How Homeowners Can Combat Blight and Crime Brought on by Foreclosures

By: Alicia Schuller, Marketing Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore

Recent articles in the news have brought to light some very real problems Baltimore homeowners are facing due to foreclosures. Everyone knows that when a home forecloses, it drives down the property value of other homes in the neighborhood- but few of us take time to consider the elements that play into plunging property values and what we can do to combat these elements. As a community, when one property suffers, all of them do and homeowners need to be informed about what they can do to stave off the effects of blight and crime, which often follow suit of foreclosure.

The Baltimore Brew’s recent story about one family’s experience with foreclosures next door, mirrors the stories of many homeowners around the city- uncut and unkempt front yards, broken windows, trash, rats and pests, as well as an upswing in drug dealing, theft and other crimes. Abandoned homes that are not properly secured and cared for by the lender or bank that owns it, invite passing strangers to loiter and participate in drug activity and are a danger to children and other neighbors. Furthermore, values of occupied properties continue to plummet due to shadow cast over them by vacant properties.

If you are a homeowner who is currently dealing with this problem, there are steps you can take to combat it. You can be a proactive player in the destiny of your community.

MSN Real Estate says the first step you should take is to find out what bank or lender owns the property. Get other neighborhood residents involved and call the bank’s foreclosure department frequently. Let them know that the vacant property is not being maintained or secured and that it is attracting crime and lowering your property value. If you or one of your neighbors is a client of the bank, let them you will take your business some place else if they do not address the problem.

If no action is taken by the owner of the property, you should report the violations to Baltimore Housing. They are in charge of enforcing city ordinances that deal with the safety, sanitation and over all ascetics of properties in Baltimore. The city has a vested interest in maintaining housing values, as well as providing safety to its residents. They will inspect the property and fine the owners for all violations. To go directly to their website, click here.

Next, anytime you see loitering or illegal activity taking place around the property, call the police. You want to send a message to strangers passing through your neighborhood that the residents care and are keeping a close watch on the community. The more often the police are called to the scene, the less likely it is that intruders will want to do their business there.

Lastly to cut down on the infestation of pests and rats, take it upon yourself to clean up any garbage on or around the property. Although you do not own the property, you have a vested interest in keeping it free of trash. If Baltimore Housing or the owner of the property is dragging their feet in cutting the grass, go over and mow it once a month yourself. This will also cut down on pests and make it look a little nicer.