At Progressive Urban Real Estate, our agents work with all types of homes including new construction, complete renovations, and older homes looking for some attention. For those who love older homes, it can be a challenge when searching to identify key items that indicate whether or not a home is a good investment. To make things a little simpler for our buyers, one of our century-home-loving agents, Michele Anderson, provided us with some key items to look for when buying an older home. When viewing a home, be sure to ask yourself the following questions to help determine if the condition of the home is a manageable purchase. 

1. What is the condition of the roof? A roof should have years of useful life remaining, or the house should be priced accordingly, knowing that an expensive roof replacement is expected in the near future. With asphalt shingles, which is most commonly found, the number of layers of shingles is important. In the past, when a roof began to show signs of age or started leaking, roofers would just apply a new layer of shingles over it. If there are several layers of that material, a new roof installation will require that all of the old roof layers be removed. This is referred to as a "tear off" and will add to the cost of replacing that old roof. Your Realtor will be able to provide you with the details of the roof and when was the last time that it was replaced.
2. Does the home have updated electrical? It is not uncommon to find electrical service panels with an inadequate number of circuits for today's modern living. With older homes knob and tube electrical is also a common occurrence. Although this electrical method is no longer used, it is still present in many older homes and can either be updated or upgraded to fit within housing requirements. Panel boxes should have adequate number, and correctly sized circuits. The circuits should be adequate for the home and each room should have several electrical outlets, with at least two in small bedrooms and GFCI protected outlets in each of the baths and kitchen. During the inspection, almost invariably, knob and tube wiring and some ungrounded outlets will be discovered. Unless the home has been completely renovated this is to be expected.

Michele's Pro Tip: Check to see if there is a Federal Pacific circuit breaker box. This particular type of breaker box was recalled due to potential fire hazard.  The boxes are usually clearly marked with the name "Federal Pacific", and are still commonly found in the basements of homes. Those old Federal Pacific circuit breaker boxes should be replaced.

1. Does the basement have any moisture? Homes with 80+ year old basements are not going to be completely moisture free. The materials used, like clay tile, stone or brick, along with the construction methods of the day, make it likely that there will be some moisture infiltration. The basements may not be leaking, but they will probably be damp. One often sees dehumidifiers running in below grade levels of older homes. Check to see if there have been any actions taken to combat or prevent any moisture damage such as crack repairs or waterproofing.
2. How old are the windows? Many older homes have vinyl, or aluminum clad wood replacement windows, but often the original wood windows are still in place. Original windows do not offer the same level of insulation that modern windows do. Many old house lovers want to keep the original windows because they maintain the historic look and character of the home. This is especially true if the original windows have leaded, or beveled, glass, or are otherwise decorative. As long as there is no peeling paint creating a lead hazzard, and the windows are still operable, older windows can be acceptable, and often enhance the look of the house. If you are interested in preserving the original charm of your older home, ask your Realtor about a purchase rehab loan.
3. Do the floors show a sign of foundation issues? Nearly all homes over 80 years old have some surfaces that are likely not level. Most often, there may be floors or doorways that are not completely level, having shifted with the home over the years. Unlevel surfaces do not necessarily mean that the house has structural issues. It is best to have a professional inspector evaluate if there is just normal settling present, or if the unevenness is evidence of a more serious problem. Need recommendations for professional inspectors? Ask your Progressive Urban Realtor! 
4. What are your expectations? If you have never lived in an older home, there may be some items to consider that come along with the charm, space, and abundant natural light and other desirable features of the old homes. If you are unsure about what type of home you would like to buy, consult with your realtor about the benefits of buying an older home versus other options such as a new construction or renovated home. For more details, visit each of the above links to learn more. 

When viewing a home, your Realtor will be able to provide details on any pieces of the home that have been updated. Have questions or need guidance with identifying what to look for when purchasing an older home? Ask your Progressive Urban Real Estate Agent! Our agents are not only experts on Cleveland neighborhoods, they are also experts in the home buying process. The Realtors at Progressive Urban are more than happy to help you out.