Harry Gross: A well-groomed lawn can add value to home

Dear Harry: I have been reading >your columns for a lot of years, and I'm especially interested in those dealing with real estate. I notice that you have emphasized the importance of "curb appeal" when trying to sell a home. You have missed one very important element of curb appeal: the lawn, both front and back. Did you ever notice how a well-manicured lawn draws your eyes to it? A couple of low-lying bushes along the driveway add even more. And flowering bushes in season even draw oohs and ahs. A couple of hundred bucks worth of lawn care can get a potential buyer to stop and look. Sure, a coat of paint will add to the value and curb appeal, but nothing beats a great lawn.

What Harry says: You are absolutely right! As you said, the investment will make potential buyers stand up and take notice. Not only does lawn beautification attract people, but its investment comes back in a higher value placed on the home, especially in the spring. And there have been recent surveys that indicate that a good lawn can even get a substantially higher price for the home itself. You just have to be careful not to overdo it. Plantings near the home should not hide windows, because these can also hide intruders. An overabundance can lead to the thought of extra needed care, even clutter.

Write Harry Gross c/o the Daily News, 400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Harry urges all his readers to give blood - contact the American Red Cross at 800-Red Cross.