Drive-by Appraisal: Ways to Determine a House’s Age

Many newer houses, especially those in more affluent neighborhoods, are designed with style elements that echo those of houses built in the first half of the 20th Century. If a new house is built in an area where the prevailing ages of the surrounding houses are from past decades, the new house will most likely be designed to fit into the neighborhood. After all, home buyers shopping in that area are probably familiar with the established quality of the neighborhood and are seeking to buy an older house. Also, many of these neighborhoods pride themselves on their historical significance and austere charm–minimalist modern architecture would not only be unwelcome in a neighborhood full of Victorian beauties, but it would also have relatively poor resale value. If even new houses are designed to look old, how do can you tell the difference when driving through possible neighborhoods when hunting for your new home?

One very good indication is landscaping. Newly constructed homes have an absence of expansive gardens. The trees are usually saplings. Fresh, empty flower beds may line the driveway or encircle the house. Look for tall, old trees, climbing ivy, and growth that seems just a little out-of-control. Flower beds should be settled without the rich, black earth of new beds. Older houses may have untrimmed walkways and weeds. This, of course, is not necessarily the case, but it is much more common in established houses than new ones, which may have younger owners and less garden area to maintain.

Examine the exterior of the house for elements that need replacement or repair. A house with new siding still may have windows that need updated-the siding may throw you off, but the windows prove that this house is definitely not new. Look at the roof-are shingles damaged or old? What about the driveway? Does it have cracks or appear to be faded? A modern driveway may be blacker and slicker than an old driveway and will be free of stains. Does hardware seem new and shiny or has it been exposed to weather for many years? Remember, older houses aren’t necessarily dilapidated; they may have been properly maintained over the decades. However, keeping your eye out for a few clues can help you determine if you are looking at a house that has been newly fabricated or is classic.

It’s not always the case, but it’s less likely that older people will inhabit newer houses. In older neighborhoods, the elderly will either stay in the homes they have lived in for years, or they will downsize to newer neighborhoods, retirement communities, or condominiums. A grand old Cadillac or Buick might be your indication that a house has age. The new houses in a typically older neighborhood may have children’s toys in the yard and shiny SUV’s parked in the driveway.

You can understand a lot about a house just by driving or walking by. Don’t’ underestimate what subtle things may tell you about the house. It’s easy to be fooled into thinking that a new house in an old neighborhood is like all the res-t-and it may or may not be for you. The key is to know what you are looking at so that you can determine whether to make an appointment with the real estate agent or continue your search elsewhere.

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