Just a heads up!! - Orchid Board

flhiker · #1 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 08:51 PM

Hi everyone. Like many people I have a foreclosed home directly behind my house. If you do have one near your home please check it out (specially if it has a pool) for anything that could be dangerous. Once a home goes in foreclosure many times these properties go unchecked. Although the banks should secure the property they often don't. If it has a pool make sure the gates are pad locked Not just latched. Last night the neighbor next to me had there 2 year old sneak off and he drowned in the pool of that foreclosed home. This tragedy could have been prevented had I or another neighbor checked this house and called code enforcement to make them secure the gates and doors. I no way blame myself or others just wish I had thought of the danger that was so obvious. This made the local news but I thought that I would post it here so many people may be aware of this problem. Thanks for reading this and stay safe.

cb977 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 09:18 PM

Thanks for the information, Dave...

I read constantly about kids and babies drowning here in Florida, so very sad...but I don't know that I would've thought to double-check something like that on a home next to me. It's something I will now think about and also let my friends know.

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 10:34 PM

That's a good reminder, whether we have a foreclosure nearby or not. It's our jobs as parents and adults to make sure our stuff is secured and the neighbors, too, if they aren't doing it.

Ranchnanny · #4 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 02:28 AM

That is a shame that had to happen. The lender I am sure new about the pool and it should have been emptied until it was purchased.....
As a retired Residential Appraiser the property no doubt had to be appraised and I would have brought that up to the lender and put a recommendation that the pool be drained for safety reasons.

Sheridan

cb977 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 09:30 AM

When I lived up in Staten Island, I worked for a company that had their offices set up in a two-story garage on their property. They had purchased the home as a foreclosure and there was a very large pool there. The bank had constructed a large wooden grid to cover the entire thing while the house/pool was empty as a safety precaution. I thought it was a great idea...and still do

got ants · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 09:49 AM

Damn Dave, I saw that in the news, didn't know it was so close to home.

Prayers for the little child and their family.

The house across the street from me has been vacant for almost two years. My neighbor next to me and I chipped in and bought a lockset (2 locks/matching keys) for the 2 gates. More so to keep thiefs out, but glad to know the second, and more important purpose of doing so.