When Older is Better Older may not be better when it comes to furnaces, roofs, and major appliances. However, if there’s any question about whether a home’s basement is wet, old is very good. Why’s that? Because carpeting that repeatedly gets wet and dries out becomes moldy, discolored, and generally starts to deteriorate. Ditto for any...Read More
Is the Absence of a Negative a Positive? Yes, But . . . Do home sellers get credit for a dry basement? Answer: “absolutely” (I mean, “you betcha!”). It’s just not something that — as a listing agent representing the owner — I’d necessarily put in the home’s marketing materials.* Rather, a bone dry basement ensures that the...Read More
“California Rambler” . . . “California Colonial??” “If your parents don’t have kids, you won’t, either.” So, what’s the 100% guaranteed way to never have a wet basement — something that LOTS of Twin Cities homeowners are contending with right now after another 3″ – 4″ rain in just the last 12 hours? Don’t have a basement....Read More
“Better,” “Best,” “Very Best” Strategies With lots of formerly dry Twin Cities basements suddenly . . . not, I thought it was timely to review homeowners’ various “water prevention” options. Many homes don’t need drain tile and sump pumps: they sit on a (relatively) high piece of land and/or the grade slopes away from the...Read More
The Half-Full Glass Yes, Amazonian heat and humidity — plus record-setting downpours — are taking a toll on Twin Citians this Summer (nice alliteration, huh?). So, who has this weather been especially kind to? Here’s my list: –Local dry cleaners (no chance of wearing my dress shirts more than one day in this heat and humidity); –Retailers selling...Read More
