When Your Neighbor's Mess Becomes Your Problem

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Published Date 11/6/2024

Curb appeal plays a crucial role when selling a home, with messy neighbors potentially causing significant financial impact on your property value according to Julie Taylor of Realtor.com

"Unfortunately, a neighbor's unkempt property can very much distract or deter potential buyers," says Robert Dodson, sales manager and broker at Charles Burt Realtors in Joplin, MO.

A recent study by StorageUnits.com revealed that 55% of real estate agents believe junk or clutter in neighbors' yards "significantly decreases" property values, with Taylor noting that 28% of agents estimate a 15% to 20% decrease, while 21% predict an even steeper drop of 30% to 50%.

"The biggest offenders in neighboring yards," Taylor reports, "include trash (85%), excessive clutter (82%), yard waste (69%), old cars (57%), building materials (52%), and too many cars (42%)." She adds that even seemingly innocent items like RVs and boats (10% each) can impact property values, along with cars parked in driveways instead of garages (7%).

When it comes to addressing these issues,Taylor cites etiquette expert Lisa Grotts from Healdsburg, CA, who recommends a diplomatic approach: "If you have a rapport with your neighbor, be upfront and let them know you're going to list your home. A polite way to encourage your neighbor to improve their yard without causing tension is to explain that their home has just as much to add to the selling process as yours does."

Grotts suggests using language like: "Hi, Trish. I hope you don't mind me bringing this up, but I noticed the yard's been looking a little overgrown lately. I completely understand how life can get busy—it happens to all of us! I just thought I'd mention it in case you hadn't had the chance to take care of it. If you ever need a hand or a recommendation for a landscaper, let me know. We have a terrific team."

If gentle persuasion doesn't work, consider offering to pay for yard cleanup or house cleaning services. Should the situation remain unresolved, Grotts advises a systematic approach: "Wait and see, offer a friendly follow-up and, if all else fails, go to your HOA or report the issue to local authorities. Perhaps they can be the ones to intervene."

Real estate agents can also help mediate, says Taylor. As Dodson explains, "Agents also have a unique opportunity to canvas the neighborhood and have conversations with the neighbors about the endeavor to sell a specific property and how they can help make the neighborhood appear more attractive."

If all attempts fail, you may need to accept the situation. However, Dodson offers one final strategy: "As an agent, I purposefully will write the directions to a property that follows a route that is more appealing to the eye if the most direct route has unfavorable scenery."

Realtor, TBWS

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