Not only will meeting the neighbors give you a good idea of whether you will be compatible, but neighbors will disclose material facts that a seller might conveniently forget. Drive around the neighborhood and take a hard look - are the lawns manicured and well-kept or overgrown? Are there junk cars parked on the lots or discarded furniture at the curb? You can tell a lot about a neighborhood by driving through it.
Rogue Sportsman's Realty has been selling Gold Beach homes since 1967. There is much that they already know about your neighborhood. Ask your RS Realty expert broker about the history of the neighborhood - how often do homes become available? When was the last time the home you are considering purchasing was on the market? Why is the current resident selling?
All of these are excellent questions but you should consider taking one more step...
Meeting the Neighbors is Doing Due Diligence
It is likely that your Rogue Sportsman's Realty broker knows members of the neighborhood and can make introductions for you. If not - visit the neighborhood yourself. Walk around, knock on doors - meet your future neighbors!
Questions to Ask Neighbors Before Buying a Home
- How long have you lived in the neighborhood?
- What do you like best about living here?
- What do you like least about the neighborhood?
- If you could change one thing about this street, what would it be?
- Do all the neighbors get along with each other?
- Have you ever noticed anything odd about this house or yours?
- How is the crime in this area -- has anything happened around here?
- How quiet is the neighborhood? Are there nuisances?
- Do you know why the seller is selling this house?
- What has the owner of this house complained about to you?
You'll be surprised what the neighbors might tell you and what you could find out. It might save you from making a terrible buying mistake and moving into a neighborhood where you could be miserable down the road.
When selling your home, if circumstances warrant, make amends with the neighbors before putting that sign in the yard. Because agents like me will always tell the buyers to talk to the neighbors before fully committing to buy.
