Theodore Gilliam's (gilliam) Blog

It's really quite sad, and unfortunately, it happens all too often.  Here in Maine, the winters can get extremely cold and harsh.  As the price of oil increases, Mainahs are grasping for any solution to the yearly problem: What am I going to do to heat my home?  For many locals, wood is the answe...

Ok, so I've had a few people ask me about some of the sights that I've seen over the years.  They generally ask about the worst this or the scariest that, and I'm happy to share.  I'd like everyone to know that the names have been changed to protect the 'not-so' innocent.  As an appraiser, I am c...

Ok, we've all seen the photos.  People unfortunately can't make their payments, one missed payment leads to another, and the next step is foreclosure.  It's not always the worst that can happen, but it does shake the foundation of a family. The foreclosure itself is not the worst situation.  Some...

Though I'm located in rural Maine, a place where conservation is a hot topic, our market has NOT slowed to the point of this.  The many cycles of the market can have positive and negative impacts in all aspects and sectors.  Since Maine is a conservation-rich area, with its vast mountains, coasta...

When will they learn???A little maintenance goes a long way!!  I'll be the first to admit that my reasons for posting this blog about properties is to make money.  It's capitalism, and it's a beautiful thing.  That being said, I'll also be the first to admit that the message I'm trying to get acr...

Alright, I've been sharing photos of properties that have succome to heavy snow.  All of the properties thus far have already caved, but the only damage has been to the homeowner's property.  Not the case this time, because if this FLAT ROOF collapses, shoppers could be crushed.This is a local St...

I've recently been explaining in my blog how Gilliam Appraisal Services has expanded to include vacant asset protection.  Since most of Maine is now in 'damage assessment' mode from snow and ice loads, I thought I would share some photos.  These are of properties that haven't been maintained.  Th...

 If you lived in Maine for more than one year, you already know about that 'stuff' that comes by every winter.  Actually, if you've been here for long enough, you know that it often shows up in fall and lasts sometimes into the summer.  Yeah, it's no mystery, it's called SNOW.  It's cold, wet and...

With the recent rash of Foreclosed properties throughout the country, lenders and owners are finding they may be held liable for neglect.  It sounds odd that the act of simply leaving a property behind could be neglect, but it can be, and this action can not only have a negative impact on the pro...