Meet the Neighbors
If you have bought a new home, you probably spent a lot of time assessing the location and neighborhood, which is as important as the property itself. However, if you don’t have good relations with your neighbors, a good neighborhood will not benefit you much. Even if you are big on privacy, you should realize that having good relations with your neighbors makes life easier for you. If you need help in case of an emergency, your neighbors will be the people you would want to take help from. Likewise, people in the neighborhood can also keep an eye on your property while you are gone.
Make the first move
Getting to know your neighbors is not as hard as you may believe. Since you are the one who moved into the neighborhood, you should be making the first move rather than waiting for others to come greet you. Friendly neighbors will no doubt stop by to welcome you, but if they don’t, you should not hesitate in going to them. It can all start with a simple hello and then the conversation can take its course from there.
Compliment and/or ask questions about your neighbor’s home
One of the easiest ways to start is by complimenting your neighbor’s property. If the neighbor has worked on the lawn or garden, you can praise it and take tips. Moreover, you can continue asking questions, like when the neighbor moved in, when he/she built the house and how he/she maintains it. Not only will these questions break the ice, you can also gain useful information about the locality.
Ask for advice on a project you are considering
Your new home probably needs a lot of work in terms of personalization and maintenance. If you are considering starting a small-scale renovation project, or simply thinking about sprucing up your garden, consulting your neighbors can be useful. You can seek guidance from someone who has already completed such a project and even borrow tools which will save you money and time.
Partner up for home maintenance projects
Working together with your neighbor can work wonders for your relationship. If your property needs large-scale maintenance, you can ask your neighbor for help. You should offer to pay any costs he/she incurs, and express your intention to return the favor if your neighbor needs some work done. If you work with your neighbors to improve the neighborhood, not only will you build relations but also earn respect and lasting friendships.