maine: An ounce of prevention...
- 07/31/08 07:16 AM
It's really quite sad, and unfortunately, it happens all too often. Here in Maine, the winters can get extremely cold and harsh. As the price of oil increases, Mainahs are grasping for any solution to the yearly problem: What am I going to do to heat my home? For many locals, wood is the answer. As you'll see below, it can also be the problem....
This home was completely lost this past year because of an improperly installed wood stove. It was determined that the homeowner had simply drilled a hole in the exterior wall, and stuck the stove pipe … (0 comments)
maine: That can't be good???!!!
- 07/30/08 06:46 AM
Ok, so I've had a few people ask me about some of the sights that I've seen over the years. They generally ask about the worst this or the scariest that, and I'm happy to share. I'd like everyone to know that the names have been changed to protect the 'not-so' innocent. As an appraiser, I am confidential to my clients, and will not reveal location or client.
This was taken on the inside of a 200 + year old barn with a full foundation. It was later determined that the cause of the foundation failure was due to a … (6 comments)
maine: Down in one area, may mean up elsewhere!!
- 07/29/08 07:58 AM
Though I'm located in rural Maine, a place where conservation is a hot topic, our market has NOT slowed to the point of this. The many cycles of the market can have positive and negative impacts in all aspects and sectors. Since Maine is a conservation-rich area, with its vast mountains, coastal regions, and woods, this coupled with a strong market has been more of a plateau then a cliff. Nice to see how other regions of the country react to changing markets. If Maine was sinking like a rock, would the entire State be a park??
Article was found … (0 comments)
maine: More properties 'fall' under the weight!!
- 04/19/08 06:39 AM
When will they learn???A little maintenance goes a long way!! I'll be the first to admit that my reasons for posting this blog about properties is to make money. It's capitalism, and it's a beautiful thing. That being said, I'll also be the first to admit that the message I'm trying to get across is simple: "Whether you use my services or not to ensure your property is safe, at least make sure someone does it!!"I have excellent relationships with all types of Real Estate Professionals, from brokers and agents to title attorneys and they all agree with me. Millions of dollars … (4 comments)
maine: Where are the 'savings' in this?
- 03/30/08 10:17 AM
I've recently been explaining in my blog how Gilliam Appraisal Services has expanded to include vacant asset protection. Since most of Maine is now in 'damage assessment' mode from snow and ice loads, I thought I would share some photos. These are of properties that haven't been maintained. This property had a new 2 car garage constructed just a few years ago. The owner probably thought since it was fairly new, and had a 12/12 pitch to the roof (12 inches of rise / 12 of run or span or 45 degree angle) that they were safe. Um... guess what? They … (2 comments)
maine: The 'Costs' of Not Maintaining Properties
- 03/29/08 04:37 AM
If you lived in Maine for more than one year, you already know about that 'stuff' that comes by every winter. Actually, if you've been here for long enough, you know that it often shows up in fall and lasts sometimes into the summer. Yeah, it's no mystery, it's called SNOW. It's cold, wet and extremely heavy. All areas on the planet have their perils. Hurricanes, tornados, termites, desert heat, tsunamis and floods. They all have a sever impact on people and their structures. Maine properties and owners are lucky in most respects. Hurricanes and tornados are few and far between, termites … (6 comments)
maine: Vacant Property - What's the solution??
- 03/28/08 03:20 AM
With the recent rash of Foreclosed properties throughout the country, lenders and owners are finding they may be held liable for neglect. It sounds odd that the act of simply leaving a property behind could be neglect, but it can be, and this action can not only have a negative impact on the property itself but the neighborhood as well. Times can be tough, and people get scared. It's understandable, and though homeowners morally feel like abandoning the property isn't the right thing to do, it's a scary situation. Many homeowners simply don't know what to do, the banks are sending notices … (7 comments)
It's really quite sad, and unfortunately, it happens all too often. Here in Maine, the winters can get extremely cold and harsh. As the price of oil increases, Mainahs are grasping for any solution to the yearly problem: What am I going to do to heat my home? For many locals, wood is the answer. As you'll see below, it can also be the problem....;)
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