Hurricanes and Foreclosed Homes – The Dangers of Abandoned Properties

Published by julia | Filed under Buyer / Seller Tips, Market Trends, Pinellas County Homes, Real Estate, Shout Outs

The foreclosure market has emptied out plenty of homes in the Florida market. These homes are no longer being cared for or protected in the same manner as they were before the foreclosure. While this may not be a problem in a market with moderate climate, the chance of hurricanes along the Florida coast and inland Florida poses a real threat to these empty homes.

The threat of damage to a foreclosed home during a hurricane may not seem like much, but the placement of window protection and securing of doors and outside landscaping is essential not only to the preservation of the home, but to the safety of nearby homes as well.

When a hurricane blows through, if the home is not secured and ready for the hurricane, the debris flying from one home to the surrounding homes can cause damage that will then need to be repaired. If the homeowner has a large deductible on their homeowner’s insurance, the foreclosed home then causes added financial pressure on other families and the community as a whole.

At the heart of the problem is a choice to be made by the banks who now own the homes. If they spend the money to secure the homes, they are out even more and may have to raise the price on the home. If they do not spend the money, they could face huge repair bills after the storm has passed.

While state officials are more focused on life safety, the potential for lawsuits has yet to be addressed. If the bank has taken possession of the home title, they are liable for that home. If the home is left unsecured and personal injury occurs there could be a case of liable charged against the bank who essentially owns the home.

Another potential problem with the foreclosed homes is the effect of the hurricane damage on the property and the value of surrounding properties. If the foreclosed home is damaged severely enough, the homeowners residing in the nearby area could see an effect on their home values. For this reason, many homeowners are taking the securing of the foreclosed homes into their own hands.

Securing a foreclosed home without the permission of the bank is not advised. The homeowner needs to make sure the bank approves the securing of the home before the homeowner proceeds.