Knob and Tube: A Real Estate Classic That Keeps On Giving

Real estate adventures with my clients Kate and Tim never disappoint! During a recent property tour (yes, with a signed Buyer Broker Compensation agreement—because we do things by the book around here), we stumbled upon something that sparked a lively conversation: the unmistakable signs of good ol’ knob-and-tube wiring.

Now, this wasn’t exactly a surprise for me. After all, the property’s age, the original switches, and the lack of any electrical upgrade on file pretty much screamed “knob-and-tube still lurking here!” I called it before we even got to the living room, but explaining how to easily spot it’s likely presence (property’s age, original switches, and the lack of any new electrical permits on file) was still a fun moment to share with my clients.

Kate, being the awesome soul that she is, managed to catch one of my more expressive moments “on film” and turned it into this cheeky little edit. And honestly? I’m not even mad—it’s spot-on. Knob-and-tube wiring may not be winning any popularity contests in the home inspection world, but moments like these make my job so rewarding (and entertaining).

By the way, while this post is meant to give you a laugh on a rainy day, I’ll be writing something serious soon about knob-and-tube wiring and how it can impact homeowners insurance (spoiler: it’s a headache). Stay tuned for tips and tricks to navigate the world of vintage wiring without pulling your hair out.

Stay warm, stay dry, and may all your wiring be up to code. And if you have questions about buying, selling, or navigating quirky home features like knob-and-tube wiring, contact me—I’m shockingly knowledgeable about The City’s real estate market. 😆