I think most of us would agree that there has been a significant curb appeal improvement in our Natomas Park community over the past two to three years. The site of nice trimmed yards, fresh flowers, new exterior paint, and new neighbors continuing to move in showing pride in ownership has certainly been pleasing to the eyes. Although all this may be true and very well contributes to the desirability and beautification of our community, we wanted to make you aware of another side of the Real Estate world where you can help in continuing to make our community a better and safer place to live.

 “Shadow inventory”  is real data that isn’t making its way for whatever reason to the public market. This includes bank owned homes (REOs), homes scheduled for auction, and notice of defaults.

This article is not about how much shadow inventory exists. The purpose of this writing is to make you aware and share with you the potential and realistic hazards that shadow inventory can and does create. The biggest problem with shadow inventory is not that it hasn’t come on the market, rather that in many cases, it’s vacant. To no one’s surprise vacant homes are extremely vulnerable for vandalism and theft for obvious reasons…“nobody home!”

In many cases, we picture a vacant home with overgrown grass and shrubs, totters sitting on drive way, eviction paperwork displayed on the windows and a “for sale” yard sign. I am here to tell you to erase that picture from your mind. Just two weeks ago I was selling a REO property in Natomas Park and here was the condition of the home; new interior paint, new carpet, shiny clear windows, immaculate landscaping and super clean in all areas. It is an attractive home and blends well with the community. Just prior to closing the sale, someone decided to completely steal the entire air conditioning condenser and the copper piping for the main water lines. In speaking with the vendors, it was clear to them that whomever was responsible for the theft, knew exactly what they were doing as it was a “clean job” and they had the right tools to do it quickly.

This is just one of many cases that occurs throughout the Sacramento region on a regular basis. Shadow inventory is not going away anytime soon and here is how you can help protect our community and maintain its desirability. Be aware of the vacant homes in your neighborhood. If you see any suspicious behavior surrounding it, please immediately report it to Paladin security at 916-331-3175 for them to follow up. We need to let the thieves and those responsible for vandalism know that the Natomas Park residents are one big “neighborhood watch” community.