2025 November issue of InMaricopa Magazine

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Lead-based paint. Common in homes built before 1978, it poses serious health risks, especially to children. Simply painting over the old paint is just a temporary fix. Proper abatement can be costly, so it’s worth testing if you’re eyeing a pre-1980s property. Plumbing. Polybutylene pipes were used widely from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, and they’re notorious for bursting. Galvanized steel pipes, common before the 1960s, often corrode from the inside out, leading to reduced water flow and leaks. Cast iron and clay drain pipes—typical in homes built before the 1980s—can crack and collapse. Even homes with newer ABS piping can be susceptible to root intrusion as trees grow bigger. That’s why a sewer scope is non-negotiable when purchasing an older home. Electrical systems. Pre-1960 homes may have knob-and-tube wiring, which isn’t equipped to handle today’s power demands. Aluminum wiring, used heavily in the 1960s and 1970s, can overheat and create fire hazards. Even “updated” panels from the mid-20th century may lack modern safety features like arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). Asbestos. This hidden danger lurking in many mid-20th-century homes was used in

insulation, flooring, siding, and even popcorn ceilings up through the 1970s. If undisturbed, it may not pose immediate risk, but once damaged, fibers can become airborne and hazardous. Professional removal, which is really the only way to go, isn’t cheap—costs often range from a few thousand dollars for small areas to tens of thousands for larger projects. Older homes require extra diligence. Lead, outdated plumbing, old wiring, and asbestos aren’t just inconveniences—they represent safety and financial liabilities. While the seller is legally required to disclose some of these items, there’s a good chance they don’t know what kind of wiring or plumbing they have in their home. And most home inspections don’t cover all these items. Spending a few extra dollars for an additional inspection can turn a potential money pit into a safe, livable piece of history.

answering calls, scheduling repairs, keeping records and staying compliant with regulations. Those hours add up quickly. Hiring a property manager lets you focus on what matters most: your career, your family or growing your investment portfolio. At Crest Premier Property Management, we help homeowners get the most from their rental properties while saving time and reducing stress. From tenant placement to maintenance, our team handles the details, so you don’t have to. Professional property management isn’t an expense. It’s peace of mind. Contact Crest Premier Property Management today to learn how we can help you protect your time, your property and your investment.

B UYING AN OLDER HOME HAS ITS charms—mature trees, quirky details, and character you can’t find in a new build. But charm often comes with baggage. Knowing what to look for can save buyers from expensive surprises. While most homes in Maricopa are newer, you may be considering an older home in the Valley or in Maricopa’s Heritage district. Here are a few items that may require extra scrutiny and additional testing: Caveat emptor: Older homes often require extra caution BY DAYV MORGAN

I F YOU OWN A RENTAL PROPERTY, you’ve probably wondered whether hiring a property management company is worth the cost. Many landlords assume it’s an unnecessary expense, but professional management often pays for itself. A skilled property manager takes care of the details that can make renting out a home stressful: marketing, tenant screening, maintenance requests, rent collection and keeping up with changing legal requirements. For many homeowners, it’s not just about saving time, it’s about protecting an important investment. The real cost (and hidden savings) While there are fees involved, the cost of professional management is often far less than people imagine, and the benefits quickly outweigh the expense. A good property manager can help you save money in the long run. Here’s how: • Faster rentals. Property managers know how to market your home and attract qualified tenants quickly, reducing costly vacancy time. • Accurate pricing . They understand the local market, so your home is priced right from the start — avoiding lost income from under-pricing. • Smart maintenance. Established vendor relationships ensure quality repairs at competitive rates. • Legal protection. Professionals stay up to date on landlord-tenant laws, helping you avoid expensive fines or disputes. Professional property management isn’t expensive. It’s smart BY SHERMAN AND EUPHEMIA WEEKES

480-838- 9558 CrestPremierProperties.com 4625 S. Lakeshore Drive, Suite 300, Tempe

Dayv Morgan is a Maricopa realtor and owner of HomeSmart Premier.

Consider this: If your property sits vacant just two extra weeks because you’re managing it yourself, you could lose roughly half the cost of an entire year’s management service. Your time is valuable. Being a landlord means being available around the clock,

480-251-4231 DayvMorgan@gmail.com