Do I Have To Tell About the Neighbors?

When speaking with prospective sellers about selling their homes, the topic of disclosures of course always comes up. "Do I have to tell about the neighbors? And while most people have great relationships with others on their block, there are some who have minor annoyances they share, such as:

• Too many cars parked in front 
• Unkept yards Garbage cans left out in front of the house 
• Christmas light left up all year long 
• RV parking that obstructs a neighbor's view 
• Trees that overhang into a neighboring yard 
• Loud parties Barking dogs 

Now some of these things will be apparent to prospective buyers, but others not as much. If something is a material fact about the property it must be disclosed to the buyer. Many a seller has found themselves In a pickle after the fact for failure to disclose. Say for instance that your neighbor has a huge tree with branches that encroach into your yard, and they refuse to properly trim it so that it doesn't create a fire hazard next to your chimney. A buyer would want to know that they either have to work out a satisfactory arrangement with the neighbor, or will have to maintain the tree on their side of the property. (I know of one case where the neighbors had actually been to small claims court to deal with the problem.)

Neighbors are apt to have better relationships if they understand how the things they do affect each others property values. Someday when you are ready to sell your home, what your neighbor does or does not do, can affect the perceived or real value of your home. and if you see that your neighbor has put their home on the market, consider what things you can do to make sure their home is presented in a good light.

After all, one day you may need the same kind of cooperation.

 

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