Troublesome neighbors are not only a nuisance, but a drain on your DC metro home value. According to the Appraisal Institute, problematic neighbors can reduce nearby property values by 5 to 10 percent!
Identifying and Avoiding Potential Problems in DC
Problem neighbors include homeowners with noisy or uncontrolled pets, unkempt yards, bad odors, loud music, dangerous trees, or poorly maintained home exteriors. These conditions are worrisome for single-family homeowners, and some of them can be even more troubling for condominium owners.
This isn’t to say that you should look for ways to find fault. For example, neighbors with a newborn baby might be doing their best, but babies are going to cry. And even the best-trained dogs will bark on occasion. In the high-density neighborhoods of DC and Chevy Chase, the sounds of everyday living are to be expected.
If you are a DC area home buyer, make a point of visiting residential streets on different days and times. Is the area relaxed and comfortable? Do the homes show pride of ownership, or is there debris scattered around? You can learn a lot about a neighborhood with a little observation!
Addressing Problem Neighbors in DC, Bethesda and Chevy Chase
If you are already living next door to bad neighbors, there are a few steps you can try before you put up that “for sale” sign. Here are suggestions from The Appraisal Institute, and we added our own recommendations as well!
1. Work with other neighbors and approach the issue as a community. Get consensus when identifying issues, and approach the problematic neighbor in a spirit of concern. The offending neighbor might be physically or financially unable to take care of the problems, or be unaware that the issues were causing a problem. Avoid making blind judgments and assumptions. Offer to help instead!
2. Verify homeowner association rules and municipal ordinances. If being nice didn’t work, take a look at the rules and regulations that may apply. Report issues to the appropriate authority. Again, it’s a good idea to have other neighbors backing you up, so it doesn’t become a personal issue between you and the offending party.
3. Talk to an attorney. This is a last resort, but if you are not getting relief through the local channels, you may need to take legal action to protect your property value.
4. Buy out the bad neighbor. If you have deep enough pockets, offer to purchase the problem house on the block. You could be dollars ahead in the long run, and the entire neighborhood may thank you!
Get Expert Real Estate Advice for DC Metro Real Estate!
If you are buying or selling a home in the DC Metro area, give yourself the advantages of working with local real estate experts who have a proven track record of success!
When you need information about DC, Bethesda or Chevy Chase market conditions, or help with your DC Metro home searches, we’ll be here for you! Contact us for professional guidance you can trust!
Melinda Estridge
The Estridge Group-Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
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