Appraising Historic Homes: Balancing Preservation and Market Value

July 9, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

When it comes to appraising a historic home, the unique characteristics of the home must be taken into consideration. For those dealing with appraising or buying a historic home, it’s important to understand the difference between market value and preservation value, as well the factors that can influence the appraisal. In this blog, we will explore the details of appraising historic homes, as well as the various factors that come into consideration.

What is a historic home?

A historic home is a building that has been designated as having special historical significance. These homes are typically in their original condition, including any of the original architectural features, and are usually more than 50 years old. They often have a special place in a community’s history and are typically preserved for their historic or architectural value. Historic homes can range from a modest bungalow to a grand Victorian mansion. They can also include a variety of architectural styles, from Tudor to Craftsman. If you live in an area where there are historic homes, they have likely been recognized by a local preservation group or municipality, which often has guidelines for their maintenance. Appraising a historic home presents unique challenges because you must weigh its historical significance against its current market value.

What is the difference between market value and preservation value of a home?

When appraising historic homes, it’s important to understand the difference between market value and preservation value. Market value is the estimated worth of the property in a competitive, open market. It reflects the amount a hypothetical buyer would be willing to pay for the home. Preservation value, on the other hand, is the value of the home as a historical asset. It considers how well the home has been maintained and the potential of restoration to make it an even more valuable asset. Preservation value also takes into account any state or federal incentives for maintaining and preserving the home, as well as any restrictions that could affect future development or modifications. A professional appraiser will take both of these factors into account when determining the home’s worth.

How do historic districts impact appraisal values?

Historic districts and landmarks can impact appraisal values in a variety of ways. For one, they add to the overall desirability of the home, which can add to the appraisal value. Historic districts may also provide an additional layer of protection for the area and the home, in terms of zoning laws, land use regulations, and more. This can help preserve both the market value and the home's historical importance. Additionally, in areas with historic districts, tax breaks may be available to homeowners due to the fact that the area has been designated as a historic district. These tax breaks can often have an impact on the appraisal value as well. Ultimately, it is important to consider the local historic district or landmark when appraising a home, as these can have a significant impact on the appraisal value.

Are historic home appraisals more complicated?

Historic home appraisals can certainly be complicated, particularly when factoring in preservation versus market value. Historic homes carry a unique set of characteristics and can appreciate or depreciate differently than other properties. A professional appraiser understands these nuances and can properly weigh the pros and cons of the various aspects of the home. When appraising a historic home, the appraiser must look at the home’s physical condition and any renovations or restorations that have taken place. Additionally, the appraiser must consider current market conditions and trends, any legal restrictions on the property, the surrounding neighborhood and the specific features of the home. All of these things must be taken into account when assessing the home’s market value. In summary, historic home appraisals can be more complicated than other appraisals. However, with the knowledge and expertise of a professional appraiser, the process and resulting value can be accurately determined.

What criteria is used to determine the historic value of a home?

The criteria used to determine the historic value of a home varies depending on the particular situation. Generally speaking, appraisers will use several factors to assess a home’s historic value, including age, architectural style, and historical significance. Age is an important factor in determining a home's historic value. Older homes that have stood for many years may be considered to have more value than newer homes. In addition, the architectural style of the home will play a factor in its historic value. Home styles that are particular to a certain area and culture may be seen as more valuable than homes with more generic designs. Finally, a home's historical significance can have an impact on its value. Homes that have been linked to important people or events can often be seen to have greater value than other homes in the area. An appraiser will take all of these criteria into consideration when determining the historic value of a home.

How do appraisers measure the historic significance of a home?

When appraising historic homes, appraisers must consider the home’s unique historic and architectural significance. This assessment helps to determine a home’s market value. Appraisers rely on a variety of data, including research of the home’s age, original construction materials and style, as well as any local, state, or federal government regulations that may be in place regarding historic preservation. In addition to researching the home’s history, appraisers may also consider the home’s proximity to other historically significant homes or neighborhoods. This helps to determine the home’s value as part of a larger historic narrative or context. Collecting data and evaluating the historic significance of a home can be a time-consuming process, but it is essential to ensuring accurate market value is determined.

How do appraisers take recent improvements and renovations into account when appraising a historic home?

When appraising a historic home, appraisers take recent improvements and renovations into account in several ways. First, they account for the cost of the improvements to the overall market value. Depending on the scope of the renovations, they may account for both monetary and non-monetary considerations. For example, a landmark home's historical significance may be enhanced by renovations, and this could raise its market value. Additionally, with a historic home, appraisers must also consider the high cost of repairs and restorations. Depending on the age and condition of the home, some repairs and restorations may be required to maintain the home's value. All of these factors must be taken into account when appraising a historic home. Ultimately, an appraiser must balance preservation of the home's historic value with its market value.

What are some challenges in appraising historic homes?

Appraising historic homes comes with its own unique set of challenges. For starters, they often have non-standard features that can be difficult to replace. Historical features can also be expensive to repair, and can add to the cost of upkeep. Additionally, the presence of significant historic features may influence the value of the home more than modern amenities do. In addition, the value of a historic home might be based more on its historical significance than its actual market value. Appraisers must take into account both the current market conditions and the home's value in terms of its historical importance. Finally, the age of the home can make it a challenge to accurately measure its condition. Some homes may have been in disrepair for decades, while others may have been maintained in near-perfect condition since they were built. In either case, accurate appraisals must be done in order to make an accurate assessment of the home's value.

How does location influence the market value of a historic home?

The location of a historic home can greatly influence its market value. Location affects the potential buyer base, access to amenities, and overall desirability. If the home is located in a desirable area with lots of conveniences like shopping and dining, it will likely be more desirable than a home in a rural area or an area with few amenities. This can increase the market value of a historic home as potential buyers are willing to pay a premium for the convenience. Additionally, the location of a historic home can be influential when it comes to the overall condition of the home. Homes in rural areas tend to be in better condition and require fewer repairs than homes in urban areas, which can again affect market value. It’s important for appraisers to recognize the influence of a historic home’s location on its market value.

What resources can homeowners use to help appraise their historic home?

When appraising a historic home, homeowners have many resources to fall back on. One of the most important is the National Register of Historic Places. This is a listing of all the properties recognized by the U.S. government as having historical significance as determined by the National Park Service. This registry provides invaluable information to homeowners in terms of what makes their property historically significant. In addition, homeowners can access specialized appraisal services from experts that have in-depth knowledge of historic homes and their market values. These professionals use their expertise to examine the home in detail and come up with accurate market values. Finally, homeowners can look to websites and organizations that specialize in the preservation and promotion of historic homes, such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This site provides helpful tips and information for homeowners who want to preserve the original character of their properties while making them attractive to potential buyers.

Conclusion

When it comes to appraising a historic home, it’s important to understand all the details that come into play. AppraiseItNow provides assistance with appraising historic homes as our team of appraisers are well-versed in conducting such appraisals. We take into account all factors that come into play when determining an accurate appraisal and are committed to helping our clients get an accurate estimate of the value of their historic home.

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