I grew up in a historic neighborhood in Greensboro, North Carolina, and so I have always felt a connection to the historic homes we have here. I love the stories that each residence has to tell, and the way they personify in their own, one-of-a-kind way.
When listing historic homes for my sellers or finding the perfect property for my buyers, I focus on the details, and Greensboro’s historic properties have so many fascinating features. Homes like Edgewood Estate (111 Arden Place) in the heart of Sunset Hills, for example. Once the social scene of Greensboro, Edgewood Estate is now one of the oldest and finest historic estates in the south. Or, The Harden House (108 Fisher Park Circle), a 1913 neoclassical craftsman with design elements ahead of its time. Also, the Douglas-Ravenel House (106 Fisher Park), a 1912 neoclassical residence that pairs modern amenities with historic architecture to create the perfect living space.
Homes like these make our community special and I appreciate the owners who take such great care of them, honoring the integrity of their original style.
As a long time partner with Preservation Greensboro, I have learned so much to help my clients buy and sell historic homes. I always keep a few things in front of mind:
- Learn the home’s story. Each historic property has a unique story — some even have their own name! I love to learn as much about the property as I can. Often that involves conducting my own research and learning from the homeowner. People who love historic properties enjoy learning all the details so I like to be ready with as much information as possible.
- If listing a historic property, find the best resources to help you market it to your target audience. Most people who want to purchase a historic property are looking for very specific details, and there are several resources available that allow you to showcase your listings and elevate these details so that you can find the perfect homeowner for the property.
- In line with Tip #2, be available in case a potential buyer wants to learn more about the property from you (or the homeowner). Frequently, those in the market for a special historic residence want to meet with the listing agent or homeowner to learn more about the property. While I always love sharing the details with potential buyers, I prefer to leave the final decision to the buyer’s agent and potential buyers on whether I or the homeowner should be present.
- Historic value adds to the value of a home. Sometimes historic homes come with a larger price tag, but that value is based on more than just the location — it’s also based on the story of the home and the elements that cannot be found anywhere else. Features like original stonework or custom milk quartz sinks and towel racks add to the value of the home because they cannot easily be found in another home.
- There are tax benefits to owning historic property. If a home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places property taxes are 50% — forever! Plus, if you do renovations to certified historic properties, you may qualify for a tax credit. You can’t beat these benefits!
Our historic homes in Greensboro have stood the test of time because of the thoughtful care of their owners. I understand the importance of placing a historic residence in the right hands and love working with clients to help them find their dream historic property. I would love to hear from you — do you have a favorite historic property in Greensboro? My favorite? 111 Arden Place!