Vacant Homes

Many homes that are currently for sale are vacant.  When buying a vacant home, it is important to remember a few things that you might not consider when buying a home that has been continuously occupied.

• If the home has been vacant for more than a few months, it may need a sewer clean out to make the drain system fully functional for regular use.  Since the slope on sewer drains in St. Paul is only 1" per foot, it is good to remember that anything that has stalled on its way to the street can possibly harden and cause a drain "stroke" or worse yet, allow things to grow!
• If the furnace and other appliances have been shut off for a length of time, it's good to have them checked for leaks or rust build up.  Moisture in a home normally is dried by the heat system, but without heat, the moisture does what moisture does, creates mold and/or rust.
• Unheated homes in the winter can experience all kinds of damage if the home has not been professionally winterized.  If it has been winterized, there still can be damage from lack of water in the pipes. 
• Sometimes critters like to call the vacant home, "Home!"
• Vacant, closed up houses can develop a smell that usually goes away with regular cleaning and airing.
• Dust falls on the occupied and unoccupied homes!  Don't be surprised if there's a fine film of dust on everything when you move in.
• Vacant homes are susceptible to vandalism and theft including copper pipes. 

Most homes that are listed by a foreclosure listing specialist have been winterized and have the heat kept at a minimum temperature needed to protect the home's integrity.  Many issues with a home's condition can be found by a buyer's inspection, but the utilities must be on in order for an inspector to check the functioning of the furnace and water.  Drains are not within the scope of a buyer's inspection nor are problems not visible to the naked eye.  Purchasing a foreclosed or vacant St. Paul home can still be an excellent bargain for home buyers, but it is wise to remember little things may occur that an occupied home normally does not have.  Setting aside a small sum to correct those unforeseen issues is wise.