Direct Mail to Neighbors During Construction?

[Jonathan Landry]

We are planning to build a few spec homes in an older neighborhood on reclaimed lots.  Do you mail the neighbors of your real estate flips, builds, etc to notify them of your intentions and provide contact information?  Letter? Postcard? 

My goals for a letter would be to update the neighbors about:

1. coming progress in their neighborhood
2. who to contact with questions and concerns
3. develop rapport for neighborhood watch and potential buyers

Does anyone have examples of direct mail they send out or ideas that I am missing to effectively communicate a professional image when entering a neighborhood to start construction?