Realtor Shares Tips for Buying Older Homes in New Mexico

Navigating the unique challenges of purchasing historic properties in the Land of Enchantment.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Realtor Skip Adams, with Sold by Skip, offers advice for homebuyers in New Mexico on what to look for when purchasing older homes, including issues with electrical panels, cast iron pipes, and roofing. Adams emphasizes the importance of budgeting for necessary renovations and repairs beyond just the monthly mortgage payment.

Why it matters

New Mexico is known for its historic adobe and pueblo-style homes, but these older properties can come with unique challenges that first-time or uninformed buyers may not anticipate. This guidance from an experienced local realtor can help prospective homeowners make informed decisions and budget appropriately when purchasing an older home in the state.

The details

Adams, whose first home was built in the 1950s, has firsthand experience with the realities of older home construction. He notes that insulation used to be as simple as "wadded up newspaper" and that cast iron pipes from that era often succumb to damage from tree roots after about 80 years. Other issues he highlights include outdated 100-amp electrical panels and antiquated flat tar-and-gravel roofs. To avoid costly surprises, Adams advises buyers to carefully inspect an older home's key systems and budget an additional $5,000 to $10,000 for necessary repairs and upgrades.

  • Older cast iron pipes typically last around 80 years.

The players

Skip Adams

A realtor with Sold by Skip who has experience buying and renovating older homes in New Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“You know what they used for insulation? Wadded up newspaper just stuffed in the ceiling. Techniques for construction have changed over the while and so homes are now much more efficient.”

— Skip Adams, Realtor (KOB)

“It's not just your mortgage payment, your taxes and insurance. You have to budget $5,000 for that new panel, $8,000 for a new sewer line. I just did $10,000 for a new roof on my place. So use that in your budget, not just the monthly payment.”

— Skip Adams, Realtor (KOB)

The takeaway

Buying an older home in New Mexico can be a rewarding experience, but it's crucial for prospective homeowners to thoroughly inspect a property and budget for necessary renovations and repairs beyond just the monthly mortgage. Working with an experienced local realtor like Skip Adams can help identify potential issues and ensure buyers are prepared for the unique challenges of historic homes in the Land of Enchantment.