Having a property in Orange County is a great benefit. Still, there are also risks associated with it, especially when the property is vacant. If you have to leave your home unoccupied for an extended period, you can take measures to minimize the risk. But first of all, do you know what those risks are?
8 Risks Of Having A Vacant Property In Orange County
1. Water Damage
Think of when you go on vacation and leave the water running in your sink. Now imagine that but for an extended period, say months. That’s a recipe for disaster and precisely the type of thing that can happen when you have a vacant property. Water pipes can rupture, toilets can overflow, and rain can seep in through cracks and crevices. All of this can lead to significant water damage that will be very costly to repair.
2. Fire
Even a single cigarette butt left unattended can start a fire that quickly consumes an entire home. If you have a vacant property, there’s no one there to catch a fire before it gets out of control. That’s why it’s so important to have working smoke detectors and a reliable fire alarm system installed in your home. But more importantly, you should have someone check on your house regularly to ensure everything is in order.
3. Fly-Tipping
Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of rubbish, a considerable problem in Orange County. If you have a vacant property, it will likely become a target for fly-tippers. Having garbage strewn around your property not only looks terrible but can also attract vermin and other pests. Picture coming back to your home after being away for a while only to find it filled with rubbish. It’s not a pleasant thought, is it?
4. Vandalism
You likely won’t disagree that leaving valuables in a vacant house is just asking for trouble. But what happens with those items you can’t take with you, like your door or your mailbox? Unfortunately, even these things can be vandalized when you leave your property vacant. It’s a sad reality, but you need to be aware of it. You don’t want to come home to find your door kicked in or your mailbox smashed.
5. Neglect
When a property is vacant, it’s easy for it to fall into a state of neglect. Weeds will start to grow, the paint will begin to peel, and the property’s general appearance will deteriorate quickly. If you have a mortgage on your property, the lender could foreclose on it if they think it looks neglected. No one wants to see their home fall into disrepair, so take measures to prevent this from happening.
6. Squatting
In Orange County, there is a problem with squatters. These are people who illegally move into someone else’s home and live there without permission. If you have a vacant property, squatters will be a severe risk. Not only can they cause damage to your home, but they can also be challenging to remove. In some cases, you may even have to go to court to get them removed.
7. Trespassers
Imagine receiving a call from the police telling you that there are people on your property who don’t have permission to be there. Even worse, did you know that if someone suffers an injury on your property, you could be held liable? Trespassers can be a real problem for those with vacant properties. Some children love to explore abandoned houses, and their parents could come after you for damages when they get hurt.
8. Weather Damage
When your home goes through weather damage while you’re there, it’s bad enough. But when it happens while you’re away, it can be devastating. If your home is vacant, there’s no one there to patch up a leaky roof or board up a broken window. When weather damage goes unnoticed, it can lead to further damage and even cause your home to become unlivable.
Sell Your House To OC Home Buyers
Avoid all the risks of having a vacant property by selling your home to us at OC Home Buyers. We’ll buy your house as-is, so you don’t have to worry about making any repairs. We close on your timeline, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. And we even pay all the closing costs, so you can walk away with cash in your pocket.
Our specialists will give you a no-obligation, cash offer on your home within 24 hours. We’ll close on your timeline if you accept our offer and pay you in cash. It’s that simple!