My GF who owns her house for several years suggested that my Dh and I talk to the neighbors in the area (on the block) to get a better feel for the neighborhood before buying a house. She said they'll give you an honest opinion on the schools and the community. (more than the realtor)
Anyone do this? Anyone advise against it?
Homeowners ..how would you take a couple knocking on your door asking these types of questions?
Be honest...that's what I come here for!!!
Elizabeth
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
I would not do it. You don't know these people and they don't know you. For all they know you are a psycho...or they might be the psychos. There are definitely other ways to do research rather than knocking on strangers' doors IMO.
anna
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
Ive heard of people saying to do this also, although we never did. If the weather was nicer and people were outside, then maybe it wouldnt be as bad to stop and ask them... But then again if they LIVE in that area, they probably wont put it down...
kittyke
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
My husband would not but it is something that I probably would do. It is a big investment buying a house and most plan on being there for a long time, I don't know what I wouldn't ask too personal questions, I would just say that we wanted to introduce ourselves we may be the new neighbors and then get a feel of the people from there.
MarcellaBella
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
When we went back the second time to look at our house to show our parents even before signing the contracts, the seller actually took us to meet all the neighbors! lol It was really nice.. I'm not sure whether I'd go and knock on someone's door and ask anything.. but it made things easier having them do it..
Misha
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
Our realtor introduced us to some of the neighbors. It was summer time though so there were people outside. We didn't have to knock on strange doors!
Niecey
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
If someone knocked on my door or rang my bell - I probably wouldn't answer or get involved with the situation for I feel it is none of my business and it would make me feel uncomfortable. If I happen to be outside and it was a nice day - I would probably oblige questions. (I have a couple of houses for sale on my block and there are open houses every weekend so I am kind of putting myself in the situation. People have been checking us out when they check out the house and trying to peek into our house. If I am outside I really wouldn't mind talking to them.)
I know when I was looking - I didn't do this but sometimes if neighbors would be outside they would actually strike up conversations with us and it was pretty interesting. Actually when we went to peek out our house for the second time it was a gorgeous spring day and all the neighbors were outside and we really got a feel for what the block was like and it made it did play a huge role in us buying the house. Every other time we were in the neighborhood it was raining or freezing or even snowing. We saw lots of young families - who all seemed to get along. Wound up DH knew one of the people and we got out of the car and talked to him who in turn introduced us to half the block and the owners of the house. It was that day we made the decision to buy the house.
jessnjoey
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
I guess the key is looking during the spring and summer months and hope for happy accidental conversations... I can see why it might really influence or change your decision..
Edited for SPelling
MrsTC
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Re: talking to the neighbors?
well, i would do it -
when i lived at home when we were kids, this nice young couple knocked on our door to ask us how we liked the neighborhood etc...lo and behold they are our next door neighbors for about 15 years now! With 2 kids of their own.
