The week of Halloween has officially risen, and with it, all the scares you could ever need to celebrate the spookiest holiday in style. But what could be more frightening than a home with a history — especially one you don’t know how to take care of? In DC, a city residents share with the tales of those who have come before, even the homes themselves have a story to tell. And despite all the character these homes contain within their walls, they also come with a host of other tricks worth knowing. On that note, keep reading for everything you should know about buying (and maintaining) a historic home in Washington, DC!

First Things First…Are Historic Homes Here Hard To Find? 

Far from it! In fact, nearly 1 in 5 homes in the DC area is protected by local historic designation laws, making purchasing a historic home much easier than in most areas of the country. To designate a home as “historical,” the National Registry of Historic Places must deem it to be “worthy of preservation.” The registry is a part of a national program under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 to evaluate the home’s age, architectural style, and overall significance. There are nearly 30 historic neighborhoods in DC, so you certainly won’t be short on choices!

➤ Explore some of DC’s historic neighborhoods with our guides to:

• Capitol Hill
• Dupont Circle
• Shaw

Finding The Right Home For You

Each historic district is home to different styles of houses. The most popular kind found within District borders? The Victorian-style home, with many that still exist today having been influenced by the Renaissance and Gothic Revival Movements. If this is your sort of historical flavor, keep an eye out for things like: bay windows, porches, roof gables, and pointed roofs decorated with wooden trim.

Reflecting design elements from the Greek Revival Movement, Federal-style homes — characterized by symmetrical windows and doors, narrow columns, and arches — are also popular in DC.

Red Flags To Avoid

When it comes to buying a historic home, the inspection process is more important than ever before. Considering the home’s age, red flags are likely to come up in the inspection. The key, however, is knowing which ones to look out for — and which are absolute deal-breakers. Some important red flags to take into account are:

• Previous renovations to the HVAC system
• Hot water heater
• Foundational issues
• Poor insulation
• Old wiring
• Odd odors

The above issues are some of the most expensive for historic home buyers, meaning it’s crucial to budget out the cost of repairs in accordance with the purchase price.

➤ For more resources on buying in DC check out:

• Buying a DC Investment Property
• Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Luxury Home in DC
• The Price of Luxury Living in DC

Relying On Renovations

There’s just no getting around it: with an old home comes old problems. And with some of the houses here dating back to hundreds of years ago, renovation projects are sure to become a big part of your next home ownership journey. It’s vital to remember the home’s age when considering whether to take a DIY approach or hire a professional. To protect the longevity and health of the home, it may be wise to contract any and all projects out. That said, you should always choose an inspector and contractor who specializes in historic homes.

The bottom line? DC is brimming with historic homes that unite space, character, and possibilities under one roof. But whether you’re looking to sell or buy one of these storied homes, professional help is key.

Check out our current selection of listings on the market today!