In Hampton Roads, you’ll find an array of historic homes filled with old-school charm. Whether you’re interested in a beautiful Colonial Greek Revival from the 1700s, a Romanesque Revival Mansion from 1900, or simply love the wood paneling and bright colors of the 60s, each century or decade has something unique to offer buyers who love older homes. However, you may be unaware of some of the challenges that come with owning one. Here are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
If you’re looking at homes from between the 1950s and 1970s, you may be at risk of purchasing a property that used lead paint. While popular in the 50s, lead paint was eventually banned in 1978. Most homes built before 1978 will come with a lead paint disclosure in the real estate contract. To ensure safety, have your home tested for lead and have the lead paint removed by a professional.
Asbestos was another common component used in homes built before the 90s. Undisturbed, asbestos can be left in a home, but if you happen to cut or drill into it causing the fibers to escape into the air, it can cause cancer. This is something you want an inspector to look out for and then have tested.
Galvanized piping was used heavily prior to 1960 and sometimes used into the 70s and 80s. In this process, the steel pipes are coated with zinc to prevent rust. Over time, corrosion occurs inside the pipes causing lead to build up and enter your water. For healthier drinking and cleaning water, hire a professional to update the piping in the home.
While energy efficient homes are a buzzworthy topic in the industry today, it wasn’t much of a concern decades ago. Insulation was minimal, and it wasn’t uncommon to see windows and doors leak. To improve energy efficiency, seal windows and doors with weather stripping and add insulation.
Are you ready and willing to take on the TLC an older home requires? Connect with one of more than 9,000 agents to help you navigate the process. Consider working with someone who is experienced in this specific kind of sale. Ready to buy but not sure what you can afford? Check out the mortgage calculator to help estimate possible monthly payments. Download the REIN.com app and put the power of fresh and accurate listing data in the palm of your hand. The app is available free in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For local listings you can trust, start with REIN.com.
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