Property Management • March 19, 2025
As spring arrives in San Diego, so does one of the biggest threats to rental properties—termites. While termites are a year-round concern, spring is when they become most active, swarming in search of new places to establish colonies. For landlords, early detection and prevention are crucial to avoiding costly damage. Here’s what you need to know about termite season and how to protect your rental property. Why Spring Is Peak Termite Season Termites, particularly dry wood and subterranean species become more visible in the spring because of increased warmth and humidity. Swarmers—winged termites looking for new homes—emerge in large numbers, often resembling flying ants. If you or your tenants notice them inside or around the property, it’s a sign that termites may already exist. Signs of a Termite Infestation Landlords should stay vigilant for these common signs of termite activity: Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build small, pencil-thin tunnels along walls and foundations to retain moisture as they travel. Hollow-Sounding Wood: If tapping on wood surfaces produces a hollow sound, termites may have eaten away the interior. Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, wood-colored droppings near infested areas. Warped Doors and Windows: As termites tunnel through wood, they can cause structures to shift, making doors and windows harder to open or close. Visible Swarmers or Discarded Wings: Seeing swarmers inside a rental property or piles of shed wings is a major red flag. Prevention Tips for Landlords To keep termites at bay, landlords should take proactive measures, such as: Scheduling Regular Inspections: Annual termite inspections can catch infestations before they become severe. Keeping the Property Dry: Fixing leaks, maintaining gutters, and ensuring proper drainage reduces the moisture termites need to survive. Using Treated Wood: If making repairs, opt for termite-resistant materials. Removing Wood-to-Soil Contact: Avoid storing firewood near the foundation and ensure wooden structures don’t directly touch the soil. Protecting Your Investment with Professional Help At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to avoid issues with your investment property. Our team is here to help you manage your property with proactive maintenance and expert guidance, ensuring your rental stays in great shape. Reach out today to learn how we can support you in protecting your investment.
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How to Keep Your Rental Unit Cool: Tips for Landlords

By Ascent Property Management • June 18, 2025
As temperatures rise, keeping rental units cool isn’t just a comfort issue, it’s a tenant satisfaction and property care priority. At Ascent Property Management, we understand how crucial it is to stay ahead of seasonal challenges, especially during warm summer months. Helping your tenants beat the heat can protect your investment, reduce strain on cooling systems, and contribute to long-term tenant retention. Here are a few smart, landlord-approved ways to keep your rental unit cool: Service the HVAC System Regularly Before the peak of summer hits, ensure that the air conditioning system is inspected and maintained. Dirty filters and clogged ducts make the system work harder, driving up energy costs and reducing efficiency. Routine maintenance not only extends the life of the unit but also helps avoid emergency repair calls in the middle of a heatwave. Install Ceiling Fans or Portable AC Units Ceiling fans are a low-cost upgrade that help circulate air and can make a room feel significantly cooler. In properties without central air, offering tenants the option of a portable AC unit (or installing one in key areas) can make a big difference. Block Out the Heat Window treatments like blackout curtains or solar shades are easy upgrades that can reduce heat gain and protect furniture and flooring from sun damage. Consider adding or upgrading blinds and encouraging tenants to keep them closed during peak sun hours. Insulate and Seal Properly Make sure your unit is properly insulated and that doors and windows are sealed. Heat can easily sneak in through small gaps, especially in older buildings. Weather stripping and door sweeps are inexpensive fixes that help maintain indoor temperatures year-round. Ascent Pro perty Management  At Ascent Property Management, we stay proactive in keeping our properties in top shape through every season. Whether it’s scheduling seasonal maintenance, making cost-effective upgrades, or addressing tenant concerns quickly, we make property ownership easier. Want help managing your rental? We’re here to ensure your investment stays comfortable, efficient, and profitable...all year long.

Summer Events in San Diego: 2025 Edition

By Ascent Property Management • May 27, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

How to Fill Rental Vacancies Quickly

By Ascent Property Management • April 24, 2025
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
Show More