In the past it was common for neighbors to introduce themselves to new arrivals and maybe bring them a pie or order a pizza when they saw the moving trucks roll in. Nowadays in a lot of neighborhoods-even very nice, upscale neighborhoods-this is a rare occurrence. You can blame it on whatever you like, the hectic pace of modern life, the images of crime on the evening news, or the simple fact that people don't stay in one place as long as they used to. Whatever you choose to blame it on, it's a fact; you're not as likely to see the welcome wagon today as you were thirty years ago. But there are still ways to get to know your new neighbors and share a sense of community with them and many of your clients may benefit from a little advice on the topic. Here are a couple of pieces of advice I think new home buyers especially might benefit from hearing:
- Be a Good Neighbor First
We can all get a little nervous about meeting new people so one important thing to remember is that your new neighbors are probably suffering from a sense of trepidation themselves when they see that moving truck roll in. This is where you make your first impression upon your new neighbors so it's time to put your best foot forward. The desire to celebrate your new home purchase is perfectly normal and it is only natural to invite over some of your oldest and closest friends to help celebrate. If you want to make a favorable first impression on your new neighbors it is a good idea to avoid too much rowdiness, however. If your new neighbors' first impression of you is loud music thumping into the wee hours of the dawn, they will probably peg you as an inconsiderate boob and that isn't the sort of reputation that is easy to correct once it's been made. A better idea is to have a barbecue in an accessible area of your yard and welcome one and all. Most neighborhood kids can't resist the smell of hotdogs and hamburgers grilling. When they show up tell them to invite their parents to come over too. You can meet a lot of people and the presence of your old established friends will help keep you in your comfort zone.
- Be Polite but Firm About Your Boundaries
Often when you move into a new home you will find that there are subtle little territorial assumptions that the previous owners were comfortable with that you are not. For example it may be that the previous owner did not mind if the neighborhood children used his front yard as the neighborhood football field. You might also be the type who enjoys refereeing a yard full of children, but if you are not do not be shy about explaining that you prefer that they play ball elsewhere. The same goes for parking arrangements or tree trimming or any other minor but real nuisances. Be polite but firm in expressing your requirements about these topics. Addressing these items when you first move in is a good idea because your new neighbors are already experiencing a change and therefore they are more approachable about modifying their behavior to suit new circumstances. It is a good idea to remember however that most people have good intentions most of the time and they probably not aware that they are doing anything amiss. It is a good idea to reassure them that this is a two way street and that if you have encroached in any way on their boundaries that you are also willing to accommodate them. I guess what it boils down to is this: The only way to have a good neighbor is to be a good neighbor.
I think those are things that we all need to be reminded of from time to time, but especially new home buyers who are apt to be both highly stressed and highly excited. This is another topic that would make a good handout or pamphlet to use as a giveaway or advertising piece.
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