Top 5 Conditions Found in Vacant & Foreclosure Properties

To help today's home buyers take advantage of historically low home prices and interest rates, HouseMaster, one of the most respected names in home inspections, has identified the top five conditions most likely to be encountered when buying foreclosed or vacant homes.


1. Moisture Problems: When a house is closed up, the climate is humid (monsoon season!), or there are ongoing water leakage issues visible, mold is commonly found - and has the potential to be extensive. When a home is closed up, it exacerbates the condition, creating a high humidity environment in which mold thrives. HouseMaster inspectors have seen homes covered in black mold after just a few weeks, but these problems can be prevented and eliminated through proper clean up and ventilation.

2. Defective, Leaky Gaskets, Valves, and Hoses: It's common for home inspectors to find leaking valves, gaskets, and appliances in homes that have been foreclosed or vacant for an extended period. No matter how big or small, every appliance or plumbing fixture in a home includes at least one valve, gasket, and/or hose which can dry out - creating gaps and leakages. Freeze damage can cause a burst pipe (yes, it can freeze in Arizona!), damaged valve, or gushing water. Even a minor leak can cause consequential water damage and/or mold.

3. Vandalism: Vacant homes may be subject to damage from vandals or thieves looking to steal anything of possible resale value. HouseMaster inspectors have found homes stripped of everything from kitchen cabinetry to plumbing, wiring, and even structural elements. Usually these items are removed without consideration for safety or consequential damage. This often results in a reduced price for the home.

4. Unwelcome Guests: Overgrown vegetation, broken windows, scattered debris, and water leakages are an invitation to many unwelcome guests such as insects, rodents, and cats. Whether these vermin are present for a short or long period, they can cause damage and create secondary problems such as an unsanitary buildup of droppings, fleas, and/or other health concerns.

5. Blocked or Damaged Waste and Sewer Line: Issues with house drains, and waste and sewer lines are also not uncommon. Deliberately blocked lines may result in overflow damage (juvenile delinquents breaking into a home can do this!), an inconvenience that could be costly to repair. In other cases, the normal buildup of waste products in the lines will harden and contribute to flow restriction or blockage. Even minor leakages can cause soil to dry out in the wrong area, which can contribute to pipe movement and damage. Buyers of vacant homes may want to consider sewer line or drainage pipe inspections to assess potential issues.

Thank-you for this information HouseMasters! They can be reached valleywide in Arizona at (480)345-8570.

Solve these vacant home issues by placing a pre-screened and qualified Home Manager in any vacant homes you have listed in Arizona. The service is FREE and the issues that are avoided may be tremendous! info@AzVacantHomeSolutions.com