Buying a Historic Home in SWFL? Some Things to Consider

When you think of buying a home in Southwest Florida, you might think there aren’t many historic homes left on the market. However, while we have plenty of new construction, there are also numerous historic homes throughout the area. And some of them have a ton of potential and charm!

However, when you’re buying a historic home, the purchase comes with its own set of factors to be mindful of. Of course, this is the case for a home in any part of the country, but as your real estate resource in Southwest Florida, I knew we had to put together something for those of you considering our area. So, let’s take a look!

What’s the condition of the AC unit and handler?

For homes in Southwest Florida, the AC is always one part of the property we want to look at. In the case of older or historic homes, it’s especially important to review how old the unit and handler are. lt’s also essential to consider how these may have been installed and how easily it will be to replace them in the future.

Has the roof been upgraded and cared for properly?

Since Hurricane Andrew in the 90s, home construction throughout Florida has changed quite a bit. Better-designed shingles and re-enforced structures have greatly helped protect homes in SWFL. While it won’t necessarily be a deal breaker if your home hasn’t been upgraded, be mindful if it has extra value.

What type of wiring was used throughout the home?

Just like with roofs, the art of wiring has come a long way in recent years. For example, once upon a time, homes may have had knob and tube wiring, which can be a hazard today due to degradation. It’s key to know whether a home needs upgrades in this area.

What style was the home built in?

Quaint bungalows and Mid-Century Modern lofts… when you’re buying a historic home in SWFL, you want to be familiar with the history of your home’s design. Although it’s become much easier to match styles with reproductions today, this isn’t always the case, and you’ll want to have an idea of how this might factor in.

What type of windows is in the home?

For example, jalousie windows were immensely popular in Southwest Florida homes for a number of decades. Though many people find these to be a part of the charm in a historic home, they’re also not the most energy efficient. Knowing the condition and type of windows you have will allow you to research possible upgrades for the future.

Terry Records