4 Economical Changes to Make Your Properties Stand Out

Dustin Edwards • January 31, 2025

It’s difficult to stand out in a competitive market. Some landlords invest in expensive upgrades to attract attention, while this is a great way to stand out, there are methods you can use to stand out without breaking the bank.


Below are four affordable changes to make your property stand out against the competition.



Fresh Coat of Paint

a new coat of paint is an easy and cost-effective way to refresh your rental property, it’ll make your rental look cleaner, more modern, and more inviting. Although white has been the color of choice for landlords for years, opting for modern and more stylish colors can help make your rental property stand out and appeal to a wider range of prospective tenants.


Some modern paint colors to consider include warm neutrals like cream or off-white, which help to create a cozy yet sophisticated environment. These colors work well in living rooms and bedrooms.  Alternatively light shades of gray offer a modern and elegant look without looking bland, soft grays also work great at complimenting a variety of decor styles. If you want to add character to your rental without overwhelming the space use earthy tones like sage green or dusty blue.


For added depth, consider painting a single accent wall in a deep rich color like navy, charcoal gray, or forest green. This helps to create visual interest without being overbearing. Choosing modern colors helps landlords advertise their properties as fresh, and up to date.


Update Lighting Fixtures

Typically doing electrical work on your rental can be considered expensive however, simply updating your lighting fixtures is a cost-effective way to have your rental stand out. Instead of waiting until major work needs to be done in the rental, consider updating your lighting fixtures to modern, LED fixtures. Not only can you find a wide variety of fixtures to match your rental, you can make your property stand out with excellent lighting.


Other than aesthetics, modern lighting fixtures improve energy efficiency, while replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones. Additionally, LED fixtures generally provide better illumination than fluorescent or incandescent lighting fixtures. They also last much longer than traditional bulbs which can benefit your bottom line over time. Upgrading your rental’s lighting fixtures is ultimately beneficial for both you and your tenant. Consider flush-mounted ceiling lights to help make rooms feel more spacious. At the very least, old incandescent and fluorescent bulbs should be replaced with new LED bulbs.


Smart Thermostat

A smart thermostat is another low-cost upgrade to help your rental property stand out. They are also mutually beneficial for you and your tenant. These devices allow your tenants to manage and control the temperatures through an app. This makes it easier to maintain a comfortable home while conserving energy. This feature is especially attractive to prospective tenants looking to reduce their carbon footprint.


For landlords, a smart thermostat can help to improve the lifespan of your HVAC system. This also helps reduce the cost of energy for landlords when the rental is dealing with vacancy. 


Use Mirrors

By strategically installing mirrors in smaller rooms or narrow hallways, you can make a room feel bigger than it is. This is because a well-positioned mirror can create the illusion of depth. For a better effect consider making an entire wall a mirror, such as a small room with sliding closet doors. If you are looking to use this strategy, you should opt for a mirror with a small or thin frame. While not adding any physical space to the rental, it can leave an impact on prospective tenants.


Making your rental property stand out in a competitive market can be difficult, though not necessarily expensive. Consider combining some of the strategies above for better results. Or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.


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ADUs and Junior ADUs, which one is the right one for your property?

By Dustin Edwards • June 6, 2025
With the real estate market as competitive as it is, many landlords are looking into building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Jr. ADU to improve their bottom line with additional monthly income. While this is a great way to earn more, you need to be sure you’re investing in the right upgrade to your property. Below are some of the key differences between ADUs and Jr. ADUs; this way, you can make the right decision for your property. Differences between Junior ADUs and ADUs On the surface, the primary difference between an ADU and a Jr. ADU is the square footage. However, there are many considerations for each type of ADU , significant differences include costs and build limitations. ADUs are generally seen as a larger and more versatile build when compared to a Jr. ADU. They can be built detached from the main home, converting an existing structure, most commonly the garage. In Long Beach, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet or 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling, whichever is smaller. For reference, an 800 sqft living space can be arranged as a 2-bedroom 1-bath home, though with creative use of the space, many investors have been able to fit 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms comfortably. If listing the ADU for rent is the goal, this can produce a higher yield, though at the cost of a higher initial investment. Jr. ADU, on the other hand, can only be a maximum of 500 sqft and must be built attached to the existing single-family home. While you can build an entire new addition to accommodate the Jr. ADU, it's not uncommon for homeowners whose homes are bigger than they need to convert a bedroom into a Jr. ADU in order to have additional income . A Jr. ADU does still require an efficient kitchen. Bathrooms can be shared with the main house, though this can deter some prospective tenants. Additionally, the utilities are oftentimes shared with the main house, which can simplify installation, though it can complicate utility costs with your tenant. When an ADU is Right Being able to build a full ADU provides an entirely separate and private living space, which is more desirable to prospecting tenants. This is the preferred choice for most investors, especially those who have unused space in their property. By being built apart from the main house, an ADU may cause less disturbance to those living in the main house, whether that be yourself or another tenant. In Long Beach, CA. ADUs can’t be listed as short-term rentals on apps like Airbnb; that being said, an ADU can command more in rent because of the aforementioned features. If you’re looking for a long-term investment, ADUs increase your property’s value while generating a consistent cash flow. Finally, if you ever plan on selling your rental property, the additional ADU can improve the appeal of your property to future buyers. When a Jr. ADU is Right While a Jr. ADU doesn’t have the same potential as a full-sized ADU, Jr. ADUs are far more budget-friendly. These are a great option for investors who have limited funds. Since Jr. ADUs generally require less work to be done in less time, allowing you to begin making a return sooner. Finally, if your property doesn’t qualify for a full-sized ADU permit due to the size of the property lot, a Jr. ADU can be built primarily through interior work, which may only require reconfiguring existing interior space. Whether you choose a full-sized ADU or a Jr. ADU, the decision depends on more than just the size of the structure, you’ll have to manage filling the vacancy and managing the new tenant. If you need help choosing which ADU is right for you or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
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