We actually managed to sort out a boundary issue informally with our neighbor. It worked fine for about 4 years until they moved out. Then the new owners came in and questioned everything, so we ended up having to get a survey anyway. I'd say informal agreements can work short-term, but long-term...you're probably better off biting the bullet and getting something official done.
- Informal agreements aren't always short-term fixes...I've seen some hold up for decades if both sides are reasonable people.
- Surveys aren't foolproof either—had one done a few years back, and the neighbor still challenged it. Ended up in mediation anyway.
- Bottom line: formal documents help, but they're not bulletproof. Sometimes having a good relationship with neighbors is just as valuable as paperwork.
You're spot-on about the value of neighborly goodwill. I've dealt with plenty of property line headaches, and honestly, even the most airtight documents won't stop someone determined to dispute boundaries. Had a similar issue once—survey was crystal clear, but the neighbor still insisted his fence was right. Took months of back-and-forth before we finally just talked it out over coffee. Sometimes, a friendly chat beats paperwork hands down...though having both never hurts.
I'm right in the middle of dealing with this myself, and honestly, your coffee chat idea sounds great. But as a first-timer, I also wanted something solid to back me up. Here's what worked for me:
1. Got a professional survey done (cost a bit, but peace of mind is worth it).
2. Clearly marked the boundaries with stakes—visuals help.
3. Had a casual chat with neighbors about the results before any issues popped up.
So far, so good... fingers crossed it stays friendly!
You're definitely on the right track with the professional survey—worth every penny for peace of mind. I did something similar, and honestly, marking the boundaries visually was a lifesaver. My neighbors were pretty chill about it too, but having that solid proof in hand made the chat way less awkward. Sounds like you've set yourself up nicely... fingers crossed it stays drama-free for both of us.
