Neighbors are an important part of your community, which is why a bad relationship can be a thorn in your side. When you buy a home, you are committed to the neighborhood for a while. So, it can be frustrating to discover that you have friction with the people next door.

When the neighbors are frustrating, you don’t have to just grin at bear it. Also, don’t assume that it means you need to move as soon as possible. Instead, follow these tips to turn the situation around. A few proactive steps can be effective in creating the right environment for your family and neighboring homes.

Tip #1: Develop the Relationship

It’s estimated that 50% of Americans aren’t on a first-name basis with their neighbors. If you don’t know their names, then it can be hard to work through the conflict resolution process. Make it a point to be friendly, introduce yourself, and build a pattern of good communication. Then, if problems arise in the future, it will be easier to talk to a friend instead of approaching a stranger.

Tip #2: Don’t Jump to Conclusions

If there is something that is bothering you, think outside the box to see if you can see things from the other person’s perspective. Often, the neighbor doesn’t realize they are creating a problem. This innocent mistake can be remedied if you are delicate in your approach with the conversation. Put yourself in their shoes and begin by assuming that they aren’t causing problems intentionally.

Tip #3: Consider Your Own Fault

Yes, there are obvious situations where the neighbors are at fault for a specific problem. But, don’t underestimate how much you might be contributing to the problems as well. Here are a few hard questions you should ask yourself:

  • Are your pets noisy and threatening?
  • How noisy is your music? Are you respecting quiet hours at night?
  • Is your yard tidy and presentable?
  • Do you respect the property lines?

If you can identify something that is causing irritation with your neighbors, then you might need to change your behavior first before asking someone else to change.

Tip #4: Document the Situation

In most cases, neighborhood disagreements can be resolved without involving a third-party. But if you can’t find a peaceful resolution, then it might require assistance from a Homeowner Association (HOA), city departments, and attorney, or local police. Be diligent in creating a record with relevant dates and times, as well as text messages, emails, photos, conversations, and more. Keep these facts organized so you can present your case if needed.

Avoiding Problematic Neighbors

You can’t predict the relationship with neighbors before moving into a house. But you can do your due diligence to learn more about the area and history. A good Atlanta real estate agent can offer the insights that you don’t learn through the MLS: the reputation of the neighborhood, quality of the schools, and even registered offenders in the area. For more information about buying a home in a good neighborhood, call our team at DUFFY Realty: (678) 318-1700.