Security in abandoned properties is more important than ever in the world after the 2008 housing market crash. Many people have become willing to break the law in order to find some shelter, and others have begun squatting after many years of prior experience in breaking the law. Derelict properties that go without board-up procedures attract hostile squatters, vandals, thieves, and aggressive animals in search of shelter. Violence against real estate agents has skyrocketed since 2008, and the houses on the market are becoming increasingly dangerous.
The recession has proven to be a double-edged sword. It increased the number of vacant properties while simultaneously increasing the need of the working real estate agent to make sales. In some areas, the increasing number of foreclosed homes overwhelms the ability of officials to deal with squatters inhabiting derelict properties. Detroit alone has more than 100,000 vacant properties. With so many of these properties housing squatters and more aggressive sales efforts on the part of real estate agents, these agents, who also often broadcast many of their daily business movements and professional photographs online, have become more likely to suffer violence on the job, ranging from thievery and stalking to rape and murder.
If homeowners want to reduce this violence, they must board-up and secure their at-risk properties before squatters have a chance to move in at all. The City of Chicago holds board-up operations to specific standards. Doors and windows should be covered with plywood at least 5/8 inches thick and bolted securely into place. One door should serve as the entrance, made from solid core wood or steel. This door should be without window and securely locked to ensure access only be authorized personnel. Following these procedures can help preserve the well being of real estate agents as they go about turning vacant property into new hands.
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