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Some Things Your Neighbors Just Won't Tell You

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC

I often share a simple fact with Buyer prospects, "There are some things your neighbors just won't tell you." Throughout the home search process, Buyers are encouraged to select neighborhoods and choose their neighbors BEFORE they finalize their purchase.

Prospective Buyers should take the time to become familiar with a subdivision or property of interest. Investigate and take note of the activity that takes place on both weekdays and weekends, at dawn and at dusk. Another essential task includes arranging time to actually meet and talk with any neighbors of a property you intend to purchase. Once Closing takes place, it's too late.

Don't heed this advice and you may learn that the people living next door may not be who you think they are. "There are some things your neighbors just won't tell you."5 Things Your Neighbors Won't Tell You  

  • "Complain and it may cost you!"            

A falling out with your neighbors can mean more than just uncomfortable meetings while you both collect newspapers off the lawn each morning. A bitter neighbor has the power to wreck havoc, blocking possible renovations or complaining to the homeowner's association your grass needs trimming. And nothing could be worse than having to respond to the nice law enforcement officers knocking on your door responding to complaints of a barking dog. It's a good idea to build solid relationships with your neighbors.

  • "Is my music too loud?"

Noise is often one of the largest issues between neighbors. It comes in many forms: barking dogs, loud music, social get-togethers, revving car engines, home security alarms and even domestic disputes. While soundproofing walls or windows to reduce or eliminate noise is an option, these renovations come with a hefty price tag. By the way, there is a web site that is devoted and dedicated to the subject of awful neighbors, NeighborsFromHell.com.

  • "By the way, I'm a registered sex offender."

For obvious reasons, this is likely the last thing your neighbor will reveal or divulge. With the event of the Sexual Offender Act of 1994, known as "Megan's Law," people convicted of sex crimes must notify local law enforcement of any change of address. This information is made public and accessed via the internet: National Sex Offender Registry.

  • "Can I offer you a bushel of peppers and tomatoes?"

Landscaping and pristine lawns increase the value of a home. A neighbor that suddenly turns farmer isn't necessarily good for the neighborhood or area homeowners. Ripping up flower beds, digging up ornamental trees or shrubs, and replacing them with rows of fruits or vegetables can adversely affect property values.

While there are some things your neighbors just won't tell you, i List For Less Realty will share EVERY detail on available homes and local market activity. If you're searching for a home to purchase in Lafayette, Louisiana or greater Acadiana, we can help with your selection. It's up to you to choose your neighbors, however. Give us a call mornings or evenings ANY day of the week: (337) 212-5373.

 

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i List For Less Realty is home officed in Lafayette, and services the surrounding communities of Abbeville, Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Carencro, Crowley, New Iberia, Opelousas, Rayne, Scott, Saint Martinville, Sunset, and Youngsville. 

2314 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 913, Lafayette, LA 70508-6835
(337) 212-5373

  

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DISCLAIMER: Mike Mayer and/or i List For Less, LLC disclaims responsibility for any of the content or opinions expressed in this blog, including, but not limited to content or opinions regarding any products or service mentioned. Mike Mayer and/or i List For Less, LLC disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect. that may result from the use of, or reliance on, information contained in this blog. This blog may contain links to other web sites operated by third parties. These links are provided as a convenience to access the information contained therein. Mike Mayer and/or i List For Less, LLC disclaims any responsibility for the content of any other sites or the products or services that may be offered on or through those sites. Inclusion of a link to another site does not indicate any endorsement or approval of the site or its content. Mike Mayer and/or i List For Less, LLC reserves the right to edit, remove or deny access to individuals or content that it determines to be unacceptable, including, but not limited to, any illegal, abusive, profane, rude, defamatory, or anonymous comments.

 Copyright © 2011 By Mike Mayer and/or i List For Less, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Comments(6)

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Mike Mayer
Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC - Lafayette, LA

Thanks for the supportive comments Pamela! That's so true; it's best to be proactive to minimize making a huge financial (and perhaps personal) blunder.

Jul 01, 2011 09:30 AM
Cathy Criado
Criado Realty - San Antonio, TX
Making Real Estate Profitable

Mike, great advice.  I like to tell my buyers when they are considering an offer or in the option period to go meet the neighbors.  I call it the 5 minute rule; that is, the neighbors will tell you everything that is wrong with the neighborhood in 5 minutes.  Most of the time it's just good stuff; but jeepers, sometimes there is bad stuff too.  I sold a house to a lady with a cute 2 year old; adjacent was a registered sex offender. Yikes!  It turns out to be statutory rape so she was ok.  I had told her to check it out but she didn't.  It was all ok.

Just got to S. Padre Island.  Chillin' while the kids watch TV.

Jul 01, 2011 02:44 PM
1~Judi Barrett
Idabel, OK

And I've had a listing or two where they tore up the flower beds to put in veggie gardens and it helped it sell..

Jul 01, 2011 03:56 PM
Mike Mayer
Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC - Lafayette, LA

Cathy - I've often been amazed by the information folks are willing to share with prospective buyers. Getting the "low down" on an area and learning the pro's and con's can help prospective buyers, especially if they're not from the area. Glad to hear you're enjoying time off with the family!

Judi - No doubt there's always an exception to the rule and gardens may be favored in rural locations and to buyers who enjoy growing their own herbs and vegetables. However, a veggie garden can possibly decrease values, especially in an urban area.

Jul 01, 2011 05:04 PM
Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Mike: Neighbors can be on both ends of the spectrum, either they don't say anything or they exaggerate everything!  I've had both but the worst situation was when I was trying to sell a home that I personally owned that had tenants and my tenants did not want to move!   I do like your tips though as long as the information spouted by neighbors is investigated!

Jul 02, 2011 07:22 AM
Mike Mayer
Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC - Lafayette, LA

Jane - I agree completely. One should always corroborate information being shared. I had one single female client that I had invested considerable time trying to locate the "perfect" home. She finally settled on one but wanted dad to see it. Naturally the day we arranged to tour this property the neighbors were having a social event and the music was exceptionally loud. Needless-to-say, that deal fell apart.

Jul 02, 2011 07:49 AM