According to
Elizabeth Duke, Federal Reserve board governor (from Realtor Magazine): ‘Vacant
homes pose a major challenge to the housing and economic recovery… and that
these can be more than just an eye sore; they can have substantial negative
impacts on the surrounding community.’
One major negative impact that we’ve seen is that these homes are a target of break-ins. Appliances, ceiling fans and HVAC systems are all stolen with impunity.
Distressed properties are not the only ones so targeted. Vacant homes in high priced neighborhoods are also being broken into.
Last year, an upscale property in an upscale neighborhood was broken into and the thieves stole the stainless refrigerator and cooking range. They had kicked in the back door, opened the garage and pulled their truck in. Then they took their time dismantling and carting away the appliances.
This year, at another vacant property, thieves stole the air-handling unit and went into the crawl space and ripped off wires, presumably for their copper content!
One major negative impact that we’ve seen is that these homes are a target of break-ins. Appliances, ceiling fans and HVAC systems are all stolen with impunity.
Distressed properties are not the only ones so targeted. Vacant homes in high priced neighborhoods are also being broken into.
Last year, an upscale property in an upscale neighborhood was broken into and the thieves stole the stainless refrigerator and cooking range. They had kicked in the back door, opened the garage and pulled their truck in. Then they took their time dismantling and carting away the appliances.
This year, at another vacant property, thieves stole the air-handling unit and went into the crawl space and ripped off wires, presumably for their copper content!
Last week, while showing a home to a potential
buyer, we found that the wires to the air-handling unit were cut. Were the
thieves disturbed or were they planning on hauling it away that night?
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