In Search of Nice Neighbors

Q:  Marsha, I’m searching for a new home in a quiet and well-kept neighborhood. I’ve had problems with neighbors in the past and I don’t want a repeat of past conflicts. How do I purchase a home and be assured the neighbors won’t be a problem?

A:  I’m sorry, but in a couple of words … you can’t. You already know there are no guarantees in life. There are, however, some actions you can take before you purchase. Be sure to walk the neighborhood at different times of day. Talk with the neighbors — an invaluable source of information. Question the seller and even research police activity. Then make an informed decision with the information you have.

Once you’ve purchased a home if a troublesome neighbor is a tenant, you’ll have more leverage. In community complexes the Homeowners Association (HOA) can contact the owners to discuss the objections. The HOA will put tremendous pressure on owners to control their tenants. This pressure could eventually reach the level of fining them for their tenants’ bad behaviors.