As a seller, if you have a home that is considered historic, there are some important things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to know that your home will likely come with additional restrictions, both from the city and from potential buyers. That means that you’ll need to be specially prepared for interested parties and make sure that your home is in compliance with all regulations. Having said all of that, there are also plenty of benefits to selling a historic home – namely the amazing feeling of historical significance it can bring to the new owners.
If you’re thinking about putting your historic home on the market, be sure to give these tips a read.
1. Become The Expert On The House’s History
When you put your house on the market, it’s important to be able to share its history with potential buyers. They’ll want to know what made it special to you, why you chose it, and what kind of life you’ve led there.
By becoming an expert on your house’s history, you’ll be able to answer any questions buyers may have and help them envision themselves living in your home. Here are a few tips on how to become the authority in your house’s past.
First, find as much information as you can about the house’s history. In most cases, records will be available at a county or city office that keeps property records. You may be able to find deeds, tax forms, and other documents there that will give you an outline of the house’s past and how it came to be yours. If your home was built before 1930, you can search online for blueprints and building permits.
If no official records exist – if, for instance, your home was built before 1920 – don’t fret; we guarantee you’ll still have plenty of stories about your historic home! Because these houses were usually constructed by local craftsmen with unique designs and styles—designs they often put their own personal touches into —they’re usually handed down from generation to generation.
Knowing your house’s backstory can give you an edge when it comes time to negotiate a sale price – after all, buyers will be more likely to pay a premium for a home with a rich and interesting past. Furthermore, understanding your home’s history can help you plan appropriate renovations or updates that will maximize its appeal to potential buyers down the road. By becoming an expert on your house’s history, you’ll be in a much better position to get top dollar for it when the time comes.
2. Make A Unique Marketing Plan
Are you considering selling a historic home? If so, it’s important to create a unique marketing plan that will appeal to potential buyers. In today’s market, many buyers are looking for homes with historical character and charm. By using the right techniques, you can successfully sell your historic home in no time.
To get started, it’s important to understand what makes a historic home unique. There are certain features that set these homes apart from traditional properties. Things like original woodwork, stained glass windows, and antique fixtures can add significant value to a property. It’s also important to highlight the history of your home in your marketing materials. This will help attract buyers who appreciate vintage architecture and design.
Homes that are considered historic are likely located in small towns or rural areas far from city centers. This means your buyer pool consists of people who appreciate vintage architecture and design rather than urban sophisticates. To appeal to these demographics, use photos that show off the surrounding community rather than the house itself. Photos of historical monuments, parks, public transportation hubs, or local cafés can all increase interest in your property.
Working with a professional marketing agency to sell your home will be your best option. A professional photographer knows the exact angles to use for your property, exactly what sort of lighting will best show off its features, and how to market it most effectively. When selecting an agency, research their previous projects to ensure they have experience selling homes just like yours.
3. Preserve The Property’s Historic Character
The market for historic homes is hotter than ever before. However, preserving the property’s historic character is of utmost importance to many buyers. Here are a few tips on how to sell a historic home while still retaining its charm.
First and foremost, it’s important to be truthful about the home’s history and disclose all information about its past owners and any major renovations that have been made. If necessary, create a timeline of the home’s history to provide potential buyers with as much information as possible. Showing reverence for the property’s history is key; make sure any repairs or modifications are done in a way that doesn’t detract from its original character. And finally, price the property appropriately; setting it too high or too low will only scare away buyers.
If the home has had major renovations done, it’s not always necessary to go back to its original condition. You can’t please everyone when selling a historic property, but you can still ensure that all potential buyers are happy with their purchase.
4. Key Updates To Consider
If you are thinking of selling your historic home, there are a few key updates you should consider before putting it on the market. Making these updates can help increase the value of your home and make it more appealing to buyers. At the end of the day, even historic buildings have to be up to code, so making sure that any issues with the roof or foundations are fixed prior to sale is key.
Here are a few of the most important updates to think about.
Walk-In Showers
If your historic home has a bathtub, but no shower, this can be a real turnoff for many buyers. Walk-in showers are very popular in most new builds and renovations. If possible, updating an existing bath with a walk-in shower can help increase the value of your property while giving it an updated look that more people will enjoy.
Kitchen Updates
No matter how beautiful your home’s kitchen is, if it is not up to modern standards, you may want to consider making some updates before selling. Updating the cabinets and countertops can give your dining area an entirely new look without having to be completely renovated. This could also help raise the value of your home significantly.
Updating the Paint and Flooring
This is something that most potential buyers will notice and appreciate. If you can, consider getting rid of carpeting throughout the house in favor of hardwood or tile flooring. If this is not possible, be sure to clean any carpets thoroughly before putting your home on the market.
Roofing
While many people are aware that roofing issues can reduce a property’s value by as much as 10 percent, not many realize that it is important to take care of other aspects related to the rooftop. When preparing your home for sale, make sure all gutter systems are clear of debris and are draining properly. This will protect your house from water damage, which can also lower its resale value significantly if left untreated.
5. Modernize Where Needed
Historic chic and functionality can still go hand in hand, but if you’re like most homeowners, the idea of modernizing your historic home before selling it likely never crossed your mind. After all, preserving a home’s historic character is one of the main reasons people choose to live in them in the first place. However, with more and more buyers interested in homes with updated amenities and features, neglecting to modernize your home could mean taking a serious hit on its value.
Here are a few tips for bringing your historic home into the 21st century without compromising its charm.
- Make minor updates wherever possible- If your home has outdated wallpaper or fixtures, update them subtly instead of ripping everything out and starting from scratch. This will give buyers the impression that you’ve taken care of the property while keeping its authentic character.
- Modernize your kitchen and bathrooms – Your kitchen and bathrooms are the two most important rooms in any home, so make sure they reflect current style trends. If you can do this without gutting the room, it will help maintain your home’s authenticity while making it much more appealing to potential buyers.
- Consider gut renovations- More extreme updates might be necessary if you’re trying to increase the value of an older property. This includes adding open floor plans or opening up walls between spaces to create a larger sense of space inside the home. However, gut renovations should only be done if you’re committed to living in your property for at least five years because it could impact your resale value significantly.
6. Disclose Any Restrictions
When selling a historic home, it’s important to disclose any restrictions that may be in place. These can include deed restrictions, zoning regulations, or covenants. Failing to disclose such restrictions may lead to problems down the road for the new owner. It’s always better to be up-front and let potential buyers know what they’re getting into. By doing so, you may be able to avoid costly legal battles down the road.
Summary
When you live in a historic home, there are many benefits to enjoy. However, when it comes time to sell, there can also be some disadvantages. This is because a historic home is often more expensive and difficult to sell than a home that is not designated as historic.
A good real estate agent will know how to market your home in a way that takes its historical value into account. They will also have connections with buyers who are interested in purchasing historic homes. But, there are some downsides to selling your home using a realtor. Apart from spending large amounts of time in the selling process, hiring a realtor is expensive.
If you have a historic home that you are looking to sell, seeking out cash buyers could be your best option. There are specific regulations governing how these homes can be marketed and sold, as well as restrictions on who can purchase them. Thankfully, there are cash buyers who specialize in purchasing historical homes, which can make the process much simpler for the seller. By working with a cash buyer who specializes in historic homes, sellers can avoid many of the headaches typically associated with selling a home.
While there are many cash home buying companies out there, it’s important to do your research before choosing one so that you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible. With Simple Sell Home Buyers, we make the process of selling your home simple. We buy homes for cash and don’t require any repairs or renovations in order to close the deal. If you are interested in getting into contact with us or to schedule a home tour, give us a call at (+)1-516 603 5748.
Image Credits
GreenHeart Companies / Google Stock Images
CapRelo / Google Stock Images
Weirdet Group / Google Stock Images
UNCLE Credit Union / Google Stock Images
D1 Roofing Repair / Google Stock Images
The Week / Google Stock Images
ProSource Home Buyers / Google Stock Images
