We all have that one neighbor that is fantastic and the one that we could live without. Bad neighbors are not only irritating, but they can prevent you from selling your home. Whether you have the family who can’t keep their lawn mowed or a group of party-happy teens next door, it’s important to deal with the problem in order to successfully sell your abode. Here are common issues and what to do about them:
1.The Bank-Owned Home Next Door
There are more than 300,000 homes in the nation currently sitting empty. These zombie homes are not only unsightly, but they can bring down the property values of every home on the street. If the bank isn’t taking care of the house next door, call them or the listing agent. If the bank refuses to properly maintain the house and property, contact your local municipality. Most city and county governments have ordinances regulating the upkeep of properties.
2.Noisy Neighbors
It’s happened to thousands of people. They move into their dream home, only to find that the next door neighbors operate a party house 24 hours a day. Don’t be the person that sells a home to an unsuspecting family. Most people don’t want to disturb others and if you’ve never asked your neighbors to tone it down, now is the time. Never assume that your neighbors know that they are annoying you if you’ve not spoken to them about it. If you have spoken to them, it’s time to get the authorities involved.
3.Hoarders
Have you been looking over your fence at dirty toilets, discarded tires and empty bathtubs for years? If you live next to a junk collector, you’re going to have a problem selling your home. Approach your neighbor in a respectful way and ask if you can help clean up their yard. Sometimes people simply don’t know where to begin when it comes to cleaning up. Other times, people don’t have the vehicle necessary to haul their items to the dump. If your neighbor refuses your assistance, contact your local government’s building or housing authority.
4.Menacing Dogs
Most dog owners are responsible people who socialize their animals and keep them secure in their own yard. Some dog owners, on the other hand, let their animals run loose, terrorizing the neighborhood. If you live next to the latter instead of the former, it’s time to reign in that wild animal. The next time the dog is running loose, call your local police department or animal control. Each subsequent instance requires another phone call. Eventually, your neighbors will either keep better control over their canine companion or it will be removed from the property.
5.Creepy Neighbors
Are you afraid to leave your blinds open for fear that your creepy neighbor is going to be peering into your home? Some neighbors are just downright odd and there’s not much you can do about it. Consider erecting a privacy fence that blocks windows, installing lattice panels and planting climbing vines, or even applying a frosting to the windows that face your neighbor’s home. If your neighbor is more menacing than creepy, contact your police department for help in resolving the situation.
One bad neighbor can leave your house sitting on the market for years. You don’t have time to wait for your neighbor to move out before you do. Take the listed steps to turning your terrible neighbor into a tolerable one in order to sell your house as quickly as possible.
Writer Sheila Madison is an avid blogger. Trying to sell your house? Check out more tips at agentharvest.com.
