The New Codgers

SOMETIMES I CAN BE SERIOUS

• Contacts homeowner first (comes to home uninvited or contacts the homeowner by telephone);
• Tells the homeowner that the repairs need to make right away;
• Talks too fast and pressures the homeowner to sign papers today;
• Tells the homeowner that they are doing work in your neighborhood and claims they have "extra materials" left from another job;
• Offers to use the home as a "display home" or offers the homeowner a discounted price or "discounts" for referrals, but only if she buys today!
• If it sounds too good (or bad) to be true. (It probably is not true!)

• Always check workers' credentials.
• Homeowners should never let anyone into the home without first asking for identification.
• Representatives of utilities and reputable businesses will have proper ID. When in doubt, homeowners should look up the company's phone number and call to verify the identity of the workers.
• Ask for an address and phone number if the workers say they are self-employed.
• If the homeowner agrees work should be done, he should ask for an estimate in writing and tell the workers he'll get back to them.
• Always get a second opinion and written estimates from one or two local firms.
• Get all guarantees in writing.

Before the sale:

Many areas require some sort of inspection prior to the sale of a residential property. Sometimes such inspections result in major repairs that must be handled by a licensed, bonded contractor and likely will require a permit for the work. More often, the work required is minor, and may be handled by the homeowner or a “handyman (or woman)” (the latter is the type of repairs both Medford and I performed for Teresa Boardman’s customers). Veteran real estate agents generally have cultivated both professional contractors and handypeople that they can count on to provide the necessary services. 

After the sale:

For 1^st time homeowners, a “Do-It-Yourself Fixit” book might be an appropriate, and inexpensive closing gift. For any buyer, a list of reliable contractors and handypeople in the area would certainly be appreciated, especially for out of town buyers—new to the area. Medford & I don’t generally make recommendations (except occasionally, and grudgingly, each other), but will recommend that a membership to Angie’s List is a good thing to do.

Theories abound on how and why we won World War II. I know the correct answer. 
 

It was the ingenious use by the American farmer of a ubiquitous product named baling wire, commonly called "hay wire." This fine product was carefully hoarded and experimented with by millions of farmers all through the Depression, so at the beginning of the war, America had a truly formidible secret weapon.

This fine black wire was called hay wire because it was used in baling hay, but in actuality, it was the paperclip of the 1940's farmer. Anything could be fixed with hay wire, and usually was.

The rest is history: we patched up worn-out machinery, fed the world, and won the war. 

Medford

Today I have invited Medford to join me in the “operation” of this blog. He has indicated a willingness to contribute his wit & wisdom to it. He tells wonderful stories of the old days on the farm, and has a common-sense approach to do-it-yourself home repairs. He & I may even disagree—but remember, in the case of any disagreement—I’m right and he’s wrongJ!

I’ve worked over the years with many a “Re-al-tor” (rē΄əl tōr), but never—ever—ever with a “Re-li-tor” (rē lĭt΄ tōr). Why is it that this ridiculous pronunciation persists? It’s not easier to say—or is it? I can understand why non-members say it that way, but I don’t understand why members persist in it.

Jay

Yesterday morning I was having coffee with my old pal Medford Ambrose (the “Techno-Geezer”), and he was bragging about his “Wiki*,” and I bragged back that I now had my very own Blog wherein I was going to pontificate about home repairs. You see, Medford, pushing the octogenarian designation, has been a computer & web pioneer, and will talk on and on and ad-nausea, about the latest technology on the Web.

Medford is a Depression-era farm-boy and is full of stories about how his family “made-do” in the 30s & 40s, keeping the farm running & in good repair when money was scarce, and as a consequence, he became a pretty fair repairman.

Don’t expect this to be a “how to” blog (although “how not to” will probably show up), there are far too many good books available for us to venture into that area. Instead, we’ll regale you with old-man stories, with some embellishments as old men are prone to do, about our home-repair successes, and screw-ups (from screw-ups comes wisdom), and perhaps how to provide the best service to your buyers & sellers (in our area of knowledge) possible. We’ll also discuss possible scams (Medford, who spent years in sales, often says “The easiest mark for a salesman is another salesman.”) to watch out for.

Remember, your reputation is your best marketing tool, without a good reputation all the fancy marketing schemes will ultimately fail to grow your business. The codgers at the café, or back fence will know who can and can’t be relied on and will talk about them.

J.

*What the heck is a Wiki anyway? On second thought—I don’t want to know.