Is back yard a deal breaker?

[Linda Young]

Hi all,

I am considering buying a house that is in pretty good shape and mainly needs cosmetic updating. It has an ARV of 195-215k and I will offer 130k. There are probably no more than 30k in updates needed. My hesitation is the back yard view. It backs up to a water tank and metal building. A tall wood fence will help some, but not hide it all. My strategy is to make the inside so pretty that the backyard will be overlooked. It is in an established neighborhood and has been bought and sold several times. Thoughts?

[Michaela G.]

Something I've seen done is build your back fence with 12' posts, instead of 8'. If they're 1.5' in the ground, they'll be 10.5' above ground. Then add your 6' fence and build a pergola along the top of the post. Put several mandevilla or other fast growing vines in the ground immediately after you close and do the fence right away. That'll give them time to establish and grow. 

Paint the fence and pergola white and it'll take the eye off what's behind it.