Question
Previous homeowner keeps stopping by our house?
We bought our house a little more than a year ago. We did not meet the previous homeowners at the signing. A couple of months later the previous homeowner showed up at my house in the morning, and knocked on the door. He had pictures of the house that he took before he renovated it. I thought that they were interesting and thanked him. A few months later we saw him at a neighbor's party and he asked us many detailed questions about what we had done to the house since we moved in. He went on and on about how much he loved the house and the improvements he made himself. Many of these improvements were things we had to fix because they were done improperly, some were dangerous. The conversation began to get uncomfortable. He was very intense and seemed disapproving of us changing anything. He comes to visit the neighbor next door, and stands in front of our house when he leaves and stares for a long time. He has come twice more to drop off small things that he thinks we would need, like an attachment to change the light bulb in a fixture in the kitchen, and a lock he had made for the door (which is useless since we changed the locks). It's starting to be a little creepy. Today when he stopped by to drop off the lock, he didn't knock on the door, he just stood outside for a long time looking at the house, and trying to peer in to the backyard. I would like to discourage him stopping by our house, but he is still friends with the neighbors. There is something about him that is unpleasant, and I don't like how he seems to need to keep visiting the house. The house is almost 60 years old, and he was the second owner and owned it for 8 years, completely renovating the house inside. I understand that he was attached to the house, but he sold it and should leave us alone now. I'm sure the family that owned the home for 50 years was attached to it too. Should I say something to him if he comes by again?
3 weeks ago - 6 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
I think you need to politely but firmly let him know that you own the house now. You can soften it by telling him you're appreciative of how good care he took of the house. You may even point out that it is obvious he still cares a lot about the house - but it is yours now. If he offers you anything he thinks you need, politely say no. If he criticizes any work you do on the house, immediately point out that it is none of his concern anymore. If that doesn't work, you will have to be more firm. If he comes onto your property for anything but a social visit, tell him he is acting inappropriately. How do you get along with the neighbor? If you get along very well, you can tactfully point out that the previous owner's behavior is making you uncomfortable - he is almost certain to tell him, and that may help too.
by Jim L
3 weeks ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Be polite and firm If that doesnt work see a lawyer Or Judge Judy LOL
by ep1909- 3 weeks ago
I would point out to him that you do not appreciate visitors just dropping by. And put a no trespassing sign in the yard. If he continues to just drop by, explain to him that it is now your house and you will call the police for him trespassing.
by KMcG- 3 weeks ago
Maybe, but put it in a gentle way... He is attached and it could get ugly and stalkerish. I would call the cops if it gets too much worse. Another thing, you said he is good friends with the neighbors and you didn't want to cause any problems. If you are not friendly with them, start getting friendly. Eventually, invite them over for a cookout or something and GRADUALLY ease them into the problem you have been having. If you can get them on your side, they will most of the time defend your name if they get to know you and think your family is nice. If that doesn't seem plausible just tell the nutcase that you are very pleased with the revisions YOU have made to YOUR house. Tell him, "I'm sorry you don't approve of the changes, but you like them and are pleased with the improvements and they are not going to change."
by Bigred6556- 3 weeks ago
Anytime I saw him, I would say that I'm expecting company, just heading out the door etc., to let him know that I'm in a hurry and not engaging in conversation. If he drops by with another gift for the house, just say that you appreciate the sentiment but that it isn't your taste. I think if you start off respectfully, that's the best way to go, and if he still doesn't get it, you might have to be direct or even rude with him. Good luck, he does sound a bit creepy.
by orig- 3 weeks ago
That IS creepy. I don't think maybe once or twice would be uncommon, but he has to learn that no more "drop-by's." He can visit the neighbor all he likes, but you need to stop his visits and chats now. The previous owner only came twice with paperwork for a left appliance here, but it so tempting for them to ask personal questions. I believe it really is a problem "letting go." Regardless, if they made a poor or forced choice to sell the house they cannot bother the people who purchased it. He is obviously dismayed at all the renovations (no matter what expertise level) and then, having to sell. But, this is NOT your problem. This is business. Whatever you decide, you need to stop the chatter and conversations. I'd be polite at first, but say, you don't need ANYthing (excuses). You will buy or get it yourself. You need to cut it short and totally ignore him. Then, if he persists, you will have to tell him straight out that if he has any further issues, he can speak to the real estate agent that SOLD the house!!!!!!!!! Thank you, and wish him well. Ignore him from the neighbors porch, too! Sorry, but that is life. Be happy.
by dgirly97- 3 weeks ago