Character Homes for Sale in Calgary

There are a number of beautiful communities in Calgary with character homes for sale. Although there is no exact definition of a character home, they typically were built prior to the mid-century time frame and still have the historical charm that they were originally built with. In Calgary, most of the character properties for sale will be concentrated in Ramsay, Inglewood, Bridgeland, Renfrew, Crescent Heights, Kensington, Sunnyside, Mount Royal, South Calgary, Bankview, and Rosedale. However, you will also find these homes for sale in Capitol Hill, Tuxedo Park, Winston Heights, Elbow Park, Mission, Cliff Bungalow, Beltline, and Mount Pleasant.

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Why Buyers Love Character Homes

Calgary real estate buyers are drawn to these homes when they are browsing listings. Most of these buyers love the charming elements of these homes like the original wood, unique building style, and historical feel.

Depending on the level of upgrades, these properties can range from being in their original state to fully renovated with all the conveniences of a modern property.

If you are preparing to sell your character house in Calgary, make sure to showcase the historical elements of the property and also be sure the property is in good repair. Character house buyers will be looking for the charm but they will/should also be conducting thorough property inspections to be sure the home has been maintained.

Character Homes vs Heritage Homes

Character homes differ from heritage homes in Calgary as heritage homes are designated by the City of Calgary. You can always search the Calgary inventory of heritage homes and there is a Calgary Heritage Authority Group.

When buying a one of these houses in Calgary, you will want to conduct your due diligence to determine if there is heritage classification. There are various restrictions on what you can do with homes that have a heritage designation.

What To Watch For

With character homes in Calgary, there are some very important parts of the property to watch for when considering buying one of these properties. A general property inspection is always recommended but you may want to go further to check the following items.

• Plumbing: These properties may need all new plumbing if the lines are in original condition. This is not always the case, but it is important to have a licenced plumber check this.
• Main Plumbing Lines: These homes usually reside in older communities where the main plumbing lines from the property to the city may need replacing. It is wise to have a sewer scope to check your main lines to the city of Calgary.
• Electrical: Electrical that has never been replaced in character homes can be a concern. There can be old electrical such as knob and tube or aluminum wiring. These can be dangerous and insurance companies may not provide coverage to properties with this type of electrical.
• Foundation: Most foundations are built to last a long time, but older homes can be prone to more cracking. All homes can have cracks (new and old), but it’s worth having an additional foundation inspection on character homes.
• Other: There are other items you may want to inspect further including the real property report, insulation, vapour barrier, siding, garage, roof, attic, gas lines, right of ways, restrictive covenants, permits, and other items

Conclusion:

Character homes in Calgary will always have charm. The beautiful, classic architecture and historical feel attract modern-day real estate buyers. If purchasing one of these properties, be sure to conduct all the necessary inspections and take extra measures to inspect elements of the property such as plumbing, electrical, foundation, among other parts of the home.

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