Introduction
One of the best ways to invest in property is by buying a character home. Character houses are typically older, larger homes that have been built around the turn of the 20th century and are still standing today. These homes are often characterized by their unique details such as their front porches, steeply pitched roofs, high ceilings and exposed wood beams. While there are many benefits to purchasing a character home, there are also some things that you should know before buying one.
Pick the Style
The first thing to do is decide what kind of character house you want. Character homes come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s something for everyone. The most popular styles include Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian architecture (also known as “period” houses). These tend to be very ornate with lots of decorative trim around doors and windows; they often have high ceilings and large rooms that make them feel spacious inside. Homes built in the Arts & Crafts style are simpler than those built in the period, but they nevertheless have a lot of character because of distinctive design features like arched entrances or leaded glass windows. If you’ve got kids who love playing outside then consider buying an Arts & Crafts house because they usually have larger yards where kids can safely run around without getting hurt by sharp edges on railings.
If zoning regulations allow it then consider buying an apartment building instead, this will give renters access through communal entrances while still allowing homeowners peace of mind knowing that their personal belongings won’t be disturbed while renting out their space(s).
Choose the Right Size
When considering the size of a house, there are two things to keep in mind:
- The size should be large enough to meet your needs, but not so large that it is too much work to maintain. A big house with a lot of rooms and spaces can get overwhelming if you don’t have the time or energy to maintain it properly.
- You should also think about where you want to live and whether or not this neighbourhood has everything you need nearby schools, shops and restaurants or if there are better options elsewhere in town.
Consider the Neighbourhood
A good neighbourhood is safe, has a great local economy and offers plenty of amenities. Think about what you want from your neighbourhood: Are you looking for access to public transit? Do you need easy access to parks and green spaces? Or do you just want somewhere with friendly neighbours who are willing to look out for each other when they see something suspicious happening at night?
If possible, try visiting the neighbourhood at different times of day in the morning rush hour when everyone’s out getting their morning coffee; during lunchtime when everyone is grabbing lunch on their way back from work; or in the evening after dinner with family and friends or neighbours over drinks under some patio lights (or even better–on an outdoor patio!). This will give you a better idea of how busy it gets throughout different parts of each day so that no one feels too overwhelmed by crowds when they move into their new home.
History and Age
The history of a house is important, as it can reveal information about the condition of your home. A house’s age can be either positive or negative depending on what you’re looking for.
If you want to get into character homes and fix them up yourself, then an older house might be perfect for you. They do tend to need more work than newer houses because they weren’t built with today’s building codes in mind. However, this also means that an older home will have more personality and charm than a modern one does.
Understanding the Costs of Maintenance
Character houses are typically older, and therefore require more maintenance than their modern counterparts. In addition to regular repairs and routine maintenance such as replacing appliances and fixtures, there may be a one-off expense like fixing leaks or making major improvements (like installing new windows).
The high cost of repairs can add up over time and you need to know whether you’re ready for that kind of commitment before buying a character home.
Take It Slow and Don’t Overdo It
- Take it slow. Do not rush into buying a character house. You should take your time to get to know the house and the neighbourhood.
- Don’t overspend on renovations. If you are planning on doing some renovations, make sure that you don’t spend too much money or waste time hiring professionals who aren’t qualified for the job.
- Make sure you can afford upkeep costs for years to come – this includes maintaining roofs, heating systems and plumbing (if needed). You also need insurance for property damage caused by natural disasters like floods or fires.
Character houses are great investments, but they do need special care and attention.
A character house is a type of home with unique characteristics that make it stand out from others in the neighbourhood. This can include things like an unusual shape, old architectural features like bay windows or exposed brick walls, or even just having a lot of personalities. If you’re looking for something different than what everyone else has got going on in their houses–and aren’t afraid to put in some extra effort–then buying a character home could be right up your alley! But before committing yourself to this kind of purchase, there are some things worth considering:
- You need enough time and patience when looking for your perfect character property. It can take months (even years) before finding just the right place; so be sure not only that what you want but also whether it will fit into your schedule. You’ll probably have higher maintenance costs than most other types of properties – Because these homes were built decades ago without modern amenities such as insulation materials used today; therefore many require extensive renovations before being ready for sale/rental purposes. Size matters – In terms of square footage size matters because larger homes tend not only to cost more money upfront but also require more maintenance over time due largely due increased utility bills associated with running appliances such as air conditioning units.
Conclusion
Character houses are great investments, but they do need special care and attention. If you’re thinking about buying one of these houses, make sure you know what you’re getting into before committing to it. Character homes can be beautiful and unique pieces of architecture, but they also require more maintenance than regular homes do. If you think that this type of property might be right for your family then we suggest checking out some of our other blog posts on how to choose the perfect character home or renovate without losing its charm.
