Finer with Age:

Benefits of Buying an Older Home

For many people, the best part of the home buying process is the thrill of the hunt. And it’s a great time to be looking because today’s housing market offers more choices than ever. Whether it’s big or small, new or old, your dream home is just waiting to be found. Houses come in as many varieties as there are flavors of ice cream, and you’ll never know which one is a fit for you unless you give each one a try.

An older house is a great choice for many home buyers who are looking for the right mix of charm, beauty, and that “lived in” feeling. Some people feel more comfortable in a house that someone else has already called home. Each older house has its own story. In fact, many older houses have two stories.

Consider the following benefits of older houses:

• Older homes can be less expensive. As of February 2006, the median sales price for an existing home was $208,500, compared to the price of a new home at $230,400. Also, depending on its location and condition, an older house’s resale value will often depreciate less quickly.
• Design features of yesteryear. A lot of older houses have building elements that can be difficult to find today. If you’re looking for parquet floors, thick plaster walls, or stained-glass windows, chances are you’ll find them in an older home. You may also find unique spaces in a variety of sizes that are perfect for a guest bedroom, or home office.
• A living, breathing neighborhood. Older homes are typically found in established communities, each with a character all its own. If you’re looking for “local flavor,” these neighborhoods are hard to beat. Also, they tend to be centrally located, with shorter commutes to shopping centers, schools, or work.
• Variety. These neighborhoods developed organically, over time. Houses in them are distinctive because they were built by a number of different people throughout the years. Your home is uniquely yours.
• Mature landscaping. Plants take time to grow. Older houses come with full-grown shrubbery and trees. They already look great, and they require less maintenance than newly planted landscaping.

Although you should have any home you buy professionally inspected, a quality-built older house might just be a perfect fit for you and your family. You’ll discover how rewarding it can be to spend your future in a home that has history!

Courtesy of : The Kiper Team Offices:(636) 898-123, HOTLINE: (314) 729-1010 CLICK HERE to email us.