Newer home or older home?

[Guest]

When you are considering buying a home, do you prefer a newer home with a modern design like two story foyer, high ceiling or an older home with a larger yard and a cheaper price tag?

[Guest]

I hate the way all new communities build houses one on top of the other, I think having about a 1 to 1 1/2 acres is ideal for privacy, noise and being able to do thing in the back yard. Also I think houses build 15 to 30 years ago were build better, they didn’t just throw them up in 2 months

[Jeff M.]

Here are my thoughts.

I have seen homes that were built 40 or so years ago with aluminum wiring, liquid nails being used to hold sub floor and a host of other issues.

I have also seen homes built 30 years ago and today that are solid. A lot depends on the buidler. Garden State who built Shadow Oaks was fine, but then at the end started having a lot of problems as they started going out of business.

Toll homes tend to go up quick and I'm not too fond of their quality. Centex and Sharbell tend to build solid homes today. So you can't really generalize 30 years vs today because it always depends on the builder. That's why inspections are critical.

My personal preference is that if I am buying old I want either an old historic home or a home that has at least an acre of property. I have bought new and there is a lot to be said for new construction in terms of energy efficiency and lack of maintenance for a few years. Water heaters last 10-12 years and furnaces can last 30, new roofs 15-20 years so a some of the older homes will face these bigger items sooner.

[me]

I would like to chime in my two cents.

If you are deciding to buy a home given that you don't favor an old one or a newer one, then one important factor to consider is location. I know it's obvious, but it is still an important consideration to emphasis.

A lot things can be improved to a home if you don't like them but the location of the house.

Personally I won't buy a house, regardless of how nice it is, if I can hear traffic noise when I am in it.

Drive around the neighborhood and see if the neighboring houses are well maintained. Check prior sales records to see if the house had changed ownership too often.

Normally houses in desirable locations don't come on the market often, and when on the market, it probably will sell quickly. Unless your agent is very good, you will have to look out for this opportunity yourself.

[Jeff M.]

Me is right (I have to laugh at the grammar.) The location is really critical. That is why homes on cul de sacs sell quicker than on Main roads. The exception though is towns like Cranbury. I believe any home on a main part of Main street (North or South) is desirable despite the traffic or being on a main road. All of those homes will hear at least the occasional noise from traffic, but you get used to it and tune it out. But, the general rule still applies, location, location, location. Main street is a desirable location despite being on a main road.

[mrfun1]

No,No............get a trailer. This way when taxes get too high, you pull up and move elsewhere!

[Guest]

[Guest]

As location goes how would you rate Station Rd? It is just off of Main Street, but it doesn't have the charm of Main St. I noticed there are several houses for sale on Station Rd between 130 and Main St? Would appreciate any and all feedback