They’re a growing problem, especially in those Valley neighborhoods most heavily affected by foreclosures.  They’re unkempt yards and houses, and they can wreak havoc on the values of homes in the neighborhood.

If you’re a buyer, of course you’re going to consider the condition of homes near the one you’re considering to buy.  First, who wants to live next to an ugly house or yard?  Second, if you ever plan to sell the home, you could have difficulty because of eyesore neighbors.  Finally, the kind of neighbors who don’t keep up their homes and yards are the kind of neighbors who can be problematic in other areas -- loud noise, strange company -- too.

For those reasons, if you’re thinking about selling your home and there’s an eyesore nearby, you’ve got to do something about it.  After all, it’s still a buyer’s market and competition is still tough for sellers.  To maximize the chances your home will sell, for the most money, you want your neighborhood (or at least your closest neighbors) on their “best behavior.”

What you can do about it

. . . If the home has been foreclosed (or is being foreclosed and the homeowners no longer live there)

If the eyesore house has been foreclosed, then it’s owned by the bank, which has responsibility for maintaining the home – at least to your city or homeowners association code.  Your first step should be to figure out what’s specifically allowed and not allowed according to the code. 

Most bank-owned homes will be listed for sale by a real estate agent.  A good first step may be to call the listing agent and point out the problem.  If that doesn’t work, file a complaint with the HOA or city code department.

Seeing a complaint through to resolution can take time, though.  If the problem is the yard, the quickest (and most likely easiest) way to resolve the problem might be to take care of it yourself, or get a group of neighbors together to do it.  Remember, of course, that you should get permission first as you’ll be on someone else’s property.

. . . If the home is owner-occupied

If the homeowner lives in the house, addressing the “ugly house” problem can be more difficult.  Start with a high level of tact and diplomacy.  Go to the neighbor’s home and talk face-to-face.  Offer a solution to the problem.  For example, if the lawn is overgrown, bring the name and number of a great lawn service.

Explain why the state of your neighbors’ home or yard is important to you.  Explain, even if it’s not yet true, that a buyer was interested in your home, even to the point of making an offer, but expressed concern about the neighbor’s home/yard.  (This is the old “blame it on Mom and Dad” trick that really works.  You can also blame it on your real estate agent.  Whatever works.)  Say “I really have to sell my house because . . . and would really, really appreciate your help.” 

If your appeal to your neighbor’s kinder side doesn’t work, file a complaint with the HOA or city code department (again, assuming that the problem is an infraction of the code).  Most HOAs take those kinds of complaints seriously and will work hard to resolve the problem (but you’ll probably alienate your neighbor, so try diplomacy first).

What do you think?  Have you dealt with an eyesore in the neighborhood?  Click on the “Comments” link below and join the discussion!