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A Door with Some Weight to It

By Sara Goss

Real Estate Agent with HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate

July 03, 2009 03:27 AM

Sometimes the best thing about selling real estate is looking at properties. Most of my buyers are looking for fairly new homes, or new construction. But recently, I have been showing a couple some older homes. They are are relocating from the east coast and want a home with a sense of history, a traditional home in their words.

I'm secretly jumping up and down because I love older homes. All those extra architectural details and built-ins are just plain cool.

In the greater bay area of Houston, Texas, we are still experiencing rapid growth, and that means there are dozens and dozens and dozens of fairly new homes and subdivisions. In all price ranges. I like scouting the new ones and staying aware of progress on existing communities. Close-Out! Now that's a happy word here if you are looking for a bargain in new construction.

Showing older homes is one of the ultimate experiences for me as a buyer's agent. Around every corner there may be more quirky built-in storage in the teeniest tiniest little section of wall. Or door hardware and fixtures that seem timeless and substantial, not aluminum and disposable and to-be-replaced in 5-10 years. Wide framing around a doorway says "permanence" and in a way references the stability of families, jobs and commitment to a place that have deteriorated in subsequent times. Admit it, it's just plain satisfying to swing open a door that has some weight to it.

Don't know what my buyers will ultimately choose, but glad we are of like minds when it comes to older homes. Not quite a fetish, just a strong fondness. Can't wait to view some more homes on their list!

©2009 Sara Goss All rights reserved

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss

Serving the Houston Bay Area of Texas, helping families sell their houses and helping families find the home of their dreams, from new construction to historical homes.

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Michelle Gibson

Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. - Wellington, FL

REALTOR

Sara that's awesome. The area I work an "older home" is something built in the late 70's-80's. Unfortunately no architectural detail there, just a lot of wallpaper and funky tiles. I love homes with character.

Jul 03, 2009 03:50 AM

Li Read

Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC

Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

I love "character homes" myself, and, like your area, not so many of them around. Always a pleasure to show them.

Jul 03, 2009 03:57 AM

Susan Emo

Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON

Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

When I first saw this house my jaw dropped! Built in 1880's and more than 6000 sq ft, it was a Drs home and office. The details inside are unattainable in this day and age. The coving and skirting boards are 18 inches and a work of art. Every window has the top 6 original stained glass, yet it is truly energy efficient; holds the heat in the winter and stays cool in the summer. The north wing is where the servants would have lived and scurried down the back stairs to the scullery. What a difference in flooring and detailing! The doors are unbelievable and the original skeleton keys are all in place! It stayed in one family, generation after generation, and lovingly maintained unlike so many that fell into disrepair.

Have fun looking at older homes and good luck finding them the perfect place.

Jul 03, 2009 04:15 AM

Sara Goss

HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate - League City, TX

Realtor - Houston Bay Area, Texas

Michelle, we have plenty of that here too. Thanks for stopping in and stay safe this weekend!

Li, another afficionado! . . . hope you have fun with all your showings and a great fourth.

Susan, I am riveted!! Your description alone is full of details long gone in newer construction. Thanks for the photo too - b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! Hope you get to show it again, or perhaps live in it? Take care.

Jul 03, 2009 04:42 AM

Sara - I have to confess that I bought it on the spot!

Jul 03, 2009 04:46 AM

Lucky lucky you . . . that's awesome! Do you have it all decked out for the fourth?

Jul 03, 2009 04:50 AM

Richard Dolbeare

Inactive - Wailuku, HI

Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

Ah yes, it's nostalgic to see homes like the one I grew up in.

Jul 03, 2009 05:13 AM

Thanks for stopping in Richard, a tropical paradise must be wonderful too! Have a good Fourth!

Jul 03, 2009 10:58 AM

c m

Colorado Springs, CO

A hundred years ago, ( well, maybe not that long ago) I lived in La Marque and worked in Galveston. It was there, that my love of all things old, weathered, Victorian, full of character, took hold. I bought antiques and longed for a home to put them in. Later, here in Colorado I have owned a shotgun Victorian, an 1885 gingerbread Vic, and a 1902 foursquare...back in a rancher, longing for character!

Jul 09, 2009 05:09 AM

Cheryl, Yes, Hmmm La Marque and Galveston. There are some incredible Victorians in Galveston County, the upkeep is really a labor of love. Good luck in your search for a home with character!

Jul 11, 2009 01:20 PM

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