Is Your House Old? Some Buyers Want ‘Time Capsule Houses’

While it might seem that homes that were built in the mid-20th century and never improved would be difficult to sell, real estate professionals say some buyers prefer these “time-capsule” houses. “If you wait long enough, they will be back in style. Mid-century homes have seen a rise in popularity over the last several years,” says Weichert Realtors Neighborhood One owner Jeffrey Hogue, who has sold more than 100 such homes during his 21 years in the business. However, he says these properties do present unique challenges in that depersonalizing, freshening up, or otherwise changing the home is not a good idea. “If it is not broken or completely worn out,” Hogue says, “leave it alone.” Experts say buyers in their 40s and 50s often want to connect to their past, and these homes may conjure up good memories for them. Others are architectural enthusiasts who prefer properties with their original fixtures or buyers who simply desire older homes because they are not as expensive as newer dwellings. However, these homes are not for everyone, Hogue notes, as they tend to lack closet space and high ceilings. | Read More