Buying Historic Homes: Some Food for Thought

BUYING HISTORIC HOMES

Buying an historic home is often an emotional decision.  They seem romantic, nostalgic, and have a certain mystery and allure.  It is wonderful to feel that you are preserving a part of history, and fascinating to research your home to find out its own unique past.

However, be sure before buying that you fully appreciate the responsibilities and expenses involved in the restoration and upkeep of an historic home.  Can you afford to do everything that needs to be done to restore the home to your idealized picture of it, or even just to make it livable?  Foundation work and window replacement in older homes, for example, can be extremely expensive.  If you can't afford to pay to have the work done, do you have the time and energy to do it yourself?  For example, if you have small children or work long hours, do you really want to spend your nights and weekends scraping paint?

If you do decide that your dream historic home is really worth the cost and effort involved, be sure to hire a well-respected home inspector who is knowledgeable about historic homes to thoroughly inspect the home before purchasing.  Be sure to get references from your inspector before hiring him, and check them out in depth.

Taking the right steps in assessing your purchase of an historic home before you buy can save you from any unpleasant surprises after you move in.  If you decide that an older home is right for you, enjoy being a part of the history of your home!  We have a friend who owns a lovely turn-of-the-century house who says she does not think of herself as the owner of the home, but only as  a person who has been fortunate enough to be given its care.

If you are interested in learning more about historic properties in the Oklahoma City or Guthrie areas, please e-mail us at the link shown on the right.