How To Sell Your Home Despite Those Problem Neighbors

You've scrubbed every surface, trimmed the hedges to perfection, and baked some cookies to make your home smell warm and inviting, but there's a problem.

Every time someone comes to view the house you're trying to sell, the first thing they notice is the unkempt mess next door. 

If you're selling your home, you have enough to worry about without adding troublesome neighbors to the mix, but sometimes life just isn't fair. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can smooth things out with your neighbors and get back to more important things — like selling your home.

• Be Nice, But Firm
  When bringing a complaint to your neighbor's attention, it's always best to start out by being calm and friendly but also firm. Approach your neighbors as if they have no idea that they're causing a problem, and work from there to find a solution.
  
  Taking legal action should never be anything but a last resort, partly because it can make your relationship with your neighbors even tenser, but also because courts seldom provide a timely solution. You don't want to be tied up in legal wranglings for months while your house sits on the market.
  
  
• Noise Problems
  Noise complaints are the most common problems that cause tension between neighbors. Again, set out with a friendly demeanor, and assume that your neighbors haven't realized how much of a headache they've been causing. Stop by and have a chat about the issue, and offer to work together to reach a solution.
  
  Visit again if the noise continues to be a problem. If the noise persists, follow up with a written warning (in as friendly a manner as possible). You might also want to enclose a copy of the local noise ordinance. Threaten legal action only as a last resort if the written warning doesn't work.
  
  
• Upkeep Issues
  When your neighbors don't take care of their property, it doesn't show your house in the best light. In this case, you do have another option if a friendly request to make improvements doesn't generate any results.
  
  This problem can often be alleviated by offering your own services to clean up the neighbor's property. If you don't have the time to tackle it yourself, offer to have a professional come by to cut the grass, pack up any trash, and generally make your neighbors' property a little easier on the eyes.
  
  
• Full Disclosure
  If there's a problem with your neighbor, you may be wondering what your responsibility is when it comes to disclosing the issue to potential buyers. Obviously, you don't want to scare buyers away, but you most likely have a legal obligation to tell prospective buyers about ongoing disputes with neighbors. When in doubt, always disclose.

Selling your home is hard work, so don't let pesky neighbors hold you back. From noise problems to unruly lawns, patching things up with the folks next door will make the process of selling your home infinitely easier.

• Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
• Planning a Backyard Space for Entertaining
• Easy Ways to Reduce Household Noise Between Rooms
• How to Create a Functional Mudroom in Any Home
• Simple Upgrades That Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
• Smart Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home
• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater

• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs

• What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
• What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
• How to Spot Renovations Done Without Permits
• What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
• Touring Homes With a Critical Eye: What Buyers Often Miss
• How to Evaluate a Neighborhood During Different Times of Day
• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment

• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties

• How to Prepare Your Home for Last-Minute Showings
• When a Price Reduction Can Help Restart Buyer Interest
• How Professional Photography Impacts Online Listing Views
• The Hidden Costs Sellers Should Plan For
• What Sellers Should Know About Appraisal Gaps
• How to Prepare Your Home for a Competitive Offer Situation
• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence

• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy