How to Sell a Home When You Have Nightmare Neighbours
They're noisy, they're messy, they're always at your door, they're always complaining, and they're your neighbours. Sometimes, you can't choose your neighbours if they move in after you, or you've bought in a new development. Often, interested buyers will want to scope out the neighbours and may be less likely to make an offer on your Chatham-Kent home, even if it's spectacular, depending on what they find. If you're dealing with nightmare neighbours, here are a few tips that may be helpful when trying to sell your home in Chatham-Kent.
Tip #1: Try and Talk it Out
Sometimes, the quickest way to fix a problem is to approach it head on. Often, your neighbours might not know what they're doing bothers you, but will be more than happy to fix the issue if you kindly make them aware. Remember to be calm, assertive, and respectful of their personal lifestyles as you explain that you are trying to sell your home and it would help the sale go more smoothly if they tidied up for the next few weeks. You may also want to explore the idea of hiring a lawn service to assist them in cleaning up the yard, which will in turn assist in selling your house.
Tip #2: Bylaw Officers or Homeowner’s Associations
If you cannot reach a solution by discussing the matter, you can check to see if your neighbours are violating a bylaw. Bylaw officers can help by investigating complaints and enforcing compliance. If bylaws are not helpful, look for regulations in local Chatham-Kent home owners associations. This obviously isn't the easiest way to resolve a problem, but when it comes to selling your home in Chatham-Kent, you need to give yourself the best chance possible.
Tip #3: Block Them Out!
When all else fails, get creative. Potentially a privacy fence, a new evergreen, or some flowering bushes is enough to block, or at least sooth the appearance of your neighbours' property. If your neighbours aren't cooperative, take it upon yourself to think of ways you can block out their mess, while improving the curb appeal, privacy, and property value of your own Chatham-Kent home.
Tip # 4: Contact a Mediator
Sometimes finding a mediator can be an effective way to get through to your neighbours. It's a nice step aside from filing a law suit that will let your neighbours know your serious, and allowing them to speak to someone other than yourself. Perhaps you don't get along to start, which could make a mediator all the more useful. Sometimes, your Chatham-Kent real estate agent can serve this role, however, if need be, there are always local mediators who are willing to do the job.
In order to avoid nightmare neighbours, it is also important that you are a good neighbour yourself. Welcome new neighbours to the neighbourhood, maintain your Chatham-Kent property and lawn, and always be courteous. Keep positive relations with your neighbours in order to avoid future confrontations or problems. Having trouble selling your Chatham home thanks to problem neighbours? Then give me a call at 519-360-0141 or contact me online for more helpful tips and selling tricks.