Older Home versus Newer Home (Arlington area) (Grand Prairie, Bedford: HOA, new home)

[eyewrist]

I am looking to buy a home in Arlington located in the Huntwick area. I thought about a newer home off of south 360 between Grand Prairie and Arlington. The homes are very nice but it is TOOO congested!!! But I happened to drive into a older, quiet, professionally landscaped and treed neighborhood near Lake Arlington and the were beautiful each home designed differently from the one next door...what a novel concept!!

So I am here to ask the pro and cons on purchasing a older home versus a new one. Oh these homes were built around the late 70s to mid 80s and well maintained I must add.

[ChristieP]

You often get a LOT more home for your money with an older/existing home. The only cons I can think of would be if the home was not well-maintained and has structural problems, or if the decor is totally dated and needs a major makeover.

To me, the mature trees, and "knowing what you're getting" in the neighborhood are well worth it. Also, the older homes are closer in, and usually in better locations.

[dweej]

Full disclosure: I prefer "older, established" neighborhoods, but I'll try to be balanced in sharing what I've heard as pros for both new and older neighborhoods.

New Construction-
pros: sometimes you'll get to customize the home yourself without paying extra; you'll have a home warranty automatically to cover any problems you may run into after you move in; many new neighborhoods have playgrounds, pools, tennis courts as part of the neighborhood that you'll get to enjoy by being a resident; the house is 'new' so problems due to wear and tear and deterioration won't be present for a while

cons: usually smaller lots with homes very close together; no mature shade trees to shield your yard and home from the sun; the homes will all look very similar, a 'cookie-cutter' look that detracts from any charm that could exist; at the lower price-ranges, new construction tends to be very boxy on the inside and outside....not a lot of architectural details or interesting floor-plans to give your home character; the neighborhood isn't established yet, so there are no long-term residents to give you an idea of the mood and general feel of your street; usually worse traffic into and out-of the area (homes closer together means more homes per street which means more cars in and out on any given day); Usually further from "the action"- Universities, cultural events, etc.

Established neighborhoods-
pros: you can tell right away if you are in a neighborhood that shows pride-of-ownership- you know what kind of neighbors you're getting; more mature landscaping and large shade trees; usually more variation in architectural style, home size, and floor plans so each house has it's own individual character; in general, you'll find larger lots and more space between homes; streets tend to be more 'peaceful' with less traffic (houses further apart means fewer houses per street which means fewer cars in and out on any given day); you'll be closer to the center of town, with easier access to cultural events, universities, down town, etc.

cons: you'll have to pay for your home-warranty; issues with wear-and-tear and deterioration may be present depending on the age of home and how well it was maintained; if you want to customize your home, you'll need to do it yourself after you move in; the neighborhood generally won't have the "amenities" of a new construction neighborhood or master-planned community

As I said earlier, I prefer established over new construction because I like to know what I'm getting myself into and I like to be closer to "the action", but some people like to have something that's fresh and new so they can be the first owners. Hope this helps a little!

[loves2read]

socially many older neighborhoods might lack younger families and they might not appreciate having the HOA values challenged by people who want to do "new" things...might be more difficult to make friends...but there is usually less turnover in older neighborhood
I know in my Bedford neighborhood probably half the homes are still original owners...but it is aging--there have been few homes sold to younger families with toddlers or elementary kids---the feeder school is excellent--but many younger families want new homes and that means different town...

[eyewrist]

Thxs for your input. I will look further into the older neighborhoods; these fit my personality more than the new home construction areas. Again Thxs!!

[BigDGeek]

A lot of it depends on you. If you are willing to take on the issues that are particular to an older house and you like them better, then go for it. But a 1970s house is not really an "old" house. My house is 52 years old and I do not really consider it "old."

Some things to look out for in 1970s construction are aluminum wiring and foundation problems. Otherwise you should be fine as long as you have the home inspected. New construction is not always free of problems either by the way!

[DaveG99]

I dont mind an older home but I would have to gut the entire thing and change everything inside. I can not stand old style bathrooms and kitchens. What were people thinking in the 70's and 80's and even 90's? I also would look into the electrical and plumbing systems to make sure they are up to standard on an older house. Of course if you get a good inspection this will all be checked out by the inspection company. As for me I would rather buy brand new. I dont care how close my neighbor is. f I wanted large spaces Id move to the country. And I like the look of a new home much more than an old home. And Im not really a fan of large trees as it just means extra landscaping and cleaning up. It all depends on what kind of home you like.

[superkaty]

my parents live on lake arlington and love it. if it were me, i'd look around lake arlington, shady valley golf club and in north arlington, north of I-30. well-established, affordable, good neighborhoods, with good school districts.

[eyewrist]

Originally Posted by superkaty

my parents live on lake arlington and love it. if it were me, i'd look around lake arlington, shady valley golf club and in north arlington, north of I-30. well-established, affordable, good neighborhoods, with good school districts.

Thanks for all you suggestions. I never thought to look north of I 30 because of possible traffic issues with the Cowboy stadium near that area... getting in and out during games and concert would be a bummer for me.

[caligurltotx]

I say go for the neighborhood closes to the new stadium. Those ppl are going to make bank during Superbowl. I've heard stories as much as 20,000. : )