Can I paint that vinyl siding?

I have an active listing with vinyl siding.  The color is kind of blah; not offensive, just ahem, shall we say, low profile.

So, the question comes up from potential buyers; can I paint the siding?

The answer is yes, kind of.  Vinyl siding expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes, more than other sidings (wood, fiber cement).  Because of this, it is important the new paint contain acrylic and urethane resins; that is a latex urethane paint formulated for exterior use.

And, it is suggested the color be lighter, as dark colors retain heat, which can warp vinyl siding.  Hmm.  With a drab, light grey, I'm not sure a lighter color will do much for the aesthetics of this particular property.

As for all exterior paint jobs, cleaning the surface is essential for a good paint job.  Usually, vinyl siding is in decent shape, so primer is most likely not necessary.  And then, its best to do a few good, but not gloopy coats, rather than fewer thick coats.

A bit about vinyl siding. The great thing about vinyl siding is you don't have to paint it.  It is easier to care for than wood; doesn't rot and doesn't need painting.  Usually, when installed, it has a layer of foam-like insulation behind it - makin the property more energy efficent than wood or fiber cement siding.  

Sometimes, trim paint and architectural enhancements can be another way to help a low profile building.  A snappy trim color can go a long way.  Here the property, its the unit on the unit on the right, with the red door.  I think, if a buyer wanted to add pizazz, a fun trim color (in the red family?), would go a long way.

What do you think?

When my values and work clash

I'm thankful.  I enjoy my work, and rarely does my work challenge my values, or vice versa.

It happened this week.  I have a new listing in a close-in eastside neighborhood.  In the first days,  I noticed a homeless camper up the street.  This is not news.  Portland's neighborhoods have lots of homeless campers these days.  Even if we are used to it, homeless campers aren't exactly a selling point for a property.  This particular camp was very neat and tidy, self-contained.  I was thankful for the considerate campers, and paid it little mind.

A few days later, I arrived to hold an open house for brokers.  The camper had moved right in front of the listing. This really wouldn't be a selling point.  I have fiduciary duties to my seller, to work in their best interest.  But man, was I really going to ask this camper be moved just because we're selling a property?!  On the other hand, how in the world would I get this listing sold, with a homeless camper right out front?   ugh.

Later that afternoon, a neighbor to my listing called me, as she was upset by the camper. She had contacted the Portland Police, sent me the link to report the camp and contacted other neighbors.  I did submit a report of the camp on line, and notified the seller (he wasn't occupying the property).  The seller is a good guy.  He did report the camp on-line also.  He also spent some time talking with the gal who was camping; learned a bit about her situation and her resources.  It sounded like she was in a queue for transitional housing and had some support and resources.  He gave her a little money for bus fare.

A day or so later, she was gone, as was her stuff.  Word has it she did successfully get into transitional housing.  While this was not an ideal situation for any of us; homeless gal, seller, neighbor, me, I am thankful for what feels like a decent resolution.

I'm guessing most of you run into situations where your work and your values aren't in sync.  Care to share?