Comments on: Watch out for the downed power lines at this house http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/ SF Bay Area Real Estate, Home Price and Mortgage Insanity Blog - Burbed.com Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:36:09 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Stepford http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20781 Stepford Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:22:51 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20781 Mole Man - My house was built in 1940 (peninsula) and it was made with redwood. I have also noticed other houses around here that have been torn down for remodels were also redwood. My architect said I won't be able to replace the siding I currently have with the same high quality that was used then. I live in a hood which is mixed 1920's and early 40's. You are probably right about the tracts though. Interesting about the sewer pipes. Ours were replaced before we bought - I think by the city. I heard they tore up parts of all the backyards and a lot of landscaping was destroyed in the process ticking everyone off, but at least we don't have to worry about collapsing pipes. Mole Man – My house was built in 1940 (peninsula) and it was made with redwood. I have also noticed other houses around here that have been torn down for remodels were also redwood. My architect said I won’t be able to replace the siding I currently have with the same high quality that was used then. I live in a hood which is mixed 1920′s and early 40′s. You are probably right about the tracts though.
Interesting about the sewer pipes. Ours were replaced before we bought – I think by the city. I heard they tore up parts of all the backyards and a lot of landscaping was destroyed in the process ticking everyone off, but at least we don’t have to worry about collapsing pipes.

]]> By: Mole Man http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20774 Mole Man Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:39:41 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20774 The suburban tracts built in the 1940s were constructed with extreme economy. Not only is redwood very unlikely, the original sewer pipe, if it is still there, is likely to be Orangeburg which is basically tar paper that will eventually collapse. The suburban tracts built in the 1940s were constructed with extreme economy. Not only is redwood very unlikely, the original sewer pipe, if it is still there, is likely to be Orangeburg which is basically tar paper that will eventually collapse.

]]> By: madhaus 94087 Real Cupertino Schools! http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20520 madhaus 94087 Real Cupertino Schools! Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:21:25 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20520 <i>Anyone wants to spend 109 grand to save gas? I have some properties in the East Bay I want to sell you!</i> Somebody has a bunch of instant equity to pass along to you! Buy now! Now now now! Before prices drop any lower and it gets foreclosed! Time is critical! Anyone wants to spend 109 grand to save gas? I have some properties in the East Bay I want to sell you!

Somebody has a bunch of instant equity to pass along to you! Buy now! Now now now! Before prices drop any lower and it gets foreclosed! Time is critical!

]]> By: Real Estater http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20518 Real Estater Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:44:16 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20518 Anyone wants to spend 109 grand to save gas? I have some properties in the East Bay I want to sell you! Anyone wants to spend 109 grand to save gas? I have some properties in the East Bay I want to sell you!

]]> By: Herve http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20516 Herve Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:18:00 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20516 mtv-renter: Sorry, the <a href="http://www.teslamotors.com/buy/resyourcar.php" rel="nofollow">Tesla Roadster is now $109K</a> excluding tax. At least we have a better deal than the Europeans: for them it is 99,000 Euros (excluding tax, which is even higher). mtv-renter:

Sorry, the Tesla Roadster is now $109K excluding tax. At least we have a better deal than the Europeans: for them it is 99,000 Euros (excluding tax, which is even higher).

]]> By: Renter4 http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20508 Renter4 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:19:48 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20508 Conversation's clearly moved on while I was earning my down payment... however, I must point out to the peanut gallery that power lines are usually not usually so wispy-looking. That's the realtor's front layer of hair we've got in the picture, gentlemen. No need for fear. Conversation’s clearly moved on while I was earning my down payment… however, I must point out to the peanut gallery that power lines are usually not usually so wispy-looking. That’s the realtor’s front layer of hair we’ve got in the picture, gentlemen. No need for fear.

]]> By: WillowGlenner http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20505 WillowGlenner Wed, 02 Jul 2008 02:38:10 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20505 Yeah the really old homes around here are built of redwood. Not the eichlers, those are later on and poorly built, generally. But the old bungalows, typically one bathroom- those have the redwood and termites hate redwood!!! You will have far fewer pest problems in these than any other old houses. I remember one day looking up at one of the little, ranshackle-ish one-car garages in one of my houses and there was beautiful redwood up there. The original kitchen cabinets in these houses are also redwood- inside the cabinets was not refinished but the original cabinetry had an enamel paint, so I don't know whether it is feasible to strip the paint from the original cabinets or not- but if you could, it would be beautiful. Also some old homes are bolted to the foundation which means for those homes there are very few cracks. Yeah the really old homes around here are built of redwood. Not the eichlers, those are later on and poorly built, generally. But the old bungalows, typically one bathroom- those have the redwood and termites hate redwood!!! You will have far fewer pest problems in these than any other old houses. I remember one day looking up at one of the little, ranshackle-ish one-car garages in one of my houses and there was beautiful redwood up there. The original kitchen cabinets in these houses are also redwood- inside the cabinets was not refinished but the original cabinetry had an enamel paint, so I don’t know whether it is feasible to strip the paint from the original cabinets or not- but if you could, it would be beautiful. Also some old homes are bolted to the foundation which means for those homes there are very few cracks.

]]> By: RealEstater http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20500 RealEstater Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:23:06 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20500 For most of you guys out there, the trick is to find a home that needs cosmetic work but has good bones. This may sound trite, but you'd be suprised how many buyers out there do just the opposite, and are willing to pay a big premium for a coat of paint. For most of you guys out there, the trick is to find a home that needs cosmetic work but has good bones. This may sound trite, but you’d be suprised how many buyers out there do just the opposite, and are willing to pay a big premium for a coat of paint.

]]> By: WillowGlenner http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20499 WillowGlenner Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:20:48 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20499 I have learned how to restore the old windows and will be restoring these in my new house. The old windows have a rope and pulley system and I'd say in almost 90% of the cases, the ROPE is frayed/disintegrated and people think they need to go out and get a whole new window. The new windows are like that one in the picture, nothing compared to the beauty of the original with the classic moulding etc., AND its expensive to put in new windows, and an amateur is likely to crack the walls doing it. I just buy some new window sash cord (available at some Ace HW or on the web), split the frame from the trim and remove the old cord and pulley, put on the new cord, use a little paint remover and graphite or some other lubricant in there, close it up and voila- BEAUTIFUL classic window that cost maybe $15 to repair. I have learned how to restore the old windows and will be restoring these in my new house. The old windows have a rope and pulley system and I’d say in almost 90% of the cases, the ROPE is frayed/disintegrated and people think they need to go out and get a whole new window. The new windows are like that one in the picture, nothing compared to the beauty of the original with the classic moulding etc., AND its expensive to put in new windows, and an amateur is likely to crack the walls doing it. I just buy some new window sash cord (available at some Ace HW or on the web), split the frame from the trim and remove the old cord and pulley, put on the new cord, use a little paint remover and graphite or some other lubricant in there, close it up and voila- BEAUTIFUL classic window that cost maybe $15 to repair.

]]> By: WillowGlenner http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20497 WillowGlenner Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:13:33 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20497 <b>Give it a rest Bob, its tiring</b>. Now you are using code violations as some sort of rationale for why a cheap house on a large lot that is cash flow positive is a bad investment? That takes the cake. Plus this isn't in Alameda, it is in a close-in desirable rental location. Houses ROUTINELY rent for 2500/mo around here. Crossroads, this is only a 1100 sq ft house, the one bathroom is the size of an apt bathroom and I used really basic materials. The paint in and out was under $5K, etc. Basically my repairs on this house are slightly better than what they do to apts when somebody moves out... you know they come in and replace a few fixtures paint and put in new carpeting for under a few thousand. Longer term I'm going to do some work but now... I just want to rent the place to the person who wants it. She has a dog and wants the school district so its probably a pretty long term renter, so no need for me to go overboard. I will do a good roof later this year or next. Give it a rest Bob, its tiring. Now you are using code violations as some sort of rationale for why a cheap house on a large lot that is cash flow positive is a bad investment? That takes the cake. Plus this isn’t in Alameda, it is in a close-in desirable rental location. Houses ROUTINELY rent for 2500/mo around here.

Crossroads, this is only a 1100 sq ft house, the one bathroom is the size of an apt bathroom and I used really basic materials. The paint in and out was under $5K, etc. Basically my repairs on this house are slightly better than what they do to apts when somebody moves out… you know they come in and replace a few fixtures paint and put in new carpeting for under a few thousand.

Longer term I’m going to do some work but now… I just want to rent the place to the person who wants it. She has a dog and wants the school district so its probably a pretty long term renter, so no need for me to go overboard. I will do a good roof later this year or next.

]]> By: sonarrat 94619 http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20494 sonarrat 94619 Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:09:48 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20494 Changed computers and forgot to put in my zip code. :D Changed computers and forgot to put in my zip code. :D

]]> By: sonarrat http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20493 sonarrat Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:06:38 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20493 I'm buying a foreclosed house too, but it isn't in nearly such bad shape.. no kicked in walls or ruined carpet. A longtime owner spent a load of money fixing it up in 2005 with brand new electrical service, plumbing, furnace, water heater, ceiling fans, and double pane windows. Roof needs $500 worth of resealing. Pest report came back at $6200 but actual damage is minimal. The back door leading from the bedroom has no doorknob or lock. Needs a 220V plug for a dryer. Otherwise, it's move in ready. I’m buying a foreclosed house too, but it isn’t in nearly such bad shape.. no kicked in walls or ruined carpet. A longtime owner spent a load of money fixing it up in 2005 with brand new electrical service, plumbing, furnace, water heater, ceiling fans, and double pane windows. Roof needs $500 worth of resealing. Pest report came back at $6200 but actual damage is minimal. The back door leading from the bedroom has no doorknob or lock. Needs a 220V plug for a dryer. Otherwise, it’s move in ready.

]]> By: rick http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20488 rick Tue, 01 Jul 2008 23:31:43 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20488 WG, Thanks for the insight. I thought for this house you'd at least replace the window. WG,
Thanks for the insight.

I thought for this house you’d at least replace the window.

]]> By: Crossroads http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20462 Crossroads Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:35:25 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20462 all that for just 15k$? how is that possible? all that for just 15k$? how is that possible?

]]> By: bob http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20461 bob Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:28:18 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20461 Even if you only slap on a coat of paint for 15k, you paid what- 420k for the house? I can't remember if it was 400 or 420. I'll go for the 400k amount. So after the "repairs", we're still talking 415,000 bucks. Putting the repairs aside, the house will need to rent for a minimum of $ 2,334.29 per month, which also doesn't include property taxes. So perhaps more like $2,500. So either you are lucky to find someone willing to shell out a crapload of money to rent a dump, or you're simply willing to have negative cash flow for who knows- 5-6 years before the market might start appreciating? Even after that, as someone who used to sell contractor materials, anyone with half a brain that sees that this house needs a new roof, floors, and likely other items is going to offer you less than if it was actually restored properly. I'd say that you'd actually be better off long-term if you fix the stuff now versus allowing it to deteriorate further. A bad roof is a sure way to ensure that significant damage can be done to the structure in just a few short years. 15k sounds way to cheap for even a light touch-up. You'd better be checking your codes before you even think about renting it because I know for fact that as someone who used to deal with contractors day-to-day, the wiring, plumbing, and anything else related to safety had better be taken care of in advance. Even if you only slap on a coat of paint for 15k, you paid what- 420k for the house? I can’t remember if it was 400 or 420. I’ll go for the 400k amount. So after the “repairs”, we’re still talking 415,000 bucks. Putting the repairs aside, the house will need to rent for a minimum of $ 2,334.29 per month, which also doesn’t include property taxes. So perhaps more like $2,500.

So either you are lucky to find someone willing to shell out a crapload of money to rent a dump, or you’re simply willing to have negative cash flow for who knows- 5-6 years before the market might start appreciating?

Even after that, as someone who used to sell contractor materials, anyone with half a brain that sees that this house needs a new roof, floors, and likely other items is going to offer you less than if it was actually restored properly. I’d say that you’d actually be better off long-term if you fix the stuff now versus allowing it to deteriorate further. A bad roof is a sure way to ensure that significant damage can be done to the structure in just a few short years.

15k sounds way to cheap for even a light touch-up. You’d better be checking your codes before you even think about renting it because I know for fact that as someone who used to deal with contractors day-to-day, the wiring, plumbing, and anything else related to safety had better be taken care of in advance.

]]> By: WillowGlenner http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20460 WillowGlenner Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:12:34 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20460 Rick, well, to be honest this last house I just bought (and just took possession of) was a foreclosure which means it is in much worse condition than this San Mateo house. Seriously my new place looks like it has needed a new roof for years now, the eaves are a little deteriorated and there is some **really funky** wiring in the garage (maybe a teenage kid actually moved into the garage in some distant past), the floors have needed refinishing forever- and all other flooring everywhere else needs replacing etc. IOW typical foreclosure. So if you were really doing it right you would put 50K in the place and really fix it up, but I am not doing that. I am paying to paint in and out and some plumbing work, and new bath. Normally I don't do a new bathroom but this was a section 1 item for this house (mold) so I had to do it. Thats it, total under $15K. I will make the other repairs over time- I just want to get somebody in there now - I have a good tenant with a small dog which I have no problem with in a house with this condition. Rick, well, to be honest this last house I just bought (and just took possession of) was a foreclosure which means it is in much worse condition than this San Mateo house. Seriously my new place looks like it has needed a new roof for years now, the eaves are a little deteriorated and there is some **really funky** wiring in the garage (maybe a teenage kid actually moved into the garage in some distant past), the floors have needed refinishing forever- and all other flooring everywhere else needs replacing etc. IOW typical foreclosure. So if you were really doing it right you would put 50K in the place and really fix it up, but I am not doing that. I am paying to paint in and out and some plumbing work, and new bath. Normally I don’t do a new bathroom but this was a section 1 item for this house (mold) so I had to do it. Thats it, total under $15K. I will make the other repairs over time- I just want to get somebody in there now – I have a good tenant with a small dog which I have no problem with in a house with this condition.

]]> By: rick http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20429 rick Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:01:22 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20429 Was it a pot hole in the street besides the large crack? WG, Wow, you've been buying this kind of house and renovate it for rent? How much is the renovation cost? In a good area I would imagine this house is still selling like hot cake at 400k. Was it a pot hole in the street besides the large crack?

WG,
Wow, you’ve been buying this kind of house and renovate it for rent? How much is the renovation cost? In a good area I would imagine this house is still selling like hot cake at 400k.

]]> By: WillowGlenner http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20420 WillowGlenner Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:10:42 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20420 nope I need a 8K lot size in an improving area minimum. This shoreview area of San Mateo doesn't rate- I doubt I would consider it under any circumstances and the lot size obviously isn't there. The house is fine though, thats the type of house you get for 400K. nope I need a 8K lot size in an improving area minimum. This shoreview area of San Mateo doesn’t rate- I doubt I would consider it under any circumstances and the lot size obviously isn’t there. The house is fine though, thats the type of house you get for 400K.

]]> By: rick http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20387 rick Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:23:44 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20387 If this drops to 400k WG will buy it. :) If this drops to 400k WG will buy it. :)

]]> By: WillowGlenner http://www.burbed.com/2008/06/30/watch-out-for-the-downed-power-lines-at-this-house/#comment-20386 WillowGlenner Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:15:37 +0000 http://www.burbed.com/?p=1988#comment-20386 They might have cracked the wall when an amateur put that new window in, also. I have seen that from time to time. Windows are something that needs to be installed by a professional They might have cracked the wall when an amateur put that new window in, also. I have seen that from time to time. Windows are something that needs to be installed by a professional

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