Buying a house, need advice

[Dat]

Currently living in an apartment (2 bedrooms) that is too small for 2 adults and 1 quickly growing teenager. I've probably got another 3-4 years in this area so teen can finish highschool, after that will probably move out to live with future wife (wherever she gets residency- med student). I could rent a bigger place but the rent = mortgage payment so i am looking to get a house.

Saw 2 homes today but they were both built in 1930! Kinda nervous about a really old home specially since i have no clue what i am doing.

Anyone got any advice on older homes or a real estate forum online i can check out?

 

[DrPizza]

I've been looking at homes from the 1800's... Really isn't a problem, as long as they've been kept up well.
The biggest concern would probably be the electric - how recently was it updated? Breakers or fuses? Are there enough circuits?
Sometimes older homes really aren't ready for all of today's appliances. But, eventually the older homes get updated.

 

[MustISO]

There can be a lot of pitfalls. The electrical system, the HVAC, plumbing, even lead paint. I have a friend that bought a house that is from the early 1930's and he's had a lot of problems. Another friend has a house that's 90 years old and he hasn't had too many issues but he has a lot of money to spend on the house.

 

[Dat]

Hmm. Guess i should start looking for a good inspector. I'm leaning toward just paying more and not having to deal with maintaining a house.

 

[mugs]

There's more to owning/buying a house than the monthly payment - if you only plan to live there for a few years, it may not be worth it.

PM me your e-mail address and I'll e-mail you a spreadsheet tomorrow that will help you determine what would be cheaper short-term.

 

[dirtboy]

The older the house, the more expensive the problems.

 

[warcrow]

Location Location Location!

 

[nageov3t]

I don't know why, but I read the title as "buying a hose, need advice."

in that event, I'd have recomended green.

but a house? I got nothin'.