Owning a Virginia historic property can be a rewarding investment, but it is important to know what you are getting into. Virginia historic homes often require significant restoration and upkeep.
If you’re looking for an easy fixer-upper or want to buy in a location where there are no zoning restrictions, this may not be the right choice. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort required of owning a Virginia historic property, we’ve compiled 5 tips that will help you get started!
1. Consider the upkeep of any Virginia historic house before you buy it.
Buying a Virginia historic home means that you must put extra time, effort, and money into upkeep. Buying a Virginia antique house with plumbing or electrical upgrades needed may be more trouble than it’s worth. If you are interested in rescuing an old property, do some research about whether there are any grants or funding available for that restoration.
2. Find out about any zoning or building restrictions that might affect your historic Virginia property.
You may be buying a Virginia historic house for the beauty of its old architecture, but that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want to it. Check with your county or town’s zoning laws and find out exactly what kinds of renovations are allowed on your particular property before making an offer. Buying a Virginia historic home without knowing how much freedom you have with renovations could end up being a costly mistake!
3. Research neighborhood statistics and crime rates.
A beautiful Virginia historic property may be the perfect fit for your family, but it’s important to do some research into whether you’re going to feel safe there. Buying a historic home in an area with high crime rates means that you must put extra security measures in place and be prepared for all kinds of emergencies.
4. Get an inspection of the house from a professional inspector before you sign on the dotted line.
If you’re interested in a Virginia historic home, get a professional inspector’s opinion before making an offer. Buying a historic home in Virginia without getting a legal inspection could result in having to make costly repairs down the road. Buying with no knowledge of what is wrong could result in buying something that will cost you more money than it’s worth!
5. Know how much renovations will cost before you start looking at Virginia historic houses
Buying a Virginia historic home is a big commitment, and you need to be prepared for what that entails. Buying your dream house only to find out that it needs $100,000 worth of renovations could leave you feeling let down and disappointed. Buying something close to the amount of money you’re willing to invest is key before you even begin your search.
Buying a Virginia historic home is an investment in more than just bricks and mortar. You are buying into the history of your town, as well as securing a place where you can live comfortably for years to come. But it’s not all roses-there are some drawbacks to owning historical properties that prospective buyers need to be aware of before they buy one.
