Buying, Selling & Restoring Older Homes

Q1: What qualifies as a “historic home”?

A home is considered historic if it meets at least one of the following:

• It’s located in a designated historic district

• It’s 50+ years old with preserved architectural detail

• It’s architecturally significant (Tudor, Victorian, Craftsman, etc.)

• It was built by a historically recognized architect

• It’s tied to important local history

Historic = character, craftsmanship, and story — not just old age.

Q2: Do historic homes cost more to maintain?

Not always.
Well-built homes from 1880–1940 used materials that last longer than modern construction. Costs usually come from:

• Deferred maintenance

• Incorrect repairs

• Replacing things that should’ve been restored

Proper care often extends value rather than increasing long-term cost.

Q3: Will a historic home hold its value?

Historic homes often hold or increase value because:

• Demand for character homes is strong

• Neighborhoods are protected by design standards

• Many buyers want craftsmanship modern homes don’t offer

Values vary by city, but historic neighborhoods typically appreciate steadily.

Q4: Can I renovate a historic home?

Yes — and many owners do. The key is:

• Using the right materials

• Keeping key architectural elements

• Following district guidelines, if applicable

I can connect you with preferred pros who specialize in historic-friendly updates.

Q5: Should I be worried about lead paint, asbestos, or old wiring?

Most historic homes have at least one of these, and they can be safely managed with:

• Encapsulation

• Professional removal

• Thoughtful electrical upgrades

The key is not disturbing old materials until you know what they are.
Your inspection + my trusted specialists help you navigate this.

Q6: How do inspections work for older homes?

We use inspectors familiar with:

• Plaster

• Knob & tube wiring

• Stone / brick foundations

• Original windows & doors

• Historic roofing

This ensures findings are accurate (many inspectors mislabel original features as “problems”).

Q7: Will my mortgage or insurance be affected?

Sometimes — older wiring or roofing can impact underwriting.
That’s why I pair buyers with lenders familiar with historic properties.

Union Home Mortgage is in your preferred partners list — and they know how to navigate this.

Q8: Are historic homes hard to heat or cool?

Not when properly maintained. Weatherstripping, window restoration, attic insulation, and storm windows often outperform new construction.

Q9: What neighborhoods are best for historic homes?

Every city is different, but I specialize in:

• Detroit’s major historic districts

• Pontiac’s heritage neighborhoods

• Ann Arbor’s classic architecture

Your soon-to-launch “Historic Districts” hub will guide buyers city-by-city.

Q10: Do historic homes sell differently than modern homes?

Yes — and this is EXACTLY where your brand shines.

Successful sales require:

• Storytelling

• Cinematic film

• Period-correct marketing

• Knowledge of architecture

• Context about the neighborhood

• Targeting buyers who value character

Most realtors can’t do this.
History Loves Company is built specifically for historic-home marketing.

Q11: Do historic homes sell for more?

Often they do — when marketed correctly.
Buyers pay a premium for:

• Original detail

• Preserved materials

• Architectural character

• One-of-a-kind features

• Neighborhood desirability

Bad marketing = lower price
Correct marketing = higher offers

Q12: How do you price a historic home?

Traditional comps don’t always apply.
I analyze:

• Architectural style

• Level of preservation

• Craftsmanship

• Historical relevance

• District restrictions

• Buyer demand

• Modern updates done correctly

This gives a more accurate valuation than automated tools or generic agents.

Q13: Does being in a historic district limit what buyers can do?

Only on the exterior, and only for work requiring a permit.
It does not affect interior renovations.
Districts protect neighborhood character which often increases long-term value.

Q14: What makes HLC different from a traditional real estate agent?

• Cinematic storytelling

• In-depth research

• Neighborhood history

• Architectural accuracy

• High-level marketing

• YouTube + multi-platform reach

• Preservation-minded selling

• A brand built specifically for historic homes

This is not average real estate marketing.

Q15: Do you only work in Michigan?

HLC’s content and branding are national.
Real estate services are currently licensed in Michigan, but:

• Content covers cities across the country

• Collaboration opportunities exist everywhere

• Long-term expansion is planned

Q16: Can you feature my home in a video?

Yes — HLC Originals, Streets of History, and Homes of Michigan all accept home/story submissions.

Use:
👉 /contact
and choose Feature My Home as the subject.

Q17: Do you charge for video features?

For property listings → video is part of the marketing package.
For non-listed homes → sometimes free, sometimes paid, depending on:

• Story

• Location

• Series fit

• Production scope

A submission doesn’t guarantee a feature, but everything is reviewed.