Although I'm involved in industrial work rather than residential construction, I've seen enough to know that the age of the home has little to do with the quality.
In my view, homes built in the 50's thru 80's are much better constructed than the stuff being build today. They had better lumber, used plywood or full plank deck rather than OSB, copper and cast iron plumbing, better plumbing fixtures, real fireplaces, real stone or brick instead of stick on, etc.
Although they can be a bit more energy efficient and have a few nice interior features, today's tract homes are junk. They are all built by the cheapest guys they can find and are thrown up as quickly as possible. The concrete work is hideous, masonry almost non existent, all sheathing is OSB, all plumbing is plastic, etc., etc.
I think you would be much better served to buy an older home and allow yourself some additional dollars with the purchase to do energy upgrades such as windows and insulation, update the kitchen and restrooms and maybe a few cosmetic or electrical upgrades.
