[Warren Kiefer]

We have three homes in our neighborhood that have not been lived in for over four years. At times the grass is knee high and full of weeds. When there is no rain the lawns become nearly bare ground. Close neighbors have told me that the two of the homes have been broken into several times and the presence of roaches affect all close neighbors. In addition, there can be no doubt that these deteriorating homes do have a profound affect on the values of adjacent properties. I thought our covenents had provisions that would protect us from this kind of problem.

[bike42]

Have you reported them? Enforcement is complalint driven; if no one reports a problem nothing is likely to be done about it.

[njbchbum]

if any of the homes have presented a problem such as you describe - how about calling the county board of health and let them deal with it? if not - take bike42's advice and file a complaint w.district gov. easy peasy.

[rdhdleo]

We had a home behind us that was foreclosed on. Same issue tall grass weeds it went on for quite awhile till people started complaining. Occasionally someone would come and mow but usually it looked bad. We were finally told that if the home becomes bank owned there isn't much TV can do to enforce taking care of things in a timely manner. Finally it got put up for sale and after almost another year it sold. Keep complaining and good luck! Oh the really bad things was it was a corner lot so there was no hiding it from anyone driving through!

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by bike42

Have you reported them? Enforcement is complalint driven; if no one reports a problem nothing is likely to be done about it.

It is my understanding that every effort has been made to have something done about the vacant homes. The answer given is, There is nothing we can really do other than have the lawn mowed and bill the owners when possible. I am told that one owner just walked away when the housing market crashed and the owner found he still owed more on the mortage than the property was worth.

[justjim]

Not asking address but what village are these homes located? With prices of both new and pre-owned homes rising, these homes should have a good chance to sell and remodled unless tied up in an estate or lawsuit.

[kaydee]

We have an exact situation going on with the home next door to us. Been sitting empty since May & has been turned back to the bank which happens to be in California. All of us in the neighborhood have been complaining complaining & complaining. Yes eventually the lawn, which for the most part has been lost, will get mowed if that's what you want to call it. The most recent " mowing" job was literally done with a weed whacker so you can imagine how that enhanced the appearance. Shrubs have not been tended to since last spring. I personally went to the deed restriction office this week complaining about the shrubs and mentioned that I am very close to doing the trim myself and I was told not to do it as it could be considered trespassing. It is my understanding that the complaints have to constantly be made, The Villages puts on the pressure to the owners ( banks etc) those property owners then contact fly by night property management co who bid for the jobs & eventually the winner of bid shows up & mows weed whacks or whatever to a few blades of grass and its a done job until a few weeks later we start making the complaining phone calls and the whole fiasco starts all over again in the same exact scenario. It is pathetic. I was told on Monday at the office " lets hope it sells". Not sure how that can happen when in fact there is nothing on the property indicating its for sale. I really thought we were protected from living near this type of situation. BTW, this is in the village of Polo Ridge.

[graciegirl]

Everywhere in this country there has been a problem with people defaulting on their mortgages. We lived in a very nice area in Cincinnati and thought it couldn't happen there. But it did.

That is the reason that people should not retire too early or be underfunded, or buy too much house for their budget and NEED to work to live here. Jobs generally do NOT pay well in this area.

[DonH57]

We have one next to us. A lawn crew came by yesterday and cleaned it up a little. According to the neighbors it's been vacant at least 6 years. No power to the place. I can't imagine how bad the place is with mold and mildew. Really sad how at one time it was a beautiful home.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by rdhdleo

We had a home behind us that was foreclosed on. Same issue tall grass weeds it went on for quite awhile till people started complaining. Occasionally someone would come and mow but usually it looked bad. We were finally told that if the home becomes bank owned there isn't much TV can do to enforce taking care of things in a timely manner.

This is a really interesting thread. As we all are aware, this problem happens outside The Bubble. I guess I'm naive, but I had no idea this is also a common problem in TV. From the posts, it appears that there are "abandoned" homes in a number of different villages. . It must be frustrating to live next door to a weed-infested property. My sympathies go to neighbors who are forced to constantly complain.

[Parker]

We have one next door to us in Belvedere village. Empty at least four years. Overgrown, mildew, broken garage door lights, etc. I understand foreclosures routinely take 4-5 years. The banks hold onto the properties in hopes the market will rise again, which it is now doing. Banks should be legally forced to either sell these properties, or to maintain them up to community standards. I remain disgusted by the whole process!

[gomoho]

Complain, complain and complain some more. The squeaky wheel gets greased. Think this is a shame something can't be done. The developer has a LOT of clout, I would think if he got involved this would not be allowed. Just a thought.

[Parker]

Like other posted here, we complained to community standards until we and the neighbors were hoarse, to no avail.

[mfp509]

Have the same situation in my neighborhood - many complaints. Doesn't seem to do any good.

[Bizdoc]

You know, if it is a health hazard, you can call the county health department who can legally do something...