For many Canadians in the market for a home, the deal can be lost before they ever walk through the door.

According to a Leger survey commissioned by Re/Max Canada, 51 per cent of Canadians said neighbouring homes in poor condition would be a deal breaker when shopping for a home, with 18 per cent ranking it as their top dealbreaker.

The look of neighbouring properties emerged as a key factor, with the survey revealing that first impressions can make or break a sale. Lack of curb appeal followed closely, cited by 41 per cent of respondents as a deal breaker, according to the online survey of 1,510 Canadians.

“While the home is the ultimate goal for buyers, the neighbouring properties and surrounding community often say a lot about what life might be like there for you, as a resident,” said Don Kottick, president of Re/Max Canada, in a statement.

“Not all homebuyers are able or willing to see past a rough exterior to find properties with potential, and something like an unkempt streetscape could be their sign to keep on walking.”

 

Room sizes, competition also deter buyers

 

Other top turn-offs identified in the survey included room sizes smaller than they appeared in marketing photos (40 per cent), too much competition from other buyers (36 per cent), and a home being too close to bars, restaurants and stores (28 per cent).

The survey also found that other common dealbreakers for buyers include cluttered or untidy homes during showings (27 per cent), unhelpful real estate agents (18 per cent) and sellers being present during showings (11 per cent).

“Market conditions are shifting in many markets. Buyers have more inventory to choose from and more time to shop, make decisions, and see what else is out there,” said Kottick. 

“When we talk about sellers adapting to current conditions, we’re not just referring to price adjustment. Sellers should be mindful of every detail of their property, including the ones that they can’t control — like the neighbour’s front lawn. As we gear up for the looming fall market, working with an experienced listing agent is so critical, because sellers only have one chance to make the right first impression.”

 

What can sellers do to attract buyers?

 

Practical tips for sellers looking to make their property stand out include clean landscaping, fresh paint and proper outdoor lighting to highlight a home’s strengths. 

Planting hedges or adding greenery can block unsightly views and create a more private, appealing atmosphere. In some cases, maintaining a neighbour’s lawn — mowing or watering — can improve overall curb appeal.

Re/Max notes that communication with neighbours can lead to compromises that benefit a sale, with even small changes making a difference.