An Age Old Debate: Old Home Versus New Home

Buyer

“Honey, look at that great old house,” says the charmed spouse.

“Probably has termites,” replies the less enthusiastic partner. “Hey, what about this new build on this street?”

“But it looks just like all the others, there’s no character,” sighs the old house lover.

But the New House, But the Old House….

Let’s face it, every home commonly has at least one characteristic which will make the buyer wonder ‘how they missed that’. Some bit of weathering or a misalignment in a wall is always there.

First, decide on your style of living. Does your lifestyle fit better in an older home or in a newer one? Do you like doing little things to restore antiques or do you want to be certain your over stuffed chair and big screen will fit in the room you have decided is the den?

Aesthetics versus Practicality

If it is important to you that your home reflects some older refinement, a level of graciousness and an air of history, then your home is the one that is older. How old is up to you and the location you are looking in. You might check out Ponte Vedra homes for sale.

Remember, however, that older homes may need some immediate attention to plumbing, or heat systems or wiring. Make sure you allow for that in your purchase plans and get a good building inspection!

When you are looking for move-in ready, all up to date and up to code, then the new home is at the top of your list. All clean and new and ‘perfect’, just waiting for your personal touch to bring it to life the way you want to live.

Maybe, maybe not. Even new homes need a good inspection. New appliances can be faulty from the factory so don’t let the “New” label keep you from having the home inspected professionally before closing.

Compromise Can Be Beautiful

New homes can be given old home charm with moldings and fixtures. Having the look and feel you want with the convenience of new innovation may be the best way to go if you are a busy person with a career, children, and little ‘free time’ to spend on home projects. St. Augustine homes might be a good place for you.

Older homes can be rewired for the computer age and re-plumbed to take that Victorian looking claw-foot spa bath. You can choose which projects you want to tackle yourself and which may need a professional. If it’s the house for you, and you are ready for a little challenge, then go for it.

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