El Paso Homes for Sale|Remax Agent|First-Time Buyer
If you are not already working with an Agent
Please call this Buyer's Agent, 873-8646 to see these homes.
Please be aware, the services provided on this site and associated sites are for BUYERS only and not for REALTOR® use
Older Home v. New Homes
Tips when considering an older house.
In summary: look at the age of everything in the house. Old means expensive repairs and long run added cost.
- Homes older than 15+ years will have some aging problems. Homes older than 40 years will have very expensive fixes.
- Check the plumbing corrosion (copper & iron pipes)
- Check electrical - many of the older homes have very limited electrical systems because the technology in the 60's comprised of only a few consumer goods. Today, most new homes come equip to handle the technology challenges.
- Check the foundation
- Do a termite and insect inspection. These types of issues are generally exponentially greater in older homes.
- Check mold issues.
- Check the age of appliances, furnace, AC, stove etc. If these appliances are original to the house they will not be energy efficient.
- There may be a lead base paint issue with older homes.
- Check the roof's age.
- Check the age of windows. Are they single pane?
- Check insulation. Consider a house made of foam blocks with concrete in the middle (quadralock). This has much lower energy costs due to little to no air infiltration through the walls. But there is air infiltration through the roof, doors, and windows. This type of construction is also quieter. Unfortunately this type is also relatively new and rare.
- Insurance considerations: flood zones, proximity to firehouse, homes built prior to 1990 have added cost.
- Check Municipal taxes. Every municipality sets its own rates. If you buy 150 feet outside the city limits your tax rate changes from a 25 to about a 15 mil rate.
In summary: look at the age of everything in the house. Old means expensive repairs and long run added cost.