REO properties in the Sunland Tujunga area of the Los Angeles County foothills as well as in the Hemet – San Jacinto Valley of the Inland Empire regions of Southern California both have one thing in common – they are often vandalized.
When an REO home becomes vandalized one of the first things to typically go is the windows. For some reason, there must be some joy in breaking glass. Don’t ask me, I don’t get it, but broken glass is undoubtedly the number one act of aggression against an REO property.
When I, as an REO Listing Agent, find broken windows at one of my listings, I need to take immediate steps to secure the property and minimize the potential for any sort of personal injury that a prospective buyer may suffer from the broken glass. Truth is, I have to protect my client for damage claims filed by those who actually broke the glass and were trespassing at the time of the injury.
Securing broken windows and doors is a rather simple process. The only supplies needed include half inch plywood, 2X4s and carriage bolts.
The plywood should be cut larger than the window and mounted to the 2X4’s with the carriage bolts. The 2X4 is also cut larger than the window, so that as they are mounted to the plywood, with the carriage bolts, they are creating pressure, using the wall as leverage. A very simple process.
When the room is completely boarded shut, 1 ½ inch holes should be drilled into the plywood, to allow light to filter into the room. It is important that the integrity of the plywood is not compromised by the holes.
What should never been done – but unfortunately is done frequently by unprofessional is a piece of plywood is either screwed or nailed directly into the window frames – creating even more expensive damage for the new homeowner, once the boards come down and new windows go up.
Blessings to all who read this,
John Occhi, REALTOR® - The REO Guy
Century 21 Crest - CrestREO
CrestREO.Com
Hemet - San Jacinto Valley
951-927-9473
Author of "What You Need to Know...About Foreclosure and How You Can Stop It!" - If you are a Hemet or San Jacinto Homeowner.
This blog and the contents written here is the intellectual property of John Occhi, Hemet California REALTOR®. The views and opinions expressed are just that - views and opinions of John Occhi and those who comment. Please note that I am not an attorney or a tax professional and any time I discuss either topic, I suggest you consult with the proper professional for relevant assistance.
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I am proud to be a full time REALTOR® with Century 21 Crest and the CrestREO Division who is proud to be a contributing member of the ActiveRain community.
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