Your home is far from cookie cutter and that’s what you love most about it: you could gaze at its original hardwood floors and architectural details all day long. Its age only adds to the appeal and if walls could talk, they’d have decades of interesting stories to tell.
Tips for Selling Your Historical Charmer of a Home to the Right Buyer
Find an agent who understands how to sell historic houses
Don’t let renovations ruin your home’s historic character
Protect your home’s historic charm with an easement (even after you sell)
Be ready to rattle off your home’s numbers
Highlight your home’s history, not its fables
Know and disclose your home’s historic restrictions
Incorporate your home’s history into your marketing plan
Prepare for repair requests, then negotiate on what’s reasonable vs. not
Questions potential buyers may ask:
What year was the home built?
What substantial renovations or restorations have been made to your property?
Are there any significant historical facts, such as famous or notable former owners or residents?
Is the builder’s credit history satisfactory with no open liens or judgments?
What features remain original?
There are people who will pay more for a home on the historic register, while other buyers actually devalue a home because they want the ability to make changes, like replacing windows, without having to go to the historic commission.
Old houses come with oodles of charm, scads of character, and a whole host of quirks that require a buyer who’s ready to take on the challenge of homeownership.