Janelle Wilton

18 years on a shake roof is definitely getting to the end of its functional life. Talk to your agent about what he/she recommends doing. With appraisers being more cautious on appraisals these days... it may not appraise with that old of a shake roof in that condition. If the appraiser calls the roof out as something needing attention, then it must be addressed as part of your financing contingency, as the bank will not loan on the house with the roof in its current condition. Banks are far more conservative with lending money right now and it could possibly squash your purchase if the seller and you do not come to some kind of agreement accordingly. I haven't seen the roof... so I am not sure this would happen but your agent can advise you on the matter. Ask your agent for recommended roofers... people he/she has used in the past and had good experience with. I have used a number of roofers recently. Heritage Roofing (Mill Creek) and Star roofing (Snohomish) are my most recent roofers used. Hope this helps, however, talk it over thoroughly with your agent! - Thu Oct 9 2008, 13:17