Flipping a House - Removing Trees to Help Curb Appeal

[Laura Clark]

We are working on a higher end flip (finished price of $525K which is above average for Baltimore Co) in a very solid family neighborhood. Our house lacks curb appeal. We plan to paint, put on new shutters, remove the fence and shrubs at the sidewalk, remove the pachysandra at the driveway and clean up the landscaping. I am debating whether or not to take out two very large poplar trees right at the front door. The trees are healthy (so not a hazard), but they completely obstruct the sight lines from the street to the front door. I'd rather not spend the $3200 to remove them if I don't have to, but no doubt it will improve the curb appeal. Any advice would be much appreciated. 

[Teri Feeney Styers]

NO! If you feel you need to do something curbside to draw attention to the house then create a second pathway to the mailbox (and a really nice / cute mailbox) or dress up that wishing well - but don't kill the trees. I would definitely consider a different paint color scheme however. Light gray siding - white trim - dark gray shutters - bright red door.