We can't choose which house to buy because of all the choices on the market!?

Question

We are a young couple w/ a 5 month year old baby. We are looking at small houses in family friendly suburbs and one close to downtown Omaha. The first suburb home is 850 sq ft w/ a basement and is two houses down from a park, but it needs new carpet, paint, doors, and appliances. The other suburb house is nicer, but we'd stick out like a sore thumb because everyone else speaks a different language then us. The last option is a HUGE, beautiful, 100 year old, move in ready house 5 minutes from downtown Omaha in Little Italy. We're worried it might have hidden costs and not be as family friendly. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

I would keep looking and try to find one like the first, but ready to move in.

Answer 2

I would go with the one near the park.  Not sure the price range and if you have the money to put in the new carpet and appliances, but if you do that seems like the easy choice.  Although you are a young couple so you also want to think about investing in a home so you have some equity (just to keep in mind).  

I would stay away from Very Old Homes due to the reason you stated in hidden costs.  Who knows how old the electrical is?  Is it still Lead Paint?  How old is the plumbing?  

The only thing nice about a very old home is uniqueness and if no structural issues you know its solid, but don't know about structural issues in Omaha..

CHEERS