Local Foreclosures Become Dangerous Eyesores

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- There are currently more than 1,000 homes on the First Coast in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, according to the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.

Most of the homes are maintained by management companies that are paid by the lenders who own the homes. However many are unkempt and neighbors are concerned the eyesores could become dangerous.

"It's a disgrace to look at, to be honest," said James Reid.

Reid lives across the street from a home near the intracoastal that is need of landscaping. In some areas, the grass is almost three feet tall and there is trash in the yard.

"My roommate and myself, we discussed that we're gonna start coming over here and mowing this thing just so we don't have to look at it," said Reid.

The City of Jacksonville's Code Compliance Division posted a citation on the garage. The owner now has 15 days to clean-up the yard or face fines.

Reid is concerned that it could become a bigger problem, considering recent storms and the continuing hurricane season.

"When one of these trees goes through my windshield or goes through my bedroom window, obviously at that point we're dealing with something a whole lot larger," said Reid.

"I'm curious to know who is taking care of this," he added.

First Coast News found the owner of the property, John Knight. He says the property is a short-sale. That's a type of sale in order to avoid foreclosure.

Knight told First Coast News, by phone, that he has been trying to get his son to mow the lawn for some time. However, the recent rain has prevented that and has also contributed to the growth.

Reid says the grass and shrubs have been overgrown for months.

Knight denies that.

To find the owner of an unkempt, foreclosed property, experts say a simple search of the Property Appraiser's records will identify the person or lender responsible.

In Jacksonville, those public records are available at COJ.net.

However, it will take a little more work to solve the problem.

"It's hard sometimes to know where the lenders are and where the contact person is that foreclosed on that property," said William Glenn East, CEO of the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors.

East says a simple internet search engine can help find contact information for lending agencies.

If an individual is listed as the owner, it may be best to contact the local Code Compliance Division.

In Jacksonville, operators can connect you with the office if you call 630-CITY.

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