When you set out to buy a home in Roseburg, there are a lot of different house styles to choose from. And, if you’re more into the older style craftsmanship, there are some things to be aware of when buying an older home in Roseburg.
In addition to style, there are other important choices and decisions to be made, for example, the ideal size of home you need, whether you prefer an open or boxy floor plan, the location and neighborhood, proximity to schools, shopping, and healthcare, as well as other desired features, and so on.
But back to age… there is a decision to be made about the age of the home you want to buy. Many of today’s buyers want the newer turn-key home with an open-concept living space. But there are many others who would rather have an older home.
Older homes do indeed offer some benefits that new homes don’t, but they also have certain drawbacks. To decide which home is right for you, read on to understand the pros and cons of buying an older home in Roseburg.
Pros of Buying an Older Home in Roseburg
One argument is that construction materials and methods have significantly improved over the last few decades. Still, many buyers disagree with that assessment and rather prefer buying an older home. And they do so because of the definite pros, such as.
Affordability Of An Older Home
It’s about price and affordability. One of the reasons people choose to buy an older home is that buying an older house usually means that you’ll pay significantly less. In fact, the purchase price of newly built homes can be 30%+ more than older homes.
Architecture and Character
Not all, but many newer homes are basically cookie-cutter homes that look virtually the same. Older homes, even though quirky at times, can usually have a definite architectural style and more character. In addition, craftsmanship and attention to detail are usually superior in older homes.
Established Mature Landscaping
Unless the house sat vacant and unattended for a few years (like mine was prior to buying), an older home also means that you’ll likely get established mature landscaping and possibly a larger yard.
Newer homes might have some landscaping but it typically takes several years to really mature. Homes that have been there for many years give trees, plants, and shrubs time to mature as the owners have a history of continually adding to and improving the landscaping.
Established Neighborhood
Similarly, older homes are typically located in established, strong neighborhoods. In addition to the stronger communities, they are also usually more centrally located and as a result are far less subject to zoning changes.
On the flip side, it is important to really research the neighborhood that the older house is located. I recommend driving through the neighborhood in the early morning and in the afternoon to see what activity might be seen at different times of the day.
Long Purchase History and Appreciation
One of the cool things about buying an older home is that you’ll have the opportunity to view the entire purchase history and appreciation over the years. It’s just good to know the purchase history because it allows you to see the property’s appreciation year by year over time. With a new home, this information isn’t available… for obvious reasons.
Cons of Buying an Older Home in Roseburg
There are indeed definite benefits to buying an older home, but there are also drawbacks that you should be aware of. So in order to make the best decision, consider these cons . . .
Owners of older homes typically pay 17% more for electricity and 38% more for gas.
Higher Maintenance Costs
Older homes are . . . well, older and so they will most likely require more maintenance and upkeep than newer homes. Make sure you’re prepared for possible fixes to old wiring, plumbing, utility fixtures, and upgrades to modern windows.
You’ll also want to pay attention to any sloping floors, or mildew smells, and there will be no shortage of maintenance projects to be taken care of.
Ask your real estate agent about including a 1 year home warranty to cover some of these items.
Higher Utility Bills
Don’t forget, unless they have been updated, older homes almost always have less insulation (if any) and lower quality insulation. It wasn’t uncommon to see 2X4 construction in the older homes so space is limited for adding insulation too.
Old-time homes also typically have single-pane windows, and all these make for higher utility bills. One survey found that people who own older homes typically pay 17% more for electricity and 38% more for gas.
Smaller, Less Open Floor Plans
Buying an older home means that you will most likely not get the wide-open concept living space. You will have to contend with a more boxy style floor plan and smaller rooms. Modern homes usually have larger, more open floor plans with higher vaulted ceilings to accommodate modern lifestyles.
Older homes were built for people with different lifestyles and weren’t supersized like modern homes.
Lack of Adequate Storage Space
One common complaint of many homeowners who live in older homes is the lack of storage space. Maybe people didn’t have, keep, or save as much cluttery stuff as we do now, or maybe they were just better at hiding it…
Either way, the storage will most certainly be less in an older home. In addition, another con is that it’s often difficult to add storage space in older homes because of style, settling, or design.
Fewer and Lower Safety Regulations
Construction standards have improved and become more rigorous over time. Older homes, of course, were built when these standards were more laid back, which means they may not currently be up to code with respect to electrical wiring, plumbing, asbestos, and lead paint.
Roots
Yes, you read that right: roots. As we mentioned, older homes usually come with mature landscaping, and that can mean big trees. And as great as the big trees are and as welcome as the shade may be in the summertime, you’ll want to make sure you don’t have any roots impeding your foundation or sewer lines.
Tree roots can crack foundations and get into sewer lines, both of which can be problems and can be very costly to correct.
A [market _city] Agent to Help You Make the Right Decision
So is buying an older home right for you? The short answer is . . . it depends. It all depends on your needs, wants, lifestyle, financial situation, and expectations. But you don’t have to do it all on your own.
I have over 28 years of experience in the Roseburg real estate industry and I can lay out all the pros and cons for you, help you assess them, and guide you in making the right decision. So before jumping in and buying an older home in Roseburg, contact us first at 541-643-1131.