Helena Talbot’s blog - Five Ways To Make Your Rental Property Feel Like Your Own

Settling into a home that isn't your own can be challenging.  Since you don't own the home, you are limited as to what you can do to make it feel like home.  Let's talk about a few things you can do to personalize your rental space and make it more comfortable for you and your family.

1. Paint some accent walls in the color of your choice. Nothing will enhance your home and make it feel more warm and inviting than a custom painted accent wall or two.  Ask your landlord for the original paint color of the walls so you can paint over your custom color when you move.  

2. You could add some potted plants to your patio or balcony.  Additionally, you could add some patio furniture, a bench and some screening for privacy.

3. If your lease is coming up for renewal, ask your landlord if he would consider installing a new ceiling fan, light fixture or faucet of your choosing in exchange for signing a one year lease. 

4. If your rental property has a yard, consider planting some flowers or adding a few shrubs of your choice.  Some decorative ground cover is also a nice touch.

5.  Consider building each room around a theme.  You could use a coffee theme for your kitchen by placing coffee related items such as decorative hand towels, coffee themed canisters or any other coffee related decor for your countertops and walls.  In your den, you could have a chess or billiard theme.  Or, perhaps you could build your interior decor around your favorite color. 

You could also use your favorite  hobby as a theme and build each room with decor that relates to your hobby. 

There are many unique ideas that could be used to make your rental property feel more like your own.  Hang some curtains or put down some area rugs, hang a seasonal wreath on your front door;  a decorative front door mat is a nice touch as well.  All of these little things add up to a quaint, comfortable place that feels like home.

Customizing your rental home can be fun and exciting. However, before you do anything, you will need to check your lease to find out if there are any restrictions against what you want to do. In addition, you should check with your landlord verbally to confirm exactly what you can and can't do.  If your landlord makes an exception to the lease, you should request a copy of the revision in writing.  And remember, any changes you make will need to be put back to their original condition when you move out unless otherwise stated by your landlord.

If you're thinking about moving into a new rental home, contact your realtor for a list of available rentals in your area.  He will customize a list of rentals for you that will meet the specific criteria you have given him.  

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in Loudoun County and Northern Virginia.

I have over 25 years experience in the real estate industry.  As a Broker/Owner with Exit Realty Talbot and Company, I bring special tools and solutions that enable me to exceed the expectations of my clientele.  If you are considering listing your property in Loudoun County or the nearby areas, ask me about our latest internet marketing systems.  I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.  I am experienced in listing and selling short sales.  For information on the short sale process, please visit  www.LoudounShortSaleSolutions.com.

For a free market analysis on the value of your home, please visit http://www.LoudounHomeValues.com

My past awards and designations include – 2003 President of the Dulles Association of Realtors, 2003 Dulles Area Assoc Realtor of the Year, Salesperson of the year 2000 Dulles Area Assoc of Realtors,  Top Producer awards from both the Dulles Area Association and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors.  I am a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network.

I have lived in Loudoun County since 1979.  I am married with two grown children and two grandchildren.  My son in law is my business partner in real estate.  I love to jog in the mornings and spend time relaxing on my Trawler during the summer months.

Loudoun County and Northern Virginia Real Estate Sales and Solutions – Helena Talbot, Broker- Licensed in Virginia. 

I specialize in helping buyers and sellers invest in real estate in the Northern Virginia area to include Loudoun County and surrounding areas including Fairfax, Clarke, Fauquier, Prince William  Counties.  Our local neighborhoods includeLeesburg, Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls, Brambleton, Broadlands, Lansdowne, River Creek, Belmont Country Club, Beacon Hill, Shenstone, Waterford, Lovettsville, Purcellville, Hamilton, Round Hill and Bluemont.                        Cell 703.727.9885    Office 703.574.3800

Free iPhone/Android Mobile App to search Northern Virginia real estate.  2 easy ways to get the App:  Text “Exit9” to 87778 or enter http://87778.mobi/Exit9 into your browser.