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Health & Fitness

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Buying an Older Home in Wellesley

Is that old fixer-upper for you?

There are lots of beautiful, older homes in the Wellesley real estate market that capture buyers’ attention and hearts with their charm and old-style features. If you are considering buying an older home, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

The Good

Many people love investing in older homes because they love the historical elements of the building, property and architecture. Buying an older home also gives you the chance to make it completely yours, since it will likely need some renovations and updates.

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Older homes are built to last. The fact that they have remained structurally sound for decades often means that they will be ready to be a comfortable home for your family for years to come.

In many cases, older homes are listed at lower prices than newer homes, so buying an older home can be an affordable option for people who are looking for a charming dream home.

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The Bad

Unfortunately, many older homes are not up to fire and safety codes, and will require some changes and updates to be safe and to meet legal requirements. This process can be long, but it pays off in the end when the beautiful piece of history becomes a safe home.

Many older homes come with older heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical systems, which may need to be repaired and could be less efficient than newer models. Some older homes also come equipped with older appliances.

However, if you have to replace these things you will have the advantage of working with brand-new systems and appliances that have the newest features and are extremely efficient.

The Ugly

One of the first things people think about when they think about buying an older home is having to do things like paint, lay down new carpet and install new appliances. While this could be the case, getting to replace that lime green carpet and outdated stove means that you can make the home entirely your own.

The remodeling process can be extensive, but it gives you the chance to personalize everything from the color of paint in the bedrooms to the kitchen backsplash, and from the bathtub style to the type of crown molding in the living room.

One of the most important things to do if you are considering buying an older home is to schedule a home inspection. An expert can tell you everything about the condition of the home, what systems will need to be replaced and what changes will need to be made to make sure the home is up to code.

For more information about the pros and cons of buying an older home, visit the Christine Norcross & Partners website. If you would like to find a Wellesley home for sale, contact Christine Norcross at 781-929-4994. We can help you find that dream home, whether you are looking for an older or newer home. You can also connect with us on Facebook for more advice on finding the perfect home for your family.

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