Older homes can be full of charm and character, but they may also have worn out systems and components – anything from ancient water heaters to sagging floors. The specific issues that will affect your older residence will depend on how well the home has been maintained. If the home has been well cared for you should only expect to perform some minor repairs, but in the majority of cases at least one major system may need updating. Read on to get acquainted with some of the most common issues associated with older homes.Plumbing in an older home is usually a mix of old and new materials and the type you have determines how long it’s good for. Cast iron piping can pit or crack as it corrodes from the inside out. Iron and lead pipes can fill up and clog with mineral deposits. These individual sections have different periods of efficiency and should be replaced as needed. Unless the home has had its plumbing gutted recently, you can count on updating at least some of the piping and fixtures.

Energy inefficiency is common in older homes. The best way to save energy is to cut down on convective heat loss, which occurs when warm household air flows through gaps like those around windows or the chimney of a fireplace. This means weather stripping doors and windows, and caulking gaps. If drafts become a serious issue, consider replacing windows and doors and checking fireplace dampers.

Wood Floors can really show the signs of age – anything from cracks, to burn spots, to loose boards. Each home has to be evaluated on a case by case basis to determine the difference between a cosmetic problem and a significant repair. If there is enough wood thickness to sand the floors and refinish, it’s a cosmetic issue. If you have a sagging floor that can no longer support its own weight, it will need to be replaced.

Roofing. Many old roofs are a patch work of repairs and additions of different ages and materials. It’s common practice to add layers of asphalt shingles over an old roof, but eventually this practice can cause the roof to sag. Make sure that your roof undergoes a careful inspection if you’re in need of repairs, you’ll avoid burying the problem.

To learn more about the issue that affect older homes please contact Wayne DeJong, Registered Home Inspector, Pillar To Post, 604.250.9263

In today’s market having a great curb appeal will make a great first impression to homebuyer driving around looking at homes for sale in Vanouver. Here’re my top 5 tips for making a great first impression without breaking your bank account.

Homeowners in Vancouver should take notes about this before putting their homes on the market.

Most frequent house problems found by home inspectors

1. Improper surface grading/drainage: Results in water penetration in the basement or crawl space.
2. Improper electrical wiring: Includes insufficient electrical service to the house, inadequate overload protection, and amateur, often dangerous, wiring connections.
3. Roof damage: Includes old or damaged shingles or improper flashing which cause water leakage.
4. Heating systems: Includes broken or malfunctioning operation controls, blocked chimneys and unsafe exhaust disposal.
5. Poor overall maintenance: Includes cracked, peeling, or dirty painted surfaces, crumbling masonry, makeshift wiring or plumbing, and broken fixtures or appliances.
6. Structure-related problems: Includes damage to foundation walls, floor joists, rafters, and window and door headers.
7. Plumbing: Includes old or incompatible piping materials, faulty fixtures and waste lines.
8. Exterior flaws: Includes inadequate caulking and/or weather stripping on windows, doors, and wall surfaces which leads to water and air penetration.
9. Poor ventilation: includes over-sealed homes which result in excessive interior moisture that causes rotting and premature failure of structural and non-structural elements.

Source: The Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors

After 7 consecutive years of recording breaking real estate sales in Greater Vancouver, the cycle ended in 2008 amidst global economic challenges. The change brought relief from rising prices that saw benchmark prices escalate from $357,770 for a single family detached home in December 2001 to $648,421 by December 2008.

“It’s also important to note that our December statistics show a third consecutive month of a decrease in active property listings in Greater Vancouver. That means supply is coming down,” said REBGV president, Dave Watt. “Last month was also the first time in 27 years that Greater Vancouver homes sales for December were higher than November. For buyers, lower prices haven’t been a concern as much as the perception that prices are falling. It’s difficult to identify the ‘bottom’ of the market. The reality is that people tend to buy when prices are going up, not when they’re going down,”  Watt said.  

In January 2009, when home owners receive their Property Assessment Notice, they will be able to select one of two values as the basis for their 2009 property assessment. The two options ar the value as of July 1, 2007; or the value as of July 1, 2008.

Premier Gordon Campbell had originally announced on November 1, 2008 that he would freeze property assessment values for all properties at 2007 levels to help property own-ers and businesses weather the economic downturn.

However, the Premier has reconsidered based on new in-formation. Assessments are based on median (also known as average) prices on July 1 each year. However, median prices fluctuate and depending on the specific property, most homes are either lower or higher than the median.

Depending on the type of property – a condominium, a townhome or a detached home – assessed values may have been lower in 2007 or 2008.

Property owners with a new home (built since July 1, 2007) or substantial renovations or improvements will have the option to choose the lowest assessed value for either 2007 or 2008.

It is important to note that only your property assessment is frozen, not your taxes.

Property taxes are a function of municipal revenue needs, based on operating costs and other factors. Assessment increases or decreases do not necessarily mean cor-responding changes in taxes.

Municipalities are responsible for collecting property taxes, which fund regional districts, municipalities, school boards, TransLink and other local services.

have until January 31 to file an appeal.

For more information visit:• Ministry of Small Business and Revenue web site: www.gov.bc.ca/sbr and click on the 2009 Assessment Roll button in the right hand column for a Q&A on the freezing of assessed value.• BC Assessment web site: www.bcassessment.ca• Property Assessment Review Panel appeal process web site: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/parp4The

Home buying opportunities have never been better for home buyers looking for a great deal in the Vancouver real estate market. Prices are down betwwen 10 to 15% and with the lowest interest rates in over 50 years, it’s a great time to buy. For a list of the best buy just give me a call at 604-321SOLD.

Minutes to downtown Vancouver, this one bedroom unit is a great starter home for first time buyer looking to buy in the Vancouver real estate market. Move in condition with lots of updating. On the top floor with a peek a boo mountain view.