A Note From Me from December2025

As we head into the holiday season, I’ve been thinking a lot about the importance of having a solid roof over your head. And no, it’s not just a landing pad for Santa and his eight reindeer—it is arguably one of the most critical structural components of your home.

This year, our family had a front-row seat to what happens when that roof starts to fail. After the big 20-year rainstorm, our original 1987 tile rooftop finally showed its age. While we were fortunate to escape with only minor interior damage, the structural dry-outs and remediation were another story. Per our contractor’s advice, we filed a claim with insurance to evaluate the damage and consider reconstruction.

We did not win the insurance-claim lottery. The roof repair and replacement were denied (fun!). Thankfully, the interior damage and dry-out were covered—and this holiday season, we’re gifting ourselves peace of mind with a full tile roof replacement.

What we learned from meeting with four different contractors:
We explored everything—shingle, solar shingles, mixed shingle/metal options, modern flat tiles, and refreshed versions of the “S” tile that originally gave our home its look. Ultimately, we decided to honor the character of the home with an updated “S” tile in a new color palette. We also upgraded the underlayment and added a radiant barrier to keep the attic cooler, improve home performance, and hopefully reduce future energy costs. Stay tuned on that part!

And here’s the biggest takeaway from this entire experience:
NOTHING—and I repeat, nothing—is built like it used to be.
Today’s world is unbelievably disposable. When something breaks, we rarely fix it… we replace it. I see it with appliances, water heaters, HVAC systems, and now roofs. A “50-year” product in the desert might last you 20 years. A “20-year” underlayment? Maybe 15.

Ben and I hope this will be the last roof we replace on our “forever home,” but we’re also realistic about life expectancy, material limitations, and the importance of routine maintenance. Simple care—like clearing gutters, removing pine needles, keeping bird debris under control, and addressing cracked tiles early—can make a world of difference.

So yes—this year, the stockings will be hung with confidence, because our roof on North Lane will be very visible (and very ready) for Santa’s arrival.

As for you, I hope your holidays are merry, bright, and blessed with a safe and sturdy home. And if I can offer one piece of homeowner advice heading into the New Year, it’s this:

Schedule an annual roof inspection with a contractor you know and trust.
It’s inexpensive peace of mind—and far cheaper than damage control.

If you ever need a referral, I’m here to help. And if you know anyone hoping for a new rooftop—or a new home—in 2026, I’d be honored if you’d think of me.

Warmest wishes to you and your family,
Kendra Harrison

GetRealAZ.com • Real Broker • Your Phoenix Metro Real Estate Resource