Homeowners' associations encourage residents to follow rigorous standards concerning renovating, remodeling and decorating. Establishing and adhering to guidelines sets an example of what quality, high-value homes look like. Every house is neat and well-maintained, which persuades potential buyers to check out the community. It also raises the property values of both individual homes and the neighborhood as a whole.

Investing in your home's appearance helps you be able to sell it for a higher market price and attract many interested buyers. Most of all, you'll feel satisfaction and pride from living in a charming home. Interiors and exteriors require equal attention, and they're easy to spruce up while staying in regulation. Here are a few ways to contribute to the neighborhood value while redesigning your own home.

1. Landscaping

Maintain your yard by removing dead trees, plants and shrubs. Look into tree replacement if specific ones are too difficult to upkeep. It's often better to remove or avoid high-maintenance plants. Landscaping requires regular care, and low-maintenace plants are easier to grow.

Your HOA may decide which plants homeowners can put in their front lawns or backyards, which can depend on what hardiness zone you're in. The USDA offers a map of all the zones across the U.S., which tells you suitable plants for specific regions. Stick with vegetation native to your state or suited for the zone. They'll need less upkeep, and they live longer and healthier.

Sometimes it's best to ditch grassy areas if they don't serve the community well. Droughts and poor maintenance can make the grass patchy and dead. Poor lawncare doesn't appeal to visitors, so be sure to use plants and landscaping that can tolerate the area's climate and the amount of time you have to maintain it.

2. Warm Lighting

You may not notice street lamps during the day, but they're necessary at night. Neighborhoods with little warm lighting feel less welcoming because they're more susceptible to danger. Dark environments can encourage criminal activity because it's easier to escape unseen. Parking lots, stairwells and walkways should have plenty of lighting to keep residents safe as they go out at night.

Countless lighting solutions exist for illuminating your lawn or driveway, and they can make a home attractive. Highlight your house's best features by accentuating them with spotlights or solar lights. Rope lighting is a simple and charming way to brighten walking paths for night activity,

3. Playgrounds and Green Spaces

Playgrounds and green spaces are a sure-fire way to raise a neighborhood's property value, especially when they're well-maintained. These areas provide spaces for kids and parents to meet, interact and make new acquaintances. Communal hangouts foster a sense of community and safety among residents. They also offer benefits you may not think of, like enhanced brain development and adept social skills.

Choosing the right type of playground equipment is a must. The structures should be reasonably new, well-maintained and stable enough for climbing and jumping. The surfacing should be safe and durable while also accommodating kids with medical devices, like wheelchairs.

4. Trash Pickup

Few people will be attracted to a community with overflowing trash bins. HOAs arrange trash pickup and disposal to prevent the garbage from sitting out and attracting pests. Maintain your trash bins by keeping the bags sealed tightly and closing the containers to prevent pests. Daily trash pickups are necessary for some neighborhoods, especially if the community is particularly sizeable. Remember to put your receptacles out whenever the garbage collectors come around — having smelly refuse sitting in your house isn't fun.

5. Power Washing

A power wash can make a dingy exterior look brand new. Use the appropriate detergent to avoid damaging the surface of your home — different versions exist for professionals and DIY homeowners. Regular washings can keep your home looking fresh and prevent grime buildup. Be sure to wash any rough areas, too — like concrete or brick — because these collect debris quickly. Pressure washing is also the first step before painting, so consider giving your exterior a new look while you're sprucing things up.

6. Color Choices

Repainting your property can raise the value, but the key lies in your color choices. Neutral hues are always preferable for interiors and exteriors, though you have more flexibility with interior rooms. Subtle color schemes involving lots of tans, grays and light blues are a popular design trend likely to extend into 2020. Give your front door a new coat of paint if your HOA allows it. Doing this can increase your home value and make your place stand out from other abodes.

Creating a Welcoming Neighborhood

Improving your home makes it more comfortable to live in and easier to put on the market. You'll feel accomplished due to investing in something significant to you, and your property value will grow. Stay updated with your HOA's rules, and experiment with ways to implement their design instructions on your property.