New York Parents May Face Jail Over Their Kids' Backyard Noise…. WHAT???

New York Parents May Face Jail Over Their Kids' Backyard Noise…. WHAT??? I was reading the news today and I came across a story on FOXNews.com about some parents who, well you’ve seen already…might end up in jail because of the noise their kids making playing in the backyard. I don’t want to get into the details of whether or not they should or shouldn’t be fined or thrown in jail, or if their neighbors are just being over reactive. I don’t know which it is. It might be both. What I want to get into is, what does this mean to you if you are buying or selling real estate?

You might be wondering to yourself, “What does this have to do with me?” “What does this have to do with the house I’m selling?” or “What does this have to do with the home I’m buying?” Believe it or not, it has a lot to do with it. Let’s go over some scenarios.

1. You are buying a home in a subdivision with covenants and restrictions. You have kids (grandkids, nieces, nephews, cousins…). Is there a noise ordinance? Are there restrictions on the hours you can be outside making any noise (not just kids’ noise)? Can you have a playground in your backyard? If you can, is it allowed to be in view from the street? While some of these may seem extreme, I have heard of them all in various communities.

What’s the lesson? As a buyer you need to be aware of the covenants and restrictions of a community or subdivision you are buying in. Not all areas have them, but it never hurts to ask. If there are some, ask to look over them. The sellers should have a copy.

2. You are trying to sell a home and these are your neighbors. Well maybe not them, but someone like them. You may have a neighbor who fancies himself a handyman and likes to operate a circular saw all day every Saturday starting at 6:00 in the morning working until 10:00 at night. And, he leans all the scraps on the side fence, right next door to you. (You might think this is an exaggeration. I have a neighbor who would use a power saw to cut tile at 11:00, 12:00, and sometimes 1:00 at night. I’m glad he’s done with that project.) Your neighbors may have a house load of kids who have an elaborate play set that can be seen in plain view from your home. Maybe there is a major thoroughfare in close proximity to your home. All of these things can affect the sell of your home.

What’s the lesson? As a home seller you will want to address these issues. Some possible solutions might be erecting a privacy fence or planting some tall and full shrubs to block an undesirable view. Both of these along with a fountain or wind chimes can help mask the hum and rattle of road noise of that road well traveled right around the corner. Whatever the solution, be creative. This can help your home sell faster and for top dollar.