What You To Need Know About Buying An Older Home In Florida It’s important to keep in mind that not all of the homes for sale in Clermont, FL are brand new. There are numerous opportunities to buy an older home and make it the home of your dreams. Older resale homes can offer a substantial upside in both value and availability, but there are some things to keep an eye out for and keep in mind when looking to buy rather than rent an older home.

Condition Of The Roof

One of the most prevalent issues with older homes is the condition of the roof. Different roof materials have different life cycles, but weather conditions and maintenance play a large role in getting the most out of your home's roof.

Look for missing or cracked shingles, obvious patch jobs (an area of noticeably newer or different colored shingles), and uneven spots to determine if further inspection or repair is required.

Problematic Plumbing

While leaky faucets and running toilets can be annoying and should be repaired, when it comes to plumbing you should pay extra attention to the hot water heater when looking at an older home. No one likes being caught in a cold shower, especially if the reason is a busted hot water tank.

Take a look at the outside of the tank inspecting for any rust spots or labels indicating the age. A tank that’s older than 10 years should be noted and kept up with once living in the home.

Aging Systems

Systems are the lifeblood of comfort and safety in the home. Air conditioners and kitchen appliances allow for home life to run smoothly, and older homes can sometimes have older systems.

Make sure to take a look at HVAC components and kitchen items to see if they are operational and in good running order. A home inspector will often check these items during their visit, but you can get a head start by checking for any dates labeled on the units and comparing these with average life cycles for the particular system component.

Out-of-Style Layouts

It goes without saying that older homes were built for a different time. The open concept that is all the rage right now was not popular even twenty years ago. Many older homes haven’t been updated to the minimal wall, everything open to each other living space we have become accustomed to in recent years. But that doesn't mean they can't be.

Don't let closed off spaces and small rooms scare you. Breaking the project of opening up the home into small portions can make creating the open concept in an older home a much less daunting idea.

 “To-Do” List

For anyone who has ever owned a home, there is a list of projects that they will “get around to eventually”. From squeaky door hinges and nail pops, to paint touch ups and sticking cabinet drawers, you can expect to have a list of these small projects of your own once you move in and get used to your new home. If you choose to look at this list as a home ownership badge of honor, you can complete your list in a weekend and take pride in the fact that you are now a DIY master.

Make sure to keep an eye out for these items when purchasing an older home, and you will be much better prepared moving forward. While no home is 100% perfect, buying an older home can afford you the opportunity to create a space that is perfect for you and your family. In a hectic and sometimes unpredictable real estate market, older homes can offer buyers yet another option to find what they are looking for.

Posted by Florida Realty Marketplace on
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