Benefits of Buying an Old House in Slidell Louisiana

The appeal of buying a newly built home in Slidell, Louisiana is undeniable. It’s the ultimate in convenience and luxury. But for some, buying a new home just isn’t practical. Perhaps it’s a tight budget, or maybe you’re simply looking for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, there are still plenty of reasons to consider buying an old house in Slidell. There are many reasons why a home built in the past may be more appealing than a home built today and here are the most compelling reasons to consider buying an old house. Make sure to contact a reputable Slidell realtor that can show you around Slidell area.

1. They’re in Established Neighborhoods

When choosing a neighborhood, home buyers weigh a number of factors—including the school district, crime rate, and walkability. If you’re looking at buying an old house, chances are it’s in a well-established area. An established neighborhood is desirable because it has everything people love – big, shady trees; established schools and nearby businesses; parks and green spaces; and more. When you consider a new development often there’s a few number of growing things, and row after row of identical houses.

Most of older houses are actually built inside the city, while in the suburbs most houses are relatively to completely new. So if you need more room and you want to avoid long commutes, you may find something suitable among older homes.

An established neighborhood is desirable because it has everything people love – big, shady trees; established schools and nearby businesses; parks and green spaces; and more. When you consider a new development often there’s a few number of growing things, and row after row of identical houses. Your home is more than just the interior construction; your neighborhood adds to your home’s character as well.

2. Old Homes Are Often Built Better

Old houses were built to last. In general, the quality of construction in older homes will surpass newer builds and in many aspects of the construction, cannot be reproduced today. Though it is true that newer homes are more up to code, in terms of approved materials, and more energy efficient, still older homes are generally built of better quality materials.

Older homes might be built with wood made from old-growth trees and therefore more resistant to rot and warping. Often built with real hardwood floors walls made of plaster and lathe making them structurally stronger than the drywall construction of modern homes. Also, doors are generally made from solid wood and come with hardware built to last. These older materials also provide a better sound barrier and insulation.

3. They Tend to Have Larger Yards

In an effort to keep the cost of new homes down and bring in more revenue, homebuilders have favored building larger homes on smaller lots. If you have ideas of planting a big garden, installing a swing or slide, and plenty of room for your kids to run around, some of these may not be possible if you choose a newer home.

More often than not, an older home will have a sprawling backyard. So if you’re looking for a more spacious property, chances are an older home is your solution. Should you decide to sell your home down the road, larger lots maximize your resale value.

4. They Can Have More Character

From mature trees and charming curb appeal, to unique or sometimes classical historical details and features, old homes almost always have more character than new homes. In fact, one of the most desirable aspects of an older home is their unique character. There is a special charm with the living history and memories they contain.

Older homes possess a certain character that you just won’t find in new cookie-cutter models. It could be a hand-carved staircase, a farmhouse sink, original stained-glass windows, or a classic fireplace. If the old owners maintained them, the original details like molding, flooring, tile, built-ins, or other interesting architectural details are hard to duplicate. While newer homes will reflect the trends of current times, they won’t satisfy the more eclectic appeal.

5. They’re Possibly Cheaper

Older homes, typically anything built in Slidell before 1970, might not be updated, which helps drive down the cost. Since older homes are generally not as popular with buyers as newer homes, you may be able to get one for a cheaper price. You have more flexibility with the pricing of old homes.

Buyers can leverage past and current repair needs, giving them more power during the negotiations. This is something that a new home can’t offer. If you’re not afraid of doing some work and getting your hands dirty, you could buy an old house, usually for a good price, and make a fantastic investment with it.

While house hunting, don’t discount an old houses. Rather than look to the high-rent district or take on the headache of buying a foreclosure, consider investing in an old house, which as you can see, comes with a variety of benefits over newer homes. They may need a bit more maintenance or updating, but in exchange, they offer new homeowners a wealth of benefits.

If square footage is important to you, an older home may represent a relatively affordable way to get more. Building and labor costs have been increasing each year, which all work together to drive up the cost of a home’s features. As such, you may find an older home is able to offer more of your luxury finishes without a hefty price tag. What some view as eyesores, others see as charm… a home with history that can’t be duplicated.

If you’re considering an older home, definitely invest in a certified home inspection by an inspector experienced in evaluating old homes. If you’re willing to deal with these potential disadvantages, you may just find yourself a unique older home at a great price with plenty of personality. Besides the nostalgia factor, an old house in the Slidell area can be a very smart investment.