Modern Or Vintage Home - What's Best For You?

Decision Time For Buying A House -- Vintage Or New Construction

Modern or vintage home? Benjamin Franklin knew how to answer that question!

"Beauty like supreme dominion, is but supported by opinion."

In other words, whether you prefer buying a house newly constructed or a turn of the century home, it is all a matter of taste.

Consider architecture. Wood frame windows or expansive glass?

Picture your perfect neighborhood. Tree lined streets or sleek landscaping?

As long as outdated electrical doesn't scare you, the character of a 19th century Victorian may be worth the cost of repairs. But for anyone with week-end plans that don't include wearing a tool belt, new construction might fit the bill. Yes, it is all a matter of what you value.

Take for instance convenience. Multiple outlets on each wall. Gas fireplaces. Bamboo flooring. Efficient closets. Modern kitchen. Or do you prefer the tradeoff of charming gables, oak flooring, wood burning fireplaces and a kitchen window overlooking the backyard?

Now consider efficiency. Do you require air conditioning or are fans satisfactory?

As the Greeks described individual taste, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. To help decide, ask your real estate agent to take you out for a comparison. Because when it comes to buying a house, taste is the all-important qualifier. May your taste rule!

One last thought, modern or vintage home, whichever you decide, consult a home inspector.

---

Article No.143 by Kate Ford, real estate insider and author of Ask Kate. If you enjoyed this article, you will like Comparable Home Prices - How To Price Real Estate also.