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Some neighbors may not seem the deplorable type at first. They may be adept at putting up a front and making themselves appear decent. However, there are initial cues you can pick up on that could serve as ominous signs of things to come.
Real estate expert and Chamberlin Real Estate School owner and director Marty Zankich says one telltale indicator is when the neighbor puts their music on blast during the day. As he tells Bored Panda, there’s a good chance for them to do the same at night.
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A neglected home is another sign, according to Zankich. Seeing a house next door with junk and trash strewn around is a warning sign to be cautious of.
“Even just the exterior of the home can tell you a lot about who lives inside,” he said. “The best, most considerate neighbors generally keep their property clean.”
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A lack of boundaries, especially when done passive-aggressively, is another sign, according to criminal law expert Mike Kruse. These actions are usually in the form of putting up a fence on your property, repeated violations of noise ordinances, or worse, dumping waste in your yard.
“Such behavior is clearly disrespectful of rules and your rights under the law, which often leads to more serious disputes,” he said.
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Disruptive neighbors are typically disrespectful of personal space, according to lawyer Emma Alves, who also specializes in real estate disputes. Other examples she gave include letting their landscaping move into a significant area of your land or consistently parking in your designated spot.
As she noted, these signs of disrespect can escalate into more severe outcomes, such as property destruction and even harassment.
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As someone dealing with a difficult neighbor, you may be tempted to simply ignore them. You may think that as long as you avoid encounters, you will be able to keep your peace. However, your living situation may lead to deeper issues.
According to Jacob Megrendoller, LCSW, founder and therapist of Lightline Therapy, it can lead to an erosion of a person’s sense of safety. As he noted, “home is supposed to be a place of rest and safety, not vigilance.”
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You may be able to brush off these issues initially, but the undue stress can compound over time. As interpersonal communication expert Dr. Beth Ribarsky points out, it can take a toll on one’s overall health.
“If they play loud music every night when you need to be up early, this is not only stressful but also takes a toll on your physical well-being,” she explained.
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