foreclosure_signs_web.jpgMiami-Dade County announced it has improved its Building and Neighborhood Compliance Department website, which includes an online Foreclosure Registry application. This added feature will facilitate a more efficient and expedient process for lending institutions as well as the Department.

To date, 15,000 registry applications have been received.  Payment of the registry fee may be also made electronically.

The Foreclosure Registry tracks single family dwellings that are subject to foreclosure actions. Through this registry, homes that have become or are at risk of becoming vacant, overgrown or dilapidated are tracked and steps taken to prevent blight or unsightly conditions, thus preserving property values along with residents’ quality and life safety, the county said in a statement. 

In order to minimize the negative impact of foreclosures on neighborhoods, the County Commissions approved on Dec. 2, 2008, an ordinance that requires, that upon the filing of an action to foreclose upon a mortgaged property, registration of the property must be made with the county Building and Neighborhood Compliance Department within 30 days.

The ordinance applies to properties within unincorporated areas of the county. Failure to register could result in a fine of $500.

“Improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods is a priority of the department.  It gives me great pleasure to see how the Foreclosure Registry program has been an efficient tool in making this happen,” said Charles Danger, director of the Building and Neighborhood Compliance Department.

Once a property is registered, the department conducts inspections to ensure the yard is being maintained to county code standards, such as cutting the grass and making sure there are no junk, trash, abandoned articles, solid waste or junk vehicles; that the swale area is maintained; that the building’s windows and doors are secured; and that if there is a pool the barrier complies with the zoning code.