finding out about a neighbor? *Updated*

So we REALLY like a house, but something bothers me about the neighbor and I'm wondering how I can find out about them.. Is that something Real Estate agents have access to?

There is a chain link fence between our potential yard and the neighbors so you can see into their backyard. They have 6 separate slabs of concrete about 1-2 feet apart, 4 of which have chain link dog kennels on them. this kind: http://www.petcratesdirect.com/img/midwest/clk64-644.jpg

It was raining the 2x we went there and there were no dogs to be seen or heard. I am wondering what this is that they are lined up but separate from eachother. If it was for their own dogs, I don't think there would be 4-6 separate ones..

-So maybe they run a dog kennel from their home (no other dog toys or things in the yard)
-Maybe a breeder (which I wouldn't be thrilled with)
-Worst possibility, if they have multiple aggressive dogs for fighting or something (but I would think the house and yard wouldn't be as nice as it is if they were low-life dog fighting types)

Any ideas to find out more info on what they do back there?

*4/1 Update
I think I have to pass on the house, we drove by yesterday and pulled in the driveway (nobody lives there) to see if there were any dogs out... there was only 1 dog in 1 of the cages, but I could hear him barking in the truck, from the street, with the windows closed. I don't think I could live next to barking dogs in cages.

Message edited 4/1/2010 11:57:15 AM.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

We looked at a house that was next door to a sketchy house. We asked our realtor, who asked the sellers' agent, who asked the sellers, and they knew the scoop. So yes, in some cases a realtor could get the info. Also, I would try googling the neighbor's address just to see if there's any info out there.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

my parents had a dog breeding kennel when I was a kid and our yard had a set-up like that. My mother was nuts about keeping it clean and not letting the dogs bark but at times it had to be an annoyance to our neighbors. I think our yard stayed like that for a year or so after my parents stopped breeding the dogs.
I would "stalk" the house and try to see what's going on or because I'm ballsy I'd probably knock on another neighbors door, introduce myself as a possible buyer and make small talk.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

stalk the house.

even if the owners were alive, they aren't going to tell you it is a nightmare over there -- then, they would be telling you a negative about the house which might make you not want to buy it! what owner would do that?

MIL looked at a house with a situation like that -- the lady who owned it tried to make it out to be no big deal, of course. meanwhile, it really was a big mess and not something my MIL would want to live next to.

check out the situation with several drive by's - esp. once the weather gets nice. either that or ask the neighbor on the other side -- they are more likely to tell you the truth, it's not their house that they may or may not be selling.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Other than drive by, you probably won't find out the truth until you move in.

Message edited 3/31/2010 12:08:35 PM.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Knock on some of the neighbors' doors. That's what we did when buying. I wanted to know who I would be living next to!

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

I'd walk away from the house. You know its something to do with breeding dogs or boarding dogs or something like that - either way, i wouldnt want to live next door to it.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

I think it's a great suggestion to stalk the house when it's nice weather. Park somewhere near there, pretend to be on your cellphone, open the windows and see if you hear dogs barking.

Also, check for animal abusers in the area: http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/cruelty_database/local_search.php

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Is it possible that the 'kennel' is not in use because it was there before the current owners moved in?

My SIL's house in Southold had a similar set up outside. She didn't even own a dog.. but the previous owners bred Akita dogs.

I think the suggestion to talk to the neighbors makes perfect sense.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

I would talk to some of the other neighbors to try to find out the scoop...

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

stalk the house and I would maybe knock on a few neighbors doors and ask them about that particular house

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

I would stalk the house too but I would also ask the seller's agent for an explaination. I would want to hear their version and see if it jived with what I saw when I was stalking. I would also ask the neighbors about the situation as well.

Message edited 3/31/2010 9:11:56 PM.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Why not knock directly on the door and ask the scoop about the yard.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

Message edited 4/1/2010 8:51:56 AM.

Re: finding out about a neighbor?

I think I have to pass on the house, we drove by yesterday and pulled in the driveway (nobody lives there) to see if there were any dogs out... there was only 1 dog in 1 of the cages, but I could hear him barking in the truck, from the street, with the windows closed. I don't think I could live next to barking dogs in cages.