Good Bones:
historic homes San Diego’s heritage lives on in the classic architecture of its neighborhoods and homes.
S
an Diego’s rich history isn’t confined to its many museums and monuments. Called by some the birthplace of California, our area has since grown its population in cycles and spurts, with homes and neighborhoods following suit in the popular styles of their times.
This county is rich in charming classic homes, from Victorians built in the late 1800s through pristine post-WWII midcentury moderns that look fresh out of a Brady Bunch episode. And while they’re nice to look at, they can be a pleasure to own — and sometimes an adventure. A home’s historic designation may carry some tax benefits, but not without some tradeoffs. It’s worth doing your research before setting your heart on a place for its charm alone. Here’s some info and tips to help you decide whether a classic home is right for you.
Historic Holmes How do you find out if a property qualifies as historic? Historic districts — recognized by a patchwork of designations by our cities, county, state, all the way up
to good ol’ Uncle Sam — generally boast a concentration of classic homes. But a building does not have to be in one to gain historic designation, and location in a district doesn’t automatically qualify the home. What a building’s location does determine is which designating authority, usually the city or county, to whom the owner will apply to assess the property’s historical value. That decision depends on some basic questions, like: Is this building’s character representative of the neighborhood/region? Does it represent its architectural style? Was it designed or built by notable figures? Is it linked to other notable persons or events? Has it been noted or designated by another agency? A homeowner seeking designation should come prepared with as much of that information as possible. Often the prior owner may have shared some details or anecdotes, but the best way to make the case is with solid research. The Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO)’s guide at www.sohosandiego.org/resources/research.htm leads homeowners through the necessary steps specifically for the City of San Diego’s requirements, but the guide has tips for adapting the research for other authorities.
If you’re not doing the carpentry yourself, repairs may mean consulting an expert in period styles who can source suitable materials to approximate the home’s original character. Adding a room or a detached structure — a fairly simple matter for an undesignated house — can become a challenge, and sometimes an expensive one. Likewise, if you’re househunting specifically for a vintage home, connect early with historic home specialists to help you see past the home’s intoxicating charm for a sober look at the bones. Ask your REALTOR® to search their network for a contractor, handyman, and probably even a lender with knowledge specific to older homes. Together this team can help with your homebuying decisions and be on your side to help through and after closing.
Trend with benefits More and more San Diegans are choosing to preserve and restore classic architecture thanks to incentives conferred by the Mills Act. An agreement above and beyond the prerequisite historical designation, the Mills Act contract may lower property taxes — sometimes significantly, typically by 20–70% — in exchange for the homeowner’s pledge to maintain the property to certain standards. Homeowners can seek Mills Act benefits only after a property has already attained historical designation and their municipality further confirms the building’s Mills Act eligibility. Not all homes in San Diego County fall under the jurisdiction of a Mills Act program; only seven cities (including San Diego City itself) and the county’s unincorporated areas participate. Before committing to buying or designating a historic home, talk with your REALTOR® and tax advisor about the pros and cons. And if it will be your first time owning a classic home, don’t let yourself be surprised by the added work and expense of maintenance and remodels.
This Enrolled house Though your historic home does not need to be open to the public, its designation still comes with the expectation that you’ll preserve its character. Changes or additions must meet certain appearance guidelines, which means there’s rarely a place in your home for simple off-the-shelf products. After all, why purchase a Prairie if you’ll pull out the plaster and bury floorplanks under Pergo? The home sold you on its charm, and true charm doesn’t come easy or cheap.
Put a plaque on it San Diego is lucky to have SOHO as an advocate and ally for its classic homes and the homeowners who love them. Check out SOHO’s resources at www.sohosandiego.com, especially their tips for owners of historic homes. Area residents owe a special thanks to those homeowners who take on the challenges and responsibilities of preserving historic homes. But if you join their ranks you might find, like most historic homeowners, that living in such a remarkable home is reward enough in itself.
Looking for a timeless home of your own? Contact your REALTOR® to discover the possibilities!
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