Photo Credit @Port City Marina
Nestled along the southeastern coast of North Carolina is a place that is home to a world all of its own. A place where traditional southern architecture lines the streets, taking visitors and residents to a world gone but not yet forgotten. A vibrant culture and beautiful sights all around to explore, it’s easy to see why so many people have become enchanted by this little living piece of history. However, before you decide to pack up everything and officially call this place home, there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind. After all, buying a historic home in downtown Wilmington is a pretty big decision.
Luckily for you we’ve compiled some of our top tips to keep in mind before buying a historic home. From what you need to know before you buy to what to expect after, we’ll cover some of the most important things that you’ll want to know before settling into your new abode.
Invest in Inspection
While this is something that you’ll typically want to do before making an offer on any home, it’s especially important when you’re dealing with an older home. Over time, houses naturally begin to need a greater number of repairs, and with some houses in downtown Wilmington being over 100 years old, you’ll definitely want to have an inspection done before you seal the deal. The last thing that you want to happen is to pay for unexpected major repairs right after you move in. Even if you’re confident that the home is in great shape, it is still worth your while to have a home inspection done.
Prepare for Utilities
There is no doubt about it, historic homes are absolutely beautiful. However, they’re also notorious for higher utilities as well. Why? Older homes are often not equipped with the most efficient heating and cooling systems. Your best bet, ask to see a copy of the utilities, both for the summer and the winter. While paying a bit more for your utilities isn’t a big deal if you’re anticipating it, you definitely don’t want to be caught off guard either. Buying a home is a pretty big purchase, it’s important to know exactly what you’ll need to budget for. While this probably isn’t a make it or break it decision, it’s something you’ll want to keep in mind as you’re considering your budget.
Check Before Renovating
New homeowners are often surprised to find out that any renovations they would like to have done must follow code if they are living in a designated historical district. Now, this doesn’t mean that you’re going to be severely limited. Rather, it’s an attempt to keep the homes within the district, well, historic. Too many modifications and these homes would lose their historic nature and appeal. The city is committed to preserving the unique look and feel of these homes. Thus, if you’re considering performing any major modifications to a home, always check with your real estate agent first to see if there are any limitations in place.
While there’s a lot to keep in mind before purchasing a historic home, there’s also a lot to love. These homes are unlike anything else on the market and are truly home to a lifestyle all of its own. Not to mention purchasing a historic house can be on the best investments you can make (And we’re not talking just financially either)
Looking to turn your real estate dreams into a reality or have questions when it comes to buying or even selling your house? We’d love to help, just give us a ring or contact us today to begin your real estate journey.