An Unexpected Discovery: Checking on a Friend’s Vacant Property

How a Simple Favor Led to an Eye-Opening Experience with Local Drug Dealers & Squatters

A few days ago, I found myself in an unexpected situation after a friend, a broker, reached out to me for help. She had recently purchased a house in Kensington, but after leaving it empty for a while, she discovered that a squatter had moved in. Concerned for her safety, especially since the squatter might be dealing with addiction issues, she asked if I could check on the property. Of course, I agreed to help her out.

The Initial Visit to the Property

As I approached the front porch, I was immediately approached by local drug dealers who wanted to know my intentions. I explained that I was there to check on the house, and surprisingly, they nodded in understanding. I knocked on the door, and a young woman answered, although she spoke no English.

She looked about 24 years old and welcomed me inside. I communicated with her in Spanish, and she responded positively. Upon entering, I noticed a man who I assumed was her boyfriend or husband, along with an infant and a two-year-old boy.

They were curious about who I was, and I explained that I was there on behalf of the owner, who couldn’t be present due to the illegal squatting. I exchanged phone numbers with them, letting them know I would return in about a week to check on the situation. They agreed to vacate.

Joey Loves Philly, a cash for home buyer in Philadelphia visits a friend’s vacant property in Kensington, Philadelphia, PA.

Returning with a Locksmith

A week later, I coordinated with my locksmith to revisit the property. Our first step was to make sure the place was quiet to ensure no one was inside. It’s essential to be cautious; many situations like this can escalate, and it’s safer to avoid confrontation. When we received no response, we decided to break the locks and replace them.

To our surprise, even after removing the locks, the door wouldn’t budge. My locksmith attempted to pry it open using a blood pressure sleeve, but that attempt also failed. He speculated that someone might be pushing against the door from the inside. I took matters into my own hands, kicked the door with all my strength, and to my astonishment, there was indeed someone on the other side who was knocked back as I forced the door open.

An Unexpected Revelation

The person who emerged began speaking to me in Spanish, insisting, “I don’t want to cause any trouble. There’s no problem; you just need to leave promptly.” At that moment, the local drug dealers started coming into the house. It became clear they were using the property as a storage space for drugs, money, and car parts—you name it. Soon, a line of about nine people was taking their belongings out of the house.

After the initial squatter left, we swiftly changed the locks and had a conversation with the local dealers. Surprisingly, they thanked us for helping to remove him, although I couldn’t fully understand their gratitude.

Conclusion: A Strange Turn of Events

This experience was an eye-opener. What began as a simple favor for a friend turned into a bizarre encounter with local drug dealers and a squatter. It underscored the complexities of property management in challenging neighborhoods and reminded me of the unpredictable nature of life. While I was able to help my friend reclaim her property, the situation served as a vivid reminder of the hidden stories that can unfold within seemingly ordinary circumstances.

The Issue of Vacant Homes in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is no stranger to the challenges posed by vacant homes and properties. With thousands of abandoned buildings dotting the landscape, these spaces can become hotbeds for squatting, illegal activities, and even dangerous situations. Many of these properties are left empty for years, creating eyesores in neighborhoods and providing opportunities for crime.

Local authorities and community organizations have been grappling with how to revitalize these areas and ensure safety for residents. While some initiatives, such as the Kensington Renewal Initiative, aim to transform vacant houses into affordable housing, others focus on monitoring and maintaining these properties to prevent issues like the one my friend faced.

One thing is clear: the presence of vacant homes not only affects property values but also the overall sense of community. For many neighborhoods, these abandoned structures can feel like a weight, attracting unwanted behavior and detracting from the vibrancy of the area. As I witnessed firsthand, every vacant property tells a story—stories of dreams unfulfilled, challenges faced, and the ongoing struggle for urban renewal.

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Take Control of Your Property

If you find yourself dealing with vacant properties or have encountered squatters in your home, it’s important to act swiftly to reclaim your space. Contact Joey Loves Philly, a trusted cash for home agency in Philadelphia, to discuss your situation.

At Joey Loves Philly we buy homes for cash in Philadelphia neighborhoods of Mayfair, Tacony, Wissinoming, Academy Gardens, and Bustleton providing quick and hassle-free solutions for homeowners who want to sell a house fast. Don’t let the unexpected take over your property – take control and reach out to Joey Loves Philly today and learn how to get fast cash for your home.

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We have been buying Philly houses for cash for over 29 years. Our goal is to make the real estate process easy! If you are ready to sell your house for cash, contact us today to get started. Joey Loves Philly can close in 21 days, even houses sold in as-is conditions.

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