So you’ve just moved into your new home and are excited about starting your life in a new place—the possibilities are endless!  Nothing dampens this mood like discovering your neighbor has some undesirable characteristics, and you are wondering how exactly to approach them about it.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has compiled the following strategies to help you combat your problem neighbor. 

Do you have a neighbor that is constantly in your business and seems to ask a million questions?  While you probably want to tell them to get lost, you're better off giving as concise and polite an answer as possible and then turn the conversation back on them.  Afterall, people who seek out your attention are most likely looking to tell you about themselves, so satiate their need for discussion by questioning them and saying very little.  Soon, they will get the hint that you’re not keen on sharing the details of your personal life.

You’ve just spent your Saturday out in the yard mowing, weeding, edging and generally beautifying your home, so it really annoys you to look next door and see the unkempt property of your neighbor.  This can be a difficult problem to rectify, but your best bet is to report the problem as soon as you notice it.  Typically, people with little desire to care for the grounds around their home need more motivation to clean-up than a friendly nudge from you.  The authorities can use the zoning code to convince them to tidy up, and if they refuse, a contractor can be hired do the work and then bill the homeowner. 

You’ve had a long day and all you want to do is go to bed and rest in peace.  Unfortunately, your neighbor has his music blaring or his dog is barking incessantly.  Here is another situation in which the authorities may help, but before you go that route, consider approaching your neighbor in a friendly way.  It’s possible they’re unaware the noise is bothering you and would be happy to tone it down.  On the other hand, they may be offended by your request and become confrontational.  Don’t let it get to you—politely decline to get into an argument and just leave.  Let the authorities deal with it, and until the problem is rectified consider using ear plugs to sleep or creating some white noise in your bedroom.

You’ve been looking everywhere for your hedge trimmers when you suddenly remember you let your neighbor borrow them several months ago and he has yet to return them.  While you might be frustrated that he has taken advantage of your generosity, do not let it show when you go to retrieve your property.  Be as friendly as possible and tell him you were planning to use your trimmers (or whatever he borrowed) over the weekend, so you’d appreciate having them returned.  In the future, think twice before lending him your property.

Navigating a tense relationship with your neighbor can be difficult, but if you’re tactful and polite, you will yield the most positive, productive results. If your looking for personal service and have questions regarding buying a home in Lancaster PA, York PA, Harrisburg PA, Lebanon PA, Hershey PA and Cumberland County, be sure to connect with Coldwell Banker Select Professionals and one of our agents at www.cbselectpros.com.