Realty World – Action 1 Properties

I was having a discussion recently at an event with a group of people about the state of the economy.  Eventually that topic morphed into a discussion about the state of the real estate market.  More than several people expressed the opinion that working on a short sale is a waste of time because it [...]

“Savvy Squatters” Who and What are they?
Savvy Squatters look for properties to move in and occupy by breaking and entering, through an unlocked or locked door or window or by some other means.   They are armed with leases, rental payments, utility bills and the like.  Although many of these documents may be falsified, the responding  law enforcement officer has no way of deciphering such information, and will refer “you” the agent or the owner of the property to file an unlawful detainer through the local court.   Alameda County, Fallon Court, on 12th and Oak in Oakland, Ca. Resources: http://www.acgov.org/law/documents/Landlord-Tenant_&_Renters_Resources.pdf.
Did you know that a squatter’s goal may be by adverse possession in which he/she takes occupancy, pays your taxes for 5 years or your mortgage for 12-24 months, after which time he/she could move towards ownership through adverse possession.
Never confront squatters, some are dangerous and armed.  If you need to, call Law Enforcement.   Make sure you document, document, document, you never know when this will be valuable in court.
Beware of rental and selling scams over the internet as well, people are renting properties they do not own and sometimes renting/selling same property to multiple individuals. If your property or listing has been involved in a Renting or Selling scam through the internet make sure to contact your Local DAs fraud unit.
Make sure that if you are renting or buying a property, that you are renting/buying from a legit person or company that either owns or manages the property. You can get ownership information through the local assessors office, real estate agent, or an attorney.  If a rental or sale sounds to good to be true it probably is.
List of Things to Do to Keep your listing safe from squatters:
TOP THINGS TO DO TO PROTECT YOUR LISTINGS AND CLIENTS FROM
“SAVVY SQUATTERS”

1. Only take listings that are near to you in distance and  you can get to easily.

Visit your listing once a week at least.

If Realtors are in and out, you want to know if they turned the lights, air/heat off, did they lock the door? (I’ve had a Realtor leave a door open on my listing before)

2. Keep the grass cut. Keep newspapers and mail from
piling up.
3. If you can easily see into the vacant property think about staging it. This may cost more money initially but may save you money in the long run.
4. If this is a conventional sale & if your clients can afford to, they should make sure that their taxes are paid and current.

Savvy squatters are even paying taxes to adversely occupy and take ownership of properties. This can be done if they occupy and pay taxes for five years.If the “Savvy Squatters” are armed with documentation Law Enforcement has no way of discerning whether this is a criminal or civil matter. Have your client file an Unlawful Detainer immediately.

6. For your safety never get into an altercation with squatters. Call law enforcement if an engagement is necessary.
7. If a “Savvy Squatter” Occupies your listing or a client’s property be sure to call your local DA’s fraud unit to notify them of the situation.
8. Keep a light on it may deter bad guys.
9. Make sure that the property is secure at all times.
10. Stay alert and informed. If your property is occupied, document as much as possible, this will help law enforcement and the DA’s office if it becomes a criminal matter.
11. Never place lockboxes in plain sight.
12. Talk to neighbors regarding vacant listing and tell them to call you immediately if they notice any suspicious behavior.
13. Talk to utility companies and tell them no one should be changing utilities with out first getting your permission.
14. Google property often, to see if someone is posting ads on Craigslist or elsewhere advertising selling or renting your listing. If you find fraud on Craigslist regarding the selling or renting of any property notify your local DAs fraud unit.
15. Never go to your listing alone.

I just attended a round-table discussion by the Tri-Valley Housing Opportunities Center (TVHOC) held at the offices of Bay East Association of Realtors in Pleasanton, CA.  This was a very informative hour of information about an alarming trend of squatters in our area occupying vacant properties.  Even more alarming is that groups are organizing and [...]

CENTRAL VALLEY MARKETING MEETING MARCH 14th POWER POINT SLIDES

Are “Savvy Squatters” in your vacant listing?
A Roundtable Discussion for REALTORS® and Affiliates
Is your vacant listing really vacant? How can a squatter become a landlord? Can the police help? Law enforcement and legal experts will answer these questions to help you protect yourself and your clients.

Learn about the “Sovereign Nation” movement.
Share your experiences with vacant listings that aren’t really vacant.
Discuss how to respond to “savvy squatters.”

This FREE event is open to all Bay East members.
DATE: Tuesday March 27, 2012
TIME: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Bay East Association of REALTORS® Board Room
7901 Stoneridge Dr. Ste 150, Pleasanton, CA
For more information please call: (925) 730-4076 or to RSVP please e-mail: dorothym@bayeast.org