You have transferred across country your home is on the market but not getting very many showings, weeks go by before anyone visits the property. A potential disaster is waiting to happen. Your vacant home, vacant rental units, unused vacation and second homes are where major problems can easily occur when no one is checking. Here are 5 problems that can be avoided if you or your agent pays attention.

1. Winter Time Disasters - A home that is in areas of freezing weather without being used are sitting ducks for water damage from frozen bursting pipes. Having a plumbing contractor winterize the property is the best solution. They will turn off the water supply drain water from all pipes and flush an antifreeze mixture into the drain traps and lines. If your property will be occasionally used during the winter months turn off the main water supply and set the thermostat to 55 degrees. Burst pipes and water leaks in vacant house can cause 10's of thousands of dollars in damage that your insurance may not pay and they also may drop the policy on a vacant house.

2. Break-ins - Vacant homes are a great place for trouble makers to stay out of the weather. The potential for fires and vandalism is much greater in vacant homes. Last week I was showing a vacant foreclosure to an investor as we entered the front door we heard a lot of noise coming from the back of the house we quickly went back outside just in time to see two people running through the rear yard away from the house. A weekly check of the property to make sure the doors and widows are locked or secured can prevent this from happening.

3. Insects and Critters - Squirrels raccoons and bats can make their way in down through the chimney or in to the attic with no one in the house to disturb them they can cause serious damage to insulation, walls and carpets. These animals can also bring in insects such as fleas. The family dogs and cats can leave fleas. When a family moves out with their dog the flea eggs remain in the carpets and will continue to grow and produce more eggs the fleas can infest the house just waiting for the new tenants or owners to move in. Maintenance programs and quarterly interior and exterior insect treatments will help stop this problem.

4. Overgrown Trees, Grass & Shrubs- Landscaping overgrown, trees, shrubs not trimmed can cause unforeseen problems. Covers up evidence of break-ins, actually attracts crime. Large shrubs can damage the home by holding moisture in the ground and against the walls great for termites. Overgrown landscaping can cause problems with rain gutters and downspouts leaves and sticks just naturally get in gutters. Can cause winter ice problems for the roof and overflowing down the exterior walls or back over into soffits. Not to mention the lost curb appeal for new buyers or tenants. Creating and maintaining good curb appeal will prevent problem your landscape can cause.

5. General Maintenance- more sales and rentals are lost because of the overall lack of maintenance of properties. The costs associated a leaking toilet or dripping faucet can be measured in dollars but the broken window, light bulbs missing or not working dirty kitchen and bathrooms the doors that don't work rotted wood and missing shingles can take thousands from your income or sales price. Contracting with a maintenance company can keep your property in good presentable condition and can put money back in your pocket.

Weekly inspections by your agent or a property manager is a must if your home is for sale and vacant. Make arrangements with your agent either to inspect the property of have a maintenance company do the inspection and complete repairs as needed. The most efficient way to operate your vacation rental or second home is to work with a property manager who will do weekly inspections as a normal course of business and make necessary repairs.

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