With communities and homeowners being as diverse as they are in Charlotte, it’s inevitable that sometimes, someone may live next door to a neighbor who doesn’t mow the lawn, take out the trash, turn lights off at night…

If you could choose, wouldn’t you want to live next door to an EMT? Or, how about a firefighter or middle school teacher? Wouldn’t having homeowners with occupations like these strengthen the integrity of your town?

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) believes so. As part of an initiative to reinforce America’s communities and bolster neighborhoods with homeowners whose professions are geared toward societal betterment, HUD allows qualified homebuyers to apply for the The Good Neighbor Next Door Program.

In exchange for a 36 – month commitment to live on the property full – time, teachers
(K – 12), EMT workers, firefighters and police officers are eligible to purchase properties for up to 50 percent off the listing price.

If you’re not lucky enough to have a teacher or firefighter living next door, and instead you share space with a less than amicable neighbor, here are some diplomatic guidelines for dealing with the difficult situation.

• Try to talk it out. Your neighbor may be unaware that the music is too loud or the yard too unruly. Always try to handle poor neighbor relations with a conversation first.

  If chatting doesn’t work, tell someone. Tattling is frowned upon in grade school, but you’ll want other neighbors to know about the conflict in case it persists.

• Keep records. Write down the offenses you feel your neighbor has committed – take pictures if they’re truly heinous and you believe you’ll need proof at some point. If your community has an association of neighbors, share your grievances with them and request they make them known to your neighbor.
• Report. If your efforts at repairing and managing a difficult neighbor situation have failed, contact authorities. Most of the time, filed complaints with HOA associations and neighborhood committees will suffice. If not, and the grievances warrant police action, contact your local department. Be sure to have your notes, dates and details on hand when you and the officer discuss the problems.
• Avoid conflict. If you and your neighbor have exhausted all resources and outside parties are now involved, steer clear. You’ll want to avoid confrontation if the situation is at its boiling point.

Typically, neighbors get along. And with HUD’s attempt to attract upstanding citizens and homeowners with backgrounds in education and community protection, this often – truth will hopefully become more universal.

If you believe you’re eligible for The Good Neighbor Next Door Program, contact a reputable Charlotte realtor to help you find available properties in your area.