When new homebuyers think about purchasing Atlanta, Georgia real estate, they often picture the city’s beautiful historic homes. There are plenty of historic properties among Atlanta real estate listings, but homebuyers should keep several considerations in mind before they go house hunting for an older home. Keep reading to find out what you should know about historic Atlanta, Georgia real estate.
What Makes a Home Historic?
Even if homeowners feel that their homes have significant historic value, they cannot independently designate their homes as a historic property. Instead, a property must be named a historic home by the National Register of Historic Places or by a local historic society. In order to be considered a historical home, the National Register of Historic Places usually requires that the house is more than fifty years old. However, in individual states, the age requirement for a house can vary drastically, so much so that even a 100 or 150 year old home may not qualify as historic. National and local regulators typically also consider a home’s architecture and structure, as well as whether the home is the site of a historically significant event or has ties to an important figure.
What Regulations Should You Know About?
Each state has a unique set of regulations and incentives for people who own historic homes. In many cases, once a home is designated as a historic property, the owners will be required to follow guidelines that states and organizations put in place to help preserve the integrity of those homes. If you plan to renovate your home in the near future, you will most likely need to get special permits in order to do so. Many restrictions require that you don’t add additional square footage to your home or change the nature of the home’s roof, windows and shutters.
While these regulations can be somewhat restrictive, there are some perks to seeking out a historic home in the Atlanta real estate listings. In addition to enjoying the beauty of one of these houses, you may also be eligible for tax credits and loans that come with lower interest rates. These monetary incentives are provided to encourage homeowners to maintain these important properties and contribute to the value of the historic structures.
What Kind of Historic Home Can You Find in Atlanta?
Atlanta real estate listings are filled with historic houses that have been modernized so that residents can enjoy comfortable living. For example, a lovely home on 1217 Converse Drive NE was built in 1917 and features four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The home was first built as a camp building for orphans, but has been updated to fit with modern requirements and comforts. However, the home still has many of its original features, such as pine flooring and ceilings and walnut walls. With large porches, decks and a great deal of outdoor space that borders Peachtree Creek, this historic home is an ideal fit for anyone who loves having the great outdoors as their backdrop.
While there are plenty of excellent options that will come up when you search for Atlanta, Georgia real estate, consider investing in a historic home. Not only do these properties come along with several perks, but they also have a great deal of beauty and historical value that is priceless.