MENU
CAREERS
LOCATION
About Us
Who We Are
Background
Corporate Leadership
Partner With Us
Testimonials
Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Our People
Our Communities
Our Environment
Resource Library
What We Do
Property Management
Community Association and HOA
Condominium Association
High-Rise
Active Adult Community
Lifestyle Community
Master-Planned Community
Single-Family Home
Additional Services
Banking and Insurance Programs
Financial Management
Developer Services
Operational Support
Why FirstService Residential
Why We're Different
Client Satisfaction
Customer Care Center
Property Management Software
Ongoing Training
Green and Sustainability
FS Energy
Property Management Resources
Homeowners & Community Living
Property Management
Property Management Careers
HOA Board Members
HOA Committee
Emergency Management
HOA Finance
Property Maintenance Management
Property Management Vendors
Community Amenities
Active Adult Communities
Green & Sustainability
The Elements of Living
Our Social Purpose
Partner With Us
News and Articles
Press Releases
Articles
Board Basics: Starting Off on the Right Foot
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on Community Association Meetings
Contact Us
Contact Us
Request a Proposal
Career Opportunities
Request a Proposal
Site Search
Make a Payment
Request a Proposal
Order Documents & Certificates
Our Locations
Our Locations
Alabama
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
California
Corporate
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri/Kansas
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ontario
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington DC
West Virginia
Cancel
Go
About Us
Who We Are
Background
Corporate Leadership
Partner With Us
Testimonials
Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Our People
Our Communities
Our Environment
Resource Library
What We Do
Property Management
Community Association and HOA
Condominium Association
High-Rise
Active Adult Community
Lifestyle Community
Master-Planned Community
Single-Family Home
Additional Services
Banking and Insurance Programs
Financial Management
Developer Services
Operational Support
Why FirstService Residential
Why We're Different
Client Satisfaction
Customer Care Center
Property Management Software
Ongoing Training
Green and Sustainability
FS Energy
Property Management Resources
Homeowners & Community Living
Property Management
Property Management Careers
HOA Board Members
HOA Committee
Emergency Management
HOA Finance
Property Maintenance Management
Property Management Vendors
Community Amenities
Active Adult Communities
Green & Sustainability
The Elements of Living
Our Social Purpose
Partner With Us
News and Articles
Press Releases
Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on Community Association Meetings
Contact Us
Contact Us
Request a Proposal
Career Opportunities
Request a Proposal
Find Your Local Office
GO
Find Careers in
Alabama
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
California
Corporate
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri/Kansas
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ontario
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington DC
West Virginia
GO
Join FirstService >
Resource Library
Careers
Join FirstService
Alabama
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
California
Corporate
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri/Kansas
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ontario
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington DC
West Virginia
Customer Service
Service Chat
Alabama
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
California
Corporate
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri/Kansas
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ontario
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington DC
West Virginia
Connect to Your Portal
Site Search
Find Your Local Office
GO
Menu
Expand Menu
About Us
Who We Are
Background
Corporate Leadership
Partner With Us
Testimonials
Social Responsibility and Sustainability
Our People
Our Communities
Our Environment
Resource Library
What We Do
Property Management
Community Association and HOA
Condominium Association
High-Rise
Active Adult Community
Lifestyle Community
Master-Planned Community
Single-Family Home
Additional Services
Banking and Insurance Programs
Financial Management
Developer Services
Operational Support
Why FirstService Residential
Why We're Different
Client Satisfaction
Customer Care Center
Property Management Software
Ongoing Training
Green and Sustainability
FS Energy
Property Management Resources
Homeowners & Community Living
Property Management
Property Management Careers
HOA Board Members
HOA Committee
Emergency Management
HOA Finance
Property Maintenance Management
Property Management Vendors
Community Amenities
Active Adult Communities
Green & Sustainability
The Elements of Living
Our Social Purpose
Partner With Us
News and Articles
Press Releases
Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on Community Association Meetings
Contact Us
Contact Us
Request a Proposal
Career Opportunities
Request a Proposal
Make a Payment
Order Documents & Certificates
Request a Proposal
Connect to Your Portal
Our Locations
Alabama
Alberta
Arizona
British Columbia
California
Corporate
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri/Kansas
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ontario
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington DC
West Virginia
Search!
Search Site
GO
CLOSE
Six Ways to Love Thy Neighbor
Friday February 13, 2015
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, it’s time to take a look at a different kind of love: the kind you extend toward your neighbor.
Nobody is expecting you to show up with a box of chocolates or flowers for your next-door neighbor, but there are some things association members can do to show respect and goodwill for one another on this special day – and every day.
1. Know the rules.
It’s everybody’s responsibility to know the rules of the association. Sure, it’s no one’s idea of page-turning reading, but go ahead and spend a few moments with your community’s rules and regulations. That way you’ll know some of the major do’s and don’ts, which will help you maintain your home and conduct yourself in ways that comply with the standards you and your neighbors have agreed to.
2. Get to know your neighbors.
This is advantageous in so many ways. When you know the people around you, you can all watch out for suspicious activity – plus, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable having that “hey-do-you-think-it’s-time-to-pull-those-weeds?” conversation. Everyone in the community has agreed to follow certain rules and standards, so you’ve already got that in common with your neighbors. And this shared interest in the neighborhood can often be the foundation of deeper friendships. So the next time you see a neighbor in the yard, don’t hesitate to walk over and say a quick hello.
3. Organize a get-to-know-you event.
Ideally, your relationships with your neighbors should extend beyond a friendly nod at the mailbox. Why not organize an event that focuses on neighbors getting to know one another? Host a happy hour or a potluck, and you’ll be surprised at just how friendly, reasonable and approachable your neighbors can be. And don’t worry – just because you start a casual friendship doesn’t mean you’re going to have a parade of people coming by to borrow a cup of sugar every night. Most people value their privacy as much as you do – and if establish a friendship, these small favors can be part of a rewarding relationship.
4. Talk before you report.
So you know that guy who leaves his holiday decorations up well into spring? If you are on conversational terms with him, try mentioning it to him in an amicable way before you notify the association. As long as you’re comfortable having a casual, friendly conversation, it just might do the trick – and go a long way toward keeping everyone happy.
5. If you’re having a party, be respectful.
Parties are fun, but they can also be noisy. If you’re having a celebration, let your neighbors know in advance, and perhaps even invite them – always a nice gesture. Also, be mindful of your local noise ordinances. Beyond that, it’s a good idea to notify community staff (like the valet or concierge, if you have one) before a party – that way they can be prepared to continue offering excellent service.
6. Know your limits.
Being a good neighbor is about treading that fine line between inclusiveness and intrusiveness. While it’s nice to show concern, you don’t want to be nosy, and while you want to be friendly, you don’t want to over-burden a neighbor with small talk. And most of all, while you may want to hold everyone to the same community standards you abide by, it’s not up to you to act as the official enforcer of the rules.
Robert Frost famously wrote, “Good fences make good neighbors.” As long as those fences conform to community standards and you’re not afraid to lean over them for a friendly conversation every now and again, those words are most likely true. So remember to show the love to your neighbors this Valentine’s Day, and consider showing it all year round.
For more insights on happy association living,
contact FirstService Residential
.
Suggested Articles
Buying a Home in a Community Association: Part Two – Evaluating an HOA’s Health
Buying a Home in a Community Association: Part One – Dispelling Common Myths
What You Need to Know About Resale Certificates and Packages
Search Articles
search Articles
SUBMIT
Signup For News & Resources
×
Fill out the form below for more information on how a property management company can add value to your community.