Before They Build™
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CRS-FG-005 · Field Guide · 2 pages · 4 min

Talking to Neighbors

A short conversation, repeated, builds the record.

Strong evidenceDifficulty · Easy

For: Homeowners · Renters · Neighborhood groups · HOAs

The first conversation

Knock once. Step back. State your name and your street. Ask one question: 'Did you receive a notice about the project at the corner?'

Then listen. Take notes when you leave, not while you talk.

After the conversation

Write what you heard within an hour. Mark observations apart from opinions. File under Tab D.

Send a one-paragraph follow-up email or note the same week.

If you only remember five things

  1. Ask what they received — every household has different mail.
  2. Ask what they noticed — observations beat opinions.
  3. Listen twice as long as you speak.
  4. Leave a printed packet behind, every time.
  5. Follow up in writing within a week.

Before you leave today…

  • Knock once.
  • Step back.
  • Hand a packet.
  • Write notes after.