Readers voice strong consensus on fence vs. hedge
A few weeks ago, a reader wrote in to ask about whether to replace a long-standing hedge around his corner property with a picket fence for the cost of about $5,000.
He is getting along in years and will soon have to hire someone to keep the hedge in trim. The question was whether potential buyers would prefer a hedge or a fence.
The real estate broker who he'd already asked for an opinion didn't give a definite answer - and neither did I. Other readers who responded, though, all seem to have the same advice. Here's a sampling:
• With respect to the hedge or fence question, keep the hedge.
If someone wants a fence instead, they can pay someone to rip out the hedge and put a fence in within a week or two. If someone prefers a hedge, it takes years to get a nice one established.
Similar deal with trees - you can cut one down in a day, but it takes decades to replace it. The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago.
• I'd go with a hedge every time!
At 80 years old, go with a hired hand. Unless the questioner will live in the house until he is 100 years old, I don't think he'd ever spend close to $5,000 for the maintenance.
I am approaching 70, and I see the day shortly hereafter when I will have to do the same thing. It is one of my least favorite yardwork activities, but it sure looks nice when it is done. Maybe some birds or desirable critters will make it home for a season or two. That will never happen with a fence.
Also, a white fence on a sunny day will be awfully bright, and even painful to look at with old eyes. I speak from experience. That's my two cents' worth.
• G.N.R. might want to talk to his neighbors. If he were to ask who does their hedge, he might end up with an offer to help. I have a neighbor with riding lawn mowers, and a few years ago he just started doing my lawn whenever he did his own. He also does the lawn of the neighbor across the street who has had cancer for a few years now.
If the fence does not increase the value of the property, then it is simply a $5,000 expense. How often does a hedge need trimming? I suspect that paying someone to trim it will be cheaper in the long run. Plus, a hedge might be attractive to some future buyers.
As Edith says, ask local real estate agents. They can tell you whether they think a property with a hedge might be more attractive to some potential owners. But then again, at 80, why should you worry about that?
Remember, it would be easier for the next owner to build a fence than for them to grow a hedge.
• The reader who was thinking about taking down his natural hedge and replacing it with a fence should check with his municipality before doing anything. Many municipalities don't allow fences in the front yard, and especially on a corner lot. Personally, I would rather have the natural hedge instead of a fence.
Just about everyone else who wrote in had the same opinion. Now for some other questions.
Q. I would like to build or buy a home. I would keep my current home, which is a duplex, and rent it out.
I would like to refinance my present mortgage, which is at 6 percent. Will a refinance affect my attempt to build or buy another home in the very near future?
A. I don't think so. When you apply for another mortgage, you'll face the same analysis of your income and expenses, and some credit will be given for the projected rental income from both units in the old house.
You may want to refinance before you leave your present home, though. If the replacement mortgage is intended for rental property, the down payment required will probably be considerably higher. Perhaps, though, you already have enough equity in your present home that it wouldn't be a problem, assuming you refinance for just the remaining amount.
• Contact Edith Lank on www.askedith.com, or 240 Hemingway Drive, Rochester NY 14620.
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