When it comes to buying a home, what’s on the outside might matter more than what’s within for some Canadians, according to a recent Leger survey commissioned by RE/MAX Canada. The data indicates that the look of neighbouring properties is key with 18 per cent of Canadians saying neighbouring homes in poor condition would be their number one deal breaker, said the real estate company.
Rounding out the top five deal breakers identified in the survey are:
- Lack of curb appeal (41 per cent)
- Room sizes smaller than they appeared in marketing photos (40 per cent)
- Too much competition from other buyers (36 per cent)
- The home being too close to bars, restaurants and stores (28 per cent)
“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. “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.”
Don Kottick
Notably, other common turn-offs for buyers include cluttered or untidy homes from sellers during showings (27 per cent), unhelpful real estate agents (18 per cent), and sellers being present during showings (11 per cent), said RE/MAX.
“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.”
Practical tips for sellers looking to make their property stand out include clean landscaping, fresh paint, and proper outdoor lighting to draw buyers’ eyes to your 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. Proper communication is key in getting neighbours to help out with a sale. Often, just having a respectful conversation can lead to small compromises that make a big difference. Having a hands-on agent to guide you through these challenges and offer creative solutions can make a big difference when dealing with difficult neighbours. It’s all about keeping the buyer’s focus on what makes your home shine, explained RE/MAX
If you’re looking for tips to boost your home’s curb appeal, you can read RE/MAX’s recent blog post: Boosting Your Home’s Curb Appeal for a Summer Sale
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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