Questions & Answers

What is an historic home?
An historic home, as it relates to this site, is a home that has survived the history of time and is usually of pre-1940 construction.

What is the first step that I must take in order to start the process of purchasing an historic home?
The best beginning is to find an agent who will be sensitive to the particulars of your home and have a full understanding of historic properties. Fill out the form under the tab: "Properties" and press submit. We will contact you to make sure that we understand your needs and only then will we put you in touch with a qualified agent in the area you are looking to purchase. There is no fee to you for this service.

What do I need to do to sell my historic home?
The first step would be to set up an appointment. As a referral agent, I have the ability to put you in contact with an agent in your area that will be interested in your perspective as an historic property owner. We believe that this is a personal business and find it essential to give you the opportunity to share with us your needs as a home-owner. In turn we find an agent that specializes not only in historic homes, but in the area where you are located to give the absolute best ability to sell your home giving your home specialized exposure in this unusual market. Our approach is very unique to this market and we work with agents at not extra cost to you.

Are there specific concerns I should have when investing in an historic home?
Historic homes vary in their architectural design and construction. Some have been properly constructed and updated while others have not. It is essential that you obtain a structural engineer to inspect the home that you are planning on purchasing. In addition a good general inspector is important to discover the possibility of mold and insect infestation. You should choose an individual with renovation experience if you are planning on restoring the home. There are other issues that are important to consider, which will be discussed on an individual basis.

What is a designated historic home?
A designated historic home is one that is listed on the National Register under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. It is administered by the Department of the Interior?s National Park Service. The buildings on the list are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture. When a home has been ?designated,? it mandates that the property must be considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects impacting the registered property. It also qualifies that site for financial assistance from governmental funds for historic preservation when the funds are available. For more information you may visit the National Historic Landmarks (NHL) Program Q&A at: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nhl/QA.htm#3, as well as The National Register of Historic Places at: http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr.

What is a preservation easement?
A preservation easement is a conservation easement whose principal purpose is to protect a property with historic, architectural, or archaeological significance. It passes a specific set of rights to an organization regarding a specific property. In turn, when an individual sells his home, the rights that have been set aside remain with the organization and do not pass to the home buyer. More information can be obtained by visiting The National Trust for Historical Preservation at: http://www.nationaltrust.org/law/easements.html#1 .