Many would-be buyers want to see brand new Linn County homes that don’t require a lot of work. After all, 34% of those who recently purchased new homes for sale wanted to avoid renovations and problems with plumbing and electricity. But other families would rather risk doing a bit of work so that they can get their hands on an older home filled with charm and character. These home listings may come with a lower cost due to the amount of upgrades that need to be done, but they may also be located in historic or prestigious neighborhoods. And for many buyers, an older home provides a sense of uniqueness and attention to detail that is often hard to find in turnkey models. But if you’re a first-time buyer who wants a beautiful, older home to call their own, you’ll want to work with an experienced real estate agent and follow these tips to make the home buying process much easier.

1. Make sure that the home fits your lifestyle
   It’s easy to get caught up in the charm of a home, but don’t forget that it needs to serve your family’s needs, too. Depending on the era in which a home was built, the layout will likely be quite different from what we’re used to seeing in the newest homes on the market. Open floor concepts weren’t highly valued like they are today; instead, many of these homes have distinct separations between rooms. Some homes may not have large kitchens and bathrooms or provide as much storage space as you’d ideally like. You’ll want to make sure that a property fits your lifestyle before taking the plunge. While you do have the ability to make renovations, these changes can be much more costly in an older home. There may be hidden issues that come up during the process, so you’ll need to know your budget (and stress levels) can handle that possibility.
2. Get a home inspection
   All Linn County homes need to be inspected prior to signing on the dotted line, but it’s even more vital to get one when you’re dealing with an older home. Over the years, the property may have been subjected to DIYs gone wrong or may have experienced cracks, mold, or infestation problems. Therefore, you’ll want to work with a home inspection company that’s had ample experience with older homes. They’ll be able to tell you whether it’s structurally sound and whether it’s possible to make the changes you may have in mind. They’ll also be able to let you know if there are problems with insulation, electricity, HVAC, plumbing, and more. Their report can help you to determine whether you want to follow through with the sale or if it’s simply too much work for you to take on.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
   With Linn County homes of any age, it’s important to ask questions before making an offer. But with older homes, there will be no such thing as too many questions. You need to be able to make a completely informed decision. If you fail to ask, you might end up discovering hidden issues later or feel a bit of buyer’s remorse. In many cases, asking about necessary updates may prompt the seller do the renovations themselves or allow you to get the home for a lower price than listed. Ultimately, you want to love your home and be happy there. But when you don’t have all of the information in front of you, it’s hard to feel confident about whether you’ll be able to make wonderful memories there. Should you feel uncomfortable putting forth these points yourself, your real estate agent is a great resource.

Whether you’re looking for more established or brand new Linn County homes for sale, Team Gillott is here to help. To find out more about how we can help you find and buy your dream home, contact us today!