They have a look of disrepair, which doesn't make a good first impression.Here's an idea for the wooden stairs, paint the front-facing boards white to match the white trim, but paint the top boards a dark wood color.  

@Sam Wilson  got it enjoy the rest of your CA  trip  next time stop by Portlandia   we have better wine  LOL..and of course weird people.Cirrus SR 22   I have to pay for the privilege.. 

These tiles are herder to clean as dirt gets caught in the pock marks.We don't use porcelain, they are too brittle and harder to cut, more breakage.All ceramic tiles will chip, drop a heavy object on them and they will break, pour red wine on ceramic and leave it there for days and they will discolor a bit, but not usually bad enough to replace a tile, but if you have to, so be it, that's why you keep spares.I really don't see enough difference between the price grades to justify it and have never replaced a tile floor as yet, some are 20 years old and still look great.I am not saying you should choose the cheapest materials, you need a complete decorating scheme, that is neutral, easy on the eyes, and totally maintainable and durable.

From the investor side I know there are folks who like that they can access cheaper markets within an easy day trip, and get in a little wine tasting or what not as well. 

Hi everyone, over the weekend of the 4th, about 5-6 teenagers got up on the second floor balcony of a 4-plex that we are renovating (which is currently vacant due to work being done) and they kicked of large portions of the wooden banister rail of the second floor balcony.

I've also heard providing a "welcome basket" or something like that with wine, chocolates, etc. also helps.

Unlike Amie D's house, mine is new (1950s), but has crawl space and sits on wooden pier.

However title insurance companies are not just concerned about "Wining"a case to clear a title, but just as concerned about the possibility that someone will try.

the house is still built with a wooden frame and the termites can get into the weep holes to get at the frame. 

This is the reason why I would think twice about buying one of the many old wooden houses here in Tampa to rehab for a rental or a flip or live in for a tear down later on.