Many people now have a neighboring house ths is what we in the industry consider "distressed", meaning it's a short sale, on it's way to foreclosure, or a foreclosure. This means, in all likelihood that the yard is no being maintained, and it looks awful.
Additionally, the unmaintained yard is an invitation for all sorts of other issues, including: weeds, vermin, squatters - the list goes on and on.
What can you do? Here are some options to consider, so you can at least take some action towards a resolution:
- Appeal to the Homeowner's Association. There may not be budget to take care of the yard, especially if the homeowner is behind on their dues, but the property condition does reflect on the entire community and should be addressed.
- Take care of the yard either yourself, or have you and your neighbors pitch in to have a weekly mow/blow/cut/edge. I know this means more money out of your pocket, but if there is not HOA, or, if the HOA declines to take care of it, this is another option. I assure you, the homeowner is embarrassed already and probably does not like pulling up to their house either, assuming they are still living there.
- If the house is already listed, or has a lockbox on it: contact the asset manager or servicing company to tell them the condition of the property. Believe me, they handle so many properties, and have different parties they contract out to, they may not know first-hand how the yard looks today.
- Check your city ordinance to see what the limit is on yard growth, whether it's lawn or weeds. I saw a sign on my way back from the gym recently, and it was a city posted notice that the yard was in violation of the ordinance, meaning the homeowner has 20 days (in my area) to rectify the issue without being fined.
Good luck! If you have other ideas, please let me know!
Carol Zingone is a Broker Associate with Prudential Network Realty. Recently honored as the Realtor of the Year for Northeast Florida - an award based on community service, professional qualifications and other attributes, Carol helps buyers and sellers throughout the Beaches, Intracoastal West and Greater Jacksonville, FL areas. She can be reached at 904/993-9048 or via email at carolzingone@clearwire.net.
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