Congratulations! You have found a seemingly perfect neighborhood and just moved into your dream home. All seems well…until you begin to notice that the dog across the street barks all night long and the teenager next door likes to practice playing the drums at 5 a.m.

No matter where you live, you may occasionally be faced with a not-so-courteous neighbor. Below are some tips to help you deal with any issue in a good neighborly fashion.

Speak Up
The best solution for dealing with disruptive neighbors is to talk to them. If they are playing music too loudly, for example, let them know about it. A simple polite request to turn the volume down will usually solve the problem that very moment. The worst thing you can do when faced with a disturbance is to do nothing at all. If you don't voice your concerns, your neighbors may never realize they are bothering anyone.

When approaching others about an issue, it is important to be open to compromise. If they can't bear to discontinue their behavior, perhaps they'll be open to changing the day or time they engage in the activity so that it becomes less disruptive. By suggesting compromise to resolve an issue, you act as a friend trying to reach an agreement—not a stranger trying to mandate change.

Don't Fight Fire with Fire
Being polite is critical. Greeting your neighbors with an angry attitude could escalate the issue and turn you into the annoying neighbor. If your neighbor reacts angrily to your request and proves impossible to talk to after various attempts on your part, it may be wise to seek the help of an outside authority, such as a landlord or even the police, depending on the severity of the disturbance. If you ever feel threatened by your neighbors after making a complaint, you should contact the police.

Do Your Homework Beforehand
Visiting a neighborhood during different times and days of the week before moving into it can help you avoid unpleasant surprises, as it will give you a deeper sense of the neighborhood's noise and activity level. Walking around the block—instead of driving—will allow you to better assess sights, sounds and smells, as well as talk to potential neighbors.

Remember that everyone has a different lifestyle, and what you consider inappropriate may seem completely normal to someone else. By doing your homework and working to peacefully co-exist with your neighbors, you all can enjoy your properties with little to no trouble at all!

It may be "back to school" for some residents of Austin, but that doesn't mean the summer fun has come to an end. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

20th Annual Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce Festival (August 29) – "Eat the heat" at one of the largest annual contests in the world. Non–perishable food or cash donations to the Capital Area Food Bank will grant you admission to this popular event, which features music, raffle prizes and more than 350 hot sauce entries.

Austin Street Magic Festival (September 2) – Head to downtown Austin for food, drinks, crafts, a hula hoop contest and performances by magicians, musicians, jugglers, clowns, ventriloquists, puppeteers and balloon twisters. Admission is free.

Austin Museum Day (September 19) – With more than 30 museums offering free exhibitions and activities, the only dilemma you'll be faced with is determining how to squeeze so much fun into one day.

Fantastic Fest (September 23 – 30) – Named "the most important film festival in North America" by Texas Monthly, Fantastic Fest features horror, fantasy, sci–fi, action and various movies from around the world at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar and the Paramount Theater.

Of course, these events are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the fun Austin has to offer. Whatever your interest, Austin's got an upcoming event just for you!

If you're fortunate to have windows that can stand alone as a grand architectural statements, congratulations! Beautiful windows are truly stunning to behold. If you have windows that need a little help in meeting their full potential, consider adding "hard" or "soft" window treatments as a way to give rooms a more finished appearance, camouflage imperfections and insert additional color, texture and visual appeal.

When considering treatments that will offer both the privacy and light control required for each room, remember that your options extend beyond standard plastic blinds or sheer curtains that may automatically come to mind. Let the following suggestions spark your creativity!

Organic materials: Wooden blinds and natural woven shades have become popular choices that create a modern look while helping you maintain privacy and light control.

Bold prints: Striped, floral and geometric patterns are quick and easy way to add a dash of youthfulness and life to an otherwise simple room. Keep in mind that such window treatments will often become a focal point in a room.

Luxury fabrics: For a more sophisticated look, chose silk, leather, suede, fur, or damask-and don't forget to embellish with beaded tassels and other fun window hardware! Keep in mind, though, that luxe fabrics may not hold up as well in direct sunlight as hardier fabrics, such as wool, so consult a professional to discuss your options.

Green design: Suffer from allergies? Choose from fabrics with anti-microbial or anti-fungal traits woven into the yarn. Environmentally conscious? Choose from fabrics made with non-toxic dyes. However you're looking to "go green," there are a variety of options to choose from that may suit your needs.

In addition to deciding which materials to use for your window treatments, remember that you have a variety of options regarding its length and positioning. Your decisions should ultimately be made depending upon the overall look and feel you want each room to have-traditional, contemporary, country living, eclectic or whatever is "you." Ready to start looking at your options? Read up on the latest trends or talk to your REALTOR® or interior designer today.

Typically, the process of selling your home will involve complete strangers entering your home during showings or open house events. While most people will tour your property with good intentions, the safety of you and your Austin real estate should always be a top priority. Though many REALTORS® will conduct showings and host open houses on behalf of their clients, remember to keep the following tips in the mind if you choose to be active in the home selling process:

Tip #1. Never agree to show anyone your home before you have verified the person’s telephone number.

Tip #2. Remove or lock away all valuables, personal documents and prescription medications before showing a home. Remember that prospective buyers will often open closets or drawers to get a feel for storage space, so remove any easily accessible objects that could serve as a temptation.

Tip #3. Consider having a sign-in sheet for those attending your open house, where visitors provide their addresses or driver license numbers. Ask your REALTOR® how he or she typically handles this situation.

Tip #4. When showing potential buyers your home, always follow them into each room instead of leading them. This helps you keep an eye on visitors and can prevent a situation in which you might become cornered without an easy exit.

Tip #5. Never disclose to potential buyers personal habits or schedules that would indicate the times you're usually away from your home.

Tip #6. Inform family, friends or neighbors that you're having an open house event, and have them call or stop by at designated times to check on you. If you're expecting a big turn-out, you may even ask family or friends to help out at the open house.

Tip #7. Keep a cell phone on you at all times, with 9-1-1 on speed dial.

Tip #8. Make sure your car is parked in a location that allows for a quick escape. Don't park it in your driveway or a place in which it may become boxed in.

Tip #9. After showing your home, make sure all rooms are empty and all windows, doors and entrances are locked.

Tip #10. If your home is vacant, stop by routinely to check on it.

Remember that your REALTOR® is there to help protect your interests and that having a REALTOR® handle all home-showing details can help prevent many situations where the safety of you or your property may become an issue. In any case, your REALTOR® can recommend additional safety tips as you discuss the marketing plan for your Austin home.