Buying older homes (Phoenix: insurance, crime, new home)

[tripper76]

I'm in the market for my first home and I really can't afford much. The prevalence of HOAs really kills me. So I'm looking at older homes. Even with those, I have stuck to ones 20 years or newer. But I was curious about people's opinions on old homes and even older ones(70s or older). I'm not interested in your opinion on the style as I'm not a big fan of 99% of the style of homes in Phoenix, regardless of age. Obviously, a newer roof and a/c unit is important. I'm just wondering about the quality and things I need to look out for.

[exit2lef]

I'm a fan of older homes. I currently live in a 35-year old house and generally find it to be sturdier and more solid than my previous home, which was new when I moved into it. I really like the block walls on my current house. Block walls are out of fashion now, but they seem to provide really good sound and heat insulation. Of course, with any home of a certain age, there are going to be maintenance issues that come up as the house ages. That's why it's important to ask, as you state, about when the roof was last replaced, how old the AC is, etc.

Also, older homes generally offer the advantage of mature trees. In Phoenix, that doesn't mean tall maples, oaks, or pines -- but even a few mature mesquites, palo verdes, or cottonwoods in the yard can provide shade, privacy, and lower summer cooling costs.

[AngelfaceAZ]

Many of the older homes in the Phoenix area were built extremely well. When you find a home with block construction you could gut the house and STILL have a good solid home. It is a very good idea to get the plumbing inspected since that can be a nightmare if is has problems.

Personally I like the older homes for the fact that they don't look exactly like each other, they have mature landscaping, and I absolutely LOVE weeping brick...but I'm a dork.

One more good tip is to use a good home inspector during your inspection period, preferably one that has more experience inspecting older homes. They have a better idea of what pitfalls to look out for on your behalf.

Have fun house hunting!

[jlhct]

I just moved here recently and have an older home as well. I really like it a lot. older homes tend to come with bigger lots which is what I was looking for. They also don't look like all of the other new homes around which I felt was a bonus too

[sablebaby]

I don't really mind homes that were built in the 70's and before. I can't stand the one's built in the 80's. The problem with so many older neighborhoods is that they tend to go down. It's the HOA's that keep them nice. When a neighborhood is older and cheaper they tend to not be as nice looking as other neighborhoods. Granted there are older neighborhoods that are really nice, but those tend to be more expensive than the newer homes.

[HollyJollymore]

I'd be concerned about the potential for fire or flood.

You also have to have flood insurance for 30 days before it is good.

[azcallin]

wiring, roofing, heating / cooling units, plumbing, pest damage, windows, wood on deck, etc., crime report in neighborhood, condition of other homes in the area (don't be the best one on the block), and ability to get flood / fire insurance for a good rate, and I would check auto insurance rates as well - it all adds up

[ranman469]

have the plumbing and furnace looked at. if it has galvanized or some kinds of plastics water pipes, they would need to be replaced. that alone could cost 5000$ plus the repair of the walls.
pay for your own home licensed inspection.