Keeping the Peace Difficult Conversations with Neighbors

Keeping the Peace: Difficult Conversations with Neighbors

In community residences, good fences do make good neighbors.

But with some pressing issues when you have no choice but to be vocal about your problems.

Community boards and homeowner associations often hire third-party services like Community Management Associates to have these difficult conversations.

These people are professionals who assist homeowners’ associations (HOA) in improving the community.

Advice from a Community Management Company

The associate manager is their primary point of contact. Aside from accounting and management experience, they must also have well-developed communication skills. This particular skill set is necessary to maintain a professional relationship with the residents.

Here’s how managers keep things cordial while still being stern.

Never Be on the Offensive

It is crucial to be open to resolution when raising an issue with your neighbors. Make sure your priority is solving the problem. Never use it to vent at your neighbor.

Blindly reacting in the heat of the moment does more harm than good. You want a dialogue, not an argument.

Do Not Add Past Grievances to the Issue at Hand

This piling up of old complaints is the worst thing you could do. An allegation immediately puts your neighbor on the defensive.

Your conversation should only center around the issue at hand. People often make the mistake of pulling other residents into the mix. Instead of strengthening your argument, this only makes your neighbor feel attacked.

They are more likely to lash out in anger, turning your issue into a full-blown fight.

Try to See Things from Their Perspective

For example, water from your upstairs neighbor may be trickling into your terrace daily. Instead of stomping there to argue, investigate a bit. They may be simply be watering plants, unaware of any issues downstairs. You can now calmly approach them after being adequately informed of the situation.

Sometimes conflicts may be unavoidable. A neighbor’s damaged car may block your gate.

In such cases be as accommodating as possible. Chances are they’ll do the same for you when the time comes.

Build a Healthy Relationship

Say hello when you run into them, help them carry luggage upstairs when possible. This practice helps build healthy rapport.

So, when the time comes, they are more likely to be amenable to your grievances.

Keep Track in Case of Repeated Offenses

Some neighbors don’t seem to get the memo. If they are not open to resolving things peacefully, make it a point to note down details.

Since the culprit has chosen to ignore your repeated requests, you can inform the associate housing manager about the issue. Since it solidifies your argument, your log is sure to come in handy during this time.

File a Complaint with the Board Only as a Last Resort

Inform the board only if the issue with your neighbor persists despite your repeated requests. Filing a complaint can damage relationships and should be done only as a last resort.

After deliberations, the community members and the board to discuss your issue may introduce new penalties and fines preventing such violations in the future.

This decision affects the entire community rather than just you and the offender. So, it is essential to make communication and resolution the primary weapons in your arsenal.

How Communities Can Adapt To Changes Caused by COVID-19

To say that COVID has changed our lives would still be an understatement. The crisis has made us interact, work, and even live differently. In many ways, it’s been an “adapt or die” situation for many communities and companies.

However, some people have started to state that “the worst” has ended. As we understand the virus a lot better, it’s easier to know what buyers and sellers can do to adapt to these changes.

The UK’s approach

Public Health England has an extensive article detailing the community approach to COVID in the UK. The country’s response to the crisis has showcased how important community cooperation is for public health issues.

Of course, the UK has taken a comprehensive approach for controlling the virus. However, the article’s report for community action is a must-read, especially as education for homeowners.

Cooperation

The main focus from the article is community cooperation. All sections are basically different results from this advantage. From solidarity to community strengthening, UK communities have shown how vital it is to work together.

It’s also easily understandable. Enforcing health regulations requires coordination and communication. Strong cooperation from buyers and sellers alike is vital.

Education for homeowners

Lastly, the main reason behind the pandemic’s damage was how little we understood it. While it’s still under research, we know a lot more about what we can do to curb its repercussions.

Having access to proper educational resources can make a world of difference in how your community adapts.

What can you do to adapt?

Now, we’ve all heard the same suggestions repeatedly. We know we need to stay away from crowds, wash our hands, and embrace the outside. Unfortunately, there haven’t been enough suggestions regarding how communities can strategize.

From our experience and the references we’ve linked, we’ve narrowed down 5 key aspects you need to consider.

1. Focus on open spaces

Any buyer should start looking for open spaces in their properties. That includes amenities like decks or balconies. However, having parks nearby and other open areas is important as well. Sellers should expect more demand for these spaces.

2. Good internet is critical

Today, remote work and online programs for working out and yoga are making the internet even more prevalent in our lives. With how many of these changes will remain for the long-term, a strong internet signal should be a priority.

3. Know your neighbors

You don’t need to break social distancing to interact with neighbors. Community groups in messenger apps are excellent for interaction and planning.

4. Agree on how to tackle social distancing

Social distancing requires schedules to guarantee there aren’t many crowds around. Talk to your neighbors and develop a schedule so that everyone can go outside and do what they need to do without messing with physical distance.

5. Modernize administration

Property management has seen significant innovations with ERP and administration systems. These solutions allow managers to handle requests and services from their communities from a central platform, completely from the internet.

5 Best Practices For A Buyer To Seller Letter

Finding the house of your dreams can be bittersweet. On one hand, buying it is a major achievement, and the peace it brings is equal to none. However, losing the bid on that house can feel like your soul gets crushed.

That’s why prospective buyers often do everything they can to get that house. A buyer letter to seller is an excellent way to tip the balance in your favor. However, you need to know how to write it properly.

What exactly is a buyer letter to seller?

In competitive housing markets, which many states across the country are experiencing right now, it can be hard to find the right edge over other buyers. So many buyers are exhausted with finding a house they love, putting in an offer, only for another offer to be accepted. Clever has a great article explaining what these letters are. It’s essentially a complimentary letter for your offer directed to the seller. The goal behind it is to create a more personal connection with your seller.

So, these letters to the seller focus on triggering an emotional response. You want them to prefer you for more than your bid. The best letters can convince sellers to accept your offer, even if they have larger bids from other buyers.

Why should you care?

A buyer letter is a significant leverage if you write them correctly. You can add more weight to your offer after creating an emotional connection with a seller. Therefore, you don’t need to rely solely on your capital.

If no one uses these letters, the decision is a lot simpler for the seller. They just need to go for the highest bid. Therefore, this strategy can help you curb a significant disadvantage, especially if you’re somewhat low on funds.

The 5 keys for a good letter

Anyone can write a buyer letter to seller, but writing the perfect letter can be a challenge. You need to know which words you should use as well as which emotions you want to target.

Luckily, Investopedia has several tips you can use to craft a great letter. We’ll summarize them into the 5 main practices you want to implement.

Before diving into it, keep in mind that every seller is different. Not all of them will respond to the same triggers in the same way. It’s your responsibility to understand them and proceed accordingly.

Connections

Find something relating you and the seller together. Focus on these aspects to help them empathize with you. Universities, hometowns, and hobbies are a great start.

Conciseness

You want to cover all the aspects you need, but don’t make it too long. Keep the letter straight to the point. You don’t want the seller to feel bored reading it,

Positiveness

Don’t bring up uncomfortable topics. That includes previous lost offers. You don’t want to come off as dramatic or desperate.

Be engaging

Avoid generic sentences, like “I like your house.” Explain why you like it and how it fits your life goals. However, do avoid mentioning remodeling or any changes to it.

Proofread!

Before sending it, read everything you just wrote. You want to spot errors, sure, but your main focus should be on whether or not you’re sending the right message.