Being A Good Neighbor

Being a good neighbor means more than lending a cup of sugar. It means more than waving hello from the driveway. Being a good neighbor starts with being a good home owner or tenant. If you're driving down the value of your neighbor's home and financial situation, your sugar is just coated and not as sweet as it could be.

Believe it or not, outside of you being a nice, considerate person and neighbor, you also need to think of the homes around you and the neighborhood you live in when making large decisions about your home or lifestyle. More than ever we're all dependent on our property values to get out of this real estate slump that we're in. Foreclosures on our streets and neglected homes damage all the surrounding home values.

View your home as your neighbors do. When you drive down a street and see a sore thumb sticking out do you notice it? Does it reflect the entire street or neighborhood? Unfortunately, yes. By keeping a few tips in mind and working on them, not only will you increase your likability in the neighborhood, but you'll also increase your home's worth.

Make sure to put added effort into your front yard by adding lots of flowers, color and landscaping. Keep it manicured and trimmed and make sure your grass is still alive.

Be aware of your pets and their behavior. Don't leave your animals outside to run the street or bark in the yard all day. It's a public nuisance. Make sure you clean up after your pet if walking and be respectful of other's property.

If you have children, it's not necessary to have the whole world know that when they drive by your home and see all their belongings. Keep toys and bikes in the backyard or garage and keep the baby pool on the concrete, it will kill your lawn anyway.

Noise and music should be respectful. Sure, your son may be in a band and your daughter may blast Hannah Montana, but remind them that the people next door may not love the sounds as much as they do. Talk with your neighbors and determine the best time for practices or parties. You may be surprised by their response and schedule. It might just work to everyone's benefit. Communication is golden with any relationship even with those next door.

Make repairs large and small to your home. Try to always do a small project when needed like painting the front door, fixing any window or screen issues, keep up with the small and large exterior paint jobs and set aside a home repair fund. Add to it every month like it's a bill. If you don't save for home projects, they end up only being addressed when absolutely necessary. That's just not good enough.

Add lighting to your home and safety to your property. Fix or install fencing, yard lights, lamp posts and make sure your driveway and sidewalks are caulked and free of tripping hazards and large cracks. It spruces up the entire street.

Keep an eye out in your neighborhood. If you see anything suspicious or strange, don't just sit there, get up and do something! Be an active part of your exterior and make yourself present. Neighborhood watches are imperative and appreciated. Once a neighborhood becomes a target for thieves or vandals, it's hard to get it back. Lay down the alert law and everyone will benefit. Love thy neighbor and love where you live enough to protect it.

The next time you make baked goods or an extra loaf of homemade bread, knock on a door and give a just because. Let your neighbors know that you care and appreciate them. They'll be more likely to care back just as much if not more and try hard to make sure they remain respected. Also, remember to check on the elderly. It can really make a neighbor's day to be thought of and know that you're there.

Are there other things you do in your neighborhood to add value?

What things do you wish your neighbors would start doing or stop doing?

What do you consider when looking at neighborhoods and what deters you?