Your neighbour’s messy yard could cost you a sale, survey finds

When it comes to selling your home, the biggest turn-off for buyers might be what’s on the outside.

A new Leger survey commissioned by RE/MAX Canada found that 51% of Canadians would walk away from a property if neighbouring homes were in poor condition, and nearly one in five (18%) say it would be their top deal breaker. The survey of 1,510 Canadians was completed in March of this year.

The findings highlight a challenge that many sellers feel is out of their control: the condition of the properties next door. With buyers likely forming impressions before they even step inside a listed home, curb appeal and neighbourhood upkeep might just carry more weight than a dated kitchen or smaller bedroom.

First impressions start at the street

Neighbourhood factors topped the list of deal breakers, with 41% of Canadians saying a lack of curb appeal would deter them from buying. Other common deal breakers include rooms that are smaller than they appeared in marketing photos (40%), too much competition from other buyers (36%) and proximity to bars, restaurants, or stores (28%).

RE/MAX Canada president Don Kottick notes that even in a softer market, buyers still have choices. “Not all homebuyers are able or willing to see past a rough exterior to find properties with potential, and something like an unkempt streetscape could be their sign to keep on walking,” Kottic said in a statement.

Other turn-offs mentioned in the survey included cluttered homes during showings (27%), unhelpful real estate agents (18%), and sellers being present during viewings (11%).

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What sellers can do to stay competitive

While you can’t make your neighbour repaint their exterior, there are proactive moves sellers can make to keep potential buyers focused on the positives.

RE/MAX recommends investing in landscaping, fresh exterior paint and good outdoor lighting to highlight your home’s best features. Planting hedges or well kept greenery can also help hide less appealing views.

In some cases, sellers might even offer to mow or water a neighbour’s lawn to improve the overall look of their surroundings. Open, respectful communication with neighbours can go a long way in producing small changes that can make a big impact.

With the fall market approaching, Kottick also stresses the importance of working with an experienced listing agent who can navigate these challenges.

"When we talk about sellers adapting to current conditions, we're not just referring to price adjustment”, he said in a statement. “Sellers should be mindful of every detail of their property, including the ones that they can't control — like the neighbour's front lawn. As we gear up for the looming fall market, working with an experienced listing agent is so critical, because sellers only have one chance to make the right first impression."