Top Three Tips for Buying an Older Home

Buying a home is difficult no matter the age. However an older home definitely comes with a list of additional things to consider that can make or break your home buying experience. Here are the top 3 things to look out for when buying an older home.

Asbestos

A common material in homes built prior to 1989 is asbestos. Although it was a great material to use as a fire retardant, it has been found to lead to cancer of the lungs when inhaled.  Unfortunately, it is extremely costly to have removed from your home in a safe way. A good home inspector can help you identify materials in the home that may contain asbestos. They can also help you decide if it is something that can be safely and affordably removed.

Lead Paint

Another unsafe material used in older homes is lead paint. This material however is not only unsafe but unlawful to have in the home if there are young children present. If you are in a home built before 1978, make certain that you have a test done to ensure that there is no lead paint present.

Electrical Issues

Older homes have older electrical systems. These systems are often not compatible with modern day electronics and can pose serious risks if they are used in conjunction. A home inspector may not necessarily be able to recognize all of the issues with a older home's electrical components. Therefore it may  be worth it to hire a electrician that is experienced with older homes.Hopefully with these tips in mind you can feel more confident in your search for a older home. Neglecting these things is not only going to cost you a lot of time and money but can potentially be dangerous to you or your loved ones.If you are interested in buying or selling a property in the Costa Mesa area, Contact Torelli Realty.