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The Kitchen Table

New homes being destroyed in California

15 years ago

I don't think the worst of the economic slump has hit - yet. In Victorville, CA, about 20 brand new homes - never occupied - were destroyed. Seems the bank-owned properties were hit with fines from the city because they were empty and deteriorating. So rather than drop the price, these 2,000+ square foot NEW homes were leveled.

Rose

Here is a link that might be useful: video of new homes going down

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Comments (7)

monica_pa Grieves
15 years ago
Many good reasons to do this.

Empty houses are ripe for squatters, with no water and sewer service, ripe for unsanitary "debris" that can breed germy consequences.

The land is worth more without structures.

And, selling those houses at a loss...to who? They probably need more work, and giving them away is no gift to someone who can't afford to maintain them with the property taxes, utilities, etc.

The bank needs to sell the properties...land is easier to sell without structures. Hopefully, a new buyer will build affordable houses, instead of what was there before.
rthummer
15 years ago
I know they must for reason mentioned above. But, because I always am thinking outside the box, isn't it ironic that we have so much here in America that we can destroy homes whereas in some 3rd world countries some three and four families live together in a house out of cardboard. Yet, we always complain here of how much we don't have?
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azzalea
15 years ago
I'm curious, though, was the financial aspect of the situation the ONLY reason they were destroyed? I know, it's been in the news about problems with building materials from China, that have been used in many areas of the country, that are contaminated. And there's apparently no way to resolve the problems with this wallboard, but to destroy it. Could that have also been involved in this case?
sooey
15 years ago
Many homes have been built that never should have been built. Now, months and years later, the most responsible thing to do is take them down. The same goes for many of the big box stores that are now standing empty. Buildings need to be maintained which takes money. Taxes need to be paid. Vacant buildings turn into health hazards full of mold, rot and vermon. Take them all down and restore the land. Lets hope we all come out of this economic disaster a little wiser.

sooey
susanjf_gw
15 years ago
but you have to understand the area...i'm sure they could have found buyers. if they'd lowered the price, in ca, the selling price is what the tax is based on...so not much loss...now that's 22 houses of waste for landfill...

having driven by victorville for years on the way to vegas it's amazing to see how the area has changed...used to be prized, what they called high desert...away from the smog of san bernardino...and not quite the heat of mohave...

we have a builder here (detroit) who uses un-employed and homeless persons to "house" sit his properties...(yes, they are pre-screened) too bad the bank couldn't have done the same thing...in fact a couple of his "employees" did well enough getting back on their feet, they became buyers...
mylab123
15 years ago
I know that at least in my former home state, an empty house cannot be insured. This is why owners will be very reluctant to try to sell their home after they have moved out, leaving it empty to be sold - should something happen to destroy the house, the insurance will not pay. I don't know if this applies to all states, but would hope not considering the amount of people who give the keys over to the real estate agent to sell for them after they have left the area.
mariend
15 years ago
We used to live near that areaa and just in the last 10-15 years the area growth has gotten completly out of control. Big big houses, stores, car dealers light industry, but with major problems Water, and lack of high tech jobs had many driving long distances and leaving lots of kids without parental control. Very poor public transportation, lots of people have 3-5 cars, plus RV's, boats etc and no place to go. Very hot windy weather,but cold in winter. Lots of gangs and racial tensions. Being 3rd generation CA we have seen the state really suffer and sorry to say, the average person does not care. Just got back from a trip and oh we are so glad to have moved. But then Northern Calif has not changed much at all. Just like two different countries.
I do miss the veggies and fruit, but most of that is gone now. We did stop at a bank and I was amazed to see 2 guards with guns on duty, and high bullet proof glass all over--yep right off the freeway in Victorville.

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