Potential Drawbacks of Older Omaha Homes

Omaha Real Estate Expert - Mike Beacom

Want to sell your home? Get a FREE home value report

Want to buy a home? Search all homes for sale

If you're buying an older home in Omaha, you may run into certain sets of issues that you might not see in newer homes. While older homes have a little character, charm, and curb appeal, you need to be wary of getting caught up in the excitement that comes with buying a home that has those features.

Trees, for example, are said to make a neighborhood or house feel charming and distinct. However, many buyers don't look ahead to the maintenance that comes along with mature trees, like the constant trimming and cleanup required every fall. Cleaning gutters and raking leaves always seem to be bigger chores than you think they should be.

Also, consider the windows of an older home. They've likely been painted over several times - are they painted shut? Do they even open? If they do open, are they in good enough shape to stay open for you to enjoy those Nebraska breezes?

Plumbing can also be an issue in older Omaha homes. The condition of cast iron waste lines, as well as the connection from the sewer line to the street, are plumbing issues that buyers often overlook. Be sure to ask or look at the disclosures about the plumbing and how it has been updated, if at all.

Aesthetically, buyers are also drawn to wood floors in older homes because the charm and character they bring can truly be special. You should be very careful and pay attention to the settling of these wood floors, as well as nicks and cuts from old carpet that was laid over the wood at some point. Carpet tacks can really have an effect on the visual appeal of wood floors, so be on the lookout.

Finally, pay attention to the condition of the foundation, and whether the home has been retrofitted with a sump pit. Many older homes don't have the same kind of technology that modern homes having in making themselves watertight. If an older home needs to be retrofitted with a sump pit, it can get very expensive if you need to take it on after buying the home. Look out for bowing or sagging of foundation walls, and see if any previous homeowners have put in a sump pit to help with water intrusion.

The character of old homes is unmatched, but is the structure?

So there's a lot to enjoy when it comes to buying an older home, but be sure you do your homework thoroughly so you know exactly what you're getting into. If you have more questions about older homes, or you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Omaha, feel free to contact me.