Remaxultimate’s Blog

The sign read: The property you are viewing is not a legal Duplex. I have registered a complaint with the city. If you buy it you will have to pay for expensive Reno’s. Signed…..Your Future Neighbour From Hell!!
The Neighbour also put empty bottles of wine and debris on the front veranda to intimidate any would be buyers or Realtors showing the property for sale.

Our agent very quickly called me and we discussed the options on these unfounded claims.  Our research also revealed that there were really ill feelings over some other matters that contributed to the sign being posted.  The Sellers solicitor quickly prepared and sent a letter to the neighbour to remove the sign immediately and informed the neighbour there will be consequences.  The sign was removed, open houses were held and the property sold for $15,000 over asking price within 5 days.

Throughout my career, I have repeatedly told my clients that neighbours are like an extension of your family because the truth is that in many cases, we see them more than we do our families.  Knowing who your neighbours are and how we treat them is very important.  Relations with your neighbours is crucial and now we see just how a bad relationship may potentially even affect your real estate value.

On another note, if the neighbour really didn’t like the owner of the Duplex, wouldn’t it have been better to co-operate and do everything possible to help the sale?  Maybe the next owner would show more pride of ownership, improve the property and have a better relationship.  Or just maybe the neighbour really had a weird way of letting the owner know that he will be sadly missed and really doesn’t want him to move.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage