Solving the junk pile mess next door

Q. This is in response to a reader who wrote to the column a few weeks ago. He had neighbors with yard debris that was making it hard to sell his home.

We had a similar situation in which our immediate neighbor had a junk pile of scrap metal in the backyard, which was enclosed by a privacy fence and usually covered by a tarp. This pile was in compliance with local ordinances, but we were getting feedback that it was hurting the sale of our house even though it was only readily visible from an upstairs window.

We made an offer in writing to our neighbor (making sure both husband and wife were aware of the offer). If they cleaned up and removed the pile, then after our house sold we would pay them $1,000.

They did and we did. We believe this was a well spent $1,000, solving the problem for us and beneficial to our neighbor.

A. What a pleasant - and effective - way to handle this. You set up a win-win situation and everyone went away happy.

Q. I recently switched agents for a home I own. It had been on the market 2½ years. The last contract I signed with the agent was in 2012.

I notified my old real estate agent with the new agent's name. My old agent was extremely critical, saying I should have given her more time to conclude her business with the property.

Could you explain the best way to change agents? I felt since the contract was so outdated there was no need even to notify her when the change was made. Was I wrong?

A. You don't tell me when that old listing contract expired, but I expect it had. If so, you were of course free to do as you liked with the property. Informing the earlier agent was just a courtesy on your part.

You don't ask for advice, but I will mention that when something is on the market for 2½ years, the owner is almost always asking too much. Trying to sell overpriced property is a frustrating waste of time, which may explain why your original agent was so grumpy.

Q. My house was built in 1988 and we are planning to sell. Our original kitchen cabinets and countertops need to be replaced, as I'm told refacing and painting can't be done over laminate. I have quotes in the $40,000-plus range. But what if I spend the money to remodel and potential buyers don't like what I put in? My thought is to list the house with an allowance for the remodel. Your thoughts please.

A. In general, I suggest putting a lot of effort into cleaning, tidying, thinning out and polishing before putting a home on the market. I don't usually recommend spending a lot on last-minute renovations. Paint is probably the doll-up with the best payback, but it evidently won't work here. Something less ambitious than $40,000 might be appropriate, though.

You've told me the age of your house and the probable price of an update, but nothing about your neighborhood. If the average sale around your way is for about $100,000, then of course it doesn't pay to invest $40,000 in new cabinets and counters. If you're in an area of $1 million homes, on the other hand, an impressive new kitchen is a must.

Search the Internet for the names of brokerages actively selling in your neighborhood. Take phone numbers off lawn signs. It won't cost anything or obligate you in any way to call three agencies and ask them to send someone over. Agents who are familiar with your market will have much better advice.

Q. "Patio homes" around here seem priced approximately 50 percent higher than other homes (based on price per square foot). Do you project they will continue to appreciate in value? My husband and I (mid-60s) are debating whether to remain in our 1980s home indefinitely or buy a new patio home. The idea of spending more money for less house is difficult to swallow, but we like the idea of a new, lower-maintenance home. If we do move, we want to be sure that at least it was a good investment!

A. Sorry, but I doubt if even a state-certified or licensed appraiser could tell you what will happen with any particular development in the future. Location makes a big difference in home values. So does the quality of the local school system, though that may not matter so much with housing aimed at seniors.

See what you can find out about resale history in the developments you're interested in. Then I'm afraid you'll just have to decide for yourselves.

• Edith Lank will respond to questions sent to her at 240 Hemingway Drive, Rochester, N.Y. 14620 (include a stamped return envelope), or readers may email her through askedith.com.

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