Will this house be difficult to rent?

[Marian Smith]

I have a contract on a house in a master-planned development within walking distance to two schools and parks. Will a cute, updated house in a good school district rent out well if the neighbors across the street look like they are operating a junk yard?

The neighbors across the street are the corner lot with no fence and they are hoarder-types. There is a large log pile out front, lots of scrap metal, and most recently a car on the lawn. I called the county health dept and expressed concern about all the junk and West Nile after the last rain. I saw a constable taking pictures that week. But I doubt much will happen. Deed restrictions are vague and it is outside the city limits.

There is a mix of nice homes and okay homes built in the 80's--and one or two kind of shabby homes. And the one across the street is by far the worst in the whole area. These are the oldest homes--and as the neighborhood built out the homes mainly got bigger and nicer.

A home facing the hoarder sold in 2 weeks for a decent amount. I just want to fix up a house and rent it, but I am worried I will get stuck with the bottom of the barrel tenants. If it is a nice house in a nice area, do prospective tenants overlook ugly neighbors? How much should I discount the rent for the "view."

Thanks in advance.