I'm in British Columbia where it does freeze in the Winter. I can't be poking around with a screw driver (I don't own this house, yet) and its so dry at this time of year, no moisture would be detected.

I have managed to get the sellers to reduce the price by over 80,000.00 so I'm going to go ahead and close the deal. I know I'm in for lots of work but its worth the effort.

At this point, I asked the stucco repair guy how much for flashings around the windows and a new coat of stucco and he said under $7000.00. I will probably have the stucco removed and replace it with Hardiboard. At any rate, with the price reduction, I'll be able to have the work done.

The only way I can afford a place with any charm is to fix it up.

Who knows how much rot I'll find.

The sound of the river, the apple trees, the edge grain fir floors and those big Mexican tiles make it worth saving. The floor plan is wonderful and no interior renos are necessary.

Thanks for you advice.