Real Estate Community Forum

Many homeowners spend several months looking for that perfect home that fits all their needs. Unfortunately, there are those new homeowners who encounter problems with their neighbors and it can get worse over time. What is the proper way to solve this problem without getting nasty in return? Does anyone here have an experience they'd like to share with others? Is the problem with your neighbors resolved? What have you learned for this experience?

When I moved into my new home, I was so happy and excited about being a new homeowner, until I met my neighbor. This guy actually came over to my house and complained to me that whenever I water my lawn, I need to make sure I don't get his sidewalk wet. I was shocked to hear him say this! Who really cares if their side walk gets wet? I'm not doing any harm by trying to make sure my lawn is green during the hot summer months. So what, if his sidewalk gets wet? It dries up. How much damage can a wet sidewalk produce? Today I don't say anything to my neighbor. I go about my business and avoid him as much as possible. That's my solution for dealing with a terrible neighbor.

I had a similar situation with my first home. I was a lot younger then and very taken aback when my new neighbor who lived behind me commented on how he liked the new color I had painted the master bedroom. I was very upset by the invasion of privacy and didn't speak to this "nosy" neighbor for a couple of years. After moving out of the home, I decided to rent and was pleasantly surprised when they called to let me know about a situation they thought I should be aware of with the property. It turns out this neighbor was more concerned/curious than nosy and we are friendly to this day.

My best advice is to communicate with your neighbors. If they're not so friendly, kill them with kindness. I've found that most people are a bit closed off and grumpy for lack of a better descriptor in these days. A little conversation can really warm a person up.

My neighbor is nice, but her kids are terrible. They are very disrespectful of other people's property. I have caught them running through my backyard, writing with colored chalk on my driveway, and sitting outside on my front steps to my house with their friends. I find myself yelling at them all the time, but nothing happens. I even spoke to their mother and she admits that her children can be difficult and even she has a hard time controlling them. So what am I to do if even their mother can't discipline them?