Should we compromise on sq ft to buy a newer house (1985 vs 1978)?

Question

Planning to put an offer for a house from 2 we liked. The one we liked a bit more is 5 yrs older (30 yrs to 25 yrs). How big of a deal the year built from a maintainance or resale point of view?

Answer 1

Both of your offerings are considered in the same age range.  It makes no difference whether it was built in the late 1970's or the mid 1980's.  Offer to buy the one which you like best.

Answer 2

I don't think the difference in age is worth it.  You're only talking about 7 years.  That's not much in the life of a house.  Most systems that need to be replaced or updated will need to happen at about the same time for either house.  Take the one you like better.

Answer 3

I wouldn't consider that a compromise.  I'd be more concerned with whether a house is outdated, the condition, the floor plan.  Five years isn't much, and the newer house could have had poor maintenance while the older one had tender loving care.

Answer 4

It would be one thing if you were talking about houses from 1934 vs. 2002, but the difference in your case isn’t really significant.