Selling a century home is a delicate process, as each home is accompanied by unique features and potential challenges. These homes, steeped in architectural elegance and storied pasts, offer prospective buyers more than just a roof over their heads—they offer a chance to own a piece of history.

As a real estate agent, guiding sellers through this intricate process requires not just market savvy, but also historical appreciation and a keen understanding of the potential obstacles that both buying and selling century homes present. Here’s our guide to successfully selling a century home.

The Charm and Challenges of Century Homes

Century homes, 100 years old or older, possess a distinct charm that sets them apart from modern-day builds. They often prioritize craftsmanship, boasting unique architectural details that captivate potential buyers. However, selling such a property comes with its own set of challenges:

Condition and Maintenance: Century homes often require more maintenance and may have outdated systems that need upgrading. Sellers should be prepared for inspections that might reveal issues with systems such as wiring, plumbing, insulation, or aging infrastructure.

Historical Significance: Many century homes are designated as historical landmarks, which can limit or even restrict renovations and modifications. Sellers should be aware of their home’s heritage designation, if any, and may need to disclose this to buyers.  Even those that are not designated may have restrictions and be included on the Town or City’s Heritage Register so important to know where the property stands.

Market Perception: While some buyers are enchanted by the idea of owning a piece of history, others might be deterred by the potential for higher maintenance and costly renovations, which can sometimes seem overwhelming. Understanding your target market is crucial to positioning the home effectively through marketing.

Planning on selling your home in the next few months? The posts below will help you navigate your situation:

The Listing Process

Pre-Listing Prep

  1. Do your research and gather as much historical information about the home as you can. Details such as its architectural style, notable previous owners, and any significant events associated with the property can be powerful selling points.
  2. Hire a professional to conduct a thorough pre-list home inspection to identify any issues that need addressing before going to market, or that would be better disclosed upfront to potential buyers. This proactive approach can prevent surprises during negotiations.
  3. Address critical repairs brought forward during your inspection, especially those related to safety and functionality. Consider making selective upgrades that enhance the home’s value and appeal without compromising its historical integrity. It’s important to consult with a real estate professional before deciding on renovations to ensure you get the best return on your investment.

Market with a Strategy

While century homes still benefit from conventional real estate marketing methods, thinking outside of the box can provide additional opportunities to find the perfect buyer for your property.  For example, marketing channels that attract buyers specifically interested in historical properties, such as specialty real estate websites, historical preservation groups, and local historical societies.

To maximize your online exposure, be sure to invest in a professional virtual tour that allows potential buyers to explore the home’s unique features from the comfort of their own homes through high-resolution photos and videos. We also suggest working with a professional stager, as a well-staged home with furnishings that complement its historical character helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space while appreciating its unique charm.

When crafting your listing’s story, emphasize unique architectural details such as original woodwork, stained glass windows, and vintage fixtures. Create a narrative that highlights the home’s journey through time, creating an emotional connection through the home’s role in the community. Be sure to balance the home’s historical features along with its modern amenities, highlighting any major upgrades such as electrical systems, plumbing, heating, and cooling.

Navigating the Sale

Once you’ve secured an interested buyer, there are several steps to ensuring a successful deal. Working with an experienced REALTOR® during this process can ensure that your interests are protected. If you follow our listing prep suggestions above, you’ll be well-positioned during offers!

Now is the time to ensure buyers understand any restrictions and benefits associated with owning a historical property by being transparent about historical designations. Having completed a pre-list home inspection can help prevent the buyer from gaining additional bargaining chips in the form of unexpected issues and repair costs.

While it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct their own due diligence, being upfront with this information can help the buyer make informed decisions, ensuring a deal that closes successfully.

Are you buying a new home after yours sells? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

What Sellers Need to Know

Selling a century home is a journey that requires patience, knowledge, and passion. Here are a few things we feel sellers should be prepared for:

  1. Invest in preparing your home for sale by hiring reputable inspectors and tradespeople and presenting it in its best light through professional staging and photography. Investing a bit upfront can significantly impact the home’s marketability and selling price.
  2. Be prepared to wait, as the niche market for century homes might result in a longer selling process and fewer showings than you expect. Patience is key, as the pool of buyers is constantly changing, and selling a century home is about capturing the right buyer at the right moment.
  3. Temper your expectations and keep your emotions aside. It’s easy to develop a strong emotional connection to your home, especially when you are woven into the long tapestry of a century’s home’s story. However, remember that not every buyer is right for your unique property, and don’t take negative feedback to heart.

Every century home has a story waiting to be told—crafting that story with care and precision is the key to a successful sale.

We at the Lisa Hartsink Team have years of experience in the purchase and sale of century homes and unique properties, and we are happy to utilize our knowledge and expertise to help those buying or selling a home with a story to tell!

Are you ready to get started selling your home? Reach out today to info@lisahartsink.com or call 905-873-9944 to take the next step.