They say “good fences make good neighbors,” but is that the only and best way to make sure you have a great relationship with your neighbors? Not so!

While not every neighbor will turn out to be a BFF, knowing and enjoying your neighbors can have a litany of benefits. Someone to watch the house and pick up the mail when you’re out of town. Extra security. Playmates for your children. And yes, sometimes friends with whom to enjoy dinner or a barbecue, or to chat with over that “good fence” on a summer day.

What does it take to be a good neighbor? Here are some tips to help you enjoy the best of relationships with the people who live closest to you:

1. Simply say hello. Do you see your neighbors mowing their lawns or collecting your mail? A friendly wave and a smile can be a great way to reach out.

2. Do your part to keep the neighborhood looking good. This should be a no-brainer and I am shocked when it surprises people. Yes, your neighbors have the expectation—ad rightly so—that YOU will help contribute to the well-being of the neighborhood by keeping your yard up, raking your leaves, not leaving garbage or run-down cars laying around in the driveway, toys in the yard, etc. If this is a challenge for you, consider enlisting the help of your family, hire a yard service, or come up with some other creative way of keeping your place tidy and well-kept.

3. Keep the noise down! If you plan on entertaining and think it will be loud and/or late, let your neighbors know ahead of time and keep it to a reasonable volume. You would appreciate the same consideration, wouldn’t you?

4. Don’t let your dog bark on and on and on and on … If you leave your dog in the yard while you are away at work, ask a neighbor who is home during that time period if they ever hear your dog. There’s nothing more annoying than a barking dog that just won’t quit (trust me, there’s one in our neighborhood, so I know!)

5. Reach out. Hospitality shouldn’t be a lost art. If it is in your neighborhood, you can be the one to reinstate it. Invite a neighbor over for a drink or a meal. Invite a few neighbors over for a holiday party in the winter or a backyard BBQ in summer.

Investing some time in developing relationships with your neighbors will help keep relationships harmonious, increase the feelings of safety and goodwill in your neighborhood, and provide a solid foundation for communication if any problems do arise.

Bottom line: Don’t wait around for the others to initiate–it can all start with you!

(c) 2013 Doug Lawrence. All Rights Reserved.

If you are in the Washington State Pierce-Kitsap-Thurston county area, and think a new neighborhood might be in your future; please give me a call or send me an email (dlawrence@kw.com).  I’d be happy to give you a free market analysis of your home and discuss your options with you.

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