Securing a vacant property.

[Craig Jennings]

I'm seriously considering the purchase of a vacant former drug house in a rougher part of town. I can buy it for $5K with an ARV of $49K. Obviously it's a total rehab. Anyway, since I'm still getting start I perform a share of the rehab work on my own and contract out larger portions. There have been ongoing problems with homeless folks shacking up there. I've spoken with a neighbor who try's to run them off when he sees them or calls the police. I've never dealt with a situation like this and would like to know how others secure property in rough areas while completing a rehab. Any tips are appreciated.

[George C.]

When I buy a house that will be vacant for reno or clean up, I make it not look vacant. Two reasons for this, I don't want the insurance company to think it's vacant and charge me through the nose & don't want low-lifes thinking it's vacant to steal, destroy or party in.

I put cheap mini blinds up on the windows, flower pot(s) on the stoop/porch, if elect on leave lights & radio on a timer, you can leave a car in the driveway, put up a mailbox or newspaper sleeve and stick a paper in there. Borrow some kids toys like a tricycle & leave it by the front porch.