pookie
New Member
Joined: July 2009
Posts: 21
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Post by pookie on Jul 3, 2009 1:29:07 GMT -5
Hi,
I am new here, I was a member of the other forum, haven't posted in a long time.
Yesterday I thought about registering and reading, and here I find myself 24 hours later in a state of panic.
I live in a rental. I should know better. People have to come in to rentals occasionally as much as I would like to go into denial that that is the case. Appraisals happen, pipes break etc.
So a few weeks ago my landlady assured me that the appraiser would not have to see inside my unit as it is an "illegal" unit.
Tonight I got an email, the appraiser will come in, and he's coming in Tuesday.
All I can say is thank God I have no friends so I don't have any pesky July 4th plans (sarcasm alert).
Tomorrow is pretty much shot as I have a trip to get groceries going on. It's a big production, on the bus, and I have fibro so it pretty much wipes me out for a day or so.
Here is my plan so far. I will get as many garbage bags as I can, and paper towels and things like this. I am not planning on actually cleaning and dusting, but just getting rid of the mounds and mounds of garbage and boxing some things up and piling them in a tidy way. My bathroom I do have to clean though, and my stove and the stove hood. (I have not used my kitchen sink in maybe 3 years) I guess I will just put the garbage bags in the yard as I can't carry them far with the fibro.
I will do most of what I need to do while sitting on the floor or in a chair. I can't stand for long periods plus it wears me out too much.
Does anyone have any other ideas for this type of emergency situation?
I will take pictures.
*tries not to cry*
Thank you all, me
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Post by Meme on Jul 3, 2009 1:50:57 GMT -5
oh no-- I am sorry- I have fibro too and I know you cannot just turn it off----and stress even tunes it up more--- insist on a time etc. They do have to do that, I am sure. I hope this does not end up making you find a new place to rent. He should only be looking at walls and space etc. Cover what you can- It really bugs me that she has you pay her for an illegal suite and then you are the one left out in the cold.
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pookie
New Member
Joined: July 2009
Posts: 21
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Post by pookie on Jul 3, 2009 4:52:22 GMT -5
No, they know the situation, and my landlady is ill herself so she knows how hard it is. Many times they have told me they will not ask me to move. Plus I pay my rent like clockwork. For the most part my landlords are lovely people.
It's my own panic and actually letting someone in to see my place. It's a good thing in that it will, I hope, get the ball rolling, but I just wish I had more time.
Thank you for your support.
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Smokey
New Member
Baltimore MD
Joined: March 2009
Posts: 68
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Post by Smokey on Jul 3, 2009 5:25:09 GMT -5
Flylady has a "crisis cleaning" method on her site. Ms. Cilley also has a podcast that will talk you through crisis cleaning. the link to that is on her crisis cleaning page.
Keep firmly in mind that it is the place that is being appraised not you.
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Jul 3, 2009 5:39:11 GMT -5
- Keep firmly in mind that it is the place that is being appraised not you. Smokey is correct! An appraiser will want to see the structural integrity of the building, as well as its sale value. Here follows a list that Meme (a.k.a. papaswife) originally wrote, and that Lilith retyped: I modified this list from our sister Meme.
What inspectors look for:
1. weight- yes- it there are piles of stuff that could cause joint damage if it is beyond the normal house hold items-also too much stuff even if it is neat - can be classified as unsafe for fire
2. piles of things that could be fire hazards-or could cause problems with putting a fire out in a timely fashion- whether it be your place where the fires started or next door
3. easy access to water shutoffs in case they need to be shut off in and emergency and or gas valve shut offs
4. electrical out lets-- nothing piled in front of them-- they must be open for access and also cords - are they safe
5. garbage or plants or food that can cause a bug problem
6. safe entry in case of fire
7. wide enough path ways
8- smoking- is the area safe where you or some one smokes- re: piles of books papers etc. that could cause a fire to go unnoticed too long
9. area around stove and other appliances such as tv - are they safe or is there stuff too close
10. cleaners in a safe area re: fire
11. the dwelling must allow safe entry for firemen- gasmen and watermen- anyone who has to enter the area in or due to enmergency-
12. all rodents and or bugs of any kind must be controlled - such an attempt to remove them or notice landlord
13. path ways should be about 3 feet wide or at least 30 inches for emergency to get through - about the same as doorways is a better way to say this
14. piles that are too high and could fall - so about 5 feet is sort a limit-
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Post by CourageouslyLion SeeksSerenity on Jul 3, 2009 5:54:19 GMT -5
- From my own experience being a tenant: When appraisers have inspected:
The financial appraiser just wanted to see:
the dimensions of each room,
the electrical outlets,
the electrical fusebox,
whether each piece of plumbing works correctly
the integrity of the roof and the basement
access to any "crawlspaces" to attic or basement
views of each heating unit -- furnace and radiators or heating vents
functionality of windows: (do they open?)
If the landlord/landlady provides air conditioning: Does it work?
the integrity of the walls
the sizes of the closets
for rentals: functionality of the appliances that come with the unit -- stove, fridge, washer, dryer, dishwasher. (Funtionality means: do they work?)
Are there any obvious leaks that could indicate need for repairs?
reasonable attractiveness -- not perfection -- but enough clear spaces that the appraiser could IMAGINE what the place would look like if it were "fixed up and decorated".
Basically: Is your home functional? And could it be shown to a buyer as "saleable"? What would it be worth on the marketplace?
All of those things are about the property, and not about you.
-
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Post by rubyred on Jul 3, 2009 8:15:59 GMT -5
I agree with the previous posters. The appraiser looks at the size, # of rooms, structural soundness, view FROM the apartment, whatever info they need to determine the monetary value of the place. They will, however, look to see that all appliances, toilets and faucets work, but if something doesn't, they just note it and move on.
I'm sure appraisers have seen everything in their line of work, from meth labs to burnt-out shells. You will rank pretty low on the worst things ever.
If your landlords know of the condition of your apartment, then there's no risk of exposure, particularly since she could get in trouble for renting out an illegal space. Are they selling or refinancing? If they are selling, this is your heads-up to get an early start on preparing to have the place sold.
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Blackswan
Banned
Joined: October 2008
Posts: 6,388
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Post by Blackswan on Jul 3, 2009 11:22:32 GMT -5
What area do you live in? Maybe somebody could help you either with the cleaning, or with the grocery shopping?
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Post by howardsgirlfriend on Jul 3, 2009 12:20:07 GMT -5
Accept help from anyone who offers. Maybe your LL could help carry the bags, or knows someone who could. After all, she has an interest in the place showing well.
Get the toilet, sinks, and a chair and table clean enough for use. Have paper towels and a clean glass from which to drink. At least then any visitors can take care of basic needs.
I'd love to help someone do a crisis clean.
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Post by messymimi on Jul 3, 2009 16:54:39 GMT -5
It's hard not to panic in these cases, I know, still right now clear-headedness is your friend.
Rest breaks are important. You are right to work on getting garbage out first. If you have extra sheets, pile up boxes like end tables in your living room or like a night stand in your bedroom and cover them with a sheet.
If you would like company as you clean, the chat room has a separate room just for those working, as you will be. Fifteen minutes of work, 15 of talk, over and over. It can be easier to keep working if you have company.
You will get through this.
messymimi
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pookie
New Member
Joined: July 2009
Posts: 21
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Post by pookie on Jul 3, 2009 18:53:08 GMT -5
wow wow wow thank you so much everyone, this is great.
No it's not an appraisal for sale, it's an appraisal for a loan to get solar for all the units. Last time an appraiser was coming a couple years ago I worked like a maniac and she never even came in!
My toilet doesn't work and my kitchen sink is plugged but I can manually fill the toilet tank so it will do a flush! But the only time I had an appraiser look that close was when it was up for sale, and actually that wasn't an appraiser, it was an inspector. Big difference.
I will definitely take advantage of the chat room feature.
I can't tell you how much your support means to me...and yes, it's not me they are inspecting, it's the house. Very good point.
Bless you!
me
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pookie
New Member
Joined: July 2009
Posts: 21
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Post by pookie on Jul 4, 2009 16:32:32 GMT -5
Ok well here I sit. I was full of enthusiasm yesterday and ready to go, and now I am bordering on tears and full of resistance and anxiety. It's not about not being ready for the appraiser I don't think because I sort of feel like I don't care if he or she doesn't like what he sees, but maybe it's more about being overwhelmed.
My plan for today was to just concentrate on garbage, nothing more. Maybe I will be more willing after I see what fifteen minutes can do.
*tears*
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Post by Meme on Jul 4, 2009 19:51:39 GMT -5
pookie--- do it for yourself- most likely you do not know the appraiser so what he thinks does not really matter- but you do-------- sometimes we get hung in trying to please or impress some one who really has not matter in our life -- do make sure things are safe for you. - my biggest concern is that with the suite being illegal that he might have to report on that fact- I am not sure why she is having appraiser in---- if it is insurance- then it would be reported and closed up or she would have no insurance- I do have another concern about how safe is your suite if it has not passed inspection?? is there a good fire escape?? no bars on windows?? is it healthy re mold and air in and out? why does she not make the suite legal for both of your peace of mind? also you will not have insurance coverage if there is damage re fires etc. I would not do a lot for the appraiser but for pookie I would do what I can :-)
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Post by flylady on Jul 5, 2009 23:05:47 GMT -5
Can anyone tell me what fibro is? I am sorry if that sounds silly Thanks
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flower
New Member
Joined: July 2009
Posts: 18
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Post by flower on Jul 6, 2009 0:25:27 GMT -5
Think that Fibro=Fibromyalgia
My friend was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia earlier this year. She had terrible joint pain and then pain on different parts of her body... plus extreme fatigue. Sleepless nights. I understand that it's terrible.
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