Date Posted: 2012-06-18 07:37:05
Site Posted: Myproperty.ph
.jpg)
Selling your house requires quite a bit of skill on your part as far as aesthetics is concerned. Homeowners are often reminded of the importance of curb appeal and staging in attracting a buyer, but what if your home’s beauty is being overshadowed by the nightmare that is your next-door-neighbor’s house?
If your neighbor allows his lawn to look like a jungle or a storage room extension, or plays loud music all day like they’re trying to break the sound barrier, it’s going to be hard to convince a buyer to move in next to them. On the other hand, you don’t have to let this ruin your house for sale; there are things you can do to handle this situation.
Don’t be quick to assume that they are as obnoxious as they seem. When you approach them, be sure that you are calm, cool and collected. Accusing them outright will only lead to further conflict, and might even urge them to be more troublesome just to spite you. Instead, explain to them that you are trying to sell your home, and that you are trying to go to all lengths to make a transaction go smoothly.
If it turns out that something is preventing them from keeping their lawn neat, such as an illness in the family or a busy schedule, offer to pay for a service crew to come in and lend a hand. You’re not obligated to do so, but it’s a small price to pay to make sure that people focus on your house instead of the “yard sale” next door.
If approaching them doesn’t work, ask for help. Living in a subdivision means that you have a homeowner’s association to turn to. Explain to them that you are trying to sell your house and how your neighbor is possibly impeding the process. If the neighbor is violating association rules, they can talk to him and inform him about it.
In the event that these approaches don’t work, you can choose law enforcement mediation as a last resort. For instance, creating a racket all day can affect everyone within earshot, which gives you and your other neighbors a warrant to call the authorities.
If your complaint is a bit on the nitpicky side, such as the ridiculous duck mailbox or the color of their house, there might not be anything you can do about it. You can, however, protect a buyer’s view with things like fences on the outside and window treatments on the inside.
Don't fret if the neighbor's property looks like it came straight out of a Stephen King novel; good communication skills and a bit of creativity can urge your potential buyer to see the charm of your home, instead of the eyesore next door.
Jillian Cariola, Writer
(cover image by Kecko)
Recently Posted Properties from Around the Web:
