So you're looking to purchase an older home? Before you get in, here are ten things you should know. The intricate gingerbread porch trim, the big stone fireplace, and the quaint bay windows and nooks and crannies all seem so lovely. But should you buy the old property or just go on a house tour to admire it? 1.) What is the age of the item? Don't trust real estate tax records, which are frequently based on guesswork. If possible, restrict the house's construction date down to a specific decade with the help of an experienced architectural historian or some old-fashioned sleuthing at the library. 2.) Is the Foundation in Good Working Order? It's pointless to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a restoration paint job if the cellar bricks are collapsing and the only thing holding up the walls are termites holding hands. 3.) How's the plumbing situation? Check to see if the toilets and sinks are still connected to their original cast iron plumbing (at least 50 year...