Are Vacant Homes a Target for Miscreants?

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 is that these homes are a target of break-ins.

 

Appliances, ceiling fans and HVAC systems are all stolen with impunity. Thieves have even gone into the crawl space to rip off wires, presumably for their copper content!

Lower-priced properties are not the only ones so targeted. Vacant homes in high priced neighborhoods are also being broken into. Last year, in an expensive property in an upscale neighborhood, thieves stole the stainless refrigerator and cooking range. They kicked in the back door, opened the garage and pulled their truck in. Then they took their time dismantling and carting away the appliances.

In one bizarre case, when thieves were taking away the cooking range and refrigerator one night, they were actually stopped by a police car. Obviously, their explanation satisfied the officers, for they drove away and the thieves continued on their way!

There have also been multiple reports of vacant homes being used as meth labs. Apparently, meth producers favor properties in affluent neighborhoods as they are less likely to get caught as opposed to high-crime areas. Meth lab remediation can cost up to $150,000! That is, if it has not been blown up.

You want to sell your house as quickly as possible. But how do you attract buyers, not thieves or meth chemists?

 

Have a real estate question? Call me at M 803-348-9922 or email me at vsashikant@gmail.com.
Check out all homes for sale in Columbia and Lexington at www.homesincolumbiasc.net

 

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