Buying A Historic Home?

So, you’ve found a house that makes your heart skip a beat. Maybe it has a big porch, old wooden shutters, a chimney that leans just a little, and windows that let in the softest light. It’s beautiful, it’s unique, and it looks like something out of a movie. You can already imagine yourself living there—drinking tea by the window, decorating with vintage finds, and telling your friends, “Yep, this house is over 100 years old.”

But before you go signing papers and planning where your couch will go, let’s talk. Because buying a historic home is a little different than buying a newer one. It’s exciting, yes—but there are a few things you’ll need to know to make sure it’s the right choice for you.

Let’s walk through it together.

First, let’s talk about what a historic home actually is. Usually, a home is considered historic if it’s over 50 years old and has something special about it. That “something special” could be the way it was built, the person who lived there long ago, or the neighborhood it’s in. Some homes are even officially listed as historic by the city or state. That means they’ve been recognized for their importance, and there may be rules about how they can be changed or taken care of.

Now, here’s the thing, owning a historic home isn’t just about living in it. You’re also taking care of a piece of history. These homes have been around for a long time. They’ve seen different families, different decades, and all kinds of changes. And when you buy one, you’re becoming a part of its story. That’s really special—but it also means there are a few extra things to think about.

One of the first things you’ll notice is how charming these homes are. The details are what make people fall in love—things like arched doorways, original wood floors, old fireplaces, and maybe even a stained-glass window or two. These features give the house personality and make it stand out. But the same things that make it beautiful can also bring some surprises. Since the home is older, you might run into issues that newer homes don’t have. Maybe the wiring is outdated, or the plumbing needs work. The windows might be drafty, or the foundation might need repairs. These aren’t deal breakers, but they’re things to know ahead of time.

That’s why getting a really good home inspection is one of the most important steps. Not just any inspection—one from someone who understands old houses. They’ll check everything from the roof to the basement and help you figure out what’s working well and what might need fixing soon. It’s much better to learn about any problems now rather than after you move in. That way, you can plan for repairs and make smart decisions about your budget.

Speaking of repairs, let’s talk about fixing things in a historic home. It’s not always as simple as heading to the nearest hardware store. Because the house is old, some of its parts might not be made anymore. If a window breaks, you may not be able to replace it with a modern one—you might have to repair the original or have one custom-made to match. That can cost more money and take more time. The same goes for doors, floors, or special trim work. It’s all doable, but it takes patience.

Now here’s another thing that surprises a lot of people, you might not be allowed to make certain changes to the home without permission. If the house is officially historic or located in a protected district, there could be rules about what you can change. For example, you might not be allowed to paint the outside a new color or replace the windows with modern ones. The goal of these rules isn’t to make your life harder—it’s to protect the home’s historic look and feel. It’s a good idea to check with the city or a local historic group before making any big changes. That way, you won’t accidentally break a rule or run into problems later.

With all this talk about extra work and rules, you might be wondering, is there any good news? Yes, there absolutely is. In many places, there are special programs that can help you take care of a historic home. Some cities offer tax breaks if you restore certain parts of the house. There may also be grants, which are like free money, or low-interest loans to help with repairs. Not everyone qualifies for these programs, and they vary depending on where you live—but it’s worth looking into. You might be surprised at how much support is out there.

Let’s say you’ve checked out the home, gotten a great inspection, and looked into all the rules. You’re still excited, and you’re ready to take the leap. That’s amazing. But before you sign the final papers, take a moment to ask a few important questions. Ask if the home is officially listed as historic. Ask what kind of repairs have been done recently. Ask if the electrical and plumbing are up to date. Ask what kind of changes are allowed and if any rules apply to the outside of the home. These questions will help you feel more confident in your decision and help you plan ahead.

So, what’s it really like to own a historic home? The honest answer is it depends. Some people fall completely in love with it. They love the feeling of living in a place with stories, where every scratch in the wood or little squeak in the floor means something. They enjoy learning about the home’s history and sharing it with others. They’re happy to take their time, to fix things the right way, and to be part of something bigger than themselves.

But it’s also okay if that’s not you. Not everyone wants a home that needs extra care. If you’d rather have a place that’s move-in ready and easy to update, that’s totally fair. Historic homes can be wonderful—but they do take effort, and it’s important to know that going in.

If you do decide to buy a historic home, give yourself time to get to know it. Take walks through the rooms. Learn how the light changes during the day. Listen to the sounds the house makes at night. Talk to your neighbors—chances are, they know something about the house or the people who lived there before. Slowly but surely, the house will start to feel like home.

In the end, buying a historic home is more than just a purchase. It’s a relationship. You’re taking care of something that’s been around for a long time. You’re adding your chapter to its story. And maybe, one day, someone else will fall in love with it too—because of the care you gave it, and the life you built there.

So if you’re feeling drawn to that house with the creaky steps and the ivy on the walls, trust that feeling—but also take your time. Ask questions. Plan ahead. And know that with a little love, patience, and planning, your dream of living in a historic home can absolutely come true.

Because sometimes, the best places to live aren’t just homes—they’re living pieces of history. And you? You could be the perfect person to keep that story going.

Thinking about buying a historic home? You don’t have to do it alone.

Tyler Stewart and her amazing team at Health Real Estate are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re falling for a home with century-old charm or just starting your search, they’ll help you ask the right questions, understand what to expect, and make confident decisions.

Historic homes can be a big step—but with the right team by your side, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Tyler and her team know how to match big dreams with smart moves, and they’re passionate about helping you find a home that fits both your heart and your lifestyle.

Ready to start your journey?

📞 Reach out to Tyler Stewart and Health Real Estate today. Your storybook home might be closer than you think.