16 year old Home buying tips (Lexington: wood floors, house, water heater)

[lavared]

All,

I'm planning to buy a 16 yr old home in (1995 built) Brightwater Neighbourhood in Missouri city. I would like to know what all we need to look for in an old home like this before making an offer. The roof has been replaced very recently and double pane windows have been installed.

Also what would be the ideal price/ sq ft for homes in this area? The list price/ sq ft is 98$ for this home.

Thanks

[TimBomb]

my first instinct is to find out who are the neighbors at that age.

[lavared]

I have checked the school zone for this home (Lexington Elem and Dulles MS/HS) which seem to be good.

[tstone]

Have the AC/furnace system checked. It may need replacing before you know it.`

If the oven is original it may bake things unevenly.

[EasilyAmused]

At 16 years, a house is coming up to it's first major facelift. Luckily for you the roof was already replaced, at 16 years it must have been a cheap product. AC's, Furnaces, Hot Water Heaters and Electrical system should be inspected closely. If it has a pool and pumps, they are probably coming close to "end of life." If it has wood floors, it might be time for a refinish. If it has a sprinkler system, it's valves need to be checked. Gas lines need to be checked for minor leaks, especially the "blue flame" in the fireplace. Inspect all the landscaping around the foundation, my guess is that it's over the line at this point.

Basically it's important to have a really good inspector go over the house with a fine tooth comb.

[skelaki]

Originally Posted by lavared

All,

I'm planning to buy a 16 yr old home in (1995 built) Brightwater Neighbourhood in Missouri city. I would like to know what all we need to look for in an old home like this before making an offer. The roof has been replaced very recently and double pane windows have been installed.

Also what would be the ideal price/ sq ft for homes in this area? The list price/ sq ft is 98$ for this home.

Thanks

Hire a professional home inspector. It will be worth the money.

[tstone]

Originally Posted by EasilyAmused

At 16 years, a house is coming up to it's first major facelift. Luckily for you the roof was already replaced, at 16 years it must have been a cheap product.

Or it could have been damaged from Hurricane Ike.

Good call on the hot water heater, though-- To the OP, check to see if it is in the attic. At that age, I'd replace it regardless. If it's about half that age you might want to replace the anodes. I actually let mine go to age 16 and while it didn't flood 1/4th of the house, one day it sudden started dumping rust into the water, which makes you smell great after showering.

Not sure if the inspector will tell you these things unless they have a problem. You might want to have a list so you can ask up front.