If you are like most sellers, you have put a lot of thought into getting your home ready to go on the market. This includes removing personal items that might turn buyers off, or fixing repairs that make your home seem well-kept.
Something that sellers may not think about is the impact that neighbours have on their property. This is an aspect of the selling process that should never be underestimated. Good neighbours can help you attract serious buyers, while bad neighbours could make individuals pass up on your property. Continue reading to learn more about how other homeowners can affect properties that are for sale within their communities.
Large Automobiles and Crowded Driveways
People who value a clean and quiet subdivision will not want to purchase a home in an area where the homeowners park oversized trucks in the driveway, or on the lawn. Crowded driveways could also mean that the home has frequent traffic throughout the day and night, which could also be a turn off to potential buyers.
If your subdivision has rules regarding driveway and sidewalk etiquette, make sure those rules are enforced. You can do so by alerting the homeowner’s association when a neighbour violates the rules. This is generally confidential, allowing you to be honest and open without causing tension between you and your neighbours.
Unkempt Yards
When it comes to landscaping, every homeowner is different. You could be more of a vegetable and fruit garden type of person, whereas your neighbour could be into flowers and shrubs. This is completely fine because it gives you the ability to appeal to all types of buyers. However, if your neighbour does not keep her yard up, the overgrown grass and bushes could have a negative impact
on your ability to attract serious buyers. They will likely want to avoid dealing with neighbours who have unkempt grass and debris in the yard, so they keep driving and go look elsewhere. The
local government may be able to step in, especially if a homeowner is not following environmental laws. You should also speak with your homeowner’s association.
Loud Animals
Loud barks and roaming animals could have a negative impact on the selling process. The best way to solve this issue is to speak with your neighbours. You can have a civilized conversation and ask them to keep the noise down to a minimum. Always be respectful and make sure you give them your viewing schedule, so they can try to make accommodations for their pets. You could voluntarily pay to have your neighbour’s pets groomed during the hours of your showings, or you can pay for a pet sitter. This can prevent the loud animals from having a negative effect on the sale of your home.
Lack of Privacy
Some neighbours pop up unannounced and fail to give other homeowners the space they deserve. This can be a bad thing, especially when potential buyers are viewing your property. However, as a seller, you can spin this negative issue by elaborating on the safety advantages that having good neighbours can provide. While writing the content for your listing, you can say things like, “helpful neighbours within a close community.” Putting a positive spin on the situation could prevent a nosey neighbour from being detrimental to the selling process.
When the time comes to put your house on the market, you don’t want to work hard, only to have your neighbours chase away potential buyers. The key is to utilize all of your resources and to stay positive. Although this seems like something that is beyond your control, an experienced sales representative can help you find ways to make your home more marketable, despite having bad neighbours!