Neighbourhood Appearance Can Make or Break a Home Sale

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions don’t start at the front door—they

start at the curb, and often even earlier.

A recent Leger survey for RE/MAX Canada highlights just how much buyers judge a property based on what they see outside, and sometimes, even what they see next door.

What the Survey Reveals

• 51% of Canadians say neighbouring homes in poor condition are a deal breaker—with 18% ranking it their #1 concern.

• 41% of buyers won’t even consider a home with poor curb appeal.

• Other common deal breakers include:

  • Misleading room sizes (40%)

  • Heavy buyer competition (36%)

  • Proximity to bars or restaurants (28%)

• Even inside the home, potential pitfalls can sour a sale, such as:

  • Cluttered or messy showings (27%)

  • Unhelpful real estate agents (18%)

  • Sellers being present during showings (11%)

    
    

Why This Matters Now

In a market where inventory is increasing and sales may be slowing in some areas, buyers have more choice—and higher expectations. That means sellers need to go beyond the basics of staging and decluttering. What’s happening outside the walls of your home could have just as much impact as what’s inside.

What Sellers Can Control

While you can’t magically fix a neighbour’s overgrown yard or peeling paint, there’s a lot you can do to tip the odds in your favour:

• Tidy Up Your Landscaping: Mow the lawn, trim the hedges, and add fresh mulch or flowers for instant appeal.

• Fresh Paint & Lighting: A freshly painted front door and good outdoor lighting go a long way in making your home feel warm and inviting.

• Screen the Unsightly: Use fencing, greenery, or hedges to block unpleasant views and create more privacy.

• Talk to Your Neighbours: A friendly, respectful conversation can sometimes lead to a big difference. In some cases, it may even be worth offering to help tidy up a shared space or their yard—it could make a real difference in your sale price.

Final Thoughts

Curb appeal isn’t just about your curb—it’s also about the entire street. When buyers drive up to your home, they’re not just evaluating your property; they’re judging the entire neighbourhood. A well-kept yard, a clean exterior, and a tidy street can help create a strong, positive first impression that carries all the way through to the final offer.

Bottom line: If you’re preparing to sell, don’t just look inward. Look outside—and maybe even next door.