Most of us have a story about a neighbor. It might be the story that is warming to the heart, making you wish he/she/they were your neighbor or it might be just the opposite.....a story about the neighbor from hell. 

Either way, it is clear that neighbors do present at the very least, a minor consideration when buying a home.  I'd like to share with you all some of my more interesting "neighbor" stories. These experiences have definitely affected my decision to buy, sell and or stay in a home.

As "Realtors", we need to be aware of the very real relationships, both good and bad, that exist between homeowners and their neighbors. It is just one more tool that we can utilize to better understand the needs of our clients.

STORY #1 (DREAMY NEIGHBOR)- I had surgery back in September, nothing major but I still needed to take it easy. After just two days in the hospital,  I came home to a wonderful home-made lasagna provided by my neighbors, the Hubler's. This is not unusual as they are truly great neighbors. They have taken care of our animals while we were out of town, watched over our property and had our children over and out with them on many occassions. These are the kind of neighbors who host an annual pig roast every summer, complete with band, beer and tons of food. These are also the neighbors who have helped us capture our escaped boxer, contributed to our children's school fund raising efforts and participated in the block long garage sales. Neighbors like this are hard to find.  

STORY #2 (CARELESS NEIGHBOR)- Years ago, Steve and I had a 1 acre parcel with a nice manufactured home on it. For three years, we had one neighbor whom we would hardly see. No problems whatsoever. Quiet street, friendly people but everyone minded their own business and got along fine. Then came a young husband and wife who had acquired the lot next to us as a gift. Soon after, the building began. Although we were less than thrilled to have the lot next to us being built out, we welcomed them into the neighborhood. Shortly after, the dog came, a cute lab mix puppy. I love dogs, all kinds, and am not partial. However, the puppy soon grew into an adult dog who the young couple had never bothered to train. He would get loose, and get into everyone's trash. To top it off, the owners would leave him in a covered dog pen for hours on end with very little food or water, then leave for the night. The dog would begin howling around 9pm and continue until they returned the next morning. Many neighbors (us included) called animal control. They cited the owners several times but never did take the dog. The owners responded by......getting another puppy. Now the problem was twice as big, with another dog on the loose and barking all hours of the night. Both dogs got loose and charged our girls in the backyard, teeth barred and growling. I flipped out and confronted both husband and wife. They did keep their dogs contained after that but never did anything to stop the barking. Fortunately, we sold not long after. The last thing I heard, the wifey was pregnant. I hope the dogs barked every night after the baby was born. 

STORY #3 (SCARY NEIGHBOR)- I never had this guy as my neighbor but I do know the story and thought it would be worth sharing. Bob is a guy who owns 120 acres of fairly prime property in a desirable area of Bend. Bob has had the property for years so the issues surrounding it are "seasoned" so to speak. The house is in tear down condition and is surrounded by 50-60 cars, most of which are not running. Add the 3 or 4 travel trailers, boat, doghouse and delapidated barn and fences and you'll pretty much have the visual. Add a couple of vicious rottweilers (the female has eaten her puppies), a cow with no tail (thanks to the rottweiler) and one 39 year old horse with no teeth. Then add Bob, a Vietnam War veteran driving a mercedes with sidepipes. Scary. Did I mention he is an avid gun collector with over 300 guns in his possession? Wouldn't you like to be my neighbor?         

My point in all of this is that neighbors can and will come in every size, shape, type and color possible. They may share your sense of style or they may paint their house purple with pink polka dots. They may mow their yard at 6:00 am every Saturday without fail. Some are great and some are unsavory folks with bad hygiene. Unlike your parents however, you CAN choose your neighbors.

As great as any property or investment may seem, don't kid yourself into thinking the unsightly place next door will magically be transformed when you move in. Big mistake! Rather take the time to find out about the neighborhood, neighbors, potential problems and what people living there like and or dislike. You may just find out why the house is for sale.

 Get my drift, neighbor?