Selling any home requires planning, but selling a historic home comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Historic homes often carry architectural significance, unique charm, and a deep connection to Denver's rich history. While these properties can be highly desirable to the right buyers, they also come with specific considerations that sellers must navigate.
If you’re the owner of a historic home in Denver, you may be asking: What should I know before putting my home on the market? How can I highlight the features of my historic property to attract the right buyers? And are there any regulations or restrictions I need to be aware of?
The Linkow Baltimore Team, led by Aaron Linkow, is here to guide you through the process of selling your historic home in Denver. This comprehensive guide covers everything from pricing to marketing, as well as legal considerations to ensure a smooth and successful sale.
What Makes a Home Historic in Denver?
Before diving into the specifics of selling, it’s important to understand what qualifies a home as "historic" in Denver. A home is typically considered historic if it has architectural, cultural, or historical significance, and it may be part of a designated historic district or individually listed on local, state, or national registers.
Historic Designation in Denver
Homes in Denver that are designated as historic are usually protected by specific preservation regulations. These regulations are designed to maintain the architectural integrity of the property and may restrict certain types of renovations or alterations.
There are several ways a property can receive historic designation:
- Local Historic Designation: Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission oversees local historic designations. Homes that are designated as local landmarks are subject to specific rules regarding modifications to their exteriors.
- State or National Register of Historic Places: Homes listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties or the National Register of Historic Places may also come with restrictions and benefits, such as eligibility for tax incentives for preservation efforts.
If your home is part of a historic district or has received individual designation, you’ll need to work closely with a knowledgeable Denver Realtor like Aaron Linkow to understand how these regulations impact the sale of your home.
Step-by-Step Process for Selling a Historic Home in Denver
Selling a historic home involves more than just putting a "For Sale" sign in the yard. Below are the key steps to ensure you attract the right buyers and maximize the value of your unique property.
1. Determine the Value of Your Historic Home
Pricing a historic home in Denver requires a specialized approach. While many buyers are willing to pay a premium for the charm and character of a historic property, others may be hesitant due to potential maintenance costs or restrictions on renovations.
Key factors to consider when pricing a historic home include:
- Architectural Style: Does your home feature a rare or highly sought-after architectural style, such as Queen Anne, Craftsman, or Victorian?
- Historic Significance: Is your home tied to a significant historical event or figure? Homes with notable backstories can often command higher prices.
- Condition of the Property**: While historic homes offer charm, buyers will still want to know that the property is in good structural condition. Issues like outdated electrical systems, foundation problems, or roof repairs can affect pricing.
- Comparable Sales: Your Realtor will conduct a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to determine how your home compares to other historic properties that have recently sold in Denver.
The Linkow Baltimore Team has extensive experience pricing historic homes and can help you set a competitive price that reflects both the property’s unique appeal and the current Denver real estate market.
2. Understand Legal Restrictions and Requirements
One of the most important aspects of selling a historic home is understanding the legal restrictions that may be in place. Many historic homes are subject to specific rules that limit the types of modifications that can be made, particularly to the exterior.
Denver’s Landmark Preservation Ordinance
Denver’s Landmark Preservation Ordinance protects properties designated as local landmarks or located within historic districts. If your home is subject to this ordinance, any exterior alterations—including painting, roofing, or window replacements—must be approved by the Denver Landmark Preservation Commission.
It’s essential to disclose any historic designations or preservation restrictions to potential buyers upfront. Buyers need to be aware of the implications of owning a historic property, and the Linkow Baltimore Team will ensure all necessary disclosures are made in compliance with local real estate laws.
Tax Benefits and Incentives
Selling a historic home in Denver can also come with potential financial benefits. Both state and federal governments offer tax incentives and grants for the preservation and rehabilitation of historic properties. These benefits can be an attractive selling point for buyers who are interested in maintaining the home’s historic integrity.
Your real estate agent can help you communicate these potential benefits to prospective buyers, making your home even more appealing.
3. Highlight the Unique Features of Your Historic Property
Historic homes offer one-of-a-kind features that modern homes simply can’t replicate. When marketing your home, it’s important to emphasize the elements that make it special, including:
- Architectural Details: Highlight original features like hardwood floors, stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, or period-specific fireplaces.
- Cultural Significance: If your home has ties to notable historical events or figures, make sure this story is told in your listing and marketing materials.
- Unique Layouts: Unlike cookie-cutter new builds, historic homes often have unique floor plans, with charming nooks and crannies that give the home personality.
The Linkow Baltimore Team will create a tailored marketing strategy for your historic home, showcasing these details through professional photography, compelling descriptions, and targeted marketing campaigns that reach buyers interested in historic properties.
4. Prepare for Showings and Open Houses
When preparing your home for showings and open houses, it’s important to strike a balance between maintaining the historic charm of the property and ensuring that it feels welcoming to modern buyers.
Staging can be an effective way to highlight the home’s best features while making it feel livable for today’s buyers. Consider removing excess clutter and personal items to let the home’s architecture take center stage. In some cases, you might also want to make minor updates, like refreshing the landscaping or adding period-appropriate lighting, to enhance curb appeal.
5. Market Your Home to the Right Buyers
Not every buyer is looking for a historic home. However, there’s a specific market of buyers who are passionate about owning and preserving a piece of history. The key is to reach this niche audience through targeted marketing.
Here’s how the Linkow Baltimore Team will market your historic home:
- Online Listings: Your home will be featured on major real estate websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with an emphasis on its historic value.
- Social Media Campaigns: We’ll use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase the home’s unique features with high-quality visuals and compelling stories.
- Local and National Networks: We’ll tap into our network of real estate agents and potential buyers who are specifically interested in historic properties, both locally in Denver and nationally.
6. Negotiate Offers and Close the Deal
Once you’ve attracted interested buyers, the next step is reviewing offers and negotiating terms. Historic homes often attract multiple offers, especially if they’re in desirable Denver neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Highlands, or Washington Park.
Your Realtor will help you evaluate each offer, not just based on price but also on the buyer’s financial qualifications, contingencies, and willingness to adhere to any historic preservation guidelines.
Once an offer is accepted, we’ll guide you through the closing process, ensuring all legal and financial matters are handled smoothly.
Conclusion: Trust the Linkow Baltimore Team to Sell Your Historic Home
Selling a historic home in Denver is a unique process that requires expertise, attention to detail, and an understanding of both the real estate market and preservation regulations. The Linkow Baltimore Team, led by Aaron Linkow, is here to guide you through every step, from pricing your home correctly to finding the right buyer.
With our knowledge of Denver’s historic districts and our commitment to providing exceptional service, we’ll ensure your home sale is successful and rewarding. If you’re ready to sell your historic home in Denver, contact Aaron Linkow and the Linkow Baltimore Team today to schedule a consultation.
