In empty homes, caretakers or squatters?

WESLEY CHAPEL - Few subdivisions have been hit harder by the foreclosure crisis than Bridgewater in Wesley Chapel -- only half the homes are occupied by the actual owners.

Three weeks ago, green notices started appearing on the front doors of many vacant homes.

Some people who live close by thought something about the notes seemed odd.

"It basically looked as though somebody was planning to take possession of the home," said Mark Spector, the president of the Bridgewater homeowners' association.

The notes were posted by a new company from Holiday called the Florida Community Preservation Corporation.

"We're taking control of the property," according to company president George Weber. "What we have are caretaker members. They pay a membership fee to join, we train them in what to do. We want the houses cleaned up."

Weber concedes he will attempt to take possession of a vacant home without the benefit of the title, a deed or even the keys.

"Until this company, or anyone else gets title to the property, they don't have a right to put anybody in possession," according to real estate attorney Chip Waller. "If they put somebody in possession based upon that notice. one hopes the sheriff's department will be out there and these people will be evicted."

According to Weber, people who buy a $250.00 membership and pass background and credit checks will be allowed to become care takers. Some home owners are not comfortable with the care taker concept.

"We have this company coming in now, basically becoming a squatter and then they're going to rent out to other squatters, it blows my mind," said Jeff Dowell, who bought a house in Bridgewater two years ago.

The company disputes the squatter characterization.

"We're trying to help their communities come back alive. We don't want that vacant house next to them being a drug house, Weber said.