El Paso Homes for Sale|Remax Agent|First-Time Buyer

Older Home v. New Homes

Tips when considering an older house.

  • 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.

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