Fences can add to a home’s curb appeal and value, but a neglected one is just a yard eyesore. Broken, rotting and leaning fences drag down a property’s appeal and give the impression it’s not cared for. However, “a fence does not have to be new to look good,” real estate expert Cameron Walker says. “Old fences can be painted, and neglected and damaged fences can be repaired to make a good first impression.”
Lawn Gnomes and Garden Statues
Adding statues and garden gnomes to your yard is a personal choice that not everyone will enjoy. What makes you smile may make your neighbor scratch their head. But, even if you are a fan, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. “The right amount of landscape,” Mizes says. “[But] a collection within a defined area of the landscape can be better appreciated.”Just know that your vision of a beautiful yard might look like a flea market to your neighbor.
Unattractive Garbage and Recycling Bins
“There’s nothing wrong with having garbage and recycling bins in the front yard during pick-up day, but leaving them lined up in front of the house all week doesn’t look great and robs the home of its curb appeal,” Jeanty says. “Tucking them beside the house or behind a small screen keeps the yard looking cleaner.”On the other hand, some folks just don’t see what the big deal is about hiding trash cans and that’s okay, too.
Abandoned Vehicles and Equipment
Broken down cars, ATVs or campers strewn in a yard qualify as a yard eyesore in most people’s eyes. Mice settle in, lawn and weeds grow around it and your property can start to resemble a junk yard. It knocks down your curb appeal and impacts your home’s value and your neighbor’s, too. A non-working vehicle doesn’t automatically constitute an eyesore, though, if it’s stored intentionally and preferably out of sight.
Inflatable Yard Decorations
While they may spread holiday cheer, not everyone cares for inflatable yard decorations. Where some see whimsy, others see tacky. No matter which side you’re on, most would agree that when deflated during the day, inflatables turn into a yard eyesore. “They just look like piles of plastic in your yard,” Leland says. Additionally, too many inflatables can be fun or make a yard look disorganized and cluttered, depending on your take.
Neglected Outdoor Structures
“A derelict shed or rotting play structure is sure to give a bad impression,” Leland says. “If it’s not worth repairing, remove it. An empty space is the better choice.”When I moved into my current home, one of the first things we did was remove a large gazebo that was long past its prime. Our new neighbors all came by and thanked us for removing the neighborhood eyesore.
Plastic Flamingos and Other Novelty Decorations
Kitschy lawn ornaments like plastic flamingos could elicit an eye roll from a neighbor, but perhaps not. “A couple of plastic flamingos can be funny and add personality to a yard, so I wouldn’t automatically call them an eyesore,” Jeanty says. “But when there are twenty of them with mismatched colors competing with signs, flags and other decorations, it becomes a little overwhelming.” Thoughtfully incorporate your outdoor decor into the landscape for a more tasteful display.
About the Experts
- Erik Lelandis a real estate broker at
<li><b>Dell Jeanty</b>is aREALTOR® and founder of
