Historic homes are appreciated for their elegance, architecture and charm, but when it comes to selling, they can present a whole host of challenges.
We’ve come up with a list of great tips to ensure you present your historic property in its best light and receive the price it deserves.
1. Share It’s Story
Every home comes with its own unique story. Those original hardwood floors and intricate features not only give it appeal, but also remind us of a bygone era. Share with people the history of your home’s location, its past occupants, and the decades of stories that make it interesting and timeless.
2. Appreciate It Like Artwork
Think of your historical home, with its quality craftsmanship and rare design, like a rare piece of art. When you understand and appreciate its features, the architect who designed it, and how it has stood the test of time, it’s much easier to communicate its value to your potential buyers.
3. Make It A Media Darling
The media love a nostalgic story, so why not pitch your property to your local newspaper and community websites. Did it have famous owners? Does it some with a great love story? Or does it offer something intriguing like a hidden room or secret passages? Weave together your home’s fascinating tale, and you may just get some free publicity.
4. Honour It’s Heritage
Before you sell or renovate your historic home, make sure you check if it is heritage listed. A heritage listed property comes with redevelopment restrictions so it retains its current condition.
On the upside, there will be buyers who are seeking a heritage property because they believe the prestige makes it highly valuable. On the downside, there will also be buyers who shy away from anything heritage-listed, because they believe the restrictions decrease its value.
To find out if your property is heritage-listed either check with your local council or search the Heritage Inventory in your state.
5. Remove Any Health-Hazards
Once-upon-a-time it was common for homes to be built with hazardous materials like asbestos or lead-based paint. To avoid these setbacks affecting the sale of your property, arrange a professional building inspection so you can quickly identify any issues and arrange the safe removal.
6. Go Beyond With The Cleaning
As we know, presentation is everything when it comes to a successful sale. When neglected, older homes tend to collect years of dust, mildew and musty odours. Go all out with a good deep clean (including those tricky spots like ceiling cornices and lead-light windows), so your classical home sparkles like a brand new gem.
7. Avoid Unnecessary Updates
Once you’ve made the decision to sell, it can be tempting to do some renovations to help with the sale. Before you become over-exuberant, remember those architectural features and beautiful details are what make your home unique to the right buyer.
8. Modernise for Today’s Buyer
Whilst you should maintain the original features of your home to preserve its value, there will be areas that beg for attention - especially outdated kitchens or bathrooms. Modernising the kitchen and bathroom adds significant buyer appeal to your property and makes it more desirable than those needing a total overhaul.
9. Sophisticate Your Styling
The home-owners who achieve the highest sale price for their property, are typically the ones who understand the importance of styling their home.
Avoid presenting your heritage home with an overdose of heavy antique furniture and furnishings that look like “Grandma’s place.” Instead, lighten-up the space with contemporary or modern minimalistic decor that reflects modern living, but still compliments the character of the home.
10. Choose An Expert Agent
A sales strategy that is as unique as your historic home, is the secret to a successful sale. That’s why you want to partner with an agent who not only understands the nuances of selling a classical property, but has connections with the people who love them.
The ideal real estate agent will take an inquisitive rather than a prescriptive approach to the sale process, and prepare a strategy that honours your home’s character, style, and timeless characteristics.
Looking for more advice to market your historical home? Simply reach out to R&W and we’ll match you with an agent who has expertise in this area.