Tag Archives: Adventures in Real Estate

Moisture in Windows – Real Estate Sacramento

Posted on March 9, 2011 | 2 Comments

I have viewed and sold so many homes with dual pane windows that have failed.  The clear, or should I say unclear, indication is fogged up glass.  When you try to clean them, you quickly realize that there is moisture trapped in between the two panes, hence the window has failed.  Most inspectors will tell you that this does not diminish the effectiveness of the window, rather it just looks ugly.  And typically the remedy is replacing the glass or the window, which can be costly.

I ran across an article/ad regarding a newer technology, whereby they can de-moisturize and repair the window by just drilling to small holes in the corners.  Sound great if it actually is legitimate.

Has anyone out there utilized this technology?  And more importantly, does it work?  If so, this would be a great innovation to all those failed windows out there.

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

KeithAKlassen@gmail.com

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Posted in Property Management, Real Estate

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Appraiser Kills Another Deal

Posted on August 17, 2010 | 2 Comments

[in a very sarcastic tone of voice]

I love spending uncountable hours searching the internet, showing many properties, counseling the buyer, writing a contract (with many revisions), coordinating with the lender/loan officer, scheduling and attending multiple inspections, re-showing the property, counseling the client, meeting for lunch and coffee multiple time to sign disclosures and paperwork, running numbers, Negotiating repairs, etc., etc., etc., …. ONLY TO BE KILLED BY AN APPRAISAL THAT COMES IN $16,000 UNDER THE CONTRACT PRICE.  This killed the deal for both the seller and buyer.  It is not a flip, short sale, or bank owned.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my job and I excel in these situations, but this is ridiculous!

[in a serious tone of voice]

Here are some of the wonderful aspect of the property…

New paint (inside and out); Newer roof; New electrical and plumbing; Renovated kitchen and bathroom; Newer central heat and air; Double size lot; Historic built-in china cabinet; New front door; Several new windows; Section 1 and 2 of pest report to be cleared, and more!

Yes, this property happens to be in Oak Park, Sacramento, but most all knowledgeable appraisers and agents know that Oak Park is “street by street.”  I personally know several of the residents on this street.  Comparing this home to homes a mile away does not do the home justice.

I am coming to believe that this area is being redlined.

Again, my question stands:  When will the market drive the market oppose to appraiser and bank practices?

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

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Posted in Home Buying

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Is Green Really Worth the Green?

Posted on April 22, 2010 | 5 Comments

I caught a news piece this morning while at the gym.  The title was something like the one above.  The segment dealt with the question, Do energy efficient upgrades in a home make a difference in the sale price? Even with long-term energy savings, the short and resounding answer was, “NO.”  While it makes all the difference for the environment, the sale prices do not reflect the upgrades, whether it be solar, added insulation, dual flush toilets, Energy Star appliances, etc.  The target then got pinned on appraisers.  They bluntly said that it was the appraisers fault… [paraphrased] The appraisers are behind the curve on this one.  It’s the appraisers that have not gotten up to speed and are not giving correct value to these items.  When an appraiser sees a furnace, whether it’s energy efficient or not, they just see a furnace…”

Now I have friends that are appraisers that will read this and have an acid reflex response (a little sour taste in their mouth).  And I know theses appraisers do know the difference and can spot energy efficient systems.

I would love a response/rebuttal from the appraisal world.  Sound off.

And don’t kill/hate the messenger – I’m just reiterating what I saw on the news this morning.

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

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Posted in Real Estate

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The Things We See When Viewing Property

Posted on April 14, 2010 | 5 Comments

I know you were hoping for a risqué story… or the one were the daughter called the police on me for “breaking in” and “accosting her” as the mother said… nope just a cool indoor sauna.  I walked into one of the space rooms of this blue-collar home and “Whoa, didn’t expect to find this…

Enjoy,

Keith Klassen – Real Estate Broker

916.669.9030

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Posted in Adventures in Real Estate

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