Hi everyone! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed here. My husband and I recently closed on a home that cost just over $1 million. It's around 20 years old and offers about 6,000 sq. ft. located in a lovely community with great schools and amenities. We've only ever owned new homes, so this resale experience is quite daunting.
We bought the house during a period of low inventory, and it reduced my lengthy 3–4 hour commute to a mere 15 minutes—a huge relief! However, the home had previously fallen out of contract, resulting in a shortened due diligence period.
We have a highly respected agent we've worked with for almost two decades, and she assured us that the inspection report was nothing out of the ordinary for a home this age. Yet seeing the issues listed left me feeling a bit panicked.
To give you an outline, here are some major concerns from the inspection report:
- Structural issues like truss damage and brick wall cracks
- Electrical discrepancies including panel issues
- Foundation drainage problems
- Decay on the exterior wood trim
- HVAC and water heater concerns including high temperature and cleaning needs
- Various plumbing and pest activity signs
My questions are:
1. For those who've bought older homes (15-25 years), do these issues sound typical?
2. Should we approach fixes slowly, or is this a sign we made a mistake?
3. Would selling now be wiser while the market's decent, or are these expected issues for an upscale older home?
4. Is it worth hiring a structural engineer or licensed contractor for a second opinion?
I don't feel misled, but I'm trying to gauge whether I should be worried or if these issues are just part of owning a home this age. Thanks for any advice or shared experiences!
4 Answers
Most of these issues are pretty common if prior owners didn’t maintain everything correctly. The truss damage might need a closer look, but overall, just sit down with your inspector to pinpoint what's urgent and what can wait. You’re not in a money pit, just typical homeowner projects ahead!
Honestly, much of what you're describing sounds like normal wear and tear on a house. People often underestimate the maintenance needs as a property ages. If the previous owner was somewhat handy but skipped a few steps, that could explain some of your issues. I recommend starting to tackle the tasks gradually—you'll catch up in no time.
I’ve inspected homes for over 30 years, and let me tell you—though the list may seem daunting, none of these issues look like they're indicative of a major crisis. Just get the important stuff checked out, especially anything related to moisture or structural integrity. Remember, every older home has its quirks and required upkeep!
That's good to hear! Thanks for sharing!
As a professional electrician, I can tell you that many of the electrical issues you're seeing are pretty typical and often easy fixes. It seems like a lot of the other concerns fall into common wear and tear for a house of that age. Don't panic! Just tackle them one at a time as you settle in.
Thanks for the reassurance!
I appreciate the advice; it helps me a lot!