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#sometimes during the summer the maintenance people mow the grass roof and stuff
damnprecious · 1 year
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If I had a nickel for every time a random kid appeared at eye-level with me when I'm sitting by my window working on a project on my computer in my first floor (not ground floor) apartment I'd have two nickels which isn't a lot but it's weird it's happened twice
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10 Bad Landscaping Mistakes That Can Ruin Your House Sale
Selling a home to move on to an even better one should be exciting. But, sometimes it is incredibly stressful and frustrating.
Did you know over 60% of homes in 2018 undersold, meaning they sold at a value lower than the asking price?
While some financial risk is a given when you put your house on the market, there are certain tips and tricks that can significantly improve the likelihood that your home sells and sells quickly. A big one? Landscaping.
If you are getting ready to put your house on the market, and want it to go smoothly, keep reading. Below you will about ten bad landscaping choices you definitely want to avoid!
1. Improperly Placed Trees
Trees are great. Until they aren't. While homeowners think planting trees will add value, they can actually prove to be a big threat.
If not well planned out and planted too close to the home, the roots can grow under the home as the tree grows. This eventually can damage the foundation. Oak, poplar, and willow trees are notorious for this.
Large roots can even bust through porches or walkways made of concrete.
To avoid a disaster 15 years in the future, research how much space trees need to be safe.
2. Tree Limbs Extending Over the Home
Take care of any tree limbs that extend over your home. While you may not have had any issues, limbs like these pose a risk to the roof.
They also make it easier for squirrels, raccoons, and mice to reach your home and potentially get inside.
3. Landscaping Too Close to the House
Be prepared for interested people to inspect any landscaping you may have around the home. While bushes and shrubs look great lining homes, you must be aware that they can sometimes damage the side of your home.
Just like tree limbs can make it easier for pests to reach your roof, landscaping right against your home can increase your risk for pests like termites and ants.
4. Paver Patio and Stairs
Paver patios are great for entertaining and relaxing. But they need to well maintained.
When preparing your home, it is a good idea to check out the condition of your patio. Sometimes they aren't built correctly and they may start to fall apart over the years.
Don't try to hide paver stairs if they are seriously deteriorated.
5. Totally Flat Yard
A flat yard is great when it comes to mowing, but it may prove problematic when trying to sell your home.
The soil in your yard will quickly become saturated without any sloping to direct the water away. Moving water away from the home is important as if not done correctly, water can cause cracks in the foundation.
The opposite of flat can also be an issue. If there is too steep of a grade, rain and other precipitation will actually erode the soil. This means you won't be able to easily grow a garden and could experience issues with your foundation.
To solve a slope issue, consider retaining walls or terracing.
6. Discolored Grass: Top Bad Landscaping Issue
Variety is good, but when you show your lawn to prospective buyers, you don't want a bunch of colors. If you have yellow or brown areas, it will likely turn off buyers. You should also keep an eye out for unusually green spots!
Often, yellow or extra green areas are a result of your dog or neighborhood dogs relieving themselves.
Be wary if you see brown circles. This could indicate a fungal issue which would require removal.
7. Unmaintained Irrigation System
If you live in an area where your lawn will need to be watered, it can take a lot of time. As such, irrigation systems are widely popular.
While an appealing factor, you may run into an issue when selling your home if you haven't done regular maintenance on the system. Savvy buyers will inspect the entire system.
Left without maintenance, an irrigation system can spring numerous leaks that can be pricey to repair. If you don't catch it before an offer comes up, it could make the buyer back out completely.
8. Dirty Water Features
Fountains and ponds are beautiful elements to have in your yard. However, they also need regular cleaning.
Before starting the selling process, remove any algae or leaves. Clean any filters and ensure the water is as clear as possible.
Make sure to take a quick survey of any outdoor faucets. If you find any leaky ones, repair them as soon as possible. Not only will this look better, but it will also save you and the future homeowner on water bills!
9. Broken and Unsightly Planters and Containers
Planters are a great way to bring color and texture into an outdoor space. But if yours are faded or broken, be sure to replace them.
A good idea is to have new planters framing the front door to create an inviting atmosphere for anyone viewing the home.
If you have a shed or other storage container in your yard, make sure it is clean and everything inside has been organized. If possible, remove and declutter your stuff to make the space feel as big as possible.
10. Unwashed Surfaces
There is no excuse for putting a dirty home on the market. If you don't want to hire a professional service, you can rent a power washer from most hardware stores.
Be sure to wash any paved surfaces, fences, and especially any vinyl or brick siding.
It's Time to Say Hello to Your New Home
It's stressful moving, but now just remember that knowledge is power. Now that you know what bad landscaping mistakes to avoid, you will avoid some of the worst issues!
Looking for more information to help sell your house? Check out these tips to sell any home during the summer and give us a call when it's time to sell!
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