Adopt a Foreclosure

With the rise of foreclosures there are a lot of vacant houses in Minneapolis, especially in North Minneapolis. Vacant houses increase crime, so Minneapolis is asking for citizens to help keep their blocks safe.

If you live near a vacant property here is what you can do to help keep your block safe.

Call 911 if you see anyone inside or around the property. Don’t confront anyone yourself!

Occasionally check on the vacant property to make sure it is still in tact, make sure there are no broken windows and that doors are locked and secure. If you notice a way trespassers can enter, if the house is not boarded up, or if you notice any health and safety issues call 311. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/311/

You may maintain the public space of the property, the sidewalks can be shoveled, litter collected, leaves raked, just remember only to do this on the public space.

The city reminds you that it is NOT okay to dig, climb on a building, enter the property, or make improvements without written permission.

Do you have a property that already has an ongoing problem? Call your Crime Prevention Specialist at your police precinct.

Without aid from the government we will continue to see an increase in foreclosures and with them will come an increase in crime. Please be a good neighbor and keep an eye on these properties.

Info on foreclosures in Minneapolis: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=10348014

Info on purchasing foreclosures in Hennepin County: http://www.co.hennepin.mn.us/portal/site/HCInternet/menuitem.3f94db53874f9b6f68ce1e10b1466498/?vgnextoid=8e38656d1a9fc010VgnVCM1000000f094689RCRD

Help if you are facing a foreclosure: http://www.hocmn.org/map_details.cfm?Id=84&pageID=7

If you are interested in investing or purchasing foreclosed properties or need help facing a foreclosure please contact me and I will try to answer any questions you may have.