No one wants to live next to the dirtiest house on the block, and no one wants to be the one to complain, but we don’t always have a choice at who our neighbors are and first impressions are subject to change! So the million-dollar question is “How can we prevent living next to bad neighbors?” and “How do we live peacefully when we have bad neighbors?”
Gathered below is a list of how to try and prevent bad neighbors and if you are already in the situation, some suggestions on how to handle it…
How to Prevent “Bad Neighbors”:
- Drive around your potential neighborhood at different times of the day. What is the noise level? How many people are on the sidewalk? Are there dogs barking?
- Look on “Google Street View” for a good idea of the surrounding homes, parks, schools, etc.
- Visit the nearest grocery store or coffee shop and ask an employee what they think of the neighborhood you are thinking about moving into. Sometimes they have the best insight or they might even live there themselves.
- It is best to avoid buying the house right next to the basketball court or skate park. The noise level will probably never be controlled. If you have children those attractions are nice to have close by, just not next door.
Already Have “Bad Neighbors”? How to handle the situation:
- Try to avoid problems, before they are problems. If you notice something that bothers you, address it with your neighbor in a friendly way.
- Make sure you are being reasonable. If there is something you could change in order to avoid a problem with a neighbor, try that first.
- If issues start building up, document what and when the un-neighborly activity was taking place.
- Take advantage of being outside at the same time as your neighbor. This gives you an opening to politely confront the issue without thinking too much about it beforehand.
- Check with other neighbors, are they having the same issues you are?
- If the problem is not being resolved call and set up a time to talk or get together. They may not be aware that what they are doing is bothersome.
- Contact the non-emergent line for noise or call the HOA for trash or overgrown yard problems. If someone of authority acknowledges the problem it is more of an incentive to fix the problem.
- If things don’t get resolved and the “bad neighbors” aren’t working to make things better you can always file a complaint in court. This should be your last resort because no one really wants to go to court!
Always remember you can never be too prepared and speaking out of anger is better left unsaid. If you’ve had it up to your ears in filth, call a professional New Home Resource agent today – Broker Joanna Piette and Realtors Jessica, Kathy and Beng are ready to help 702-365-1000!
