All Forum Posts by: Deborah McCarthy

Welcome to BP!

I completely agree with snow removal when necessary, I'm just concerned about how I see people doing it. We were completely unprepared over here. I had never heard of an Avalanche, Roof Razor, or other “roof snow removal tools” until someone sent me an advertisement on Facebook this morning so I wanted to raise awareness. I am seeing an unbelievable amount of ice damming that will have to be addressed. I just don’t want to see personal injuries rise as well.

For the last few weeks, Boise and the surrounding areas have been pummeled by record snow falls that haven’t been seen since the early 1980s. Local news stations are reporting roof failures, carport collapses, and business either temporarily closed or completely destroyed because of storm related damages. Home owners and property investors have a heightened sense of urgency when it comes to safeguarding their properties, so I can understand the looks of shock and horror I receive when I urgently implore:  Do NOT shovel your roof!!

Obviously, it is slippery and dangerous, but there are other factors to consider. Roofs are designed to handle snow loads that are disbursed somewhat evenly across its entire surface. A person walking on the roof will add a significant amount of weight to one small spot, increasing the risk of structural failure and personal injury. In addition, it’s easy not to remember exactly where a roof vent or sky light is underneath the snow and ice. You stand a good chance of making a quick and unexpected entrance through it and into your livingroom. I mention that because I adjusted a claim for this two weeks ago.

I have seen a few other people in my neighborhood trying to clean their roofs while standing on the ground assuming that they are safe. The theory is somewhat sound, but not true. One person stood in the bed of his truck, relentlessly stabbing at the ice packs with a metal lawn rake. While he successfully dodged the cascading blocks of ice, I guarantee you that it will be raining inside his house when we do begin to thaw. Another person was using a metal snow shovel as a scraper. I guarantee you that many ripped and torn off shingles will be found in his snow pile and he will have roof issues as well. Sadly, a third person, with the best of intentions, hooked up an extension cord to a hair dryer to melt the ice sickles caused by damming. *face plam*

If you MUST clear the snow off your roof, let me share a few tips. Hire a professional company if you can. They have the tools to get the job done correctly and safely. If this isn’t an option, research snow removal/cutting tools, such as the Avalanche or Roof Razor, that are designed to protect you and your roof shingles. If you are the handy type and want to make your own using a 5 gallon bucket, extension pole, and shower curtain, you can find YouTube videos or DIY plans online.

And if you do discover roof damage or water penetrating into your home or investment property, call a Public Adjuster, like myself. If your property is located around the Boise/Nampa/Caldwell area, I’d be happy to help you navigate the claims process and receive a higher than average recovery amount in a shorter amount of time.  If you are outside the Treasure Valley, there are several Public Adjuster groups that can be found and researched online.

Stay warm and stay SAFE everyone!

Welcome back to Boise, @Logan Knight

You are going to find a great wealth of information on BP.  I also second Lisa's advice about going to the Boise Investor Group meetup.  I just found them myself and will be there for the first time this week.  

I also found a few other groups on MeetUp.com and am excited to check them out as well.  Create a free account and use the search term "Boise" and you'll find many different groups to chose from.  I would suggest attending a few of each and find out which ones peak your interest.

Good luck to you and I hope to see you at a meet and greet somewhere!

Hi Mark, welcome to BP!   :)

I might be a bit out of the box, but I will share what I have learned over the years.  

First, there will NEVER be a "perfect deal" that gives you warm fuzzies with no second thoughts.  If there were, you would be a bad investor.  The fact that you are nervous and you are here making connections and asking for advice means you care about your next move and you want to do the best you can.  Congrats!!  Alot of people dive in and sink.  You don't seem like you are going to be one of them.

Second, you need to sit down and have some quiet time with yourself to really think about your risk tollerance.  You know you don't want to work for someone else.  You know you can grow a portfolio faster than your father.  You also know that something is terrifying you almost to the point of being frozen.  

How do you tackle that?  Make a journal for yourself about what makes you comfortable, what you are willing and able to risk, and what makes you break into a cold sweat of panic so you can stay away from those situations.  Put that away for a few days, then read it again - you will give yourself alot of insight and direction without realizing it.  Trust me, it works.

Are you possibly looking too far down the road and being overwhelmed and intimidated by the possibilities?  There are many, but you need to start small or you will drown yourself and freeze before you even start.  Research is great!  But you can spend so much time researching that you never take action.  Again, refer to the journal you are going to make for yourself and listen to what you have to say.

Third, only look at the immediate steps right in front of you that you are comfortable taking and put your long term blinders on for a little while.  Even if you think those immediate steps are too small or too slow, they are still steps within your comfort zone that will eventually get you where you want to be.  A few small, calculated steps are better than nothing, and even better than risking and losing it all by being too eager and ambitious.

After all, how would you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.  :)

Welcome to BP!  You will find a gold mine of information here and pleanty of great people to help you on your journey.  Best of luck to you!

Thank you, Jonna!  Is there a calender or a group for BP meetups that I need to join to receive dates and locations?  I would love to attend. :)

Greetings everyone!  I’ve been a long time member of Bigger Pockets but have recently switched roles and thought I would give everyone an updated “hello”.

For the last 10 years, I was a licensed General Contractor primarily working on residential new construction and remodels.  I’ve had the pleasure to work with several local real estate investors to help them get the most bang for their buck while rehabbing and flipping.  While it was a deeply rewarding career, I had to face the fact that I’m not 20-something anymore and I don’t want to be crippled with arthritis to the point of not being able to enjoy retirement down the road.

Someone on a different networking site told me about Public Adjusting.  I’m not doing a sales pitch, but you’re welcome to read my profile.  After a few months of research, I studied my brains out for about a year, passed the state licensing exam, and launched a new adventure in Boise.  It was a great career move for me and I love it!

So I am glad to be able to bring more to the table on Bigger Pockets!  If you have any questions relating to construction OR navigating a property insurance claim after a loss, let me know.  I’ll be happy to help.

Have a great day everyone!

Deborah

I work with someone who handles rentals and she pads in the cost of renter's insurance into the monthly payment then pays for the insurance herself on the renter's behalf.  1) she knows it's paid, 2) solves the responsibility to track it monthly, 3) guarantees coverage she thinks in necessary, 4) she carries so many policies that the insurance agent actually gives her a great deal and she passes the saving on to her renters.  I don't know if it is legal in all states, but it works in Idaho and has saved her alot of headaches as a landlord.