I’m at my wits’ end here and need some advice. I’ve been trying to sell my property for a while now, and every time I get a potential buyer to come check it out, my neighbors start causing trouble. As soon as someone shows up to look at the place, my neighbor walks outside with his gun and starts target shooting. It’s loud, it’s intimidating, and it’s scaring people away.
I’ve tried talking to him about it, but he just shrugs it off and says it’s his property, he can do what he wants. I get that, but this is really hurting my chances of selling. I’m stuck in a bad spot and don’t know what to do next.
Has anyone else dealt with something like this? How did you handle it? Any tips on what I can do to keep buyers interested despite this craziness? I’m all ears!
I am in similar situation with a bad neighbor. It is not as bad as your situation. He doesn’t shoot at people. However, he comes out every time someone goes to see my lot. What I will do for my next showing is that I will go myself to do the showing of the lot or send someone to show the lot. This way the neighbor cannot bad mouth the lot or discourage buyers from buying the lot. Unfortunately, this is the only way to deal with this issue. Someone needs to be there to handle the situation. This is a terrible situation to be in. But unfortunately, it happens.
Could this parcel be marketed towards people who would be more inclined to use it for recreation (4wheeling, atv, hunting)? or another set of clientele who wouldn’t be put off by a neighbor with an outdoor range? or you could always say if he can refrain from doing what he’s doing, you’ll give him some ammo when your property sells!
Do you believe he is sabotaging your sale or is he just outside shooting a lot? How far is his home from his property line with you? If it’s close, I recommend setting up your own shooting range and buying the loudest possible hunting rifle to use for target practice. If you can set up lights to use it at night, it would be ideal. I’m obviously, half joking, but it would be ideal if you could somehow get him to the point where he wants you to sell. There are several ways you may be able to do that if you’re dealing with a jerk. If he’s just outside shooting a lot, that’s something a buyer would have to learn how to deal with regardless. It’s almost a form of disclosure.
I am sorry you are having a similar problem, @aspen5. To be clear, my neighbor doesn’t shoot at people, but he does shoot, and it’s more than enough to be a problem. Thank you for sharing your idea of visiting the property yourself at the next showing. I am sure that can only help. Unfortunately, mine is too far away to do this at the drop of a hat. It’s almost far enough to justify a flight, to give you an idea.
Thanks for your ideas too, @aerielandco. I do wonder if situations like this are more about the art of finesse and being human with people, rather than trying to sic the cops on them. I will definitely try this.
@scott2112 I’ve wondered about this too, actually. Just like what he’s doing to me, there are probably plenty of things I could do that would be equally problematic for him, and yet still within the confines of the law. Although, I’m not sure if escalating the situation will get me anywhere.
@sallyhoskins Every time I’ve run into this issue, I just have the agent bring a police escort whenever we do a showing. It definitely hurts the value of the property, but the right buyer might actually like the challenge and put the neighbors in their place. Police will conduct escorts upon request for free.