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A Good Reason To Take Down Your For Sale Sign

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Advantage

For the second time in just a couple of months, I have heard of homes being broken into and copper wire being stolen. On the most recent one, I represent the buyer. The home was not winterized, so you can imagine the mess. The seller is going to take care of the problem, and we should proceed to closing- but at what expense for this seller?

The agent, who is also the owner on this home, brought up a great idea. He said that he is going to start having to take down his signs on vacant homes possibly after they go under contract.

A security system would also solve the problem.The incidents that I know of  where this has happened recently are in older neighborhoods where typically several bank owned homes may be located.

These thieves seem to know what they are doing. They know how to tell if the home for sale is vacant or not. I wouldn't be surprised if they watch the home for awhile either.

If you have one of these vacant homes and it doesn't have a security system in place, it may be a good idea to remove the sign as soon as you go under contract to limit possible vandalism or theft.

I know that the sign is for marketing, but the past two agents I know that had to deal with this would probably tell you it is not worth it. Does anyone have any better ideas how to prevent theft or vandalism on a vacant home? I recently wrote a post about a seller putting a sign on the doorsaying anyone seen trespassing will be shot! I am pretty sure that is not the answer.

Posted by

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Kristi DeFazio is a Realtor in Colorado Springs

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Kristi DeFazio

RE/MAX Advantage

719-459-5468

kristidefazio@remax.net

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Comments (9)

Ted Tyrrell
RE/MAXCamosun (Chatterton) - Victoria, BC
Selling Homes in Beautiful Victoria

Kristi, you make a good point. I have such a house which just went unconditional. The sign will come down tomorrow.

Feb 22, 2011 12:15 PM
Kristi DeFazio
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

Ted- It seems to be happening more and more or I am just noticing it more on homes I have sold.

Feb 22, 2011 12:51 PM
AJ Heidmann ~ CRS
McEnearney Associates, Inc. - Alexandria, VA
YOUR Alexandria & Arlington, VA Real Estate Expert

Kristi,

We have several vacant listings and have avoided situations like this by doing things; 1) always put lights on timers (with CFL bulbs) in the home to keep up the appearance of someone living there   2) enlist the help of the neighbors by making a point to introduce yourself, give them a card and ask them to call if anything looks suspicious.

Feb 22, 2011 12:52 PM
Kristi DeFazio
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

Aj and Jodee- Those are really good suggestions. This home is staged and if someone looked in you would think that it is not vacant unless you watched it for awhile.

Feb 22, 2011 01:14 PM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

Interesting point Kristi....we need to do what is in our clients best interest...even when it is not in our own. The sign may get us additional clients...but at what cost.

Feb 22, 2011 02:03 PM
Keith Pentz
RE/MAX ADVANTAGE 1 - Shrewsbury, MA
Keith Pentz

Kristi-it's a big problem here as well..hmm...as for the thieves, do you ususally get a phone call the next day from a Loan Officer offering 203K Financing??  Just a thought!

Feb 23, 2011 01:39 AM
Kristi DeFazio
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

Keith- funny! No calls from loan officers yet.

Jeffrey- Yep. I think this particular agent on this home is taking down his sign because he is also the owner. He doesn't want it happening again.

Feb 23, 2011 02:39 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Maybe we need professional house sitters - no, professional house sitters with guns? OK, maybe an alarm system which  no doubt is cheaper than replacement of all the copper pipe. 

Recently one of our sellers, whose vacant home is on the market, was notified by his homeowner's insurance company that his rate was going to be more than doubled because the house was vacant.  Do you know if the insurance company paid for this loss when the house was left vacant?

Feb 25, 2011 09:20 AM
Kristi DeFazio
RE/MAX Advantage - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Rea lEstate 719-459-5468

Mary- I will ask the agent that question. I have heard of vacant homes having higher insurance. I am all in favor of security systems.

Feb 25, 2011 09:26 AM