Neighbor Talking Bad about Property
8 Replies
Cody Bailey
Real Estate Investor from Haslet, Texas
posted over 3 years ago
I purchased a home that was in pretty bad shape. I put a lot of $$ into bringing the electric, plumbing up to code. Put new HVAC system in, carpet paint etc....
I also protested the taxes based on my purchase price, and the market appraisal the bank required and was successful in reducing it ~$20K (only a $65K property on the rolls anyway)
my tenant of 2 years just moved out, and i stoped by to check out the property. I stopped by the speak to the neighbor and it turned into a very heated discussion with me leaving before things escalated. He accussed me of cheating taxes, having bad tenants in there, and running the place down....He has my contact information and was very happy to see all the work i did when i purchased the property.
he is mad now
1- i protested and thinks i ruined values
2- claims the tenants were drug addicts (first i have heard of this)
Home was left in perfect shape, tenants paid on time i drove by 3-4 times a year and never saw anything out of the ordinary.
Today he further went on to going over to someone i had sent by that was possibly interested in buying. He was bad mouthing me, the property, and i can tell this will be an ongoing issue.
How have you all handled this before?
Ricardo S.
Engineer from Brooklyn, New York
replied over 3 years ago
Next time when someone goes to check the place out, go with them.
If he acts in the same manor the next time around, record it.
Theres always going to be people like that, he's just mad.
@Cody
@Cody Bailey undefined
Nick Britton
from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
replied over 3 years ago
@Cody Bailey This a very unique situation. You are currently trying to sell the property and the neighbor is preventing that by talking negatively in you, your work and your home to projected buyers?
Dan Schwartz
Real Estate Investor from Tempe, AZ
replied over 3 years ago
Account Closed
replied over 3 years agoIn accordance with the laws of your jurisdiction, I would have him served with a No Trespassing letter now to prevent any future unfriendly visits. He shouldn't be allowed to step foot on your property.
Jonathan Towell
Investor from Lubbock, Texas
replied over 3 years ago
Account Closed
replied over 3 years ago
Jay Hinrichs
Developer, Real Estate Broker, from Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
replied over 3 years ago
@Cody Bailey the know it all bad neighbor is very common I have been dealing with them since 1979.
here is how I handle it I defuse it up front. I tell any potential buyer ... exactly what this guys is going to do.. and also reverse phycology them .. I say I am sure your not the type that would let some stranger dictate what you do or buy... ( most common response is your damn right I would not) so they are ready for the offending neighbor.
Then if I am there and the neighbor try's that BS I say well not sure what your talking about if its so bad why do you live here in the first place. that shuts them up.
And if all else fails I tell the neighbor I may just rent this out to a half way house that specilize's in letting drug offenders and other felones get a second chance so its up to them do they want a nice new neighbor or would they prefer the felons.. since they will pay me double the rent.. you just have to be in their face
Terry Hoefer
Investor from Waukesha, Wisconsin
replied over 3 years ago
Someone told you they heard him make these statements to prospective buyers and/or renters? This is your business, and if he is impeding your ability to conduct your business it is defined as slander. Perhaps a non-threatening letter from an attorney, inviting him to substantiate his claims would make him more mindful in the future. It would be in his own best interest to have responsible neighbors move in.
Free eBook from BiggerPockets!

Join BiggerPockets and get The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing for FREE - read by more than 100,000 people - AND get exclusive real estate investing tips, tricks and techniques delivered straight to your inbox twice weekly!
- Actionable advice for getting started,
- Discover the 10 Most Lucrative Real Estate Niches,
- Learn how to get started with or without money,
- Explore Real-Life Strategies for Building Wealth,
- And a LOT more.
Sign up below to download the eBook for FREE today!
We hate spam just as much as you
Create Lasting Wealth Through Real Estate
Join the millions of people achieving financial freedom through the power of real estate investing