Saturday, July 31, 2010

Lighting score

Here are the light fixtures that came from my neighbor's house. The people flipping it removed them all and replaced them with modern ones. Fortunately they didn't throw them away and I was able to buy them. My house is missing all its original fixtures so I'll be able to replace them.

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Want to be my neighbor?

This is/was my neighbor's house. After a few years of struggling to try and keep his house, he finally lost the battle and ended up selling it in a short sale a couple months ago and basically walking away. It sold for $250k to a developer who is basically flipping it. The picture above is after they've done their work to it.

The house needed a lot of work. It was built in 1927, which is two years newer than mine. It had a lot of original details such as arched windows and front door, original lighting, plaster moldings, fireplace and more. The kitchen was from the 1940s and not in good shape. As a typical flip, they're going as fast as they can. They've fixed the hardwood floors in the living room and dining room but will probably carpet the rest as they are a real mess. They ripped out the kitchen and replaced it with cheap cabinets and basic granite counters. The kitchen is tiny as they didn't do the normal thing and expand it into the utility room.

They've ripped out all the original light fixtures and replaced them with cheap wall sconces and ceiling fans. I'm trying to get them to sell me the old fixtures. The old 1940s Wedgewood range is sitting in the garage and I'm not sure what they're doing with that. Fortunately they didn't go to the expense of replacing the windows so hopefully they will remain intact. Most people rip them out and replace them with vinyl windows which is a real shame in a vintage house. Of course with all the arched windows, it's not cheap to replace them.

The house used to be tan with green trim but now it's boring white with tan trim. The new owners will probably have to repaint it before too long since they didn't even wash the house down before painting it. All the old stains are going to start showing up before long.

I'm curious to see how much they're going to ask for the place once it's done. The values of our houses were up over half a million a few years ago. I really liked my old neighbor. I just hope it's not someone who's going to turn it into a rental property, enough of that around here already.

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Gomberg Super Sled

Here is one of my latest kites. A Gomberg Super Sled with a 25 foot tail on it. You can see a video of it flying here: Gomberg Super Sled on YouTube

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Sunday, July 11, 2010

Let's try a post with pictures...

Julie at the campground in Wrightwood. We were camping there at a casual vintage trailer meet a couple weeks ago. Weather was great and very relaxing.

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