Upgrading & Maintaining 1950's Era Homes Print

We continue our conversation about hiking through the Grand Canyon.

-Barb talks about training. We discuss hiking through heat and cold.

-Rosie scares 14 year old Julia when he cramps up at the bottom of the canyon on the bridge.......his calves locked up and he couldn't stand up, let alone walk. Julia didn't think they were gonna make it.  (It's only funny now! Be safe!)

-Tom shares the necessities for even the most healthy and in-shape hiker.

-Tom talks about how they got started leading the now group of "60 of their close friends" from rim to rim to rim hikes.

-We have fun with Tom & Barb, but just be know that this is a dangerous hike if you're not properly prepared. Training, food & water and plenty of time. 

*We encourage hiking the Grand Canyon, but we encourage you to do it safely!

Romey's "This Week in History" Segment:

• It's "Flag Day" this week, started by John Adams.
• It's the anniversary of Jacque Cousteau's birthday. He created the "agualung"
• Other notable birthday's this week: Vince Lombardi, George H.W. Bush, General Winfield Scott.
• Today is the same day that "Back To The Future II" traveled forward in time to June 9th, 2015.
• "Miranda Rights" were implemented on June 13th, 1966 right here in Phoenix.

-One More fact from "This Week in History."  Warren G. Harding was the 1st President to use radio to address the public on this day in 1922  He was dedicating the Francis Scott Key Memorial.

-After all the horror stories, the crew goes around and explains why they still love hiking the Grand Canyon so much.

(Tom even has a story about two people meeting on one of their hikes and ended up getting married)

We're taking questions about trees out in your yard with John Eisenhower of Integrity Tree Service!

Tree of the Week:  Vitex Agnus-Cactus, commonly known as a Chaste Tree or Monk's Pepper Tree.  Great replacement tree that's great for our heat, produces flowers and a nice size for confined ares. 

(Fun Fact: It's named after "monk's" to control libido and is a great herbal remedy for many other uses)

-We discuss planting several trees in the same hole together in some instances.  Placement is key when planting. Consider proximity to the home (foundation)

Callers:

• Ned - He's having an issue with a ficus tree. There are small white flies all over a 15 foot tall ficus tree. He's heard rumors about them spreading and now the leaves are dropping all over. What should he do?

Recommendation -  This is a definite concern this year and is a pretty serious concern in the valley.  He needs a specialist to treat for them.  He can call  Scottsdale Weed Control & Fertilization.

Callers:

• Lucy - She planted a mesquite tree about 2 weeks ago. It was fine for a couple of weeks, but now the leaves are curling and doesn't know if she's over-watering or under-watering?

Recommendation - She did the right thing by pre-watering the hole. Our clay soils hold a lot of water, but people don't usually know that because the top layer is so hard and dry. This makes it possible to over-water, even in our extreme temps.

• Michael - He has two pear trees and last year one started turning yellow. Now, the second one is doing the same thing.

Recommendation - This specific tree has a pretty short lifespan and his pear trees are about 10-12 years old. It could just be age that's causing the problems.

(John shares several common problems with evergreen pear trees in Arizona)

Did you know Integrity Tree Service does lightning protection?  They do! Listen as Romey and John discuss how it's done.

-Learn all about different strikes and how they effect trees.  Side flashes, flying debris, etc.

• Does each tree need one?  Not usually, it protects most trees in the general area.
• Create safe path to the ground for lightning.
• Expected Costs.

Callers:

• Jane - Her citrus trees are both being taken over by a pest and wants to know what it is and how she can get rid of it?

Recommendation - John usually recommends leaving them alone in certain instances that the tree still looks healthy, otherwise. The insects will start fading out when the hot weather arrives. With the cooler temps, the bugs are still thriving. 

(use organic treatments on edible plants, so it's safe to harvest and enjoy later)

• Bill - He wants to know how much it costs to remove and if anyone can mill his palm and mesquite trees before they damage his back wall.

Recommendation - Hire a quality tree service provider (Hint: That's what John does!) to cut down the tree safely and there are several people in Phoenix who will mill the wood for him.

**John shares his own story about hiking down the Grand Canyon when he was younger.

(His tip: Don't put Tang in your canteen)

-KTAR Engineer wants to know if she can plant a Magnolia Tree at her new property?

Recommendation - Yes! They can be tough to get started, but they do well here so grab a shovel and get to diggin.  

If you have a question about trees or need a certified arborist for your yard, call John at Integrity Tree Service.

Summer's Heating up and Doug with Postorino Pool Service & Repair joins us to share advice on prepping your pool and staying safe during the swimming season.

Tip #1 - Make sure you're equipment is in good working order.  This will keep your pool clean and healthy for summer fun.

*Update on regulations on high-efficiency pool pumps required in new pools. It's well tested and will save you money. 

Tip #2 - Doug has filter recommendations. (Backwash rules effect decisions)

Tip #3 - When to have your pool serviced. 

Tip #4 - Salt Water vs. Traditional Pools

Romey's Digital Newsroom:

• Robbie - Loved several Rosie Partner's.... Thompson's Drywall Services, Arizona Chimney Sweep & Rosie On The House Remodeling. 

**(Rick Thompson's work was so good, the homeowner cried!)

• Jim - They wrote in to say they loved the work done by East Valley Floors.

• Chris - He wants to know if Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona would want two ceiling fans he has? If it's working....Yes!

• Kathy - She wrote in with a cleaning tip.  Use micro-fiber cloth when you're cleaning.

• Mary - She wants to know if we know of anyone to dig a burrow for her 20 year old desert tortoise in Tucson.

Callers:

• Terry - She just wanted to call in after we sent REEis out to take a look at her AC system before summer.  "It was the best gift I've ever been given." Eduardo made her an expert!  She talks through her experiences and they could help you at your home.

Recommendation - Isn't it obvious.....call REEis Air Conditioning & Home Performance!

• Rick - He has both types of pool filters we were discussing and wants to know if he needs to back flush his pool?

Recommendation - Doug investigates and it should be fine to back flush it a few times a year.

*Pricing expectations for certain types of pools and all the different extras.

Thanks to Doug from Postorino Pool Service & Repair for stopping by. Click their link above if you need a good cleaning or just want peace of mind that your safe and sound for the summer.

We bring in an expert on 1950's Phoenix homes, Bill Goodhart, Chairperson of Home Builders Central Arizona during that era of population growth.

*Phoenix population jumped 300 % during the 50's and Tucson jumped by 400%!!!
*What's changed in home electricity, plumbing, windows and insulation.

Caller:

• Lou - He owns a 50's era home and has a bit of advice to share...Have your sewer line inspected by a plumber with a camera.  They used to use compressed tar paper...not exactly a product built to last.

*More in-depth coverage of construction improvements since the 1950's and common issues to expect.

Bill & Rosie continue with more construction improvements, including trusses first being used on rafters, the hideous avocado green and yellow color schemes, shag carpet and stained concrete flooring.

*Guess what....Interest Rates during the 1950's are virtually the same today.

Thanks to Bill Goodhart for stopping by to share stories about all the remodeling changes throughout the years!

We talk about all the reasons why loves these homes and how you can do to update and modernize them and create an affordable home that's great for many young families.

Harold Perkins from Galaxy Lending Group stops by to talk mortgages and the current state of the housing market. 

• Average Home Pricing
• Average Interest Rates
• Average Down Payments were $3,000.00 [$3,300.00 was the average median income for one year. ($1.50/hour)]
• Term lengths have increased over the years.
• The average cost is still about the same percentage of overall income today as it was in the 1950's.
• How certain changes in the mortgage process cause housing busts over the years.

The crew follows the story of a $15,000.00 home built in the 50's through each decade that followed.  During the 1960's, the home value doubled from $15,000.00 to $30,000.00.

*The rules for verifying income and proof that down payments are actually from your personal finances has changed over the years.  Less proof sometimes, more after busts.

*Certain times in our history were incredibly high....over 18% in the 1980's! 

Rosie explains why he loves the mid-century masonry homes all across the valley!

-Rosie On The House Remodeling Superintendent, Stan was recently on a project in one of these homes.  The results were so good they made the client cry! (In a good way)

*We used the BuildClean Dust Control System for contractors. We use it and love it! It's HEPA Certified and eliminates 90 percent of construction dust. We tested it. We Love It!

Back to Mortgages and the changes over the last 6 decades:

• What happened to the middle class? Rosie and Harold share their opinion. The 1980's were a really bad time for interest. They were crazy expensive!!!!
• Tricks to saving big $$$ during the life of your mortgages.
• What caused the recent housing crisis. Many factors and Harold gives his insight.
• Most Sub-Prime loans are not around much anymore. Unfortunately, some banks are offering shady loans again.

Galaxy Lending has a great remodeling loan available right now and he explains your options as a homeowner.

*More on the current state of the housing industry and how to approach your homes financing.

*How to protect yourself from being damaged from an inevitable housing bubble again.  (Live within your means!)

If we've inspired you to update your current home or finally make the move on a new purchase, contact Harold at Galaxy Lending Group, the ONLY Rosie-Certified Mortgage Company!