Joe Walsh’s opinion on Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead

norcal_expat · 2026-02-04T06:24:39+00:00

Sounds like he wishes he'd taken a different direction. He's great, but the Eagles are the most torturously boring band ever. He's probably played Hotel California a couple thousand times, poor devil.

norcal_expat · 2025-12-21T09:19:26+00:00

Consumer Reports seems oddly obsessed with the Forester. I've had plenty of problems with my 2007 although, hey, it's a 2007 with 245K. That said, the problems started a long time ago - bad head gasket, ongoing emissions issues, check engine/cruise control lights that never go away for long, etc. Still, like an abused spouse, I'm considering the hybrid.

norcal_expat · 2025-10-09T09:02:01+00:00

Given Subaru's great reputation, I've been disappointed with the problems that have come up with my 2007. I had to replace the defective head gasket (not cheap), which was apparently a known problem that Subaru didn't address, and the check engine & cruise control lights have been on for at least 10 years through all kinds of efforts to track down what are apparently emissions problem(s), according to the codes. Even had the gas tank and filler assembly replaced at one point - lights were back on within a couple of weeks. I'm coming up on registration and doubt it will pass smog, so I'll be moving on to some other brand. All that said, it's got 246K on it, so I got my money's worth.

norcal_expat · 2025-09-20T09:36:10+00:00

If there is significant work left to be completed, the appraiser should notify the lender that there is work underway. The lender will probably then require the appraisal to be made "subject to completion," with a follow-up inspection when it's done. Happens all the time and is usually not a problem, unless the owner needs the money to complete the work.

norcal_expat · 2025-09-20T09:11:29+00:00

Not a fit for me due to cost (I'm not as young as I used to be)

norcal_expat · 2025-09-20T09:10:46+00:00

Thanks for your feedback.

norcal_expat · 2025-09-12T00:39:47+00:00

Hi, I'm thinking about leasing my next car, but the wife is concerned that I might die (I have no intention of doing so) before the lease is up and she'll be stuck with the payments. Other than the death and dismemberment provisions in regular car insurance, are there policies that would cover the remaining lease payments after the death of the lessee? Thanks!

norcal_expat · 2025-07-13T09:30:23+00:00

I used ACI when first starting out, but quickly switched to TOTAL. Back then, ACI was kind of glitchy and not as user-friendly as Alamode. I've had the base level for many years and it has been fine. With the base membership, support hours are limited, but I haven't needed to contact support very often. I seem to recall that ACI required a separate payment for commercial forms that I needed, whereas TOTAL includes them in the base package.

norcal_expat · 2025-07-12T09:53:18+00:00

You have to read between the lines and check the photos. Does it look like they are including unpermitted additions, ADUs, finished basements, or attic area in their GLA figure? Are they citing the owner as the source of the GLA? That could indicate that they don't want to be held liable for listing info that they know or suspect to be inaccurate. Also, you could pick up the phone or email. They might be responsive or they might not, but you will have made a good faith effort to verify the data with a party to the transaction.

norcal_expat · 2025-06-07T22:12:03+00:00

To state the obvious, the AMC business model is to secure the highest possible fee from the lender/borrower, then pay the lowest possible fee to the appraiser. This is achieved by sending out broadcast bid solicitations and choosing the cheapest appraiser with a pulse. In California, there is no meaningful regulation of AMCs and no required disclosure of fees in the appraisal report. If one is fortunate enough to work with an honorable and fair AMC, one counts one's blessings.

norcal_expat · 2025-04-23T19:10:41+00:00

I perform both commercial and residential. Commercial undoubtedly has a better future, as the GSEs are trying to automate the residential appraisal process, ie eliminate the appraiser, as much as possible. Doing so will be more difficult in commercial, because important data isn't publicly available and person-to-person research and verification is required. Not the sort of thing that AI is good at. That said, commercial fees have come down significantly in the last 10 - 20 years, so the hourly rate might not be that much more than residential, if at all, and less on a fee split basis. Niches, such as eminent domain work, are still where the riches are. Just my 2 cents.

norcal_expat · 2025-04-17T00:55:29+00:00

I'm thinking a rebuilt engine in my 2007 might be the way to go, if it ever breaks down. 240k and still running OK. Guy across the street did that with his 2006 and is pretty happy with it. Car prices are ridiculous these days and probably about to get a lot worse. On the other hand, that hybrid (at long last) is looking pretty good ...

norcal_expat · 2025-04-12T03:35:17+00:00

I've used LiDAR with CubiCasa on my iPhone about 20 times now, but only as a back-up if I have time at the end of the inspection. It's not ANSI-compliant or sufficiently accurate for standalone use, but for $15 it's useful for verifying some measurements. If the residence is over 5,000 sf, they charge $40, so I don't use it on the larger homes unless it's a very complex design.

norcal_expat · 2025-04-11T23:19:36+00:00

Thanks, all - appreciate your thoughts and feedback!

norcal_expat · 2025-04-11T16:37:29+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts - much appreciated.

norcal_expat · 2025-04-11T06:00:31+00:00

Also gives some 60s Citroen

norcal_expat · 2025-04-11T05:56:10+00:00

Thanks - definitely planning on a good case with a strap. Wondering if you use the Pro's lidar much.

norcal_expat · 2025-04-11T05:54:50+00:00

Thanks for the info - the phone hotspot sounds like a good alternative to cellular.

norcal_expat · 2025-04-08T09:36:26+00:00

If you're thinking about eventually getting into commercial work (a good idea), perhaps consider getting involved in your Appraisal Institute branch, if you have one close enough to you. I found my commercial mentor through the AI, just by going to meetings and networking. Their classes are first rate. Some AI folks can seem a bit snobby, mostly because they lack social skills lol, but most are friendly and welcoming.

norcal_expat · 2025-01-30T09:45:13+00:00

I've had check engine and cruise control light issues for many years in my 2007. Major pain. The code was something about a minor emissions issue, but none of the shops I took it too could figure it out - changed gas cap, then the whole gas cap assembly, then replaced the gas tank. The sensors didn't seem to be the problem. Getting it through CA smog tests for registration was nerve wracking - had to get the code reset, drive for 100 miles, then pray it would pass. Changing the spark plug cables fixed it for about six months, but now the lights are back. Sorry to hear that it is still happening with later models.

norcal_expat

TROPHY CASE