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 Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy 
Feb 12  # 1 of 10
built in 1903, and it has updates new roof etc.? Would the wood just be too old, or would it be a better quality than anything we see today? What are you thoughts on this subject? We are in the market and I found a real cutie, over 1600 sq. ft. plenty big for us and I am just wondering if that is simply way too old to even consider!
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 Posted By: chubbyalaskagriz 
Feb 12  # 2 of 10
Oh helll yeah, Cathy!

I love older homes- especially if they've been loved, cared-for and treated properly over the years!

Years ago SO MUCH more creative artfullness went into home design, and often many "value-added" features were just the standard and always included in homes- things that today would cost a fortune to include like stained glass, funky intricate windows, carved wood trim and fireplace-surrounds, built-ins, wood floors, wainscoting, intricate fixtures, etc.

We hear it all the time- but older homes have SO MUCH more character.

Don't get me wrong- I've seen many lovely new places too, but today it's rare to see such a bounty of beautiful features in homes simply because today they are considered "bonus options" that just add so much cost to a house.

I wish you luck in obtaining your charming, historic dream home, Cathy!
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 Posted By: Bubba707 
Feb 12  # 3 of 10
First have the inspection done. Have a professional check for any signs of leaks, wiring and plumbing. If those are ok and the structure is sound go for it. You can't get the quality of wood that went into those old houses any more.
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 Posted By: The Ironic Chef 
Feb 12  # 4 of 10
Cathy, as a Carpenter of many, many years of experience I will tell you that homes from back in the day were built so much better than those built today. Real timbers used for floor systems, a 2"x4" was an actual 2"x4". The sheathing for floors, walls and roofs were actually 1" tongue and groove material. The lathe and plaster walls required major work to install and the wood work finishes were done by craftsman.
That being said, Plumbing, heating, electrical, windows, doors, and cabinetry, at today's products are more advanced and to replace these items in a historic home will cost major dollars. As Bubba stated, get a really good inspection done and if everything is in good working order and renovations through the years were sound and just then you will have a nice investment and a home worth living in.
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 Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy 
Feb 12  # 5 of 10
Thank so much for the senceable and sound advice guys! We will do just that have the inspection 1st then the termite letter and go from there! I love the huge front porch, it is my main draw! Of-course fireplaces and rain gutters, and a workshop out back. We have not been over to it with the realtor yet, but since I could not quit thinking about it I figured I would ask someone more knowledgeable on the subject! I have bought and sold about 5 homes in my lifetime, just never a historic one built at the turn of the century!