Do you have an empty house in Rogers or Little Rock? Vacant homes can be a real concern and potential problem in for numerous reasons. Insurance companies know this and therefore even charge higher rates for houses which are unoccupied. Rocket Mortgage says the following about vacant homes and the reasons for higher insurance rates due to risk.
“Vacant homes are a greater insurance risk because, without someone there to watch over the property, the home is more vulnerable to break-ins and vandalism. And because there is no one there to discover water or report a fire early on, the home may incur more damage from things like a burst pipe, fire or natural disaster because early intervention was not possible.”
Common Problems Vacant Homeowners Face in Rogers.
- Property crime
- Deterioration
- Squatters
- Injury responsibility
- Property costs and city fees
In addition to the higher risks of crime or damage mentioned in the article from Rocket Mortgage, other concerns have become more pressing in recent years due to squatters and lease or rent scams. Let’s take a deeper look at this risk and some advice on avoiding these criminal actions.
How Rental Scams On Your Vacant Little Rock or Rogers Property Can Happen To You
A realtor recently explained how the rental scam happens. She said that the criminals come to the vacant home in a moving truck or fake residential maintenance van like a plumber or electrician would use. The neighbors are then unsuspecting. The criminals quickly can drill out the locks and replace them locking you out of your own house.
Using photos from previous listings or even Google maps, they can then advertise the house for rent on Craigslist or other social media outlets and marketplaces. They can even show the home to a potential renter. Once the renter signs illegitimate documents and moves in, you, the actual owner cannot force them to move out. The renter is a victim of a scam and is protected. You are faced with trying to figure out who did this to you and taking legal action against the criminals if you can find them. It becomes a huge mess very quickly.
How To Protect Your Vacant Rogers or Little Rock Property From Rental Scams
Arkansas’ news KFSM recently ran a news story detailing the Arkansas’ Attorney General’s warning about these rental scams. In the story, they mention that “the rental market demand has continued to increase throughout the state and rental scams are growing with it as scammers collect money and personal information.” The Better Business Bureau gives some great advice for vacant homeowners to help avoid rental scams. In summary they give the following helpful information. Advice for homeowners of vacant homes:
Keep Up The Property.
A well-maintained lawn, house, or place of business will often deter unwanted visitors from approaching the property. Set up automatic sprinklers, hire a reliable local lawn care firm to visit on a regular basis, and keep the number of a reliable handyman close at hand.
Find An Honest Neighbor To Help
. Request that they periodically check on the property. Additionally, it is considerably safer for them to have a key than using a lockbox if someone wants to let a handyman or the police enter the property. Ask the neighbor to alert you ANYTIME they see ANYONE around the property, even maintenance people.
Maintain An Alarm System.
If installing an alarm system is out of your price range, think about installing a camera doorbell that can capture real-time photographs of people entering the building.
Put The Mail On Hold
. A mailbox stuffed to the brim with junk mail indicates no one is at home and may draw in curious people. The cost of forwarding or changing the address to your new address or a P.O. box is very low.
Avoid the Risks and Hassles Of A Vacant Home in Rogers And Sell As-Is For Cash
We buy empty houses in the Rogers, Benton, Little Rock areas of Arkansas regardless of their age, condition, or length of vacant status. We’re interested in buying your property from you, even if it has been unoccupied for a long time and has undergone significant damage. Over the years, we’ve bought many unoccupied homes, and we’re passionate about assisting homeowners in realizing a profit on their investment and turning vacant properties back into usable space.
At Little Rock Property Buyers, we have a great local reputation for honesty and fairness. You can see our Google reviews here. You can read more about how we operate and help homeowners. Perhaps your home needs major repairs but is still occupied and you’re contemplating your options. Read about how we can help you if you have a home that needs major repairs. Whatever your home selling needs, we would be happy to talk to you more, offer advice, or give a free, no-obligation cash offer. We do not charge commissions or closing costs and there are no other hidden fees. Call us today at 501-580-3035 and speak with one of our knowledgeable and helpful professionals.
