You have done everything you can think of to make your home more attractive to buyers, you added fresh paint, planted beautiful flowers and you feel your home has the curb appeal so vital to get people interested in your property. Unfortunately, all your hard work seems to be for nothing when potential buyers see the home next door with its unkept yard, boarded window and rusted car in the front driveway.
Neighborhood eyesores are not a new or uncommon problem and curb appeal, both yours and the neighborhood's, has a greater significance in a nationwide buyer's market. For buyers, eyesores may present yet one more negotiating advantage. How do you deal with such a touchy yet important problem? Below are some helpful hints that can give you some guidance for a solution.


• Attempt to speak to the neighbor, as uncomfortable as it may be, it is the necessary first step. Be courteous but honest about the problem and attempt to resolve any issues, in some cases the homeowner may have health issues or other issues that have caused them to fall behind on their upkeep

• Speak to the President or board of your neighborhood Home Owners Association if your neighborhood has one and see if there are any bylaws that are being broken and how to resolve these issues

• Call your local authorities, many towns and cities have ordinances against certain code violations and they can issue the proper citations against the homeowner

As a last resort, offer to help the homeowner with the necessary clean up, while not the ideal resolution, it will pay off if it can help to sell your home.