Are Your Neighbours Affecting Value?

Are Your Neighbours Affecting Your Home's Value?

You have put your home up for sale and done everything your agent has advised you to do to prepare your property for sale, but still no offers have come in.  If you suspect your neighbour's property is preventing your home from appealing to potential buyers, there are a few things you can do to remedy this situation.  Here are some tips for dealing with problem neighbours while selling your home.

Are Your Neighbours The Problem?

Before banging down the neighbour's door and blaming them for your home's lack of appeal, you'll first want to make sure that is really the problem.  Ask your agent what they think the problem is, and whether they agree that the neighbours may be preventing the sale.  Also ask other homeowners in the area what they think of any problem neighbours to get perspective before making that visit.

Use Tact When Approaching Neighbours

If you have determined that a particular neighbour is creating a problem that is affecting your home's value and marketability, your best bet in getting them to agree to make the required changes is to be nice about it.  Offer to help them with the clean-up and explain that it is not only for your benefit, but will also increase their home's value as well.  Planning a neighbourhood clean-up and renting a skip for the local community may encourage them to clean up without even being asked. Make a big deal of helping everyone.

Last Resort

If you have asked nicely and your neighbour still refuses to clean their property, there are steps you can take to force the situation.  Many councils have laws concerning the upkeep of property, and getting your local officials involved may be necessary.  Also getting other homeowners in the area on your side can make this easier.  Remember though, you should always approach the individuals first and ask nicely before reporting them to the local authorities.

Messy neighbours can be an obstacle to selling your home, but in most cases a little diplomacy and an offer to help will get the task accomplished.