Good Neighbors Are a Top Priority for Homebuyers
When it comes to buying a home, price and location aren’t the only things on buyers’ minds—neighbors matter too. A recent report from Anytime Estimate, an online publication owned by Clever Real Estate, reveals that good neighbors are nearly as important as other major factors for 82% of Americans.
The High Cost of Bad Neighbors
It turns out that bad neighbors can be expensive—literally. About a quarter of homeowners have spent at least $1,000 dealing with neighbor-related issues. Some have gone even further: 19% say they would pay $10,000 or more above the price of a comparable home to avoid problematic neighbors, and 12% would go as high as $20,000.
Neighbor issues range from disagreements over landscaping, fences, or repairs, to legal disputes. Nearly half of homeowners (49%) report having spent money to address these problems.
Common Complaints
Neighbor problems are surprisingly common:
- 56% of Americans have complaints about neighbors.
- 49% have been wronged by a neighbor at some point.
- 29% have felt judged by neighbors.
- 22% have felt unsafe or uncomfortable due to neighbors.
Even more concerning, 13% of homeowners believe their neighbors—or their neighbors’ homes—could make it harder to sell their own property.
What Makes a Good Neighbor?
While many report neighbor issues, Americans also have clear ideas about what makes someone a good neighbor:
- Trustworthy (65%)
- Quiet (51%)
- Maintains their home and yard (47%)
Unsurprisingly, behaviors like frequent yelling or fighting (88%) or letting dogs bark excessively (84%) are seen as dealbreakers. Some symbolic displays also influence buyers: 57% say seeing a Confederate flag displayed by neighbors would be a dealbreaker, compared to 36% for Black Lives Matter signs or 33% for pride flags.
Generational Differences
Younger generations appear less tolerant of neighbors they don’t get along with: 53% of Millennials and 52% of Gen Z say it’s normal to dislike neighbors, compared to 34% of Boomers. Overall, 86% of Americans agree that getting along with neighbors is important, and 45% would consider moving if they didn’t like their neighbors.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home isn’t just about the property itself—it’s about the community. Whether it’s ensuring peace and quiet or building meaningful connections, the right neighbors can make all the difference. For homebuyers, factoring in the neighborhood—and the people around it—may be just as crucial as the house itself.
Source: Anytime Estimate
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