Hey Everyone! I wanted to share an interesting story with you... Mrs. Walker, a widow for many years, came home from Prescott to find her house had been broken into. The thieves stole her medicine and took her car for a joy ride. She was very concerned about them coming back and finishing the job they had started, so she called 1-800-Board up, and asked if we could come out and give her an estimate to secure her home. When I arrived, she told me the story and showed me the window they had pried open. The cost would have been our minimum charge but still a lot for a senior on a fixed income. I asked her if she had any large screws, so that I could secure the window for her. She did, and said her grandson could do the rest for her. Before I left, she played for me a song on her piano that really made me smile. I did not charge her anything for the estimate or the service, but when I got in my truck to drive away I thought to myself: “I did that job for a song.” This really made my day. Whenever we can help out someone less fortunate than ourselves, I think we may benefit more than the person we are helping.   -Mike Schwartz,  Project Manager read full post »

I responded to a call last Sunday from a distraught homeowner in Mesa who had just had a fire in their home. The insurance company referred Arizona Fire & Water Restoration, Inc. and the homeowner asked us to do whatever was necessary. As I arrived, I saw the couple loading bags of food into their truck. The food was donated from the fire department. I spent several hours with them and as we walked through the house, it was apparent that they had lost most of their home and belongings. I assured them that there were a lot of people out there that would help them through this difficult time and spent some time explaining the process of saving what valuables and belongings could be saved. We also talked about repairing the house, although I knew that most of what I was telling them would not be heard today. I gave them my word that we would be there for them from this day forward until they moved back in. They appreciated this. As I left I was thinking to myself what would... read full post »

I was at a home today that was ready to be sold, when the realtor opened the door and stepped into water (See Photos). This can be prevented by either shutting off the water while you are away, or purchasing Flood Watch from Safeguard, one of our company's partners. Don't let this happen to you! -Michael Schwartz   Project Manager   Arizona Fire & Water Restoration, Inc.   480-775-8000 read full post »

Hello! With all the homes on the market right now be sure if you have one that you take precautions so this does not happen to you: Arizona’s water is very hard, and water heaters can let go at any moment! If you are a real estate broker or an agent, make sure the water is turned off if a house is going to sit vacant for a period of time. With the warm temperatures right now, mold and mildew is just waiting for a chance to strike. If the property did not sell when it was dry, how much more difficult will it be when it’s wet and musty? As the old story goes - an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Good luck with your home sales and keep them dry… Thank you, Michael J Schwartz Sr., WTR, FDR, ASD read full post »