27 Ways to Add Value to Your Investment Properties

It's not all about the rent. Savvy investors look for ways to add value by delivering services that will save residents time and money, and help the climate. If you’re not, you could end up losing over time as expenses continue to climb, competition heats up, and vacancies increase.

Assess Your Current Revenue Streams

First, take a look at your existing revenue streams. Are you getting the most out of them, or can you identify ways to generate more income?

Meet The Market on Turnover

Conduct a rent survey or ask your broker for rent comps to see how your rents compare to your competitors. Don’t inflict payment shock on your current residents, as that can backfire severely, especially in a tight economy. Deliver great value and charge a fair market rent on new leases.

Assess Fees & Deposits

When was the last time you compared your deposit & fee schedule to your actual costs, as well as other properties? Do you know the actual expenses associated with related items? If not, you may be unknowingly leaking value.

Add Amenities Renters Want

Don’t underestimate the value of time-saving appliances and creature comforts. Many renters won’t even consider renting an apartment without a dishwasher or washer and dryer in the unit. And most apartments have the space to accommodate an air conditioning unit. If space allows, the investment is well worth the extra potential rent. Even upgrading older appliances can increase the attractiveness of a property.

On-site Laundry

Some properties are still charging the same for laundry that I was paying back in college in the ‘90s. Laundry prices need to be enough to cover your cost of the equipment, maintenance, and utility usage. And some properties don’t have enough machines to cover the number of residents in the building. This will leave residents using another service such as a laundromat or cleaning delivery. If you don’t want to deal with managing your on-site laundry, consider outsourcing to a third-party.

Research New Revenue Streams

Next, look at creating new sources of income.

Utility Reimbursement

The Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) is the pass-through of water and sewer charges to tenants. This is the most common new revenue stream for apartment properties. Sometimes called a ‘net lease’, it is now becoming the norm in multifamily housing. It incentivizes residents to conserve resources and take ownership of cost-saving measures.

Pet Premium

People love their pets. Consider treating pets as tenants. Like their owners, they create ongoing wear and tear on a property. Consider charging an ongoing pet rent rather than charging a one-time pet deposit. With so many properties not allowing pets at all, most renters are willing to pay the extra rent.

Storage

How many of your tenants are paying for storage off-site? You might be surprised. If space allows, consider adding storage units on-site. Once in place, they need very little management.

Parking

Apartment development continues to trend toward higher density buildings. This trend has lead to a decrease in the average number of parking spaces per unit. Renters hate the inconvenience --and dangers--of on-street parking. And many of them are willing to pay a parking rent to secure a dedicated parking spot.

Bike Rack Rental

If you own property in a bike-friendly city, it’s quite possible you have tenants who commute by bike. Secure and covered bike storage could be quite valuable to those tenants. It saves them the storage space, and prevents muddy tire tracks on their (your) walls. Add in a bike-wash and maintenance area, and you may have tenants for life.

Furnished & Short-term Rentals

The market for furnished apartments may not be huge, but it will never go away. Consider charging a premium for furnished units. And of course, the growing trend of short-term rentals doesn’t look to be going away anytime soon.

Appliance Rental (Vacuums, Carpet Cleaners, Etc.)

It's shocking how many residents take advantage of this amenity. The benefit for you, of course, is that your residents are helping to clean and maintain the property.

Clubhouse Rental

Many properties with clubhouses offer them to residents for no charge. But quite often, tenants are willing to pay for their use.

Cell Tower/Antenna Lease

If you have a property in the right location, a cell tower lease can produce great passive income.

Billboard/Sign Lease

Great for urban or high-traffic properties, these are an easy source of passive income. They are often managed by third-parties.

Tanning Bed Rental

Would your residents drive to the nearest tanning salon if one were already on-site? Probably not, and the revenue per square foot might surprise you.

Install Vending Machines

Today’s vending machine technology is pretty impressive. With new features such as bank cards and automatic reordering, it’s only getting better. Save your residents a trip to the store, and they will pay a premium for convenience items.

Concierge Services

A hot new trend in modern apartments is a dedicated concierge to cater to residents. Once limited to only luxury apartments, this is becoming more common every day. Imagine the value to your tenants--and how much they would pay--if they had someone to handle:

• Pickup and delivery of postal and overnight services

• Pet feeding while they’re away

• Plant watering while they’re away

• Hanging wall decorations

• Taking out the garbage

• Waiting for cable and internet installation or repair

• Accepting deliveries

• Help with move in and move out

Evaluate Your Current Expenses

Faster Turns = Lower Vacancy

This is a big one, and easy to quantify. How long do your units sit empty before they are ready for the next tenant? Multiply days vacant times lost rent. How much income do you lose? This amount adds up! Creating a system for turning units quickly can cut your vacancy expense down:

• Set a protocol for exit walk-throughs with vacating tenants

• Schedule vendors in advance and keep them accountable

• Encourage new residents to move in early with pro-rated rent

Reduce Water and Sewer Usage

A major expense each month is water and sewer. Reduce water consumption by more than 30% by:

• Installing low-flow or dual-flush toilets

• Switch out to water-saving shower heads

• Adding in low-flow sink aerators

• Installing high efficiency dishwashers and washing machines

Also consider looking for water leaks as part of your routine maintenance. A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day.

Simplify Your Landscaping

Install native plants that need less water, or remove plants altogether. Also, analyze your irrigation, timing, and usage. If your sprinklers turn on when it’s raining, it’s time to invest in a sensor.

Install A Recycling Center

A designated place for recycling can reduce garbage pickups by 50%. It also encourages residents to keep the property clean and green.

Common Area Lighting And Electricity

LED lighting has finally reached the point of affordability. LEDs consume a fraction of the power of traditional light bulbs, and they last for decades. Automate them with sensors or timers, and watch your electric bill drop. Also, consider installing solar panels to offset your electricity costs.

Have Your Property Taxes Reassessed

Concerned that your property taxes are too high? Contact a local real estate or tax attorney to find out if your property is a candidate for reassessment.

Have Your Insurance Re-Quoted

Have you taken steps to improve your property, such as installing a security system? You may have insurance discounts available to you.

Cable/Internet/Telecom Agreements

Most residents pay for a cable or satellite bundle. Contact your local providers about what wholesale packages you can offer as an amenity. The cost you pass-through to your tenants should be less than what they pay. You will make a profit and your tenants save money. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Marketing Matters

Finally, remember that most renters make decisions on a base-rent to base-rent comparison. Your marketing must broadcast what features and amenities are included. In higher-end luxury buildings, tenants are less price-sensitive and prefer amenities over discounts.

Do you have any creative ideas to add value? Please feel free to share them.

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Trevor T. Calton, MBA is the founder of Real Estate Finance Academy and President of Evergreen Capital Advisors in Portland, Oregon. Throughout his career, he has analyzed or acquired more than $5 billion of commercial real estate assets, financed over 500 commercial investment properties, and overseen the asset management of over 6000 units of multifamily housing.