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Neighbors know the history of "Your" home.

By
Real Estate Agent with Dan Edward Phillips

Neighbors are one of the best sources of information about your home!  They know the history and any problems that have occured.

In many cases they have witnessed several owners of your home.  They know the level of care it received.  They may have also learned information about your home from other neighbors who have departed.

In the event their home was built at the same time and by the same builder they may be familiar with problems you may run into during your ownership.

Get to know your new neighbors as soon as you make an offer on a home.  Knock on the door and introduce yourself.  They may have questions about you, answer they to the best of your ability.  Once you have closed escrow, deliver cookies or bread and leave your contact information, just in case something happens to your home when you are absent. 

Find out how long the neighbors they have lived there, they may be able to answer future questions that you have.

And don't forget to smile and wave when you see your neighbors.

Be a good neighbor and you will have good neighbors!

Linda Blumenthal
631-819-2913 - Westhampton Beach, NY
NYS Licenced Real Estate Salesperson, CBR

When I read this post, it reminded me of a certain woman that lives in my area that always knows everything about any given property in our town.  She is an amazing resource.

Sep 02, 2011 09:38 AM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA
Realtor and Broker/Owner

Hi Linda, when I wrote the post I was thinking about our neighbors next door.  They have lived there 30 years and remember everything.  From their input it is easy to figure out how something was done to this house,  Thank you for stopping by and your comment, it is appreciated.

Sep 02, 2011 11:18 AM
Steve Stenros
Poway,La Jolla,Del Mar,Mira Mesa,Carlsbad,Escondido,Temecula - San Diego, CA
CREIA MCI, ICC, ACI Home Inspector,San Diego

Your information is gold to a prospective homebuyer, Dan! I agree: get to know your neighbors well! Also, sometimes tall fences make good neighbors!

Sep 02, 2011 11:57 AM
Rob D. Shepherd
RETIRED - Florence, OR
RETIRED

Same goes for anyone buying rental homes. Make sure the neighbors know how to contact you if something is going on that shouldn't.

Sep 02, 2011 12:32 PM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA
Realtor and Broker/Owner

Hi Steve, my neighbors have saved me a lot of time on many projects.  I also like high fences!  Thank you for stopping by and your comment and support.  It is appreciated.

Sep 02, 2011 12:39 PM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips - Eureka, CA
Realtor and Broker/Owner

Hi Rob, excellent input!  Rental property owners should know the neighbors and 'stay in touch' with them.  The phone call or card may save a lot of heart ache.

Sep 02, 2011 12:41 PM
Sheila Newton Team Anderson & Greenville SC
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - C. Dan Joyner - Anderson, SC
Selling the Upstate since 1989

funny you should write this now.. I just left a house tonight where the neighbor came over and told us ALL about the home's history, previous owners, etc. :)

Sep 02, 2011 02:43 PM
Joshua Zargari
MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY
MJ Decorators Workshop

Good morning Dan.

It is important to know who lived in the home in the past...

Sep 03, 2011 12:43 AM
Robert Butler
Aspect Inspection - Montreal West Island, QC
Montreal Home Inspector | Aspect Inspection

Nice article Dan, as well aas good advise. I especially liked your closing line Be a good neighbor and you will have good neighbors!".

Sep 03, 2011 03:16 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Dan,

Getting to know the neighbors after moving in is an excellent tip. You are correct the neighbors may know a whole about the home and could share that data with you and save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Take care and have great Holiday weekend..

Sep 03, 2011 05:43 AM
Yolanda Cordova-Gilbert
Richmond, TX

Dan,

          I always tell someone to drive the neighborhood they are buying in at all different times to see if they want to live there. Here in Cinco neighbors are usually friendly folks it is a great selling point.

Sep 03, 2011 07:21 AM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I agree with you that buyers should check out the neighborhood and talk to neighbors. good post.

Sep 05, 2011 12:02 AM
Dan Edward Phillips
Dan Edward Phillips, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA - Eureka, CA
Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, CA

Neighbors usually know what work has been done to a home and when it was done, important.

Sep 15, 2011 12:37 AM