Taking the Foreclosure Bull by the Horns

The job of selling and finding the right home for a client to purchase is not an easy job to take on.  Far too often are there details introduced during the process that can break the deal for an agent.  The hours, days, weeks and even months of hard work can often times be negated by the smallest details that results in a deal falling through. 

One of the biggest obstacles agents face are vacant homes that sit in close proximity to the home they are showing.  The frustration of showing the perfect home next to home that has been neglected is more evident nowadays especially since the foreclosure rate is at an all-time high.  It’s time for agents to take the bull by the horns and force the local government in the area in which they work to do something about the ever-growing problem of vacant homes. 

The Solution

The solution for identifying and maintaining a vacant home lies with a vacant registry.  More and more communities are passing ordinances requiring responsible parties to register their information and to maintain the property that their home sits on.  The goal is to not only help clean up neighborhoods that are suffering from blighted homes, but to be able to create a database of the mortgage holder in case an emergency should arise with the property.  Imagine a fire breaking out and the local fire officials having information about the home such as the owners contact information and if it is a vacant or occupied property. 

More and more agents are being encouraged to talk to a local government official about adopting a vacant registry.  Those that have vacant registries in place are able to reap the rewards of having vacant homes maintained to the standard set forth in their respective community.  This accountability can help improve the appearance and ultimate home values of surrounding, occupied homes.