Special offer

Howdy Neighbor...You're KILLING My Property Value!!!

By
Real Estate Agent with Ultima Real Estate T.R.E.C #564080

Let's face it, the decision to sell or buy a home is one of the biggest financial moves that most people make throughout the course of their lives.  One can only hope that the blood, sweat and tears that many sacrifice is not one day held hostage by the neighborhood freak-show. 

You know this neighbor...I only mow my grass once every 3-years because the city sent me a notice and threatened fines because of the forest growing in my yard.

How about this neighbor...My house is painted pink because this was the color available inthe Home Depot "oops" wrong color section and I did get it for practically nothing.

Or my favorite neighbor...Yes, I have a load of dirt sitting in my driveway and it has indeed spawned green grass and other vegetation, but it's really out of sight because my 1986 Buick project car seems to cloak the obvious nature of this obstacle. 

If you are faced with a challenging situation while trying to sell a home, here are some tips that may help you along the way.

1.  Assess the greatest need and consider contacting your neighbor to see if they would considering working with you in a particular area.  (Use sound judgment and I always recommend casual driveway encounters if you have any reservations about your neighbor.)  

2.  Ask your real estate professional to consider contacting your neighbor to try to arrange a working plan of action.  Many agents generally meet the neighbors when listing a property, so this could be a win-win for everyone.    

3.  Consider contacting volunteer organizations who will come in to do neighborhood projects that are in need of repair (Habitat, etc.).  There are also local schools and civic organizations looking for community service projects and your situation could be right up their ally. 

4.  If the neighbor does not have the resources for certain clean-up work, you may want to consider coming out of pocket to have it done.  This may be a minimal expense and the difference on sale price of your home could certainly make up for the minimal expense. 

5.  In extreme situations, you may have to contact the city to see if any codes are being violated and allow the city to apply their pressure for such clean-up and repair.  (Again, I would recommend this in only the most extreme situations.

Enjoy your selling experience and remember, the good book says, "...you shall love your neighbor as yourself" Matthew 22:39.

Andrea Cameron, Realtor

Posted by

Andrea Cameron, Realtor

Ph  (512)636-2675 

Follow me on facebook to learn more

about real estate news in Austin, TX

   

Comments (2)

Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

Hi Andrea -- good point about working with the neighbor for a win-win situation.  A gentle nudge and a helping hand can do wonders.

Jan 15, 2010 02:39 AM
Andrea Cameron
Ultima Real Estate - Cedar Park, TX
(512)636-2675

Thanks Lottie!

Jan 15, 2010 05:00 AM