One of the best things about a home can be wonderful neighbors. But sometimes, neighbors can also be an issue.
Loud noises, unkempt yards and barking dogs can have an impact on property value. When you tour a home, make note of more than just the house, be sure to consider your potential neighbors as well.
The discussion about neighbors and the community is an important conversation to have with your real estate agent, whether you are buying a house or selling. As a buyer, make sure your agent understands your wants and needs so your agent can help you find the home and the neighborhood of your dreams. As a seller, enlist your agent's help to identify potential neighborhood challenges to address before your home goes on the market.
What Buyers Can Do
If you're thinking of buying in a certain area, your agent can do research on the neighborhood. It also is beneficial for you to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day on your own or with your agent so you can see what kind of atmosphere exists at night, in the early morning and other times of the day. Walk around the neighborhood and if neighbors are outside, talk to them. This will help you gain some first hand knowledge of the neighbors themselves and how they enjoy living in the area.
What Sellers Can Do
If you're planning to sell your home, talk with the owners of neighboring properties. Let them know you are selling your home and want to present the neighborhood in the best possible light.
Don't conceal real problems or create a facade during showings. But working with your neighbors to help get the neighborhood ready to show along with your home is perfectly acceptable.
As you're packing up your belongings and trashing collected junk, offer neighbors the use of your collection bin for free to dispose of their unwanted items, especially those items in front yards or driveways that are unsightly.
As you're working on your own landscaping, consider buying a nice outdoor potted plant for the neighbors to place on their doorstep. Or go a step further and offer to help them tend their yard.
General Neighbor Relationship Tips
Have you already moved in and then discover a problem? Here are a few tips that can help diffuse and resolve issues with your new neighbors.
1. Let the neighbors know about the situation and how it is causing a disturbance. Be courteous in your approach. It could very well be that your neighbors don’t realize the issue. By giving them the benefit of the doubt, you will be kinder in your approach, as well as received on a good note.
2. If your neighbors are hard to contact by phone or won't answer their door, leave them a short, polite note.
3. Addressing the issue is the first step. As a priority, offer to compromise and also offer solutions. This shows that you have thought this through and understand that to peacefully co-exist, both parties must be willing to do some work.
4. Be informed. Know the ordinances and regulations on noise, trash and curfews that govern your homeowner's association, municipality, county and/or state. Often times, if a home is in an HOA managed community, the association can handle the issue.
5. Don't forget the golden rule. If you want good neighbors, you should be one as well. By approaching the issues with empathy and understanding, you are most likely to have a successful dialogue and solution.
If you have a need for a real estate professional, please contact me. I would also appreciate your vote of confidence by passing my name to anyone you may know who would benefit from my services.
408.687.2026 | Julie@JulieWyss.com | www.JulieWyss.com
Ranked #21 out of over 16,000 real estate agents in Santa Clara County.
Loud noises, unkempt yards and barking dogs can have an impact on property value. When you tour a home, make note of more than just the house, be sure to consider your potential neighbors as well.
The discussion about neighbors and the community is an important conversation to have with your real estate agent, whether you are buying a house or selling. As a buyer, make sure your agent understands your wants and needs so your agent can help you find the home and the neighborhood of your dreams. As a seller, enlist your agent's help to identify potential neighborhood challenges to address before your home goes on the market.
What Buyers Can Do
If you're thinking of buying in a certain area, your agent can do research on the neighborhood. It also is beneficial for you to visit the neighborhood at different times of the day on your own or with your agent so you can see what kind of atmosphere exists at night, in the early morning and other times of the day. Walk around the neighborhood and if neighbors are outside, talk to them. This will help you gain some first hand knowledge of the neighbors themselves and how they enjoy living in the area.
What Sellers Can Do
If you're planning to sell your home, talk with the owners of neighboring properties. Let them know you are selling your home and want to present the neighborhood in the best possible light.
Don't conceal real problems or create a facade during showings. But working with your neighbors to help get the neighborhood ready to show along with your home is perfectly acceptable.
As you're packing up your belongings and trashing collected junk, offer neighbors the use of your collection bin for free to dispose of their unwanted items, especially those items in front yards or driveways that are unsightly.
As you're working on your own landscaping, consider buying a nice outdoor potted plant for the neighbors to place on their doorstep. Or go a step further and offer to help them tend their yard.
General Neighbor Relationship Tips
Have you already moved in and then discover a problem? Here are a few tips that can help diffuse and resolve issues with your new neighbors.
1. Let the neighbors know about the situation and how it is causing a disturbance. Be courteous in your approach. It could very well be that your neighbors don’t realize the issue. By giving them the benefit of the doubt, you will be kinder in your approach, as well as received on a good note.
2. If your neighbors are hard to contact by phone or won't answer their door, leave them a short, polite note.
3. Addressing the issue is the first step. As a priority, offer to compromise and also offer solutions. This shows that you have thought this through and understand that to peacefully co-exist, both parties must be willing to do some work.
4. Be informed. Know the ordinances and regulations on noise, trash and curfews that govern your homeowner's association, municipality, county and/or state. Often times, if a home is in an HOA managed community, the association can handle the issue.
5. Don't forget the golden rule. If you want good neighbors, you should be one as well. By approaching the issues with empathy and understanding, you are most likely to have a successful dialogue and solution.
If you have a need for a real estate professional, please contact me. I would also appreciate your vote of confidence by passing my name to anyone you may know who would benefit from my services.
408.687.2026 | Julie@JulieWyss.com | www.JulieWyss.com
Ranked #21 out of over 16,000 real estate agents in Santa Clara County.
