Buying A Historic Home? Here’s What You Need To Know

Published on 09/08/2021
ADVERTISEMENT

There is something special about living in a historic home. The landmark residence has a unique charm, personality, and of course, a connection to the past; all of these features are hard to find in new buildings. If your Historic Home is located in the Historic District, it may be eligible for additional discounts. Historic districts are usually well planned and have historical features that attract you at home. Historic neighborhoods are often full of homeowners looking to preserve the authenticity and originality of the area. These factors need to increase the long-term value of your home. The National Register of Historic Places classifies properties by age, weight, and importance. Real estate can include private homes, commercial buildings, attractions, and areas that meet the following criteria:

  • Age: The property is at least 50 years old (unless the property is very important).
  • Integrity: The property is very similar to how it was built and fully retains its original features and historical materials.
  • Meaning: The object is associated with historical events, people or events that are important to the story. It can be architectural history, landscape history, or engineering achievements.
  • Buying A Historic Home

    Buying A Historic Home

    ADVERTISEMENT

    What Makes a Real Estate Property Historic?

    You may know that the house was built a long time ago. However, the factors that formally define a particular home or community as “historic” are more subjective than many people think. The National Register of Historic Places is perhaps the most famous historical name. You may have noticed the characteristic bronze stains of these characteristics. As of 2019, the National Registry lists more than 95,000 properties, representing 1.8 million contributed resources, including buildings, parcels, regions, structures, and properties. However, the national registry, which is administered by the National Park Service, does not actively identify historical heritage. Just review and approve historical status requests.

    Benefits

    Both federal and state tax breaks can benefit longtime homeowners. Lyon encourages buyers to do research and “use all economic incentives” such as tax cuts or low-interest home improvement loans for historic properties. According to the 2018 National Trust for Historic Preservation Report on State Tax Credits for Historic Periods, 35 states provide tax credits for heritage restoration. Some states give homeowners an additional 25% loan, and some states give you a loan if the property generates income. If the project is for a barn, New York provides an additional 25%, and if you are rebuilding a factory, South Carolina provides an additional 25%. Check with your state heritage preservation office for more information. There is also a Historic Building Renovation Tax Credit (HTC), which is a credit of 20% of the eligible value of a historic project. The plan was changed with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and now the loan must be received within five years. For more information, contact a qualified tax credit advisor. However, the best financial benefits may be in the long term. Historic homes in popular locations will cost more. Due to the limited number of older homes, purchase and maintenance can yield a good return on your investment.

    Benefits

    Benefits

    Challenges

    Depending on the home’s condition, maintenance and repair costs may be higher than those of conventional homes. For some restoration projects, labor costs can be increased due to the need to hire skilled artisans with experience in drywall and masonry repair, according to statistics from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Financing can also cause some problems, so it is essential to speak with your mortgage lender. Some banks may need to provide additional loan guarantees for older homes. If you are applying for a VA or FHA loan, make sure the home meets the standards they specify; If the house needs major renovations or has structural problems, you may have problems. That said, you may be eligible for two FHA programs: a limited 203 (K) loan and a Title 1 property improvement loan. With a 203 (K) loan, you can finance up to $ 35,000 for home renovations or renovations. And the cost of your project must be at least $ 5,000. The repair must be completed within six months. With a Title 1 loan, you can borrow $ 7,500 unsecured for minor repairs; the maximum amount you can borrow is $ 25,000.

    ADVERTISEMENT