A new home is nice to move into, but an older home has some features you just can’t find anymore in a new construction home. If you are in the market for a new home, consider buying an older house. Here are 6 things to consider when you purchase an older home.
1. The Neighborhood.
Even if you love the charm of a home, you also need to love the neighborhood it is in. So before you make an offer, research the neighborhood first. You want to look at things such as the crime rate, how close it is to amenities such as parks, schools and shopping centers. You want to be well informed to make the right decision on such a life-changing event.
2. The History of the Home.
You want to know about the past owners and the history of the home to make sure it was well maintained. You will want to have an inspection to make sure the home is move-in-ready. A Realtor will also suggest you get a termite inspection as well as an appraisal.
3. The Structure.
Remember an older home will probably need more repairs than a new construction home. When you are looking at an older home, you want to pay attention to the structure and how it is aging. Look for leaks from the roof, peeling paint or a musty smell.
4. Lighting and Ventilation.
This is another thing that you need to keep up in order to maintain a long lived home. Make sure all the doors and windows are in working order and seal properly. Sometimes older homes will have single-pane windows that will need to be upgraded to double pane.
5. Maintain and Upkeep.
Remember purchasing a home is a huge investment and more than likely will be a long-term commitment. Older homes will be more expensive to maintain, so you will need to consider the cost of maintenance into your budget.
6. Repairs and Renovations.
Remember older homes will have more maintenance and require more upkeep. It is smart to update your home to bring it up to today’s modern homes standards. This will not only help with maintenance costs, and utility costs but will also increase the resale value.
If you are in the market for an older home, reach out to a local real estate agent who can help you purchase the perfect older home. They will be able to take you from the start to finish and beyond in the home buying process.