Vacant Property
Managing Vacant and Abandoned Properties in Florida
At LA Realty Services, we specialize in assisting homeowners in Florida who own vacant or abandoned properties. Our mission is to help you secure, manage, and transition these properties, transforming them from liabilities into valuable assets. By doing so, we not only protect your investment but also contribute to the betterment of our local communities.
Securing Your Property
The first step in managing a vacant property is ensuring it is secure and protected from unauthorized access. Unsecured properties are often targets for squatters, vandalism, and illegal activities, which can lead to costly legal issues and a decline in neighborhood safety. Our services include:
- Lockboxes
Installing lockboxes on all entry points to control access and prevent break-ins.
- No Trespassing Signs
Placing prominent “No Trespassing” signs around the property to deter unauthorized entry and provide a legal basis for removing trespassers.
Transitioning Your Property
Once your property is secure, we assist you in transitioning it to its next phase, whether that means renting it out or selling it. Our comprehensive services ensure a smooth and profitable transition:
- Rental Assistance
We help you prepare the property for rental by assessing its condition, recommending necessary repairs or upgrades, and marketing it to potential tenants. Our goal is to attract reliable renters quickly, providing you with a steady income stream.
- No Trespassing Signs
Selling Assistance: If selling is the best option, we handle everything from property valuation and listing to marketing and negotiations. We provide a Florida-approved As-Is Residential Contract to streamline the selling process and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Community Impact
Vacant and abandoned properties can have a negative impact on communities, attracting crime and reducing property values. By securing and transitioning these properties, we help to:
- Enhance Neighborhood Safety
Reducing the presence of vacant properties helps decrease opportunities for criminal activities, making neighborhoods safer for residents.
- Increase Property Values
Well-maintained and occupied properties improve the overall appearance and desirability of a community, leading to increased property values.
- Foster Community Pride
Eliminating blight and revitalizing properties fosters a sense of pride and community among residents, encouraging further investment and development.
Our Commitment
At LA Realty Services, we are committed to providing exceptional service and support to homeowners dealing with vacant or abandoned properties. Our experienced team understands the challenges you face and offers tailored solutions to meet your needs. By working together, we can protect your investment, enhance community safety, and contribute to the overall improvement of our neighborhoods.
If you own a vacant or abandoned property and need assistance, contact us today. Let us help you turn your property into a valuable asset while making a positive impact on our community.
Why Secure Your Vacant Property?
Owning a vacant or abandoned property in Florida can expose you to various risks, including squatters, legal liabilities, and a decline in property value. Squatters can lead to significant legal battles, while neglected properties may attract crime and vandalism, impacting the broader community.
Steps We Take to Protect Your Property:
We install lockboxes and no trespassing signs to deter unauthorized access and squatters.
Routine checks to ensure the property remains secure and to identify any issues early.
Providing a Florida-approved "As-Is" Residential Contract and an IMAPP Projected Sales Price Sheet to facilitate rental or sale.
By securing and managing these properties, we help reduce local crime and contribute to neighborhood revitalization.
Case Studies
In Pierce County, Washington, homeowners faced a $32,000 lawsuit due to homeless camps on their vacant properties. The county held them responsible for clean-up and imposed potential liens, demonstrating the financial and legal burdens that can arise (KIRO 7 News Seattle).
New York City homeowners have been sued by squatters claiming rights to the properties they occupied. This highlights the complexity and potential legal costs associated with squatter removal (Weekly Real Estate News).
St. Louis has enacted new laws and funding to address vacant properties, recognizing the broader community impact and aiming to reduce related crime (STL Public Radio).
Florida Squatters Prevention
In Florida, there have been significant issues with squatters occupying vacant and abandoned properties, leading to legal complications for homeowners. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 621, a law designed to protect property owners from squatters and provide remedies for quickly removing unauthorized occupants. This law allows property owners to request law enforcement to immediately remove squatters if specific conditions are met, and it increases penalties for those engaged in squatting (FLGov) (WFSU News).
For instance, Patti Peeples, a homeowner in Jacksonville, faced a challenging situation when squatters moved into her refurbished rental property without her knowledge. Despite presenting a fake lease, the squatters refused to leave, and the police initially sided with the squatters, citing a lack of jurisdiction. Peeples’ case highlights the difficulties property owners can face and the importance of the new legislation aimed at preventing such scenarios (WFSU News).
These legal changes are crucial for Florida homeowners, as they not only help in reclaiming their properties swiftly but also aim to deter future squatting incidents by imposing stricter penalties.
Preventive Measures
Consult with a real estate attorney to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Utilize local government programs aimed at managing and revitalizing vacant properties.
By proactively managing your vacant or abandoned property, you not only protect your investment but also contribute to the safety and well-being of your community. Contact us today to learn how we can help secure and optimize your property.
Maximo Dejesus Licensed Real Estate Broker, Licensed Real Estate Instructor” Foreclosure Prevention Specialist, LA Realty Services 407-990-6227, stopforeclosure@maximodejesus.com