The Darth Vader of Real Estate

Bidding on, securing, closing and rehabbing foreclosure properties aren't the only challenges that agents and rehabbers face. Getting in to view these properties often poses problems as well. I have what I like to call a survival kit for foreclosures: Heavy Mag Flashlight with LED guts (much brighter), Screwdriver, Cell Phone (for emergency calls) and often times a Vent mask/Respirator. The last item that was listed, the vent mask is the most important for me. I am deathly allergic to mold and often times foreclosures are crawling with it. What happens is this: 1.the house sits vacant 2. thieves steal the copper 3. thieves don't turn off the water before stealing plumbing and finally, 4.mold grows all over the place. Most foreclosure agents and banks NOW make people aware of the presence mold and you have to sign a waiver to view the property. When I have to sign one of these waivers, I borrow the mask from Leo at Starke go right in.

Funny thing is, mold isn't the only thing that you have to get the mask for. Sometimes, dirty people live in the houses and just don't take care of things. Starke's new little gingerbread in Tower Grove South "Mimi", had a smell that we just couldn't find the source of upon initial inspection. Well, he did find the smell after purchase, and it was the fridge. Needless to say, he had to use the vent mask to clean it out. I had a friend that helped clean up Katrina and she was told, "Whatever you do DON'T OPEN THE FRIDGE. You know what people do when they are told "don't"? Someone always DOES.

The fridge is now cleaned out, and has been removed from Mimi. Shortly after that the entire kitchen was removed. More to come on that!