When in the market for a home, a new one may not be the best option. Before you settle on a new home, it’s best to know the pros and cons of buying an older home.
Pros of Buying an Older Home
Central Location
Older homes are often centrally located to stores, schools, hospitals, and other nearby amenities. An older home is typically found in established neighborhoods, making them less prone to zoning changes.
Architecture
New homes lack the personality of older homes. The craftsmanship and attention to detail found in older homes are hard to find in new homes, so consider buying an older home if personality is your priority.
Lower Cost
Older homes cost less than newer homes most of the time. Though they will likely need updates and renovations, the sale price is generally lower than a new home with similar square footage.
Buying an Older Home Means You May Have a Larger Yard
Older homes were constructed when the land was more affordable. As a result, older homes tend to have larger yards than newer ones. Because of this, older homes are more likely to have established landscaping and trees.
Availability
You can move into an older house shortly after closing the deal. If you opt for a new home, you may have to wait for the builders to complete the final touches before moving into the house.
Purchase History
Unlike modern homes, older homes come with a long purchase history. The purchase history shows the property’s value over time, helping you determine whether it’s a viable investment.
Cons of Buying an Older Home
Insufficient Storage
Older homes have fewer storage options when compared with a new home. You will have to make modifications to improve storage if you buy an older home.
High Maintenance Costs
While older homes cost less than modern ones, they are more expensive to maintain because they were built using older materials. From outdated wiring to plumbing issues, you will encounter various problems in an old home.
It’s essential to have a home inspection before closing if you’re interested in buying an older home. A home inspection will detail any problems with the property, prevent you from incurring costly repairs, and even help outline future maintenance costs.
Expect Higher Energy Costs When Buying an Older Home
Efficiency standards have improved over the years. Older houses aren’t as well-sealed and may have less efficient appliances that increase energy costs. An older home could be poorly insulated compared to newer homes, resulting in higher heating and cooling costs.
Costly Updates
Older homes tend to come with outdated appliances, such as old thermostats, stoves, etc. Older machines cost more to operate and run a greater risk of breaking at inconvenient times. Replacing appliances is a significant expense as well.
When shopping for a home, don’t dismiss older properties. Consider the pros and cons listed above before choosing the home type that suits you best.
Carolina HomePro Inspections provides inspections to customers in Charlotte, NC, and in the Rock Hill area of South Carolina. Contact us to schedule an inspection.