Nosy neighbors, the neighbor that has to much time on their hands, has fun spreading false information, is a bit off kilter and pokes their nose where it doesn’t belong, or is the neighborhood safety patrol exercising false authority. Whatever their deal may be, a nosy neighbor is always troublesome for the homeowner trying to sell and their real estate broker.Last week I received a call from the cooperating broker regarding their buyer’s home inspection response. While the home is in stellar condition, and expecting a few minor items to be presented, I was shocked by the selling broker’s news. During the home inspection the neighbor decided to stroll over tell everyone the subject property had “drainage problems”. Being the seller and I weren’t present there was no way for us to address the issue as it arose.

Making a long story of frustration short, the buyer walked and terminated the transaction without even allowing the seller to respond or provide a wet lands survey stating no drainage problems present. The seller was in process of negotiating their purchase so having the sell terminate made him less than happy.

Nosy Neighbors: 5 Ways They Can Kill Your Sell

  1. A nosy neighbor can show up during a home inspection and share false or misleading information to a potential buyer. This ultimately scares the pants off the buyer and makes for a bad experience.
  2. A nosy neighbor can show up during showings and annoy the potential buyers, or again share false or misleading information.
  3. A nosy neighbor can start talking about all the neighborhood gossip to potential buyers and further annoy the buyers.
  4. nosy neighbor can be in the seller’s yard when the buyer is on a home tour.
  5. A nosy neighbor can just be a douche jerk and rub the buyers the wrong way.

How to Deal with Sell Killing Neighbors?

  1. Ignore them but when it comes to selling your home ignoring the problem is far too passive.
  2. 2. Politely “let the neighbors know that you, respect their privacy, likewise they should respect yours”.
  3. 3. File a restraining order. It sounds harsh but when it comes to selling your home having a successful closing is the highest priority – sitting on the market due to a nosy neighbor is never in our listing presentations.

Do you have one of these neighbors? How did you deal with them and what was the outcome?