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Water happens in Seattle. You knew that when you bought your home. So be smart and stay on top of things. This newsletter edition is intended to minimize roof related issues after you are all settled into your home, and three years later forgot all about the protection above your head. If you are buying a home, pay attention to your inspector, whom, you will note, is very concerned with wood destroying organisms (critters and whatnot) that love wet wood. Pounding rain, sleet, even sunshine - they are all enemies of what should be your home's top priority, because everything inside your home is subject to damages if your roof should fail. Invariably, homeowners wait until they have a leak before they realize their roof is shot, and much more damage has actually occurred. The plywood below the shingles has delaminated. The Insulation is wet. Black mold is festering. Soppy drywall has plopped down on your dining room table. Your dog eats it and starts coughing up chalk. It’s scary. Safety First: Yes, I know, boring, but it’s true. If you don’t know how to walk on a roof, don’t walk on it. You can get hurt and so can your roof. All roofs can get mossy, thus slippery, and there goes your tailbone. No fun. So call the professionals! Gutters: Backed up downspouts, drains, and gutters are the cause of huge water entry problems and can easily be controlled by keeping them clear. If you can easily reach your gutters, scoop the leaves and debris out. You can also install gutter screens to prevent the downspouts from clogging up. If the gutters are out of reach, you’ll need to call a professional also. Ventilation: Cross circulation of air is critical to maintaining a healthy, long-lasting roof. Maintenance: Homeowners sometimes try to pressure wash their shingles to remove staining caused by algae. If the pressure is too high, the protective granules can be removed. Some shingles are made with copper granules to help prevent algae stains. If your roofing shingles are 10 years old or more, it’s probably time to get a professional on it. Set up an annual (or biannual) checkup after the fall leaves have fallen, or after a major storm. Check out the recommendation of roofing firms on my >>> Referral Network. All this upkeep might seem a bit overwhelming, but really all you need to do is call a few roofing firms for an evaluation and get on a maintenance schedule. A little preventive care will keep you, your roof, and even your dog, happy and healthy.


Good Shingles
Bad Shingles
A licensed, bonded roofing contractor knows the proper formula for venting your roof. Your house will breathe easier, keep moisture and mildew at bay, and help your attic from become overheated in the summer. Without proper ventilation your warranty may be voided.
The best way to keep moss from growing is to keep debris and dirt off the shingles.
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I have an inspection this afternoon that I helped a buyer client of mine purchase which brought this little nugget of wisdom to mind.
You should always plan on attending the inspection.
Inspections take about two hours for the average size home. If you need to get a sitter, put in for a day off or just plain play hooky, you want to be there. The inspector will go over the entire house. They will look at all major systems and offer all kinds of advice. An inspection is not a pass fail thing.
Every inspection will find something that need to be addressed even on homes that are just built.
While the inspection is going on, it is good to be present as a buyer because a good inspector will point out things that you will want to know even if they are not things that need to be addressed immediately. For example the approximate age of the roof and hot water heater, recent code updates, how to earthquake proof appliances, etc. All things that you as a home owner, especially first time home owners, will want to hear. It is all great information and the more you have the more you can avoid problems in the future.
Give me a call if you need help.
Content is provided by Rob Graham of Windermere Real Estate. Rob is a residential real estate specialist with years of experience in the Seattle Neighborhoods. He is an Accredited Buyer's Representative and Internet Marketing Specialist. If you have questions about buying or selling your home in Seattle, feel free to call or e-mail Rob.
(206) 321-6349
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Enjoy!
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I love the Laurelhurst neighborhood in Seattle. It is such a wonderful place perched perfectly on Lake Washington in Seattle. Here are some of my favorites...
Are you interested in Laurelhurst real estate? Seattle real estate? realestate@cooperjacobs.com
**Full disclosure: None of these houses were listed at the time of picture - My husband and I just took some pictures of several Laurelhurst houses that we have always liked.
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Seattle REO properties are easy to find here - I have dealt with a lot of foreclosure and short sale properties all over Seattle and the Seattle suburbs. The one thing I always find amazing is that there are still out of date websites out there actually charging you for information that you can get for free. Unless you plan on paying cash at an auction, then these foreclosure listings are in the MLS.
No, you can't always be able to differentiate them as foreclosures because the MLS has no clear way of being able to search on this particular criteria at this time, but I keep a regular list going and can cater it to what ever area or price range you are interested in. And, I won't charge you for the information!!!!
Interested in foreclosures? Have the patience to wait it out for a possible short sale? Email you request to realestate@cooperjacobs.com
Interested in traditional Seattle real estate? I can help there, too!