Curb Appeal Upgrades That Deliver Big Returns in DFW
In Dallas-Fort Worth’s competitive multifamily market, first impressions lease units. The exterior of your property isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a marketing tool. Strong curb appeal attracts quality tenants, commands higher rents, and positions your property ahead of the competition.
The best part? You don’t need a massive budget to make a big impact. Here’s a breakdown of cost-effective, high-ROI curb appeal upgrades that will drive leasing velocity and increase asset value in 2025.
1. Exterior Paint: See the Transformation Before You Commit
A fresh coat of paint is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make. In fact, a well-executed repaint can increase perceived property value by up to 20% and drive higher tenant retention rates (CoStar DFW Multifamily Report, 2024).
🔹 But here’s the challenge—choosing the wrong color or application can waste thousands and fail to move the needle on leasing.
✅ That’s why we offer complimentary renderings as part of our process. Before you commit, you can visualize the transformation and pick a palette that aligns with modern trends.
🔹 DFW Color Trends for 2025:
Warm neutrals (beiges, soft grays, and off-whites) dominate
Earthy greens and terracotta tones are making a comeback
Contrasting trims and dark accent colors add modern sophistication
🔹 Pro Tip: Don’t forget about paint durability! Texas heat and storms wear down exteriors quickly, so opt for UV-resistant, weatherproof coatings to extend longevity.
2. Signage: Your Property’s Silent Salesman
Signage is more than just a nameplate, it’s a branding statement that instantly shapes how potential renters perceive your property.
✅ Invest in modern, high-visibility signage that complements your property’s exterior. This includes:
Updated monument signage with clean, minimalist fonts
Backlit LED signs for visibility at night
Directional wayfinding signs for an intuitive resident and guest experience
🔹 DFW Trend: Many top-performing properties are moving toward sleek metal signage with matte finishes and branded color schemes that match exterior paint.
3. Landscaping That Works for DFW’s Climate
Landscaping is the first thing tenants and prospects see and in Texas, it’s also the first thing that can die if not done right.
✅ Low-maintenance, high-impact landscaping solutions:
Drought-resistant native plants (agave, yucca, Texas sage)
Artificial turf in key areas (reduces maintenance and keeps the property looking fresh year-round)
Mulched flower beds (retain moisture and cut down on water use)
🔹 Pro Tip: Swap high-maintenance flower beds for decorative rock gardens—they look modern and can cut annual landscaping costs by up to 30% (DFW Property Management Study, 2024).
4. Balconies & Exterior Details: Small Upgrades, Big Impact
Tenants notice balconies, patios, and exterior details more than you think. If your property has outdated, rusting, or peeling balcony railings, it immediately lowers perceived value.
✅ Easy balcony & exterior upgrades that boost curb appeal:
Power wash & reseal existing balconies (instant refresh)
Modern metal or wood-look railing replacements
Adding sleek outdoor lighting for a polished finish
🔹 DFW Trend: Wood-look balcony coverings and privacy panel installations are increasingly popular as renters want functional, stylish outdoor space.
5. Lighting: The Game-Changer for Nighttime Curb Appeal
Great curb appeal isn’t just about daylight aesthetics, it needs to look just as good at night. Poor exterior lighting can make even the most well-designed property feel uninviting and unsafe.
✅ Strategic lighting solutions that elevate curb appeal:
Pathway lighting to highlight walkways & landscaping
Soft-glow LED lighting for entryways and signage
Motion-sensor security lighting that blends safety & style
🔹 Pro Tip: Swap outdated, harsh floodlights for warm LED downlighting—it’s energy-efficient and gives your property a high-end, boutique feel.
6. Power Washing & Exterior Maintenance: The Fastest ROI Play
You don’t always need a full-scale renovation to boost curb appeal. A simple deep clean of your building’s exterior can instantly refresh the look of the property and attract more renters.
✅ High-impact, low-cost curb appeal maintenance:
Power washing siding, sidewalks, and driveways
Replacing old, dented mailboxes & utility boxes
Updating or repainting worn-out doors & trim
🔹 DFW Fact: Properties that undergo semi-annual exterior power washing see a 7-10% increase in rental inquiriescompared to those that don’t (DFW Multifamily Leasing Report, 2024).
Final Takeaways: What Works Best for ROI?
🔹 DO invest in:
✅ Fresh paint & renderings to ensure the perfect color choice
✅ Modern signage that enhances your brand and visibility
✅ Drought-resistant landscaping for long-term savings
✅ Exterior lighting to create a polished, high-end look
✅ Regular power washing & minor repairs to keep the property fresh
🔹 DON’T waste money on:
❌ Overly complicated landscape designs that require excessive upkeep
❌ Trendy but impractical colors that age poorly
❌ One-size-fits-all solutions—what works in Austin may not work in Dallas
At Slate Construction Group, we specialize in high-ROI, curb appeal-focused renovations. Need a fresh look? Let’s get in touch Hello@slate-cg.com