When making the momentous decision to sell a historic house, homeowners start to wonder what upgrades, if any, they should invest in before putting the house on the market to maximize the selling price. This is a valid concern since buyers will seek out the house’s history, but they will also want certain “modern” conveniences. This does not mean they expect everything to be contemporary; in fact, for potential buyers of a historic home, the charm of the original features offers an unrivalled pedigree which is likely what drew them to the property in the first place. Allocating your budget for upgrades and repairs that maintain the property's historical and structural integrity, while providing functionality and curb appeal, is the best way to maximize your return on investment.
Interior Updates That Add Value to Historic Homes
The key to interior upgrades and repairs is maintaining the original character of your historic brick home. This is not the time to swap out trim, redo original ceilings, cover hardwood floors or knock down walls. Instead, focus on modernizing key components that could otherwise turn buyers off. For example, upgrading your electrical panel and wiring may not provide a ‘wow’ factor, but overloaded circuits or knob-and-tube wiring could definitely set back the sale.
Consider new kitchen and bathroom countertops, backsplashes, flooring, new handles or fixtures, and even cabinet refacing for a more immediate impact. You don’t need to redo everything, but strategically replacing a few items in each of these rooms provides the fresh, modernized appearance buyers will appreciate. It’s crucial to repair or replace broken fixtures, leaks, or other plumbing issues. It’s important to remember that when selling a historic brick home, no amount of cosmetic improvement can compensate for obviously neglected areas.
Add Curb Appeal for Big First Impressions
While you may be used to the comforting façade of your historic brick home, it is important to look at it from the buyer’s point of view. It may help to take photos, as sometimes your eye will see things differently than when trying to gauge what needs attention when standing in front of it. For example, consider your front door and garage door. Are they in good condition and looking fresh? If not, replacing them might be a wise choice.
Take a good look at your hardscaping and landscaping, too. Is it neat and focused, or unruly and overgrown? Tidying up your existing plantings is a low-cost way to significantly increase your curb appeal. You can also speak to a historic home expert about installing a new patio or fence, or making repairs to your old retaining wall, in order to boost the property’s desirability even further.
In addition to the aesthetic appeal, repairing uneven or worn driveways, walkways, or your front steps may be crucial to mitigating safety hazards.
Work With a Historic Brick Expert for the Greatest Impact
When selling a historic brick home, you’ll want to consider working with an expert to ensure how to best showcase the unique appeal of historic brick. An expert in traditional tuckpointing can do more than fix cracked or crumbling mortar. They can provide clean, crisp mortar lines and impeccable brickwork, making your home stand out to potential buyers. In an ever-changing market, a historic brick expert can guide you through the updates that will ensure your home captures the potential buyer’s attention and makes your house one they’d want to purchase.
If you're considering selling your historic brick home in DC, contact Renaissance Development for a complimentary consultation - we can help you make decisions on what to repair or replace, all while maintaining the structural integrity of your historic property.
