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Moving because of neighbors, do I tell my agent?
I'm moving because of my neighbors. They're loud and disrespectful. There have been a lot of issue living next to them. Do I have to tell my agent why I'm moving? I think I would prefer to not reveal this because I'm afraid it will hurt the sale of my house.
Asked By Chris | Columbus, OH | 373 views | Selling | 4 months ago
Answer(9)
Chris Doherty
Doherty Properties LLC
You don’t have to tell your agent you’re moving because of neighbors if you’d prefer not to. Personal reasons for selling are private. What matters is disclosing material facts about the property itself — things like structural issues, water damage, or defects that affect value or safety.
That said, each state has its own disclosure requirements, and in some places sellers must disclose certain neighborhood or nuisance issues if they materially impact the home. Your best bet is to ask your agent what the law requires in your state so you stay compliant while keeping the focus on your home’s strengths.
That said, each state has its own disclosure requirements, and in some places sellers must disclose certain neighborhood or nuisance issues if they materially impact the home. Your best bet is to ask your agent what the law requires in your state so you stay compliant while keeping the focus on your home’s strengths.
- 1 month ago
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Jason Craig
Coldwell Banker
You are not required to broadcast your personal reasons for selling. Disclosure laws focus on material facts about the property—things like structural problems, past water damage, or other conditions that affect value or safety. A conflict with a neighbor is a matter of opinion and usually does not have to be disclosed.
However, you should be candid with your listing agent. They have a fiduciary duty to you and can advise you on what must be disclosed under Ohio law and how to handle buyer questions. If there is an objective nuisance (ongoing legal disputes, police reports, a formal complaint on record) it could become a "material fact" that needs to be addressed. Otherwise your agent can market the home and emphasize its positives without mentioning your personal situation.
In short, talk to your agent privately, follow their guidance on disclosure requirements, and rest assured that buyers are primarily interested in the property's condition and value, not why you are moving.
However, you should be candid with your listing agent. They have a fiduciary duty to you and can advise you on what must be disclosed under Ohio law and how to handle buyer questions. If there is an objective nuisance (ongoing legal disputes, police reports, a formal complaint on record) it could become a "material fact" that needs to be addressed. Otherwise your agent can market the home and emphasize its positives without mentioning your personal situation.
In short, talk to your agent privately, follow their guidance on disclosure requirements, and rest assured that buyers are primarily interested in the property's condition and value, not why you are moving.
- 1 week ago
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Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
Yes, it’s always best to be honest with your agent, but you don’t have to worry about that information being shared publicly. Your reason for moving helps your agent market your home appropriately and anticipate buyer questions. However, your personal details remain confidential. If you’re relocating because of neighbor issues, your agent will focus on selling the property’s strengths—location, upgrades, layout—without mentioning private or sensitive reasons for the move.
- 3 weeks ago
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Devin Kroner
EXP, Northern Kentucky
Absolutely understandable—and you’re not alone. Many people move for reasons related to lifestyle changes, neighbor dynamics, or simply wanting a fresh start. You are not legally required to disclose why you're moving, and your reason for selling doesn’t need to be shared with buyers or even widely discussed during the listing process.
That said, if there have been specific incidents that could materially affect the value of the property or pose a safety or legal concern (like police involvement, property damage, or ongoing disputes), it’s important we talk through those. In most cases, though, general dissatisfaction with neighbors due to noise or personality clashes is not something you are obligated to disclose.
Your agent's job is to help you present your home in the best possible light, navigate any challenges, and protect your interests—legally, ethically, and strategically. Focus on what makes your home shine and create a smooth path to a successful sale.
That said, if there have been specific incidents that could materially affect the value of the property or pose a safety or legal concern (like police involvement, property damage, or ongoing disputes), it’s important we talk through those. In most cases, though, general dissatisfaction with neighbors due to noise or personality clashes is not something you are obligated to disclose.
Your agent's job is to help you present your home in the best possible light, navigate any challenges, and protect your interests—legally, ethically, and strategically. Focus on what makes your home shine and create a smooth path to a successful sale.
- 3 months ago
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Amanda Stanford
Magnolia Realty San Antonio | Hill Country
Hi Chris! That's a sensitive one...
I completely understand where you’re coming from—neighbors can make or break how a home feels, and that’s real life. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to share that reason with buyers. The law requires us to disclose things about the property itself—like the roof, foundation, or flooding history—but not personality conflicts. That said, with the right agent, you should feel at ease knowing that if there’s ever a situation that rises to something more objective, like ongoing nuisances or safety concerns, they’ll guide you step-by-step on whether that needs to be disclosed.
What matters most right now is positioning your move in a way that strengthens your hand, not weakens it. Buyers don’t need to know you’re eager to leave because of the neighbors; instead, frame it around lifestyle—like wanting more space, a new school district, or a fresh start. This way, you can stay honest, stay compliant, and still protect your negotiating position.
I completely understand where you’re coming from—neighbors can make or break how a home feels, and that’s real life. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to share that reason with buyers. The law requires us to disclose things about the property itself—like the roof, foundation, or flooding history—but not personality conflicts. That said, with the right agent, you should feel at ease knowing that if there’s ever a situation that rises to something more objective, like ongoing nuisances or safety concerns, they’ll guide you step-by-step on whether that needs to be disclosed.
What matters most right now is positioning your move in a way that strengthens your hand, not weakens it. Buyers don’t need to know you’re eager to leave because of the neighbors; instead, frame it around lifestyle—like wanting more space, a new school district, or a fresh start. This way, you can stay honest, stay compliant, and still protect your negotiating position.
- 2 months ago
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Carole Tyne
HomeSmart
You are not required to share the specific reasons you’re moving with your agent. Many sellers choose to keep personal details private, especially if they might affect the sale. Your agent’s main focus is on preparing your home for the market, pricing it correctly, and marketing it to attract buyers. If you prefer, you can simply say you’re relocating without going into details, and your agent can still represent your interests effectively without knowing the personal reasons behind your move.
- 1 month ago
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Ellen (Jeong) Kim
Berkshire Hathaway Laffey Internaional
Hi. Chris, I’m sorry to hear about your experience — that can be very challenging. Once you’ve hired an agent, it’s best to have an open and honest conversation about your concerns, including the reason for your move. A trusted agent will know how to handle sensitive information appropriately and guide you on what must be disclosed by law versus what can remain private.
Wishing you a smooth and successful transition to your next home.
— Ellen Kim, Realtor® | Williston Park, NY
Wishing you a smooth and successful transition to your next home.
— Ellen Kim, Realtor® | Williston Park, NY
- 3 months ago
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Judit Crace
Top Idaho Real Estate
Hi Chris,
I really feel for you — neighbors can make such a difference in how much you enjoy living in your home, and it sounds like that’s been a big challenge for you. The good news is, as a real estate broker here in Idaho, I can tell you that in most cases you don’t have to disclose why you’re moving unless your state specifically requires sellers to report neighborhood disputes or nuisances.
If it’s not required, your agent can focus on marketing your home’s best features so buyers see its true value. However every state is different. It’s always smart to double-check disclosure laws with your local agent. This way, you can move forward confidently. Keep the sale focused on your home’s strengths, not on neighbor issues.
I really feel for you — neighbors can make such a difference in how much you enjoy living in your home, and it sounds like that’s been a big challenge for you. The good news is, as a real estate broker here in Idaho, I can tell you that in most cases you don’t have to disclose why you’re moving unless your state specifically requires sellers to report neighborhood disputes or nuisances.
If it’s not required, your agent can focus on marketing your home’s best features so buyers see its true value. However every state is different. It’s always smart to double-check disclosure laws with your local agent. This way, you can move forward confidently. Keep the sale focused on your home’s strengths, not on neighbor issues.
- 2 months ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (1)
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