What you can & can't take from a foreclosure home

With more homes going into foreclosure in our area - the former owners think that they have a right to strip out any valuables. This is not the way it works legally and they are unknowingly setting themselves up for more problems. Not only are they stripping homes, they are actually vandalizing the homes upon leaving. Somehow they feel that by taking their frustrations with their lenders (or themselves) out on the home - they will gain something.

The following items are assets, fixtures that should not be removed from a home that is in foreclosure:

• Cabinets and counter tops
• Appliances such as stoves, built-in microwaves, dishwashers, etc.
• Furnaces and air conditioning units
• Plumbing and copper pipes
• Romex or other electrical wiring
• Light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Doors and hardware
• Flooring, ceilings and walls
• Windows and vents
• Medicine cabinets, sinks, tubs, toilets and showers
  

photo by afroswede

• Sink drains and faucets
• Built-in shelving / bookcases
• Landscaping, fencing, built-in pools and spas

Assets Home Owners Can Remove from Foreclosed Homes

If a home owner leaves behind personal belongings, the lender will seize those items. If the lender stores them, the home owner could be charged for storage.

Here are items a home owner can remove without fearing prosecution:

• All personal items brought into the home by the owner such as furniture, clothing and common household items such as dishes, pans and silverware
• Mirrors
• Personal artwork and photographs from walls
• Stationary lamps
• Pets and pet-related items such as dog houses, aquariums, bird cages (please find them homes)
  
• Easily removable window coverings such as drapes or curtains - not the rods
  
• Refrigerators, televisions, computers and stereo equipment
• Throw and area rugs
• Indoor plants
• Portable fans and heaters