Buying houses that are over 100 years old

[Martin Guerrero]

Any advice for a newbie looking at desirable areas where houses are greater than 100 years old.? Specifically looking at a duplex.  For those that buy older houses what are common things to watch for or lessons learned? Thank you. 

[Jeff Copeland]

Plumbing, electrical, termite damage, and settling/foundation issues would be my main concerns specific a 100 y/o property. 

Everything else (roof, etc) would have been replaced many times over in the past 100 years (and is not unique to an older bldg). 

It's not uncommon to still discover things like galvanized supply plumbing, cast iron drains, orangeburg sewer lines, ungrounded wiring, aluminum wiring, and even old knob and tube. 

Termite, foundation, and settling issues are usually more obvious, but still worth looking out for. 

As long as you hire a solid home inspector, they'll be looking for and documenting all of these things.