Greenhaven Neighborhood: 5 Ways to Deal With Not-So-Great Neighbors

We love the Greenhaven neighborhood. One of the BEST things about our neighborhood is the PEOPLE! There are a lot of great people living in Greenhaven.

However, unfortunately, no matter where you live, you may come across a neighbor that is, well, not-so-great. It happens.

We don't always get to choose who we live near, and sometimes 2 personalities or lifestyles just don't mesh. Here are a few tips on dealing with neighbors that may be a little difficult to deal with:

1. Try to talk, in person, to the neighbor regarding the "issue." Maintain your composure. If a neighbor seems to have been offended by something, make sure you apologize for the offense IF, in fact it was something you could have controlled. Or, address a complaint that you have with your neighbor in a non-confrontational way. More times than not, an issue with a neighbor is stemmed from a simple misunderstanding.
   
2. Do NOT argue with your neighbor. Even if you cannot resolve the issue with a conversation, please do not argue. This will only make your living situation more hostile than it needs to be. Sometimes we can't be buddy-buddy with your neighbors, but there is no need to make them enemies.
   
3. Report illegal behavior to the proper authorities. If for some reason you suspect illegal activities, do not try to address the issue yourself. Please contact the proper authorities.
   
4. Do not complain about your neighbor online. All this does is create documented animosity and potentially make homes harder to sell. No one wants to live by a potentially difficult neighbor.
   
5. Be Nice. Regardless of past "issues" – when possible, go out of your way to be nice to your neighbors. Many times one small act of kindness can repair the most difficult of problems. Maybe pick up their empty trash bins if they blew over, shovel snow off of their sidewalk …
   

Here are a few sites that offer some more tips on dealing with difficult neighbors:

http://home.families.com/blog/dealing-with-difficult-neighbors

http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Ego/id/35186

http://www.womenof.com/Articles/ai_2_26_07.asp

Posted By: Mariana Wagner – Greenhaven Real Estate Expert – Wagner iTeam at Keller Williams Realty – (719) 570-7715