The neighbors are trying to prevent me from selling my house!!!(blackmail/extortion?)

[Rock'n Robin]

Document that offer and that they changed their mind when they saw the sign. Put that in the suit.
It is not your neighbor's place to say whether you or new owners cut down any trees. If he wants the trees gone, he can buy your property and do it himself. Otherwise he can shut up.
Robin M.

 

[Cindyluwho]

FreshTressa, I'm PMing you the name & number of our Real Estate Attorney. This should never happen to anyone! And I'm apalled that your agent hasn't come through to help you with this even if you don't have it listed it with them at this time. I always think of it this way - if I do my best to help folks with the sale of their home, in any way I can, they'll not only list with me if they can't get the house sold on their own AND they'll recommend me to others who aren't interested in going the FSBO route.

 

[N.Bailey]

I would put a sign out that you're sure they'll see stating, you will plant a tree for each day they leave the silly sign up. Then stick too it. I love the plum tree idea.

If you get 2 or 3 trees planted, I bet they'll think twice about removing the sign.

Good Luck!

 

[FreshTressa]

We thought about doing just that...planting more trees and then take the for sale sign down from in front of the house and tell him we are staying.

Then we could list it quietly with no sign in front and sell it that way. Would work if he does not check lisings.

I'm about ready to just cut them down and pay the fines because it will cost me less than I will lose on the RE deal and hope the new person doesn't mind a view of his house.

 

[Horseshoes]

For the money you are getting for your first offer, I think you can well afford to cut the trees down that the neighbor is complaining about.....

Why should she have to cut the trees down regardless of how much money she is getting for her house?

If the neighbors didnt like the color of her house, should she paint it just to make them happy

Let the new people decide if they like the tree or not, not the neighbor.

 

[N.Bailey]

Why should she have to cut the trees down regardless of how much money she is getting for her house?

If the neighbors didnt like the color of her house, should she paint it just to make them happy

Let the new people decide if they like the tree or not, not the neighbor.

Or ask the neighbors if they're interested in buying the property at that price, then they can do whatever the hell they want.

 

[mylilnikita]

Never Ever give in to someone like that! You paid for that property, he didn't. He cannot tell you or demand that you put a clause like that in a contract that has nothing to do with him. Start planting right close to his house then tell him you are staying and like you said list it quietly.

 

[Skylarr29]

All I can say is you have a lot more patience than I do. If it was me I would have stuck that sign where the sun don't shine.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Try calling the building/zoning department in your town. Even if it's not a matter for the police, the zoning department may be able to fine them or force them to remove the sign. I would also follow through with the lawyer. I have a feeling a letter from your attorney indicating that you are going to take them to court, would get that sign down.

 

[C.Darwin]

there are 2 sides to every story. i would bet there have been other problems between the op and her neighbor other than the leaf situation.

 

[N.Bailey]

there are 2 sides to every story. i would bet there have been other problems between the op and her neighbor other than the leaf situation.

While what you say may be true, it's irrelevant. They have no claim to her property and no rights whosoever to demand anything.

I read the initial post to my husband and he said our stupid legislatures here have enacted a law that if a neighbor is angry that your leaves are on their property, you must go over and clean your leaves up from your neighbors yard. No wonder our town is in the position it is.

 

[grlpwrd]

I lived in Kirkland and I know what city your house is in. That is crazy!

Definitely consult with a real estate attorney and also check with the City Council if you want about city ordinances/your rights/etc: http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/Home.htm

Please post an update when you can. I've dealt with problem neighbors before, but nothing where they interfere. GL!

 

[C.Darwin]

While what you say may be true, it's irrelevant. They have no claim to her property and no rights whosoever to demand anything.

of course they don't have any claim or rights. however, if they've been feuding back and forth for a long time, there could be a reason why the neighbor is being such a butt. i think it would be interesting to hear the neighbor's side of the story. i seriously doubt this drama started out over leaves...

 

[DisneyPhD]

of course they don't have any claim or rights. however, if they've been feuding back and forth for a long time, there could be a reason why the neighbor is being such a butt. i think it would be interesting to hear the neighbor's side of the story. i seriously doubt this drama started out over leaves...

Maybe, but if I had a neighbor I didn't like, I would help them sell their house. Really the more the house goes for, the more yours is worth and you get new neighbors.

 

[PrincessKitty1]

seriously doubt this drama started out over leaves...

I bet you've never had a crazy neighbor....I have, and crazy neighbors will start arguments over ANYTHING.

 

[FreshTressa]

While what you say may be true, it's irrelevant. They have no claim to her property and no rights whosoever to demand anything.

I read the initial post to my husband and he said our stupid legislatures here have enacted a law that if a neighbor is angry that your leaves are on their property, you must go over and clean your leaves up from your neighbors yard. No wonder our town is in the position it is.

No, actually we have never had any other problems with the neighbor. They are actually nice neighbors except for they don't like my trees.

I somewhat see their side of the story. I do believe that two of the trees are a nuisance to them and would remove them. They blame my trees for their gutter falling off when the gutter is not attached appropriately. They blame the shade from my trees for the fact that their deck needs refinishing when they have two large dogs living on the deck. They blame my trees for the moss on their roof when all houses in this neighborhood get moss and need to be cleaned every few years.

And they are welcome to pay to have the trees removed. I don't see why I have to pay to remove trees that I actually WANT just to make him happy.

At this point, I'm just going to have to give in and cut the trees down because I have no other choice if I want to sell my house. I just hope that appeases him. It also means paying fines for cutting trees without a permit if the city ever finds out.

 

[BalooTheBear]

X

 

[FreshTressa]

When we first moved in 6-7 years ago they asked us to remove the trees as the last two owners before us would not do it.

We said no, we liked the trees and have heard literally NOTHING from them for 6 years.....Until this sign.

They did NOT come over and talk to us or anything before the sign.

 

[FreshTressa]

If I were thinking about buying this house I would not be all too happy to be moving next door to someone who is carrying a grudge with the current home owner, whatever the story behind it.

Why doesn't the OP just talk with this neighbor and try to work out some kind of impasse that will satisfy the situation???

Oh, I have spoken with them. I have offered to cut down two of the 4 trees. I have offered to trim all of them to only 9 feet and to leave branches only on our side. He will not compromise and will only remove the sign if I cut down ALL FOUR TREES which is illegal and would make the property less attractive.

I'm going to just have to do it because I have no other choice and face the fines.

 

[Beth76]

What about the people who already gave you a full-price offer? What happened to them? Maybe the next time you're expecting someone to come over, go in his yard and remove the signs just before they're set to arrive.