WWYD - new neighbor

[longtimenopost]

We are moving into our first house this week, and yesterday DH met new next door neighbor for the first time. Young-ish guy (late 20s maybe), lives with his brother. Neighbor guys introduces himself and then tells DH "Oh by the way, I just got a quote for replacing the fence - your part would be $500."  Shared fence has some patched areas, but is structurally sound and wasn't on our radar to need replacing (nor was it mentioned in any way in the inspection). 

How would you respond? I want to be a good neighbor but we are pretty low on funds right now from the house purchase, necessary renovations, and the fact that I'm due in a couple of months and have an unpaid ML and a SAH husband. 

[Deleted]

I'd probably say "We were thinking about leaving it until next year - moving is expensive!"

And then they can either wait or pay for the whole thing.

[polarbearfans]

I would decline. I would apologize and say that is not something you are able to do at this time. The previous owners should have taken care of that prior to selling or mentioned it. Just because he wants a new fence doesn't mean you have to provide one.

eta: I would also add that it is a topic you can revisit next year with new quotes.

[Deleted]

I mean $500 seems like a small price to pay for a new fence and a civil relationship with your new neighbor but if it's not in the budget it's not in the budget.

I would:

1) say thanks and ask for more info about the fence
2) decide what you want to do
3) if you decline then just be honest with the guy - not in the budget right now

[boxerdog]

I agree, say that you are not planning on fixing it right now and they can either pay for the whole thing or wait.

[Deleted]

"Funds are pretty locked up at the moment with the move, I'd be more than happy to talk about it in a few months though!"

[longtimenopost]

Whew, I'm glad y'all aren't saying it's unreasonable to consider not paying! We are still considering it once we get the time to really inspect the condition, but we'd definitely get another quote or two first.

Like I said this is our first house so we've never had neighbors before and I don't want to be "that" neighbor!

[lurknomore]

$500 also seems very cheap for (half?) of a new fence. Like, too cheap. I would want A LOT more info (materials, who is doing it, etc) before even entertaining that idea. I'm envisioning guy and his bro and a rented post digger with some chain link bought from the Depot for that price.

[longtimenopost]

Jun 24, 2015 13:45:14 GMT -5 lurknomore said:

$500 also seems very cheap for (half?) of a new fence. Like, too cheap. I would want A LOT more info (materials, who is doing it, etc) before even entertaining that idea. I'm envisioning guy and his bro and a rented post digger with some chain link bought from the Depot for that price.

Thanks - part of it is that we have NO frame of reference for what a fence costs! 

[mushmouse]

Jun 24, 2015 11:49:47 GMT -5 longtimenopost said:

Like I said this is our first house so we've never had neighbors before and I don't want to be "that" neighbor!

"That" neighbor is one who comes over and tries to get money out of you before you've even met or moved in!

[jennistarr1]

"We're not prepared for this"

[curbsideprophet]

Is the fence on your property or his?

[longtimenopost]

Jun 24, 2015 14:24:35 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

Is the fence on your property or his?

Hmm, I'm not sure! I just assumed it was on the property line. 

[patbutcher]

He's young so I'll give him a pass but he could have let you settle in a bit before bringing it up.

I would just be honest and say that you don't have the spare funds right now with the move but would be happy to revisit in a month or two. I would also get a few quotes to see if their pricing is right.