How Can You Tell if You'll Like Your Neighbors?

When you’re buying a home, its location is important - and while real estate agents always tell you that, in this case, we’re talking about its location within the neighborhood. That means where it is in relation to neighbors that you like and don’t like, noisy dogs, and people with overly sensitive car alarms.

Before you buy a home, you need to make sure that you’re going to be happy with your neighbors. If you’re not, it’s going to majorly affect the way you feel about your home - even if you’re in love with its layout and amenities.

Here’s what you need to know.

How Can You Tell if You'll Like Your Neighbors?

Sellers are supposed to let you know if there are things that would affect your enjoyment of the home - so called “neighborhood nuisances.” However, you can’t always count on that. Some sellers will ask their neighbors to keep barking dogs inside during showings and bank on the fact that you won’t drive through the neighborhood on a Friday night, when the next-door neighbors always hire DJs and have massive pool parties.

The sellers don’t always intend to fail to tell buyers about these issues, either. Sometimes they just get used to their environments - dogs barking all day, lots of loud semi-trucks zooming by behind the house and kids skateboarding up and down the street at strange hours can kind-of blend in when someone’s lived in a home for a long time.

Your best bet: Drive through the neighborhood at all hours (and at odd times) so you can see what the area’s like. Talk to neighbors, if you see any of them out and about, and let them know you’re thinking about buying a home nearby… and feel free to ask questions specific to your situation that will affect your enjoyment of the house if you decide to buy it.

Are You Buying a Home in Lakewood or Long Beach?

If you’re buying or selling a home in Lakewood or Long Beach, we can help. Call us at 562-882-1581 to find out how!