Isn;t it amazing how acting like the neighbor is NOT the enemy, but a flesha dn blood human with feelings worked out so well. Brovo Ms. Valerie. Exactly what I would expect form you. :)

Hello again Valerie,

We have mowed and cleaned many a neighbors yard to improve the curb appeal of our properties. Older home owners become overwhelmed by the amount of stuff located in their front yard and many times it becomes a dumping ground for their grandchildren and friends.  When relatives are unwilling to remove their stuff,  there it sits.  If you approach the neighbor and explain, as you described, they will usually clean up their stuff.  If it seems unlikely that the person has the ability or inclination to do so, offer to remove, relocate and mow for free they will typically keep up your good will and maintain the property.  So, for a very small investment you will have greatly improved your curb appeal, shown good will and made a neighbor happy who will in turn tell others and watch out for a property which may be vacant.  (always be sure to give the recipient of your good will your phone number).  On one occasion the neighbor sent her niece over who ultimately purchased our home.  In my opinion, the small investment made has a huge return, monetarily as well as personally. 

James,

Hi again!  And thank you for the fantastic ideas on how to help out the neighbors.  You are so right that some elderly neighbors just cannot do it.  By offering to do it "yourself" or bring in a team that can get it accomplished shows that good faith towards neighbors, and as in your case, can bring a buyer later down the road.

thanks for stopping by!

Valerie

Hi!  I just stumbled upon this post as I was searching this topic, in an effort to get up the nerve to ask my neighbor if I can clean up her front lawn.  My DH and I have been trying to sell our house, and finally received one very low offer with the criticism "the junk across the street."  The house across the street does not have junk in the yard, it just looks like "junk," I guess.  The grass is tall, never weedwacked, grass growing in between the walkway cement, gravel driveway overgrown with weeds and full of cars.  You'd think with all the cars there would be enough people in there that someone could clean up the yard (hence being afraid of offending them...)  The woman there is single but she has a 30ish son living there too.  I have a passion for gardening, perhaps I can just offer to share that?  Arg!!!

Sarah,

Hi!  Thanks for stopping by!

I think offering your gardening abilities to your neighbor is an EXCELLENT way to do this.  You never know what the situation is in that home.  I am allergic to fire ants, so can't garden, and have to be very careful when mowing.

She could be too tired from working too many hours, and just not care what outside looks like when she comes home.  While taking care of her weeds will benefit you and your husband, it could very well point out to her how bad it looks (without having to say "hey, this looks crappy") and maybe they'll make an effort in the future.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Valerie