Our foreclosure market across the bay area including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando Counties is leaving abandoned and vacant homes "easy targets" for vandalism and burglary.  Law enforcement are trying their best to patrol these targeted areas, but with the number of  pre-foreclosure & foreclosure homes presently out there, it is becoming a major problem.
Many vacant homes become vandalized by teens or occupied by vagrants.  There have been numerous break ins throughout the areas hard hit by foreclosures. Many of these vacant homes have been lost to foreclosure by the property owner and now owned by a bank that will need to maintain the lawn and secure the property.  It is mostly the rural areas with nobody around to keep an eye on these abandoned homes that this happens to.  Vacant homes in neighborhoods are usually monitored  closely by their neighbors who keep an eye open for any unusual activity or to report overgrowth of grass that needs to be mowed to ensure the property does not look like a typical foreclosure property.  Help promote the safety of your own neighborhood by making it a priority to report any suspicious activity that might be going on.  The sooner we find buyers to occupy these properties, the sooner we will be back on track with selling  "at arms length transactions" once again!
It's a great time to be a buyer and still many homes to choose from, but the prices these foreclosure homes are selling for are either close to or greater than the list price which means low ball offers are not being considered.  Most list prices on these foreclosure homes are fantastic deals and a steal at that!  When your out shopping for a home, remember if you think the home is great, so does every other buyer that views it.  There are usually multiple offers going in on these homes, so keep in mind to make the offer your highest and best!
We'll always keep you informed!
Have a great night and Enjoy!