Volunteers Find Foreclosure Homes to Clean Up

An increasing number of volunteers find foreclosure homes to clean up thus preventing them from ruining the curb appeal of neighborhoods.

According to industry experts, in some areas where foreclosure rates are highest, such as Florida and Nevada, volunteering to clean up abandoned and vacant properties is becoming common in communities. These volunteers mend fences, cut grass, fix windows, clear away the rubbish and other works that would help prevent the unoccupied properties from becoming blights and attracting vandals and criminals.

According to officials of the National League of Cities, local residents are taking the matter of neglected foreclosure homes seriously because they are also affected by the presence of many dilapidated houses. Studies showed that home prices and values are dropping rapidly in neighborhoods with high foreclosure rates.

Some residents took the time out from their busy schedules to find foreclosure homes before they could fall into complete disrepair and attract criminals and vandals. Foreclosure homes that are not maintained can become eyesores or drive away potential buyers.

Furthermore, neglected foreclosure houses can pull the entire neighborhoods into disrepair, resulting in costly repairs. Some cities have implemented tough measures to prevent foreclosure homes from deteriorating.

In Cape Coral, Florida, code enforcement officers are also acting as property managers. The city started tracking foreclosure properties since June 2007. So far, about 5,234 lawns located on abandoned and vacant houses were mowed by city workers with the help of volunteers who do not want their areas to look unsightly.

Some cities that are initiating cleanup projects are charging property owners for the services done. However, many property owners could not be contacted resulting to cities shouldering the cost of property repair and maintenance.

According to industry experts, the major problem is the long gap between the time homeowners abandon their houses and the time banks take over the properties.

So far, about 350 cities across the country have passed ordinances that require banks and property owners to maintain foreclosure properties on their portfolio.

In Boston, Massachusetts, volunteers are also helping distressed homeowners avoid losing their homes to foreclosures. They conduct weekly door-to-door visit to inform homeowners and tenants at risk of foreclosures that many programs are available for free that can help them remain in their properties.

Industry experts said that initiatives to find foreclosure homes to clean up are an effective way to alleviate the impact of the foreclosure crisis.