Real Estate Information Archive

When searching for the next house to call home, there's a lot to consider. Opening your home search to older constructions can increase your options, however older homes may be harboring issues beneath the surface. Here are some things to consider (and have inspected) when purchasing an older home. 

Foundation and Structural Issues: Due to their age, older homes should be inspected thoroughly for foundation and structural damage. Cracks or unevenness in the foundation can lead to moisture damage, dry rot, corrosion, and shifting of the house. According to Safewise, "Foundation repairs can escalate to over $10,000, depending on the extent of the structural issues - and homeowners insurance won't cover these costs." If you suspect structural damage, be sure to have the building inspected by a licensed structural engineer. 

Electrical and Plumbing Issues:  Many older homes have their original plumbing and wiring, as updating these systems can be costly. Keeping the original knob-and-tube wiring or the original cast-iron pipes, however, can be a serious safety hazard. Old electrical systems can cause a fire, and old pipes can cause leaks or weak water pressure. 

Hazardous Materials: The older a home is, the more likely it is to contain hazardous materials, such as asbestos and lead. Lead is commonly found in paint applied before 1978 and in plumbing installed before 1985. Asbestos can be found in gas fireplaces, roofing, and insulation that was installed before 1980. 

Outdated Heating and Cooling Systems:  Older homes were likely designed for oil, coal or wood heating systems and later retrofitted with newer HVAC systems, so it's important to understand when and how these upgrades were made. Even a more up-to-date heating system can be inefficient and unsafe if it hasn't been maintained properly. 

Houses with cooling systems are likely to be a bit newer, but outdated cooling systems are known to have their own issues.  Common problems with older AC units include improperly working fans, reduced efficiency, refrigerant leaks, and electrical problems. 

Termites and Bugs:  Depending on where the home is located, termites and other bugs could be a major issue. The National Pest management association claims that termites alone cause around $5 billion in property damage yearly. The older the home, the longer it has been exposed to the chance of infestations.

When you’re selling a Boston home, you know that there are a few tasks you should complete before your real estate agent brings in a potential buyer for a showing. You should always make sure that your home is tidy, that there is no trash visible, that evidence of pets are hidden, that the place smells nice, and you may choose to leave out water bottles or a small candy dish for your visitors.

The last thing you do before you head out the door should be to bring as much light into your home as possible. Turn on all the overhead lights and light fixtures, and open the curtains and blinds. This is done to increase the natural and artificial light and to make the house feel light and airy, as well as spacious.

If you turn on all the lights in your home (yes, end tables and floor lamps too!) and it still needs a little more light, consider increasing the wattage of a few of the bulbs in your fixtures. This will improve the lighting quality without the need to buy a new lamp. Another way to make a room feel brighter is to change the paint color. You don’t want walls to be stark white, but a light neutral color can make a room feel more open to a potential buyer.

For more tips on how to get your home ready for a showing, call Greater Boston Realty. One quick call to 617-347-5589 and we will schedule a consultation to show you how to get the highest price for your home.

Whether you’re just thinking about purchasing a new home, or you’re well into the process, you’re probably touring many houses in nearby neighborhoods, including Jamaica Plain and Roslindale. The next time you see a home, make sure that you keep an eye out for these three positive signs:

• Level flooring is key when determining if the home’s foundation is problem free, so check floors for cracks. Also make sure that the home’s windows and doors are square, as this is another indicator of foundation issues.
• Here at Greater Boston Realty, we want to make sure that you purchase a home that has been taken care of properly. When you’re touring a home, look for signs of prompt maintenance, including fresh paint. If a homeowner has taken care of these simple fixes, they have probably kept the home’s other maintenance tasks up to date also.
• In Massachusetts, our harsh winters make plumbing issues commonplace. When touring a home, make sure that there are no signs of water damage or burst pipes. If you don’t see any water stains on the walls or ceilings, this is an indication that the home hasn’t had plumbing is-sues, or that they have been properly addressed.

If you’re looking for more advice on buying a home in Boston, look no further than the real estate experts at Greater Boston Realty. Call 617-469-4040 to make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable experts today – we want to hear what you’re looking for, and find the home that’s perfect for you.