Explain: By the end of this session, you will be able to discuss what makes a good citizen, including ways to make your community more attractive, ways you can be involved in your community and being responsible for your legal obligations as a homeowner.

Homeowners have different ideas about what constitutes being good citizens in their communities. Some may define good citizenship as making sure the outside of the house, driveway and yard look attractive; others may feel they need to be involved in a neighborhood watch program. Both are part of being a good citizen.

Question: What things do you think constitute being a good citizen in your community?

Explain: Good citizens work to improve the overall attractiveness of their communities. Houses that are located in clean, safe, well-maintained areas are more marketable than houses located in areas that are not. If you and your neighbors improve the overall attractiveness of the area, the property values may increase.

As a homeowner, there are several things you can do to make your property look attractive. It is important to keep your property clean, organized and free of clutter, such as non-running vehicles or old appliances.

Good citizens also should keep their yards maintained. Depending on your interests and hobbies, you may choose to spend a great amount of time on your yard and the exterior appearance of your property, or you may choose to simplify your responsibilities.

Many homeowners in New Mexico choose to use Xeriscaping and zeroscaping to save time, water and money. Xeriscaping is using native and drought-tolerant plants to create an oasis-like yard that requires very little water. Zeroscaping uses a lot of rocks and plants such as juniper, cactus and yucca, all of which require almost no water, time or maintenance. Both of these options significantly lower your water bill and reduce the time spent fertilizing, mowing and maintaining your yard.

For more information on the exterior upkeep of your house, such as painting, gutter maintenance or yard maintenance, refer to the Maintaining Your Home module.

Explain: Good citizens may choose to be involved in helping their communities deter crime. Many communities are involved with the National Neighborhood Watch Institute (NNWI).

Question: Are any of you familiar with this program? What does it help do?

Instructor's Note: Bullets will appear after discussion upon a second mouse click.

Explain: If you are interested in starting a neighborhood watch program, you can contact the NNWI or your police department for more information. You also can learn more about NNWI from their Web site at www.nnwi.org

Explain: Other things you can do to improve your neighborhood are attend or organize local block parties, neighborhood association meetings or crime prevention meetings. Some homeowners may want to get persons in their local communities together to solve common problems.

Question: What are some of the things you do in your community?

Instructor’s Note: Bullets will appear after discussion upon a second mouse click. Highlight points listed on Slides #5 and #6.

Explain: The following are things you can do to be part of your community:

Explain: Getting involved in any of these activities can give citizens a feeling of fulfillment and empowerment in their communities and is part of being a responsible homeowner.

Transition Statement: Being a good citizen also means being responsible for your legal obligations as a homeowner. These include paying your property taxes as discussed in a previous section, and obeying city ordinances and neighborhood covenants.

Explain: An ordinance is a law or an act of a city, municipality or local governmental agency. Each city in the state of New Mexico has unique city ordinances.

Question: What are some examples of city ordinances?

Explain: In addition to these examples, there also may be city ordinances that put restrictions on your property. You may be required to get a permit to paint the house or special permission to change the exterior color. To find the ordinances in your community, contact your local government organization. Most people who buy houses do so in part to be free to make improvements and changes as they see fit, so you want to know about these restrictions before you buy the property.

Question: What are some examples of neighborhood covenants?

Explain: These may include storing or parking boats and recreational vehicles on the property, building storage sheds or other outbuildings and changing the color or character of the house without written permission from the association.

Lesson Summary:
Congratulations! You have completed “Being a Good Citizen” in this Being A Responsible Home Owner series of classes.

Today we have determined ways to make your community more attractive, listed ways you can be involved in your community and defined legal responsibilities you have as a home owner.

Question:
Are there any questions?