Traditionally most of the single-family homes in our area do not belong to a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) but that is all changing with each passing year as a growing segment is held in this type of ownership. The rules, regulations and restrictions can help to ensure that all the homes and their yards are kept at a similar level of maintenance and spells things out, so that everyone is on the same page with what the collective expectations will be.
Being proactive about researching and assessing a neighborhood or an area before purchasing a home can prevent future disappointments and help you make an informed decision. Buyers sometimes are not willing to limit their home search to only a handful of neighborhoods that best suit them and instead leave their geographic parameters broader just to get into a house, but location is key, as many repeat buyers can tell you from experience.
Understanding the culture and atmosphere of an area can help determine if it aligns with your lifestyle. Some parts of the community are known for their social and interactive residents, while other areas may prioritize privacy and quiet.
Choosing a location that matches your preferences will contribute to a positive living experience but may require a bit more patience. When buying a home, the surrounding neighborhood and your future neighbors play a crucial role in determining your overall satisfaction. A great location can enhance your living experience, while a problematic one may lead to stress and challenges. Knowing the dynamics of a neighborhood or area is just as important as evaluating the features of a property.
Whether you’re looking forward to getting involved with your new neighborhood and are eager to meet everyone or you have zero intentions of ever interacting with the one neighbor a mile away, it’s important to be a good neighbor. Little acts like making eye contact, waving or smiling are worth the effort it takes usually. It can be challenging to be self-aware and may feel easier to complain, so be sure to ask yourself: “Are you a good neighbor to have?”
Hands down, by far the number one complaint by neighbors is regarding noise, whether it’s barking dogs, out of control parties, loud music, screaming kids or fireworks, nobody wants to listen to it from where they sit. Especially late at night when they are trying to sleep. It is a good measure to let neighbors know when you are planning to hold an event which may be deemed noisy and extend an invite or at least exchange contact information. They may reach out to you prior to calling the authorities to complain but often people do not feel comfortable or want to take on the risk of confrontation.
Another common complaint is about neighbors who routinely do not clean up after pet waste when walking their dogs. If you speak to your neighbors about your concerns remember that their pets are beloved family members of theirs.
Boundary disagreements are also a common source of contention between abutters. If you see that your neighbor is planning to place or construct something like a fence or a shed in an area that you understand to be on your property it is best to approach them to further discuss this as soon as possible. You may very easily be able to clear up any confusion or come to an agreement that everyone feels good about or, at least know what to expect as next steps or when one of you plans to sell.
Using a little extra empathy and compassion when considering how and when to best approach your neighbor about concerns or issues can truly go a long way for both of you. Keeping the lines of communication open should be the goal, so leaving a kind note is a great place to begin. If you are hoping that your neighbor will make large changes to their space to help support a higher property value for yourself, consider if it is realistic that they have the necessary resources. You may also consider offering to help support them in some way or contribute to their efforts as an incentive for them to cooperate as an investment you make.
Many people have never met or spoken to their neighbors but each day is another opportunity to make a connection with them and the best way to prevent problems.
Nicole Foster is a Broker in Falmouth and a Windham parent who loves people and real estate follow facebook.com/sellingmaine or @207nicolefoster. <
