News 12 at 6 o'clock -- March 12, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- In the past year, foreclosure rates in Columbia and Richmond County have gone up, making it a great time to purchase a home, but it's also caused homes to become more susceptible to vandalism.

Driving around in certain neighborhoods it's easy to spot "For Sale" signs on the front lawns of homes or signs for foreclosure in the windows, but Justin Bolin of VanderMorgan Realty said they are in every county these days.

Bolin took News 12 on a tour around different foreclosed homes all over the greater Augusta area, where we found some homes very nice and ready to be sold. But there were other vacant homes that had broken glass, appliances missing and even holes in the wall.

It's something Bolin said he has seen his fair share of in every different community.

But as a property owner when he gets word of vandals striking a house or people inside of the house, within days the property is cleaned up if it is owned, he said.

The properties are cleaned so quickly so they are able to sell them, but not all of the properties News 12 saw were vandalized.

There was a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house in Columbia County, which still had "Georgia Peach" painted walls and sports wallpaper inside along with a large covered swimming pool in the backyard.

Neighbors in the Bridlewood subdivision said the home has been empty for almost a year, but weren't shocked because they said it's a sign of the times.

Ricky Dent who lives in the subdivision said he sees more and more homes go up for sale, which is much different than when he moved in.

Though they are vacant though he said he hasn't seen any vandalism, but if he saw anyone around the property he would call.

Calling HUD when a foreclosed property is being tampered with or someone is in there without permission can result in an $1,000 reward, which is posted on the windows of many properties.

Bolin said many HUD houses that are on the market are available to purchase with only a $100 down payment, and with a little work you make it into your own.

In Columbia County there has been almost an 8 percent increase since February '09 according to RealtyTrac.com, and more than 17 percent increase since January '10.

In Richmond County, there has been almost an 11 percent increase since February '09.

Of the properties Bolin showed News 12, the buying price was more than $10,000 in savings.

The first-time home buyer tax credit ends on April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by that date, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

For move-up or repeat home buyers they can receive a tax credit by purchasing a principal residence by April 30, 2010 or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010, according to the National Association of Home Builders.