A house painted a deep shade of purple, unkempt lawns and eroded sidewalks are just a few problems you notice throughout your neighborhood that could be putting a stranglehold on your home’s value. When one of your neighboring houses show bad curb appeal, it can be more than just an eyesore; it can be a hazard, impact the quality of your life and it could hurt you when you decide to put your home on the market.

Your property might be in pristine condition, but the value will suffer if the home next to you looks like it’s owned by Herman Munster. If you have to act, there are several options that might restore visual harmony.

Ask Nicely

This might seem just like common sense, but it can’t hurt to simply ask your neighbors to clean up their porch or remove the 1977 Ford Pinto from the front yard. Of course, it helps if you get to know them first. After all, you will get better results if you are friendly to them and get to know them on a deeper level.

Start by taking them a housewarming gift, like a weed wacker, or drop off some freshly baked brownies. Then let them borrow your jet skis and your truck to transport them to the lake. Once you have established a foundation, this is when you start asking them to clean up their act, so to speak. If they refuse, then no more brownies or jet skis for them.  

Offer Some Help

Your neighbor might feel a bit overwhelmed by the situation and not know the steps to take in resolving them. For example, your neighbor might not know what to do about their uneven sidewalk. You can help by giving them the number of the best concrete leveling contractors in Nashville. You can help them find a charity that takes donations, even in the form of a 1977 Ford Pinto. You might also want to volunteer to babysit while your neighbors work on their landscaping or offer to help haul junk to the landfill. 

Seek Help

There are many programs available that help low-income homeowners, seniors and veterans maintain their homes. Your best bet is to check with your local government agency for ideas.

Check Laws

While your neighbor has every right to refuse to make changes to the appearance of their home or yard, they might be breaking local codes. Cities and some neighborhoods have codes that dictate what homeowners can do with their homes. For example, there might be a limit as to how tall their grass can be or what items can be stored in their yard. There is a possibility that by keeping that 1977 Ford Pinto in the front yard they are in violation of a code. In many cases, getting the local government involved makes perfect sense.

Block the View

If all else fails, blocking the view of your neighbors home is an option. Fast-growing greenery can be planted to make an attractive shield or you can choose to have a fence erected.