You’ve spent a lot of time, not to mention money, on finding the perfect house for you in your ideal neighborhood. You’re going to spend a large amount of time in the same area with the same people, namely your neighbors. Getting along with your neighbors can either make or break your living experience. We have four simple tips to make you a good neighbor.
Be Friendly.
Whether you’re the new face in the neighborhood or just saw a moving van pull up across the street, take a few minutes out of your day and say “hello” and introduce yourself. It doesn’t take much effort and it can go a long way to make a good impression on your new neighbor and set the foundation for an amicable relationship. Some neighbors will open up and you may end up developing a friendship, others may value their privacy. Read the situation and go from there.
Be Considerate.
Many neighbor related disputes arise because of inconsiderate behavior. Think before you act. Avoid allowing your dog to bark unchecked early in the morning or late at night. Same goes for doing lawn maintenance or construction. If you’re having a party, make an effort to leave some free parking spaces for your neighbors. If your property shares an amenity such as a fence or tree, talk with your neighbor about maintenance or replacing these things.
Address Issues Head On.
If you’re on the receiving end of inconsiderate behavior, don’t immediately jump to complaining to the HOA or filing a grievance with the police. Approach the offending neighbor one-on-one don’t gang up on one person, even if it is a neighborhood-wide offense, and simply ask them to rectify the issue. While it may seem obvious to you, some people aren’t bothered by loud noises early in the morning or mind having to clean up after someone else’s dog.
Take Pride in the Neighborhood.
Everyone in the neighborhood has the right to enjoy a clean and safe place. If the garbage pickup isn’t until Monday, don’t set your garbage out on the front curb until Sunday evening. Make sure that your pets are secured at all times, either on a lease or behind a locked gate. Also make sure your pool is gated and locked to prevent curious kids from taking an unsupervised dip. Taking pride in your neighborhood also means keeping the exterior of your property tidy. Manicured lawns, clean flower beds, and exteriors in good condition will help maintain home values throughout the neighborhood, something that benefits everyone.
What tips do you have for being a good neighbor?