References
NAR Library & Archives has already done the research for you. References (formerly Field Guides) offer links to articles, eBooks, websites, statistics, and more to provide a comprehensive overview of perspectives. EBSCO articles (E) are available only to NAR members and require the member's nar.realtor login.
Useful Documents for Researching a Home's History
- Courthouse deeds and records
- Mortgages, wills, and probate records
- Tax records
- Town and county histories
- City directories
- Insurance maps
Source: Finding the History in Your Home (OldHouseWeb)
How to Research Your Home
Unsolved Mysteries: 9 Ways to Find the History of a Property Online (HomeLight, Mar. 31, 2022)
“If the property you’re interested in is a historic home, then you should be able to locate it through the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register of Historic Places is a program of the National Park Service, where properties that are historically significant are recorded.”
How to Learn More about the History of Your Home (The New York Times, Sep. 18, 2021)
“Other resources include: area churches which often have records; sites like Ancestry.com to trace the families; and local history books, if they exist.”
How Do I Research the History of My House? (Library of Congress, Aug. 11, 2021)
“City and telephone directories allow you to look for individuals, families, or businesses to view such details as: addresses, occupations, and household residents. Observed broadly, they will also provide a community perspective.”
‘When Was It Built?’ Science Used to Determine Age of Historic Buildings (The Natchez Democrat, Mar. 22, 2021)
“Worthington took a drill to cut out cylindrical wood samples from original wood beams in the attic of Propinquity. Worthington said he chose the attic so that the appearance and integrity of the house would not be affected and also because there is a lot of space to work with and plenty of wood beams that could be part of the original structure.”
How to Find the History of a House (Old Historic Houses, Feb. 6, 2021)
“Even better there may be a historical society, museum or preservation foundation in your new town with exhibits and artifacts as well as knowledgeable staff to help answer questions.”
Land Records (National Archives)
Records held by the National Archives that can be of great use to researchers include, but are not limited to Land Entry Case Files, Right of Ways, Mineral Surveys, township surveys, and water rights.
General Information about Historic Property
What It’s Like To Live in a Historical Home (Rocket Homes, Nov. 29, 2021)
“As a more recent owner, Don Allison has been working to breathe new life into his home for 14 years. Having done a large portion of the restoration themselves, he and his wife have still put in around $50,000. Though there’s more to be done, Allison believes that the end is finally near.”
Historic Home Renovations Guide: Everything You Need to Know (Angi, Sep. 1, 2021)
Historical committees can help you determine if street-facing alterations will threaten the validity of its original features. They can also determine if structure repairs, such as adding drywall, will shorten the home's lifespan. In other words, it's helpful to have these experts on your side during the process.
The Best Cities for Buying a Vintage Historic Home (Apartment Therapy, Aug. 21, 2021)
“Cities with a vast inventory of historical homes come in all shapes and sizes, and fall along a diverse range of price points and geographic regions.”
Four Approaches to the Treatment of Historic Properties (Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service)
“The choice of treatment depends on a variety of factors, including the property's historical significance, physical condition, proposed use, and intended interpretation.”
Tax Incentives for Preserving Historic Properties (Technical Preservation Services, National Park Service)
“A 20% income tax credit is available for the rehabilitation of historic, income-producing buildings that are determined by the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, to be “certified historic structures.” “
National Register of Historic Places (National Park Service)
“The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation's historic places worthy of preservation.”
Architectural Styles
24 Popular Types of Architectural House Styles (The Spruce, Feb. 15, 2022)
“Many old homes are still full of the character that reflects their particular style. But if you want to incorporate old house charm in a newer dwelling, you'll have to learn about some of the key characteristics that make each style stand apart.”
Guide to Residential Styles (REALTOR® Magazine)
“This architectural styles guide will teach you about the structural elements that give a home character, history, and romance.”
Architecture Quiz (REALTOR® Magazine)
“You know your listings are beautiful, but how well can you describe them to prospective buyers? To test your architectural savvy, take our quiz.”
Explore by Architectural Style (U.S. General Services Administration)
“GSA's buildings reflect 200 years of architectural design. Click on a building in the image below to start your exploration of architectural styles.”
Buying & Selling Older Homes
Helpful Tips for Working with Historic Properties (REALTOR® Magazine, Mar. 7, 2022)
“Given the age of a historic home and the care involved in maintaining one over time, sellers are looking for that one person who is going to fall in love with the history of a home. This is why it may also make sense to market the home in a few nontraditional places, such as a local historical society or websites that cater specifically to older homes. Telling the home’s story on social media can also go a long way to catching a buyer’s eye.”
Buying a Historic Home? What to Know Before Buying and How to Preserve it (Redfin, Feb. 4, 2022)
“Keep in mind that depending on how much oversight the historic districts have, you may need to apply for a permit to renovate or conduct extensive maintenance on your home.”
5 Tips for Buying and Selling Historic Properties (The CE Shop, Nov. 5, 2021)
“You could get some additional coverage if the home has a notable former owner or any especially interesting historical features. If you have a newsworthy listing, consider contacting the press.”
10 Tips to Sell a Historic Home (American Society of Home Inspectors, May 28, 2021)
“When potential buyers go to an open house, they tend to gravitate toward a more contemporary-style design. Consider balancing your antique items with more traditional furniture pieces and modern window coverings. If you have vintage-style drapes, try pairing them with a sleeker-looking sofa.”
The Charms and Headaches of Buying a Historic Home (Rocket Mortgage, Mar. 25, 2021)
“There are many benefits and drawbacks involved with the purchase of a historic home. For example, you can save money in the form of tax breaks, but older homes can often surprise you with emergency repairs. You will need to determine what owning a piece of history is worth to you.”
Ask an Agent: What Should I Consider When Looking to Buy a Historic Home? (Northforker, Mar. 12, 2021)
“Elkin said the most common changes made are to floor plans, since those original to these homes were designed for 18th, 19th or early 20th century living. What’s more, “depending on the house, electric, heating and plumbing systems might be antiquated and need updating,” she said.”
Useful Websites
National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is leading the movement to save places where our history happened.
The online resource for historic preservation, building restoration and cultural resource management in the United States & Canada.
When This Old House premiered in 1979, the show launched a new television genre, empowering legions of home remodelers. More than four decades later, the company boasts two of the three highest-rated home improvement shows on television in This Old House and Ask This Old House and the highly regarded This Old House Magazine.
Books, eBooks & Other Resources
eBooks.realtor.org
The following eBooks and digital audiobooks are available to NAR members:
American Architectural History: A Contemporary Reader (eBook)
Building Codes for Existing and Historic Buildings (eBook)
Buying an Old House (eBook)
Early American Country Homes (eBook)
A Field Guide to American Houses (eBook)
Green Restorations (eBook)
Better Than New (eBook)
Tracing the History of Houses (eBook)
Victorian Cottage Architecture (eBook)
Books, Videos, Research Reports & More
As a REALTOR® member benefit, the following resources and more are available for loan through the NAR Library. Items will be mailed directly to you or made available for pickup at the REALTOR® Building in Chicago.
Appraising Conservation and Historic Preservation Easements (Chicago, IL: Appraisal Institute, 2011) HD1387 R587
Beyond Takings and Givings: Saving Natural Areas, Farmland, and Historic Landmarks with Transfer of Development Rights and Density Charges (Marina Del Rey, CA: Arje Press, 2003) NAC 1565 P95b
Caring for Your Old House: a Guide for Owners and Residents (Washington, D.C.: Preservation Press, 1991) TH 4817 N21
The Restoration Economy: the Greatest New Growth Frontier—Immediate & Emerging Opportunities for Businesses, Communities & Investors (San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2002) HD 9715 C86
If This House Could Talk: Historic Homes, Extraordinary Americans (New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 1999) E 1569 B82
Dictionary of Building Preservation (New York, NY: John Wiley-DM, 1996) NA 31 D55
Historic Properties: Preservation and the Valuation Process (Chicago, IL: Appraisal Institute, 1996) HD 1387 Am3hi
Historic Preservation in American Communities (Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1987) NAC 1276 N21h
New Life for Old Houses (Chicago, IL: Preservation Press, 1989) TH 3411 N21
Easements and Other Legal Techniques to Protect Historic Houses in Private Ownership (Washington, D.C.: Historic House Association of America, 1981) K 762 H62
The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings (Washington, D.C.: United States Department of the Interior. Heritage Conservation and Recreation Service, 1980) NAC 250 Un3si
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