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
Welcome from the Brainerd Lakes - where outdoor and indoor recreational opportunites abound. Looking to buy on one of our many lakes? Ready to move up or down? Having trouble selling your home? Falling behind on payments or already in the foreclosure process? I am a Certified Short Sale Specialist as well as a Home Staging Expert.
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This is a good list to have on hand when you are taking a listing that might turn short sale or foreclosure. Sometimes the REALTOR is the first line of reason in a confusing situation. cheryl
Such a sad post :( but needed information. We are not at that point yet here in Canada. I pray we don't catch up on this one
Good information for consumers. I have seen homes with everything you mentioned on your list missing.
Kathleen the picture says it all. This is an inherant problem with foreclosures throughout the country. It isfunny how people believe they have the right to remove all this stuff when it does not belong to them.
I inspected a foreclosure a week or so ago, and someone had taken all of the plumbing and wiring out, along with the a/c unit. I guess they just felt they were entitled.
Kathleen, What a valuable piece of information. You would be surprised at how many foreclosed homes I have been inside that have been stripped and vandalized by the former owner. Even as going so far as leaving the water running.
Kathleen ~ It's amazing what people will take on their way out of a foreclosed home. I viewed a $1.5 Million home recently where the previous owners had removed every single one of the kitchen appliances as well as the powder room mirror and the built-in surround sound Bose speakers.
Cheryl - Definitely some homeowners are not aware of what can & can't go with them - they do need info.
Magi - It is good to hear that things are still going well in RE in Canada- stay that way.
Gita - What I am finding most amazing is what former owners are leaving behind, including pets.
Bill - I guess they think that they have it coming- somehow they got shorted and they want to get all they can for their trouble.