In our northwest suburbs of Chicago, you’ll find a wide range of inventory on the market when it comes to the age of a home. As a buyer, you may have a ‘wish list’ for amenities you desire for your next home. Think about adding ‘age’ to this list. Even though some of the advantages/disadvantages I cover below can be influenced through home improvement projects, many of they do still apply.  Here’s a breakdown.

Older Home Advantages

• they have proven that they can withstand climatic and other conditions
• older homes were built by craftsmen who often included beautiful hand finished details and interesting architectural features
• land was cheaper and homes were built on bigger plots allowing for spacious gardens and outbuildings
• these homes are in established neighborhoods where zoning changes are highly unlikely and are usually closer to downtown areas and other amenities
• gardens are established with plants and trees offering their beauty and shade

Older Home Disadvantages

• there will always be something to maintain and at some point the wiring and plumbing will need replacing
• the closets and bathrooms tend to be smaller and most have one garage only
• the kitchen, bathrooms and HVAC systems probably need updating
• prices of well situated older homes can be expensive because of their proximity to schools and public transport but are usually better priced

New Home Advantages

• little to no maintenance for quite a few years
• modern conveniences such as built in appliances, master and spacious bathrooms and networked wiring systems
• 10-year builders warranty on the structure and components on new construction
• energy efficient
• conforms to all the latest building codes
• prices are usually higher but can vary on availability of new homes in an area

 Disadvantages New Home

• tract homes are all similar and there is a lack of individuality
• gardens are still not well established
• they are usually built in newer areas that are further away from city downtown areas and commuting can entail rush-hour traffic

Let me help you make the best home purchase decisions possible! Contact me for friendly, experienced real estate guidance.