THOUGHTS ON REAL ESTATE
Sunday, April 10, 2011

Matters of mating and roofing . . . so far, an interesting morning.

The phone hasn't stopped ringing since around 7 am. Not for people calling to about matters of real estate but for folks calling my husband's roofing company. It has been a busy year with all the rain and wind and last night the wind was a bit blustery but nothing exceptional. So, why on a Sunday morning is the phone so busy???
 
Critters - that's why. Animals can do an amazing amount of damage is a very short time and it seems they like to revisit favoured homes again and again.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Pileated Woodpecker)                                                            (Damage from woody checking for larvae of   
 
                                                                                                             Carpenter Bees)                   
 
First call of the day was from a client who has an ongoing woodpecker problem. Every year at this time one comes back and hacks holes in her siding, fascia and flashings. It seems he likes the noise the flashing makes especially when he's tapping to attract a mate. Problem is, he makes holes that create leaks amongst other damage. The home is in West Vancouver where Pileated Woodpeckers have made a comeback due to conservation efforts but have a need of more habitat.
 
 
Next call is also from West Vancouver in one of the upscale neighbourhoods. Rats, mice and squirrels are equal opportunity rodents that like soft, warm spaces like your attic insulation especially for nesting and having babies.
 

 
(typical rats nest)
 
These critters will chew through gutters, soffitts, fascia boards to get in. They can manage to eat through electrical wiring as well. They can get through the smallest of holes. Squirrels can get inside a space smaller about the size of a quarter.
 
What the wind can't blow off a racoon or a squirrel can tear off. These critters are amazingly strong and can rip off the better part of a shingle roof (asphalt or shake), soffits, continuous ridge ventilation, flashings, fascia - you name it. If they want in, no problem.
 
 
 
(roof damage from racoons)
 
 
 
(roof damage from racoons)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(roof damage from squirrels)
 
Unfortunately, it may not be as easy to get rid of the problem as just repairing the damage. These critters do like to return to the scene of the crime. Make sure you close up all opportunities and don't leave out invitations to visit such as pet food, open garbage etc. If it's a problem that you can't seem to resolve, call a pest control agency. The challenge of woodpeckers is they are protected.
 
 
 
 
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THOUGHTS ON REAL ESTATE
Sunday, March 20, 2011

Consider a "Prelisting" Inspection

Often one of the most stressful times for a seller is going through the BUYER'S inspection process. Inspections can often (and usually do) bring to light the "unknown" problems with a property. For some, it maybe worth the cost of an inspection in advance to know what potential challenges and problems lay ahead so unemotional and informed decisions can be dealt with up front.
 
Inspections are managed during the Subject Removal period which generally range from 7 to 10 days in length. Depending on the market conditions, the individuals involved and time constraints of either party, there maybe flexibillity in those timeframes. If during an inspection problems arise that need to be addressed, they can create stress, anxiety, anger, frustration, concern and sometimes poor decisionmaking regarding the sale particularly where price is concerned for either or both sides of the transaction.
 
Inspection outcomes have tanked deals. Inspections have removed doubts and facilitiated a smooth sale. Home inspections are not just about the structure. If you have landbased property then inspection may indicate problems with things like retaining walls, buried oil tanks, lifting driveways/walkways, fencing, drain tiles etc.
 
Having a preinspection provides your realtor with useful information about your home and property that can be disclosed from the beginning and used in the negotiation process. For example, if the roof is at the end of it's life expectancy as a seller you have options to replace or take the replacement costs into consideration at listing. As the seller you can decide in advance what you will or will not fix. It's more manageable to get quotes inadvance with time on your side than scrambling at the last minute to find out the value of the repair and someone to do the repairs in a timely way. It's also an opportunity to address the little things that seem big to buyer.
 
A preinspection is really about peace of mind. You know up front what you are dealing with and how to manage the outcomes.
 
 
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THOUGHTS ON REAL ESTATE
Sunday, March 20, 2011

Starting at the top

GOING GREEN

 
When I think about "going green" my first thoughts always turn to green roofing. Partly because my husband owns a high end roofing company here in the Vancouver Lower Mainland, partly because I have been certified to install modular living green roofs through N.A.T.S and partly because as a realtor it's important to understand the changing direction in the building and design of homes and communities and the overall impact on the global environment. As an integral part of any building, whether residential or commericial, the roof plays a key piece in providing protection, comfort and aesthetics. And there are many new options for green roofs including blanket growing medium and local sedum, modular growing medium with local sedum, mixed options with solar panels or at least, roofing that is more environmental friendly in reducing heating and cooling costs, ability to be recycled or created using recycled materials such as sheet metal.  
  
As a Vancouverite, I'm also pleased that our city is at the leading edge of creating and using living green roofs. Think of the Vancouver Public Library, the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre and the award winning LEEDS compliant Olympic Athletes Village. In some parts of the world, for example Switzerland and Austria, living green roofs are now mandatory by law on all buildings of flat or low slope pitch.
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