Untidy Neighbours Can Be Costly

14 Jan 2013| Posted by: Geoff Baldwin

The better presented a home the more it will be affected by untidy neighbouring homes and can often make tens of thousands of dollars difference to a sale price according to RE/MAX WA Managing Director, Geoff Baldwin. “The potential selling price of a home with average presentation will be dragged down if adjacent homes are untidy, not maintained or overgrown however it is the superbly presented listing that is affected the most” , Mr Baldwin said. “When a superbly presented home with immaculate street appeal is next door to an unkempt, run down property prospective buyers are even more distracted and more likely to be put off, “Often it can be worthwhile to have your agent seek permission from the offending neighbour to have the lawns and gardens trimmed and to have rubbish removed, etc even if it means spending a few dollars. “This often small investment can make a huge difference to the end result both in time on market and particularly in the price achieved. “Although bad presentation may be as a result of elderly owners or any number of legitimate reasons, potential buyers often relate untidiness with problem neighbours so again, it is better to address the issue before going to market. “I have often approached untidy neighbours asking them do they mind if we get our contractors to give their front garden a free trim and tidy and this is usually accepted without hesitation so I would encourage any seller faced with a similar dilemma to have their agent do the same”, Mr Baldwin said. ENDS Media Contact - Geoff Baldwin - 0413754414