All Forum Posts by: Karen Sandvoss

Thanks Jack. I just moved from Oakland, CA so I know the similar issues in the Bay Area well.

Our situation here was a very last minute scramble to secure a 3-unit building in the middle of the night that was ransacked after recently being re-remodeled (This was the 2nd time they broke in and wiped them out.) They took everything including the cameras (water heater, fixtures, lights, countertops, copper piping, etc). We were still onboarding the owner in our system and had not even been at the property yet so they hit at a really bad time. We encouraged the owner to get security doors installed during construction when we were in negotiations but it didn't happen.  It's been a tough lesson for him as an out-of-town investor.  We ended up finding someone to live at the place until we could get security doors and panels installed. Not a fun few days.

Great follow-up, Jack! You are right about the dogs. It has to be the right situation with very secure fencing because there is a good deal of liability if they get out. 

I also like the idea of the live in trailer with bells and alarms attached to the lighting. I might worry about hiring a non-professional though because it could lead to the possibility of another break-in as an inside job. Have you ever had that situation happen? And what is the recourse for the owner?

I work for a property management company in Chicago and wanted to share some info I just learned.  In addition to regular security features like motion sensor flood lights, security door & window coverings and cameras, did you know you can hire security dogs to come live at the property while it is vacant?  If work is being done on the place they will drop the dogs off when you leave and pick them back up when your workers arrive in the morning.  Also, you can hire people to live in the space until you get units rented. Two lesser-known options for keeping your property secure while you are lining up tenants.

Hey there,

I have a friend who's family has a plot of land in North Port, FL.  He lives in CA and is not up on the FL market. He needs some advice from someone who knows North Port because all of a sudden he's been getting a ton of broker mailers to sell. But he's wondering why now?  They've owned this land for many years. And should he be considering it?

Thanks!

Karen