What To Look For When Purchasing An Older Home

As your local Moorpark Realtors we realize that most homes in our area are not much older than 30-40 years. However, if you are considering the surrounding areas such as Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, or Westlake Village, some homes can get up there in age. It is hard to believe but our little community is aging! With age comes problems when it comes to home ownership depending on how the home was maintained. Below is a list of several things that you will want to look for when exploring your options in older homes.
1. Foundation: Problems with foundation are quite common in older homes but can be a costly repair. When touring or inspecting an older home check for cracks in both the interior and exterior walls. Check if any of the doors refuse to latch or if the floors seem uneven. All of these things can mean significant foundation issues.
2. Roof: An older home means an older roof unless the homeowner has informed you of a recent roof replacement. Check for any missing shingles, tiles, or bowing gutters. Inside be sure to check the ceilings for any indication of roof leaks such as water marks or repairs in the ceiling.
3. Hazardous Building Materials: Homes built before 1978 are susceptible to lead-based paint and asbestos. Check what year your home was built specifically and have it inspected by a professional if necessary.
4. Plumbing: Old pipes can contain lead and they are also susceptible to tree roots growing into them. Check the water pressure, check under the sink for any leaks, and check the drainage speed.
5. Windows: Older windows are not very energy efficient, causing you to feel a draft even when they are closed. Depending on the window you may need to factor in the cost of replacing most of the windows in an older home.
As your local Moorpark Realtors we are also well-versed in all our surrounding towns and would be happy to walk you through the process of purchasing an older home.