Dave,

We’ve been watching a couple of homes that have been on the market for a while, and we’d honestly be happy with either. But one of them definitely stands out as our favorite. The only downside is the condition of two neighboring homes—one right next door. They look completely neglected, with junk all over the yard. Last weekend, we drove by and saw two cars parked on the front lawn most of the day. We’re still really interested in the house, but we’re concerned about how this could affect the neighborhood and property value. What would you recommend?

– Donna, Grand Junction

Donna,

Great question—and one that shows you're thinking beyond the house itself, which is incredibly smart. The truth is, surrounding properties absolutely influence a home’s value and long-term appeal. When neighboring homes are poorly maintained, it doesn’t just affect how a street looks—it can also have a measurable impact on property values and how buyers feel about the area.

In your case, I’d start by asking: is this just an isolated issue with one or two homes, or does it reflect a larger problem? Is there a homeowners association (HOA) in place, and if so, is it active and effective? If not, that’s something to think seriously about.

Ask your Realtor to pull the neighborhood covenants. These should spell out what’s allowed and what isn’t—like whether vehicles can be parked on lawns or whether junk and debris are prohibited. If there’s an HOA, they’re typically responsible for enforcing those rules. And if the neighbors are clearly violating them, it’s fair to ask: what’s being done about it? You’re making a major investment, and you have every right to expect clarity and accountability.

If there is no HOA, or if it exists in name only without any enforcement power, then what you’re seeing now may very well continue—or even worsen. That’s not to say you should automatically walk away, but it does mean you’ll want to tread carefully.

It might also help to gather a little background on the neighboring properties. Are they owner-occupied or rentals? Have they changed hands recently? Is the current condition a new issue, or has it been going on for years? Long-term neglect usually doesn’t turn around overnight, so these questions can help you assess whether the situation might improve—or stay the same.

Here’s my take: good neighbors can help protect and grow your investment. Bad ones? They can definitely hurt it. That doesn’t mean you should give up on the home you love, but I would proceed with caution. Be thorough in your research. Visit the area at different times of day. Talk to other neighbors if you can. And weigh how much the location matters to you compared to the potential risk.

In many cases, if you’re patient, another great home in a better-maintained neighborhood will come along—and you won’t have to second guess your surroundings every time you pull into the driveway.

Hope this helps, and good luck as you move forward!

—Dave Kimbrough
The Kimbrough Team
Have a Question? Ask Dave!
dave@thekimbroughteam.com