When the Stager on the block has the WORST house....

I've got to be honest. For the last year I've been practically afraid to be in my yard. I would get in and out of my car in a hurry and dissppear out of view as soon as possible. When we bought an estate house a year ago in an attempt to downsize, we didn't plan on the things that happened over the past year. We really thought we could get more done in a shorter period of time. The inside of the home was such a nightmare that it took priority. Every single surface needed replacing or painting.... I'm really not kidding!

Still, when you live in an established neighborhood, on one of the primary corner lots next to homes that look like this:

Perfectly little trimmed bushes, green lawns, gorgeous oak trees that are uplighted at night (stunning really).... This particular house is right across the street from me. So, I'm pretty lucky. I love looking at their house. Unfortunately, until 3 weeks ago, this was their view.

Now can you see why I rushed to and from my car? It's been embarrassing!!! The home across the street from the front door had a slightly better view, but not much better.....

Finally, 3 weeks ago, it was time to start addressing the exterior of the home.... We ended up spending about $3500 on new sod and landscaping, but I think you'll be impressed with the difference. I know I am!!

GRASS!! GLORIOUS GRASS!!!

You can still see where it is growing in here. Can you also see that we replaced the lighting by the front door? I should have turned it on for the photo.... why didn't I think of that?

Finally I'm not embarrased to be out in the yard. When neighbors walk by I smile and wave instead of trying to hide my face like someone in witness protection.

Last weekend, we were talking to one of the neighbors, that's right TALKING TO THE NEIGHBORS, and he shared with us that he had been looking at that baren corner for 25 years. Apparently the neighbor who had lived here previously had a case of depression and no one wanted to confront them about the yard, afraid that it would make him even more depressed.

In the last few months, we've made the decision that despite our attempt to downsize was an error - a learning curve. Now we've got 7 more weeks to finish getting the house ready and put it on the market. We'll be moving back into our larger but fully complete new construction home. Living in a home that needs this kind of work just isn't in my to-do list anymore. I'm finally one of the rest of the buyers - I want move in ready..... I think I would like to just "live" in my house for a while.

From the point of view as an investment in the sale of our home, I think this was a HUGE improvement. If we had not replaced the lawn then buyers would likely expect that everything else in the home was neglected. No matter how good the inside may look, with this kind of curb appeal (or lack thereof) buyers will not believe that you have pride in ownership and you can expect much lower offers.