HGTV's Galey Alix Explains Why You Shouldn't Put A Trampoline In Your Front Yard
Trampolines, we love 'em! However, what we don't love is seeing them in someone's front yard. This might come as a surprise, given that many homeowners place them there out of personal preference or necessity. However, according to HGTV's Galey Alix, there are a number of reasons why you should find another home for your children's favorite outdoor fixture. The primary reason is simple: They're incredibly inconvenient, especially when open space in your front yard is at a premium.
In an episode of "Home in a Heartbeat," Alix talks about how difficult it is to walk up to a house due to a trampoline obstructing the walkway. She says, "There's literally a trampoline in your front courtyard, and you have to scoot around it to get to your front door," per Realtor. Think of how annoying that would be to bring groceries into the house, especially if you have to make several trips. You shouldn't have to struggle just to get inside your home. So while relocating your home's bounciest feature, you may locate some other front yard eyesores that are better off situated somewhere else.
Trampolines ruin curb appeal
Besides being inconvenient, a trampoline in your front yard may also serve as a neighborhood eyesore. When discussing her client's front yard, Galey Alix states (via Realtor), "This area is the first space his guests walk through. We have to make it pretty." Not only that, but a trampoline in your front yard may affect your chances of selling your home for the best price. When looking at properties, potential buyers always consider curb appeal. In fact, having a home with stellar curb appeal can raise your home's value by up to 3 to 5%.
Unfortunately, putting your trampoline in front of your house will be a huge distraction when showing off the property. How can anyone focus on the home when there's a giant trampoline blocking the view? Even if you aren't planning on selling your home, you want your front yard to look presentable, so move unsightly distractions out back or into storage.
Other things to avoid having in your front yard
Besides a trampoline, there are plenty of other eyesores you want to keep out of your front yard, such as rundown cars and above-ground pools. If you want to fix that car, keep it in the garage and out of sight. As for the above-ground pool, it has the same effect on your home's value as having a trampoline in your front yard. It'll ruin your property's curb appeal (as well as its front lawn), which we've learned can really do a number on your house's selling price. Plus, do you really want your cheap inflatable pool to be on display for the whole neighborhood?
What's worse than having a trampoline or pool on your front lawn is having an unkempt lawn. This can lower your home's value and that of surrounding properties, which is a significant inconvenience if your neighbors are trying to sell their homes. In addition, potential buyers won't want to live on a street with a house full of garbage in their front yard and a lawn that looks like it hasn't been cut in months.