Looking at an older home to buy

[clarionite]

I've been looking for property to buy and build on. I wanted 20 acres, no HOA. Ability to hunt, and room to push up a berm and have a small range on. Everything I found within my search radius (1 hour drive from my office) was either too expensive, had 3 acres of 20 that were buildable/usable or had some stupid restrictions.

But last week a buddy of mine let me know of a house across from him that's going up for sale. It hasn't hit the market yet, but I have the inside track on it if I want it. It's an older home. Built in 1939. 3/2 with a very large 2 car detached garage that has a 2/1 apartment as a second story above it. Room to store my RV. Fenced in back yard with room for a small garden. Several mature pecan trees. And room to store a boat or trailer, both of which I've wanted but didn't buy because I'd end up paying storage fees.

I like the architecture of older homes. And the high pitched roof to me is much more pleasant on the eye than the more modern lower pitched. But I'm not familiar with what I need to be looking for in houses that old when considering purchasing. Other than the wiring/plumbing and insulation having been brought up to more current standards. And the standard you do with any stick built house of Termite inspection. Do any of you guys have more experience that they'd be willing to share?

[Tex1961]

Foundation and roof for sure... and like you mentioned, make sure electrical / plumbing / AC are all up to code and working properly.....

[clarionite]

The one thing I do know that's wrong with it, is that there was a water leak in the apartment when a pipe broke. And part of the sheet rock in one room needs to be replaced. The tenant that caused the damage was evicted. And the elderly couple had their fill of renting. So they fixed the pipes, opened up the walls so there wasn't any mold growing. And didn't replace it.

Growing up with a contractor, I've done dry wall most of my life. As has my brother, the one who would live in the apartment if I bought. And my buddy that lives across the street is head of maintenance for a large apartment complex. He does that every day. So to me that's really a non issue. He's also a HV/Ac guy so I'd have him check it all out.

[RottenApple]

My only contribution to your endeavor would be to suggest that you invest in having the home wired for network (CAT6) as well. Personally, I love older architecture as well, but I'd update to include networking to be able to more easily add security cameras and other networkable security devices as well.

[DevilDawg]

Get estimates from plumbers, electrician and any other craftsmen you might need to work on the house. There are varying levels of Home Inspectors, find a good one and pay for him yourself so he answers to you not the seller or title company.

Assume you need a full re-wire and breaker panel, and as mentioned get the coax/CAT6 runs at the same time.

Have the fresh water pressure/pulse checked to test integrity of piping. If it hasn’t had a recipe in the last 20yrs it’s beyond past due.
They have to provide a lead paint certificate on anything older than 1978.
How olds the roof? And does it have multiple layers?

Lastly use a realtor, once you sign a buyers rep we work for you and not the seller. I’d be happy to help, pm me if you aren’t working with another agent already.