Buying a house is something that requires some careful thought and deliberation, and there are a lot of options. One of the things to consider is whether you want a new construction home or a home that was previously owned. While it may be a "no brainer" for some, there are some people who believe that buying a pre-owned or second-hand home is a much better option. One of the main reasons is lower cost, but often clients find older homes have more "character" than the newly built.

If you are one of those who would rather get a pre-owned home, here are some tips that may help in your home selection and purchase.

Location is still key – as with any home, new or old, location is still something that you should always consider first. Is it near your place of work or easy to get to from work and school? How about all the other amenities that every human being needs? Always scout for second-hand homes in the areas that you like and in neighborhoods that you want to live in.

Condition of the home – of course, since the home has been lived in, chances are there will be some wear and tear. In order to determine if the home you are looking at is worth your time, you should have a professional check the plumbing, roof, and the electrical systems of the house. You should also check the structural integrity of the building itself to ensure that it is structurally sound.

Check the age – this does not mean that you should not consider homes that are rather old. You should just be more thorough when checking older homes since these will have more wear and tear, and more possible problems.

When you are looking for a pre-owned home to buy, or even a new one, you should definitely consider asking the help of a reputable real estate company. On Guam, one of the businesses you can consider tapping for this need is Island Realty, which has quite a list of services that you can tap for your home and relocation needs. Choose from our wide selection of houses for sale and find a home that fits your budget and your family’s needs.