If it helps, we are in NJ. We are set to close this month.

Hi from another Jersey Girl. Looks like Rutherford area? Yes, monster bush needs to go. What exposure is the front? Sun/Shade? That will make a difference. I'd try and repair the foundation by the stairs. Window boxes on the window under the bush would be cute. Replace the railings or repaint them. Do you want a garden or grass?

I just noticed that the retaining wall in the first pic looks like it is leaning out significantly. This is a real warning sign. I wouldn't plan anything until you get a professional in to remove the bush/tree, remove all the roots from the tree-bush and assess the damages. Fix the wall. Then landscape appropriately. What I really hope is that it isn't as bad as it looks. See wall below

Hi Cor, Denita. No this is in Prospect Park. I think it gets full sun, not sure what exposure. The back yard had more shaded areas. I like the ideas of the window boxes. I don't have much of a green thumb so maybe some fake flowers would work.
Denita - you and me both! lol I think the monster has been pushing out the wall. Its about 20' long so hopefully it won't be too much of a hit to repair/replace.

I hope you got a good discount on the house because of it. Congrats on your soon-to-be new home. There are people that take very good care of homes and others that don't bother. So glad you are in the former and not the latter. :)

LOL. I'm still trying get his mind off the darn fake grass. Yuck!

Congratulations on your new home. Your first priority should be removing the monster bush and then repairing the cement wall and steps. You will have a different view of the front of your house once those jobs are done. If the area is shady, ivy is low maintenance. New railings, a outside light and house numbers. Good luck!

We did get a home inspection but that wasn't addressed. I'm thinking because it's cosmetic. Either way property was bank owned so yes as it. Luckly nothing too horrible inside. But you can tell this poor home has been lacking love for awhile.

Check if the retaining wall itself is still vertical using a plumb bob. The top could have been designed to slope down. Sometimes that's done to discourage sitting and skateboarding.

Once the monster bush is removed, a quick spray of window frost paint on the inside of the basement windows will add some privacy. The fastest way to improve the overall looks of the front yard would be to add some green sod in spring. A low ( 12") perennial border would be pretty once the drainage slope is cleaned up. Nice looking house.

The top is meant to slope a bit and I want to keep that idea. It's just slightly starting to be pushed out so I don't think too bad.

Maybe paint the foundation and railings black to ground the house.

Your basement must be WET! Perhaps you should post the name of the home inspector so
others will BEWARE.
The down spouts in the front are sloped towards the house. Have those changed.
Also, the reason the area under and to the right of the front door show water damage is because there should be a diverter in the corner above the door at the roofline. Otherwise, water pours off to the area that needs to be scraped and repainted. Notice the trim under the door as well as the foundation.
Other than the things previously mentioned, since your boyfriend doesn’t want any work,
use river rock in the area below the windows after the bush is removed.
PS...I don’t pump gas either

Hey neighbor! I lived in North Haledon until we moved out 3 years ago.

Post some more pics when the MB (Monster Bush) is gone. And mercy sakes....NO fake flowers. I’m clutching my pearls and grabbing the smelling salts just thinking about it! We can fix you up with low maintenance plants...maybe one herb box ? Rip that sucker out and get back to us!

Lol. ok thanks. I will definitely be posting more pics soon.

Finally!! The monster is gone!

Make sure the stump goes too or you will experience Son of Monster Bush in that location :)

Huge improvement. The stump grinder machine can also loosen up the dirt in the area in nothing flat, once you've had the Dial-Before-Digging utility people out to mark their lines. Then it can be regraded to slope away from the house.

@gonzalj21 have you completed your project? If not I'd definitely suggest going to a local garden center to find viable plant options. Bring pictures and information (measurements, soil, sun, etc.) about the area- a lot of times garden centers can suggest plants that fit well into the space(s) you have available. They can also suggest options for deterring weed growth (mulch, gravel, stones,etc). I'd suggest a good mix of evergreen and perennials(come back yearly), with varying heights, colors, and shapes. The taller evergreen plants (arborvitae, holly, dwarf spruce,etc.) I'd suggest planting near the edge/corners of the house (probably only need a couple/few 2-4 at most). The plants closer to the house should be placed in a way to complement the house (like a frame should complement a picture). The rest of the areas can be filled in with a mix of evergreen/permanent structures(larger rocks,etc.) and perennials so that you can appreciate the seasonal blooms, but so that no area is entirely barren at some time of the year. These shorter plants should be placed with respect to their height, so that most can be seen and appreciated from the street with taller/larger plants towards the back. The area closer to the street could have staggered/varying heights of plants/rocks so the yard doesn't look as cookie cutter/to provide visual interest to the space. If you have space next to your front door you could put a pot with a small evergreen and if enough space annuals/perennials at the bottom (or 2 matching pots if you have space-see picture below for 2 different styles). Another suggestion I have is to consider changing the colors of the house (from off white and white) via painting (siding, door, window frames) in colors that complement each other. And of course fix walkways and any damage/prevent future damage.