Safety Tips for Interior BPOs and Vacant Property Inspections
Vacant and distressed properties carry real risks. These habits keep you safe on site.
Interior BPOs and vacant property visits take you into unfamiliar, sometimes neglected buildings. A few habits reduce the risk considerably.
Before you go
- Visit in daylight when you can.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to finish.
- Confirm access arrangements in writing: who will meet you, lockbox codes, occupancy.
- Look at the street view first so you know what to expect.
On arrival
- Park facing out, where you can leave easily.
- Walk the exterior first. Look for signs of occupation in a supposedly vacant house.
- Knock and announce yourself before entering.
Inside
- Keep your phone charged and in your hand.
- Watch for structural hazards: soft floors, damaged stairs, mould, exposed wiring.
- Do not enter spaces that feel unsafe; photograph from the doorway and note why.
When to walk away
If someone is inside unexpectedly, if there are signs of squatting, animals or dangerous conditions, leave and report it to the vendor. No fee is worth your safety, and vendors accept a documented reason for an incomplete interior.
Related: REO and pre-foreclosure BPOs.