Older Homes?

[Laura W.]

I was wondering if anyone had opinions on buying older homes? The town I'm in has a lot of older (maybe 1900-1920s) homes in desirable areas and also a lot of homes built from 1949 on.

It's an area that I'm interested in, but I've read one book by Robert Irwin and skimmed through another at Barnes and Noble and he mentions in numerous places not to buy houses over 10 years old, but especially not older than 25 years old. Is he just speaking from his personal experience, or is this something I should consider?

[Michael Rossi]

I have an apartment building that was built in 1835. I guarantee that's not the original plumbing and wiring in the building - because they didn't have electricity or indoor plumbing in 1835! These older buildings are built MUCH better than more modern buildings and will be here decades after some of today's building are gone.

Mike