In working the Cherry Hill area, I would give them a second look if they have been well maintained and upgraded, mainly roof replaced, windows replaced, newer heater and AC unit. The school system is excellent and ratables should continue with the help of new business.

Ronnie,

If the home meets your needs.....really meets your needs, its age is irrelevent. More important considerations could be: location, community, resale value, schools, the home's physical plan, etc.

If the home is well maintained, has been updated where necessary, and meets your personal criteria, it may be a mistake to overlook it.

Good luck

It depends on your preference. Do you have to have a McMansion? I personally perfer older homes, they have more character. If a home has been cared for and was built well in the first place there's no reason to rule it out because of age.

Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Atlantic Shore

I believe in the old saying: "They just don't build them like they used to". I am under contract for a home built in 1963, and when I look at the construction qualty that went into this home vs. a modern home, well its not even close. The lumber used was better, the constructions methods were better, the craftsmanship was superior. Modern construction methods tend to push the boundries of cost vs. quality a little too far for my taste. If you compare a well maintained older home with a newer home of comparable size you will see what I mean.

The age of a home is important for a number of reasons:

The useful life of a roof is typically about 20 years, though roofs in areas that are prone to severe weather (eg Hurricanes) may not last as long.

Older homes (built before 1978) may contain lead-based paint, which is believed to cause certain health problems.

Plumbing and electrical components of older homes often require updates.

Always seek the advice of a licensed and bonded home inspector prior to closing on any home (new or old) that you are considering purchasing.

Ronnie,

You'll find very little if any nw construction in Cherry Hill. Cherry Hill is an established town. Most folks who consider Cherry Hill for housing do so for the convenience of commuting virutally anywhere. The schools and municipal services are very good too. Conditions of homes will vary regardless of age. New does not mean no problems either. To add to the suggestion of getting a home inspection I'd say get a local well established reputable home inspection. Most seasoned Pros can recommend a few. For your convenience feel free to search our entire inventory of homes for sale at http://www.YourNJHomeSearch.com You can view all of Cherry Hill and surrounding areas active listings. There's a cool map search there too. All pictures and tax info is shown as well.

Best Regards,

Jeremy S. Hill, Realtor Associate
Keller Williams Realty http://www.SouthNewJerseyHomes.com
Office: 856.685.1651
Direct: 609.876.5817
Fax: 609.482.8235
Licensed PA, NJ
"Your Interest 1st Always"

Hi Ronnie,
I live in Cherry Hill. Most of the homes were built in the 1050's-1960's. The quality of most of the construction was superior to homes built after that period of time. In the 1970's, there was a shortage on building materials and some less than quality construction...aluminum wiring, etc. The biggest worry in old homes goes back prior to the 1950's with issues such as knob and tube wiring, interior asbestos. There are a few neighborhoods that were built when Cherry Hill was still called "Delaware Twp." so those homes may have these "old" issues.

One nice thing about the older homes are the hardwood floors. When looking at homes (even new homes)look for major warning signs: are the floors even, is there a slant to the home when you walk around, is the electrical panel and wiring updated, how are the windows, etc.

Then follow Carolyn's advice from TX and get a good home inspection no matter where you purchase. Every home has some issue, from major to minor repairs. Good luck!

Ron...If the home has a good functional layout and has been updated and well-maintained, and it is in a neighborhood you are positive about, then you need to probe your motivation to purchase. If you are worried about repairs or construction issues you can have a home inspection, and also purchase a home warranty and even an extended warranty.

It is also likely that you are much, much "younger" than the homes in Cherry Hill, and that hesitation to consider older is normal. I had a Broker who would always say "young buyer, young house". And as silly as that sounds it was true. So the young couple who started out looking for that cute little grandma's house, normally ended up buying something more contemporary, and don't tell him but my Broker was often right. ;-)