Let's Party! ....in a vacant, foreclosed home!

I was aghast when I read about parties taking place in many homes during the summer and as our local colleges started up again. Normally college students having parties is nothing new or unusual. Where the parties are taking place is new and unusual, and illegal: vacant, foreclosed homes.

One property in Fallbrook, listing at one million dollars, was broken into over the Fourth of July weekend. The home was found with littered with beer cans, tequila bottles, and drug literature; graffiti on the walls; and "sticky goop" on the floors. According to authorities, damage to the home totaled $8,000.

What's even more discouraging is that these parties appear to be organized by groups calling them selves "Takin Over Krew" and "Till You Drop," and the parties are advertised on MySpace, Facebook, and Craigslist. Fortunately -- and I do mean fortunately -- four people have been arrested so far.

The organizers look for homes that are:

1. large
2. secluded, private, or otherwise out of the way
3. vacant, preferably with a "foreclosed" or "bank owned" sign in the yard
4. plenty of parking space

According to authorities, party organizers search the real estate ads for potential party homes and then case the home, sometimes posting as buyers, going to open houses, or scheduling appointments to see the property. While they are in the house, they'll unlock a window or door for easy access later.

The illegal parties create an environment of danger since many of the partiers are underage yet alcohol and drugs are an integral part of the party.

If you have a vacant foreclosure listing, here are some tips to ensure that yours doesn't become the next illegal party home:

1. Always get the name and address of anyone who schedules an appointment. This is most easily done by photocopying their driver's license or at least noting their driver's license number.
2. If you have an open house, make sure you check all doors and windows before you leave to make sure they are locked. Set the alarm system if there is one still in operation.
3. Check on your properties at least once a week and notify authorities immediately if you have any concerns about something.
4. Try to make friends with the neighbors and let them know about the property -- vacant, foreclosed, owners on vacation or out of state, etc. -- and to notify you if they see anything unusual. This, of course does three things: It helps protect the property, it helps protect the lives of innocent people who could be killed by drunk or drugged youth driving on the streets and highways, and illustrating how you look out for your listed property just might get you a listing from a neighbor down the road.

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Jim Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award Mission Valley
California DRE License #01458572
619-729-5701
jimfrimmer@century21award.com

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