新建房固然有著很明顯的優勢，比如，房屋結構的設計更流暢合理，廚房浴室的裝配更現代新穎，供暖空調等設備更環保節能。但是，仍然有許多人偏好那些有一些年頭的“old charm”。這其中的原因固然是新建房一般價格比二手房貴，另一個重要原因可能是新建房的location多半沒有舊房子的好，特別是在新州近紐約的都會區，因為開發早，現在已經沒有地方用來成批的修建新社區。同時，新建房的地稅一般比舊房的高。綜合很多因素考慮，相信大部分人還是以買二手舊房為主。那麽我們一般能接受“多舊”的房屋呢？也就是說，什麽樣的condition我們在買房的時候可以考慮接受，什麽樣的condition我們應該避免？總的原則是：避免結構性的維修。
這裏轉載Money magazine一篇關於condition的一些比較，可作參考。
RED LIGHT These problems can be incredible costly. Run away. | YELLOW LIGHT These issues may be fixable. Consult a pro to determine. | GREEN LIGHT Fixing these problems will return at least some of your investment. |
| Major cracks in the foundation To fix major foundation cracks, the house often needs to be propped up. | Leaking or sagging roof Ask the roofer if you can plop on a new one (cheaper) or if you must strip the old (more costly). | Too few bathrooms A half bath could run $15,000 but it can increase the home's value by 12%. |
| Sagging stairs One loose tread is okay, but if the entire staircase bows, you may have foundation problems. It's a big job - see above. | A 20-year old boiler A more modern system (which you will likely have to install within a few years), will cost thousands. | Outdated kitchen Revamping a kitchen can return 75% to 100% of your investment on resale. |
| Leaks or water damage A long-term leak can rot your carpet and your walls, cause mold and require extensive repairs. | Mature trees within 15 feet Roots can grow into pipes causing leaks or sewage backups. | Too-small rooms Adding an archway or moving a non-load bearing wall can open the layout at a cost of around $7,000. |
| Termites Mud tubes and hollow wood are signs of a serious infestation, particularly worrisome if the house has a wood frame. | High radon levels To mitigate this lung cancer risk, you must install a ventilation system. | Cracked, drafty or warped windows New, energy-efficient windows cost as little as $200 each and can make a big difference in appearance and heating bills. |
