New Hampshire has some of the most pre-1900s homes than anywhere else in America. There are many houses that hold that charm and history that could be yours at the right price, but there are some things to consider before finalizing that sale.

Buyers should remember the importance of balancing the delight of an antique home with the practical realities that come along with it. With age comes unique responsibilities that require a specialized approach.

Hire an Inspector

Ask your inspector if they are familiar with historic homes and their unique details. Buildings from the 19th century can have unique issues that may not be so obvious to those without the experience specializing in the era. After all, these are homes with timber framing, smaller doors, aged foundations, lime mortar, as well as different types of windows, plumbing, and even hardware.

Research If It's in a Historic District

There are certain areas that are designated historic districts. Check to see if the home you want to buy is in any of those areas.

Secure Financing for Any Work on Structure or Systems

You may find that typical mortgage may not work if your potential new home requires a high degree of structural renovation work. Instead, consider renovation loans or an FHA 203(K) loan to help with those kinds of repairs. Your local residential lender can inform you more on that, as well as your agent.

Work With an Expert Local Realtor

Collaborate with your agent, working with a broker who understands the nuances of older properties, like the different structures and details, how much to budget for energy costs and maintenance, as well as the paperwork involved, can often be key.

Most importantly, remember there are expert real estate agents who can walk you through the process so you have as much support as possible every step of the way.

Courtney Edgar is a lifestyle journalist and copywriter based in Montreal. Her work has been published in HuffPost, Pop Sugar, Atlas Obscura, Explore Mag, and more.