新建房固然有着很明显的优势，比如，房屋结构的设计更流畅合理，厨房浴室的装配更现代新颖，供暖空调等设备更环保节能。但是，仍然有许多人偏好那些有一些年头的“old charm”。这其中的原因固然是新建房一般价格比二手房贵，另一个重要原因可能是新建房的location多半没有旧房子的好，特别是在新州近纽约的都会区，因为开发早，现在已经没有地方用来成批的修建新社区。同时，新建房的地税一般比旧房的高。综合很多因素考虑，相信大部分人还是以买二手旧房为主。那么我们一般能接受“多旧”的房屋呢？也就是说，什么样的condition我们在买房的时候可以考虑接受，什么样的condition我们应该避免？总的原则是：避免结构性的维修。
这里转载Money magazine一篇关于condition的一些比较，可作参考。
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 | Outdated kitchen Revamping a kitchen can return 75% to 100% of your investment on resale.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. |
