10 Tips on How to Be a Good Neighbor

                                               Paul Mengert, AMG Greensboro

Being on bad terms with your neighbor can make your life frustrating, day after day. But taking the time to establish good terms with your neighbors has numerous benefits. The community will be friendlier, the neighborhood safer, and the area a nicer and more comfortable place to live. A little consideration goes a long way.  Read the following tips on how to be a good neighbor beyond just a smile and a wave.

•  Welcome any new neighbors with a personal note or pop by for a personal introduction.

• Make sure that the outside of your home—along with the grounds—is well-kept and complies with our association’s CC&Rs.

• Be mindful of noise—loud music, barking dogs, power tools—that may disrupt the neighborhood beyond a reasonable hour.

• If you have a large party, consider your neighbors when directing your guests where to park, end the party at a reasonable hour and invite your neighbors to join in the fun.

• Return anything you borrow from your neighbor promptly, in the same condition they lent it to you, and express your thanks.

• Replace anything of your neighbor’s that you, your children or your pets break or soil.

• Respect your neighbor’s privacy.

• Offer to take care of mail pick-up, plants or pets while your neighbor is on vacation.

• Be social! Inviting a neighbor over for coffee and conversation can promote open communication and a friendly neighborhood environment from which all neighbors can benefit.

• Above all, touch base with your neighbors regularly and keep them in the loop. Remember the golden rule and if anything you are planning to do may affect them, minimize it and let them know in advance. Keep the channels of communication open by reminding them that if you're doing anything which disturbs them, they should feel comfortable approaching you about it.