100+ year old houses in Lehigh Valley, PA

Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2016 · 57 posts · 39 votes

We are looking at some very old houses (built between 1870-1900) in Lehigh Valley, PA. I generally don't think old houses are necessarily a bad idea for buy and hold, but depending on the way they were built & materials used there could be serious issues that are oftentimes area specific. Could anyone with experiences in the area share thoughts on what to look for during inspection?

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David Ribardo

Real Estate Agent · Allentown, PA · Member since 2016 · 197 posts · 181 votes

@Justin Brown Hey man! Good to see you, hope business is doing well!

@Doris Jin Huang In the Lehigh Valley most rental properties we sell were constructed between 1890 and 1920. These single family and duplex row homes are great investments. The key is to get a skilled investor-friendly inspector to make sure you have good plumbing, electric, structure, roof, and mechanical systems. Some of these houses have nightmares of knob-and-tube wiring packed with insulation, leaky cast iron sewer pipes, and cosmetic renovations slapped on to cover up structural issues. You want to find one with good bones that has been updated over the years and kept within modern code. This will give you a cost-effective property in the long run.

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Justin BrownBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Allentown, PA · Member since 2017 · 343 posts · 156 votes
6y
Hey Doris! I'm a realtor/investor who lives and does most of my business here in Lehigh Valley, specifically Allentown. There are some really great old homes here. As far as things to look out for I don't think there is anything beyond what you would be looking for in general with older houses. Cracked sewer pipes, old wiring, rotting wood. In someways the biggest enemy is just the time that various owners have had todo improvements/diy the wrong way not necessarily the old products. I was doing some electrical in my house which was build in the early 1900s and the electrician was shaking his head at what the previous owner did just a couple years ago. Good luck, I know that might not be much help, but check in if you come across any other specific concerns and I can try and help!
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Doris Jin Huang
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Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2016 · 57 posts · 39 votes
6y
@Justin Brown thanks for your response, Justin. This is helpful. And we do need help from local experts. Will send you a message.
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David Ribardo
Real Estate Agent · Allentown, PA · Member since 2016 · 197 posts · 181 votes
6y
@Justin Brown Hey man! Good to see you, hope business is doing well!

@Doris Jin Huang In the Lehigh Valley most rental properties we sell were constructed between 1890 and 1920. These single family and duplex row homes are great investments. The key is to get a skilled investor-friendly inspector to make sure you have good plumbing, electric, structure, roof, and mechanical systems. Some of these houses have nightmares of knob-and-tube wiring packed with insulation, leaky cast iron sewer pipes, and cosmetic renovations slapped on to cover up structural issues. You want to find one with good bones that has been updated over the years and kept within modern code. This will give you a cost-effective property in the long run.
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Doris Jin Huang
OP
Investor · New York, NY · Member since 2016 · 57 posts · 39 votes
6y
Originally posted by @David Ribardo:
@Justin Brown Hey man! Good to see you, hope business is doing well!

@Doris Jin Huang In the Lehigh Valley most rental properties we sell were constructed between 1890 and 1920. These single family and duplex row homes are great investments. The key is to get a skilled investor-friendly inspector to make sure you have good plumbing, electric, structure, roof, and mechanical systems. Some of these houses have nightmares of knob-and-tube wiring packed with insulation, leaky cast iron sewer pipes, and cosmetic renovations slapped on to cover up structural issues. You want to find one with good bones that has been updated over the years and kept within modern code. This will give you a cost-effective property in the long run.

Good points David. Just came across one with leaky iron sewer pipes last week. Thanks for the insight!

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Dami F.
Investor · Aston, PA · Member since 2020 · 38 posts · 16 votes
4y
Quote from @Justin Brown:

Hey Doris! I'm a realtor/investor who lives and does most of my business here in Lehigh Valley, specifically Allentown. There are some really great old homes here. As far as things to look out for I don't think there is anything beyond what you would be looking for in general with older houses. Cracked sewer pipes, old wiring, rotting wood. In someways the biggest enemy is just the time that various owners have had todo improvements/diy the wrong way not necessarily the old products. I was doing some electrical in my house which was build in the early 1900s and the electrician was shaking his head at what the previous owner did just a couple years ago. Good luck, I know that might not be much help, but check in if you come across any other specific concerns and I can try and help!

Hi Justin,
Hope you’re well. I am working on a potential deal in the Allentown area and was wondering if you had a recommendation for inspection/rehab. Doesn’t seem like there’s a ton out there. Any pointers would help.
Regards,
Dami

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