In Memory of REALTOR John Arends (1947-2008)

John Arends of ReMax Properties was the real estate agent for many homeowners in Greenhaven, when they bought their new Greenhaven John Laing home in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Sadly, John Arends passed away January 26, 2008 - just 6 days after his 61st birthday.

He is survived by his wife (and REALTOR) Judy, 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren.

If you wish to pay your respects to one of the most influential and well respected REALTORS in Colorado Springs, there will be a memorial service in memory of John Arends:

Friday, February 1, 2008 at 10:45 a.m.
Woodmen Valley Chapel
250 E Woodmen Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80919

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

Vista Ridge High School Has Its Own Website

 

Vista Ridge High School - the new Falcon District 49 High school to the north of the Greenhaven neighborhood finally has its own website. Check it out!

http://d49.org/schools/vrhs/

Snow Removal and Holiday Decorations Guidelines for Greenhaven

Happy New Year!

For your convenience, here are the Stetson Hills/Greenhaven HOA guidelines for snow removal and holiday decorations for Greenhaven:

Holiday Lights:

Holiday Lights can remain up for 30 days before and after the holiday. This means that your Christmas decorations need to be down before the 25^th of January, or you could receive a citation.

Snow Removal:

Per the HOA, "Property owners are responsible for clearing any sidewalks in front of their property within 24 hours of when snow stops falling" to avoid a citation.

(If you are out of town and need your sidewalk/driveway cleared, our son will clear it for $5. Just call us: 570-7715)

The HOA is not responsible for the clearing of the streets, as that is the City of Colorado Springs' job, and they really have no obligation to clear off the residential streets within Greenhaven as they are not primary or secondary roadways.

We wish you all a happy, healthy 2008 filled with laughter and good times!

Sincerely,
Derek and Mariana Wagner – Wagner iTeam at Keller Williams Realty – (719) 570-7715
Colorado Springs Real Estate agents and Greenhaven Real Estate experts