A Rose Among The Thorns!

Recently, I Turned Down A Listing - not because the home wouldn't sell - Because the clutter around the home.

The seller was the only homeowner on the block that had a wonderful home - the neighborhood devalued the home! I seldom turn down a listing. Doing the market analysis on the home, I realized homes were selling as much as $20,000 more a few street away. I told the seller they had a problem they could do very little about. Returning to the office, I knew I had disappointed the seller, so I started researching to come up with a solution to his problem.

Although, not an overnight fix, if you live withing the city limits, review your local laws. There might be ordinances that can be enforced. Newer subdivisions have covenants that can apply to a neighborhood nuisance. Check for an "abandonded car" ordinance. Covenants and city ordinances can be found at your local "City Hall or Court House.

If the home is next to a repossessed home, contact the realtor (if it's on the market) and request the problem be corrected. Realtors working with bank repossessions, usually have to request for funds for maintenance.

Sometimes, just contacting the neighbors and letting them know that you are selling your home, will correct an obvious problem. It will benefit the entire neighborhood to make a great impression on potential buyers.

Helping the sellers clean up their neighborhood, may just encourage them to stay right where they are. Do you have a home to sell? Call me! I'd like to help.

Kay Van Kampen