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This Home Has A Problem - Can You Find It?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Executives

There is no question this home has "curb appeal". It also has

  • solid masonry construction
  • a metal roof in excellent condition
  • no basement
  • thermal windows
  • new gutters and downspounts and
  • sits high on a hill with excellent drainage
However, it has the potential for future problems. What are they and what will be required for correction?

Woodbridge VA Colonial

My Team has 34 years full time experience in Prince William County

”Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS”

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If the sale or purchase of a home is in your plans contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-690-6569. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

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Prince William County

Comments(37)

Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Debi  It really adds to curb appeal and repair costs

Apr 07, 2010 02:52 AM
Steve, Joel & Steve A. Chain
Chain Real Estate Investments & Mortgage, Steve & Joel Chain - Cottonwood, CA

Karen,

I remember a concrete tilt-up (6" thick concrete wall) building. The walls were designed for the ivy to grip and create a cover to the walls.  After a few short years the owners (US government) discovered ivy growing through the wall joints. They found it impossible to maintain. Then ALL of the ivy was removed. That exposed the grooves on the exterior walls that were supposed to support the clinging vines. Can you say, Oops?

I still love that LOOK though.

Steve

Apr 07, 2010 04:46 AM
Richard Strahm
American Foursquare Realty - Lansdale, PA
Lansdale and North Penn Real Estate

What a gorgeous home!  And what astronomically large repair bills that ivy might leave behind . . .

Apr 07, 2010 05:53 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Steve  Another example of ypour tax dollars at work

Apr 07, 2010 08:36 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Richard  Not might leave behind , but will leave behind

Apr 07, 2010 08:37 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Karen, a typical example of what looks appealing may not be good for the structure.  Yet, it reminds me of old brick mansions in England, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

Apr 08, 2010 01:58 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Silvia  It is true for more than brick and I agree with the similarity  Karen

Apr 08, 2010 02:02 PM
Toula Rosebrock
Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ
Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

Hi Karen:

Great information to know about homes with Ivy...

Way to go Rich!!!

Apr 08, 2010 04:03 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Toula  They are lovely, but bad news

Apr 08, 2010 10:59 PM
Jennifer Fivelsdal
JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY
Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Karen that was a great question I too would have guessed ivy because I recently read an article on this.

Apr 09, 2010 04:41 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Jennifer  I'm sure you have your share of ivy covered buildings - some in West Point

Apr 10, 2010 12:51 AM
Jeff&Grace Safrin
F.C.Tucker 1st Team Real Estate - Valparaiso, IN
SpousesSellingHousesTM

we had ivy come up as a home inspection issue last summer ( and it's not that common in NW IN this was a first or us and very enlightening - it was much less than the amount shown on your photo here Karen, so the corrective measures were not a deal breaker thank God :)

great post!!!

sincerely

grace

Apr 10, 2010 06:32 AM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Grace  You were lucky - I've seen them worse than this

Apr 10, 2010 06:49 AM
Kathy Toth
Ann Arbor Market Center Keller Williams - Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Real Estate Experts - Kathy Toth Team

Fun post about the ivy and I want to compliment you on your format for your area post- Poulation and Location, Commuting, Schools, Libraries, Shopping and Recreation - very concise!

Apr 10, 2010 08:12 AM
Michael Bergin
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES - Alexandria, VA
Northern Virginia Real Estate

Karen -

We lost a 100+ tree this fall because years ago my mother-in-law, with the best of intentions, planted ivy at the base of the tree.  Not only was it very expensive to take down (and a huge homeowner hazard) but it has now changed the entire nature of our backyard.  What was once a shade garden is now in total sun.

I still love her though,

MB

Apr 11, 2010 09:03 AM
Jim Hale
ACTIONAGENTS.NET - Eugene, OR
Eugene Oregon's Best Home Search Website

Repair bills for this must cost the IVY LEAGUE a bunch!

 

:-)

Apr 13, 2010 03:44 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Kathy  We do try to :tell all"

Apr 13, 2010 09:48 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Michael   Forgiveness is saintly  :)

Apr 13, 2010 09:50 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"

Jim  Very funny LOL 

Apr 13, 2010 09:50 PM
Art Kruschka
Administrative Manager - Manassas, VA
Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices

Karen Your posts about our local area are all filled with useful information and are proof of your in-depth local expertise. It makes no difference if they are market reports, community profiles or local entertainment sites - they are all well done

Sep 10, 2010 05:05 AM