There are often overlooked benefits to buying an owner occupied short sale home. It’s amazing just how much of a difference having someone living in a property can make. Here are some of the upsides that I have noticed in a Wisconsin owner occupied short sale home versus a vacant Foreclosure:

-  It feels like a home. When someone is living in a short sale home, there is furniture and pictures on the wall. It has already been somewhat ‘staged’ for showings. This helps potential home buyers get a feel for what an office or kids bedroom would look like if they purchased the home.

- The grass is mowed. This helps with weed and rodent reduction. It also keeps the neighbors happy.

- The air conditioning remains on. I have come across some foul smells in vacant foreclosure homes. When a property sits sealed up for too long, there is almost always a stale smell that results.

- The heat remains on in the winter. This helps to prevent plumbing from freezing and the resulting water leaks.

- The electricity remains on. In Wisconsin, this is important for basements. When sump pumps don’t have electricity, flooding often occurs. This can result in a very costly fix. It also means that the refrigerator is cooling and dishwasher is being used. This can prevent mildew growth.

- The water is being used. Many Wisconsin homes require a water softener due to hard water. With the water being used, the softener is allowed to work. This will prevent sediment build-up which can ruin a water heater and clog up pipes.

- Property Condition Report. When a bank lists a foreclosure property, they do not have to provide a Property Condition Report. Wisconsin doesn’t require a report if the current owner has not lived in the property. In a Wisconsin Short Sale, the owner is legally required to inform potential buyers of any defects they are aware of.