Tips for Selling a Historical Home By Owner

When you own a historical home and decide it is time to sell it yourself, it is important to consider all of your options to ensure you get the best deal. In addition, you need to be aware of any restrictions that can go along with selling a historic house and include that information in your listing. 

What Is a Historical House?

A historical house must meet several criteria to be considered historical, including:

• It must be a certain age.
• It could be connected to historical events.
• It could be connected to an important historical figure.
• It could be part of a particular period style.
• It holds some relevant connection to history.

Tips for Selling a Historical Home

#1. Know your home’s history and historical importance.

You may need to do some research to find out what makes your house a historic home. Knowing this information is essential when you want to sell the home, as potential buyers will also want to know this same information. 

#2. Highlight the uniqueness of your home from other modern homes in your area.

Your home most likely has a story that goes along with its historical charm. You should be able to incorporate this story into your listing to make your home stand out from other modern houses for sale in your neighborhood.

#3. Highlight the historical and modern aspects of your house.

If you plan on staging the house, take the time to stage it correctly. You want prospective buyers to be able to see the historical aspects and original features that make your home unique. However, you also want to ensure they see any modern elements of the house, such as a tankless water heater, modern appliances, or smart energy-efficient lighting. 

#4. Limit your renovations and repairs.

Limiting what renovation and repairs you make to a historical property is crucial. Depending on your local historical society, you may also have certain restrictions on what you can and cannot do. For example, you might be unable to tear out walls or change the home’s structure. However, you can improve the home’s insulation, install new windows, repair or replace the roof, or convert a basement into a finished basement. 

#5. Include an easement with your home sale. 

An easement ensures that the historical status of the home is protected. In some areas, this will be a requirement for the sale of the house. This is a legal agreement that prevents buyers from making any renovations to the house that could affect the home’s historical status. 

#6. Value your home correctly.

Valuing a historic home requires more than just looking at market comps from recent sales of modern homes. You may want to get your own home inspection and valuation from someone experienced with historical homes before you list it for sale to have an accurate value. 

#7. Use professional pictures and social media. 

When you are selling a historical home yourself, you will still want to take professional photos of the house. You may also want to create a virtual tour of the home. Do not be afraid to use social media to list your house, as it can expand your market of potential buyers. 

#8. Point out any major issues or repairs that need to be made.

If you decide to sell the house as-is, take the time to list any major issues or repairs that need to be made. Be sure to mention if any restrictions will need to be followed when making the repairs. For example, your historic district may require you to maintain the style of the house, so any repairs must match that style. 

Consider Selling Your Historical House to a Cash Investor

When you want to sell your historical house quickly and do not have time to wait months to find the right “historical” buyer, selling it to a cash investor can be a great idea. Cash investors will have to adhere to any historic preservation requirements and restrictions in place. You may also be able include an easement as part of the terms and conditions of the sale. 

If you already have gotten an independent inspection and appraisal, you can use this to negotiate with the cash buyer to get the best sales price. However, keep in mind that if repairs are needed, these would lower the sales prices. 

To find a cash investor to buy your historical house, submit your property details quickly and easily, and for free, at 800CashToday. You may also call us at 1-800-Cash-Today if you have further questions.