When it comes time to consider purchasing a home, you will be faced with the decision of buying an older home vs. buying a newer home. There are many things to consider, and both have benefits and drawbacks. When it comes to buying an older home, I have seen many factors over the years. Here are a few to consider:
The Neighbourhood
In most cases, an older home comes with an older neighbourhood. These homes are often located in ‘older’ parts of the city that have been around for a long time. After all, it’s rare to find a centurion home located in a brand new neighbourhood in the newly-developed south end of Barrie, for instance. An older home comes with well-established amenities, schools, access to transportation, etc. Newer neighbourhoods are often still developing and changing. Want that 100-year-old oak tree in the front yard? You’ll be looking at buying an older home, if that’s the case.
The Structure
Buying an older home means that you are buying a home that has been constructed with older technology, techniques and materials. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, just something to be aware of. Builders these days are less likely to spend time dove-tailing every joint or hand-scraping large wooden ceiling beams. Older homes can come with a quality of construction and craftsmanship that could be lacking in today’s newer houses. However, older construction also means older technology, so keep in mind that things such as plumbing and wiring could be out-of-date and possibly in need of expensive updating.
Character
Not to say that newer homes do not have any character, but builders today are often subject to stricter building codes and time-frames when it comes to construction. This can often lead to similarities between newer homes as mass-construction in new subdivisions requires haste. Older homes tend to lend themselves to more of a unique flavour when it comes to their individual character. Wrap-around front porches, amazing front doors and wide-plank wood floors are much more typical in older homes as opposed to new construction.
Buying an older home obviously has its benefits as well as its drawbacks. In the end, it comes down to what is best for you and your family. I am always willing to meet with you and show you a number of different homes that may be right for you.
