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Many people prefer older homes because of the high class of workmanship, the detailing done by experienced craftsmen and the history that is often associated with a house that has been standing for years. Older homes are located in established neighborhoods with mature trees and long tended landscaping. Established neighborhoods are usually close to shopping, churches and schools that serve the residents of many years and generations.

Before you let yourself fall in love with that aged Victorian or Colonial style home, there are a few points you need to take into consideration.

1. Make sure the home is located in a vibrant, alive neighborhood. If you buy the
best house on the block in a deteriorating neighborhood or one that has already
slumped to "crime ridden", no matter what improvements you make to the house
will probably not be recouped in the end. As a neighborhood declines the value
of all the properties go down.

2. Make sure the house has an updated electrical system. Older homes were not wired
to carry the electric current needed to power today's appliances and high tech
electronics. Some even still have the old style fuse boxes instead of circuit
breakers. If you have to do a complete rewire it will be expensive and time
consuming.

3. Check the roof. Older homes often have more than one layer of shingles. If the
roof is old or leaking and you need to replace it you'll need a complete tear off
before you can install new shingles. Again, expensive.

4. Older homes usually are not equipped with central air conditioning and don't have
the wiring capacity to carry such a load. You can use window units but each one
will only cool the room it is in, so you'll need a lot of them.

5. Check the foundation for slippage or movement. I just did an appraisal on an older
home that is gorgeous. It had been partially renovated by the previous owner with
Italian tile in the bathrooms, large rooms with original woodwork, a curved staircase
with an ornately carved wooden banister, and three stained glass windows that
looked to be original. All appeared to be in good condition until we checked the
basement. One wall has moved approximately two or three inches and is leaning
inward. Unfortunately, this will be a major expense, probably more than any
potential buyer will want to assume.

Older homes can have much charm and are not "cookie cutter" houses. Yours will be its own unique self. Just be sure you inspect it thoroughly before you buy to save you costly updates and repairs in the future.

Learn more about this author, JoAnn Powell.
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