If you find some of the beautiful older homes in Southern Maryland appealing, and you’re considering them in your search for a home, there are a few important things to pay close attention to. While these homes are often full of character and charm, they can also be full of unexpected—and expensive— challenges if buyers aren’t prepared. So, what do Southern Maryland buyers need to look out for when considering one of these properties? Here are some key areas to keep in mind:

Health Problems

You’ll want to find out what materials were used in the construction of the home. The two that are most alarming are asbestos and lead paint. These things can pose potential health risks, and they’re not always easy for buyers to spot. An experienced home inspector should be able to help you, but it’s important to ask these questions and determine if you have a plan to manage these obstacles or not.

Structural Problems

You’ll also need to pay close attention to the foundation and the roof. Damage in either areas can quickly spark a chain reaction that damages other areas of the house, and they can be expensive to repair. Again, consulting with your inspector and paying attention to these things yourself as you tour the home can help you get a better sense of what you’re looking at. If you’ll need a new roof, that’s a cost you’ll need to factor into your budget.

Utility Problems

The electrical wiring and plumbing in older homes should also be checked to make sure they’re safe and up to code. For example, if you see outlets with two holes instead of three, these won’t support things like most laptop chargers or appliances. And while adaptors are inexpensive, they’re not always the safest choice. If you’ll need to do any rewiring or make any changes to the plumbing, it can be very costly and may influence how much you’re willing to pay for the home.

Energy Problems

Lastly, you’ll want to think about the energy efficiency of the house. Have the windows and doors been updated recently? Is solar an option if that’s something that interests you? Getting a sense of where the house stands currently and the options that would or would not be available to you as an owner will be important in your final decision.

 

This article isn’t meant to discourage buyers from looking at older homes. These charming properties can be dream homes for many buyers as long as they go in with as much information as possible.

 

If you need a recommendation for a local Realtor, or you’d like to get pre-approved for a mortgage, please reach out—I’d be happy to help.