Vacant, foreclosed and unoccupied short sale homes are easy targets for criminals looking to make easy money from thefts of the systems in the homes.
Vandals and thieves are hip to scanning real estate websites for homes that may be vacant, distressed and/or easily accessed to strip systems such as HVAC compressors, copper pipes & wiring, appliances, fixtures, lighting and anything else that they can quickly steal to make cash.
Police are advising owners of occupied homes to be on alert as well. This practice in not simply limited to homes listed for sale nor to specific neighborhoods or locations. It is happening nationwide.
Suggested precautions to take include installing a special anti-theft cage around the outdoor compressor unit to discourage an easy theft. Another suggestion is to install a low-pressure alarm system that detects the pressure release should the lines to the compressor be severed. The alarm will emit an audible & visual alert. However, these precautions are only good if someone is paying attention.
As a listing agent for a vacant property owned by an out of town seller, bank REO or a distressed homeowner, you should check on your listings frequently for signs of vandalism, missing items, squatters, water intrusion, repairs needed or other issues that need attention. For sellers who still live locally, work out a system to keep tabs on the home.
As a buyer's agent, you should be observant about missing items, particularly in vacant homes. Should your buyer wish to submit an offer, not knowing that the HVAC compressor has been stolen or the inside of the unit has been clean out could be an issue later.
