Hi Maureen.

I can relate to your frustration, but unfortunately, unless you can prove damages, you have no grounds to sue. You would have to prove that your home was on the market and you lost a sale or have been offered less money solely as a result of the eyesore nextdoor. As you can imagine, it's tough to prove.

As far as the town is concerned, unless there is a violation of the permit, not likely they will do anything. Sometimes permits have deadlines, but it's usually simple to get an extension, especially in the current economic environment.

You can try appealing to the builder (very politely) and maybe he will install the doors sooner than planned and remove the excess dirt piles. Try bringing him coffee and donuts when you make the appeal.

As far as long term goes, I would agree with my colleagues. Chances are the new home will actually enhance the value of yours when you're ready to sell. And with any luck, you'll have a really nice new neighbor.

Len

Maureen,

There are many people that can relate to the inconvenience od living next door to a "work in progress." The noise, the extra traffic, and the huge eyesore are all major issues. Many people refuse to buy in a new development if there is active construction taking place and many developers have got the message. Because of backlash from this many developers have begun building in sections, completing all of the construction before moving to another section.

The one factor that remains constant with every person inconvenienced by this process is that when it is all said and done.....it was worth it. The new home updates the neighborhood and increases the value of their homes.

Be patient...it will pass and you will benefit.

Is your home currently for sale? If it isn't then the curb appeal (or lack thereof) is only temporary and look how it will impact your home in the future! A brand new house, that's not a bad sign. It says people still have interest in and appreciation for your neighborhood. If it is for sale, pretty much the same thing. You can't be sure when it will be finished but brand new will help sell your neighborhood. It's growing, it's fresh, maybe even trendy? I'd show it off as progress. Unless you know for certain the house is never getting finished, the time it takes them to put up the house is irrelevent to your property value. While I am from back east, I no longer live there. I do have enormous resources in your area though. Would you like me to find a fellow realtor to do a competative market analysis of your home to see what yours would sell for? Would you like to see what the trend is in prices in your neighborhood. Feel free to drop me an email, I can help you. Pamela@HowellHomeTeam.com