Does the bank take the mailbox?

[Michael Lemieux]

I've found several distressed properties with no mailbox. Upon doing a little research, they all seem to be in foreclosure. Is it the bank that removes the mailbox, and why?

[Rick H.]

Interesting. I started removing mailboxes from new acquired houses some years ago. Thought I was the only investor who did that.

Here's my (crazy?) logic:

If former owner's mail is continued to be delivered, owner might be inclined to want to return and pick up the mail and be tempted to re-enter or who-knows-what?

Removal forces mail delivery to be either held at the local post office or the former owner to provide postal service with a change of address form. I don't want that to be my problem.

Second, I'm less likely to see junk mail (sorry, direct marketing pieces) like the Pennysaver and attorney solicitations overflow and cause litter. This litter can be a tip-off to others that the house is vacant and like a sign that says, 'take my copper!' Or, 'break in and live here at night!'

When I resell, after rehabbing, I put a brand-new, shiny mailbox that tells the prospective buyers, welcome!