Many homeowners facing foreclosure proceed to trash and vandalize their homes as they leave , more often this scenario is the norm. Although it is highly illegal to destroy the property and get back at the bankers who are foreclosing your home it is also an understandable human response to a tragic and emotional situation.

Stripping a real property of its fixtures and fittings and vandalism are against the law. But this doesn't keep the previous homeowners from smashing the glass windows and doors of their foreclosed house or from tagging the walls. Acts such as these are unforgivable and have repercussions that many distraught homeowners choose to ignore.

Such people think that they can get back at the banks that foreclosed their houses. But what they don't understand is that they are not hurting the bank or their creditors, instead they are hurting themselves. Vandalism is illegal and it is punishable by law. If the house has a homeowner's insurance, the bank will surely submit an claim to the insurance company to help cover the damages and compensate for the missing real property fixtures. (Please take note that house fixtures such as cabinets, countertops, electrical wirings, vents, air conditioning, doors, copper pipes, and other built-ins are considered as real properties. Any damage done to these will be accounted for.)

The home insurance company would then go after the sellers of the house and collect their losses. Like all types of insurance companies, a home insurance company is relentless and would stop at nothing to recover its underwriting losses.

On the other hand, home buyers, who like the previous home owners are hoping to buy a piece of property they can live in, will soon realize the gravity of what the previous homeowners have done. It is quite hard to imagine how they could be satisfied with a foreclosed house that was damaged by the previous occupants. However, they could be protected by the insurance company that covers the property.

Investing in a foreclosed home involves some risks that are inevitable. But this does not negate the fact that it is quite gratifying especially if you were able to find a great deal. But great deals are quite hard to find and will require you to do considerable research. If you are interested in a foreclosed home, ensure that you do your homework and visit the property - you don't want your new investment to require a total over haul as new fixture and fittings are needed to make it livable.