Always wanted to live in one of those beautiful historic homes?
April 16, 2009 by RickM
Filed under Old House Real Estate
Listings of Old Houses for sale in and around Beloit’s historic districts.
Old house living is not for everyone. I’ll admit to my prejudice, I love old houses and the sense of community frequently found in old neighborhoods. Taking a job within commuting distance it was the vintage housing stock and neighborhood that was a big part of why I moved to Beloit. Personally, I’m not a big fan of Generica and those influences where sameness crowds out unique character among communities, regions etc. They suit their purpose and have their benefits but planned development neighborhoods are just not where I’d ever choose to live.
For the larger portion of the home buying public that prefers new or more contemporary housing there are many more options. For those who appreciate what fine old homes and neighborhoods provide, finding distinctive old homes that still retain their original character within a neighborhood that supports and encourages this is much more difficult to find. If you’re moving into the Beloit or broader stateline area, or even if you’re already in the area but looking to move there are some great historic or vintage homes here. Still other homes hold great potential and are simply waiting for an owner with the vision and appreciation to bring them back to life. So come join us. We’re looking for some new neighbors who are old house lovers like ourselves to join our neighborhood.
One of the benefits to living in older neighborhoods is their proximity to those things you and your family want or need to do. Old neighborhoods are pedestrian neighborhoods and this is a good thing in many, perhaps not-so-obvious ways. It’s a characteristic removed from contemporary auto-centric planned developments.
Another wonderful thing is that it’s not uncommon for these “historic homes” to come with stories of their own. Interesting stories are tied to the home, it’s residents, builders or local events. Such is the case with many of the homes below. They’ve led interesting lives.
Home owners and Realtors:
- Federal Tax Credits: Homes that are within registered historic districts or individually listed are eligible for the “Historic Home Owner’s Tax Credit“. Homes that are not within an historic district may be eligible for individual listing. To apply for these significant tax benefit programs you may contact Beloit Neighborhood Planning or the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Offices (who administer this program).
- Property Values: Homes within registered historic districts typically maintain and increase their property values at a faster rate then surrounding neighborhoods. While no study has been commissioned for Beloit, Rockford IL (30 min. away) just completed one for their four historic districts 5 mo. ago in Dec. of 09′. Read this report here – The Impact of Historic District Designation on Property Values. This report is consistent with the experience of historic districts across the country.
- The Old House Marketplace: In fact there is a growing market for quality vintage and historic homes throughout the country. These include not only those that have been lovingly maintained or sensitively restored but also those that still have enough original fabric to be brought back to life – meaning… they’ve not been gutted or remuddled too extensively. See below.
Your online home for historic real estate
Find historic homes for sale, real estate agents who specialize in historic houses for sale, and historic preservation resources.
.And it’s a market of supply and demand. Fewer and fewer homes are maintained in an architecturally sensitive manor or still retain enough original fabric to be brought back to their prior splendor.
Historic Property for Sale Directory at PreservationDirectory.com!
Our directory of historic homes, buildings and other historic structures for sale has been connecting those seeking their “historic dream house” with a wide selection of truly amazing historic homes from all over North America since 1999.
Listings of Old Houses for sale in and around Beloit’s historic districts.
1217 Bushnell, Beloit WI 53511
July 22, 2009 by RickM
Filed under Old House Real Estate

It’s refreshing to see the fine job they’ve done with this distinctive period home. It makes a huge difference and makes for a beautiful home. Take a look at the pics on the realtor’s listing. Amazing! Check out the woodwork, lighting and hardware. They’ve really done a wonderful job with this classic and dignified “old house”. If you’re moving to the area and have an appreciation for fine old homes and want/need move-in ready you should check this one out.
Though we had not been inside we knew the prior owners and understand the house needed some work. We’ve seen a number of sad homes where the “updating” was done by those with little understanding or appreciation for the original charm or period style of the home. Those homes have been stripped of their base, window/door, crown trim and other woodwork and replaced with anemic, under-scaled home center generics. They’ve pulled out the doors, hardware and lighting and replaced with generics. They’ve cheapened the home and made it bland IMO. Once removed it is very expensive to replace and often cost prohibitive. <exit soap box>
This home is very much still intact and beautiful. Worth a look.
- - Realtor’s Listing Here.
- - This home is not within any of the current historic districts.
- - Walkability Score: 77 out of 100, “Very Walkable”.
617 Harrison Street, Beloit WI
April 13, 2009 by RickM
Filed under Old House Real Estate

- - Realtor’s Listing Here.
- - Within the College Park Historic District. Eligible for Historic Home Owner’s Tax Cridit.
- - Walkability Score: 83 out of 100, “very walkable”.
1614 Emerson St. Beloit WI
April 12, 2009 by RickM
Filed under Old House Real Estate
Want a grand home significant enough to already be on the National Register? Here you go, the Florence Yates house. We’ve not been inside but the realtor has a great virtual tour of this amazing historic Beloit home.
- - Realtor’s listing here. Virtual tour here.
- - Not within any of the historic districts but is individually listed on the national register and is therefore eligible for the Historic Home Owner’s Tax Cridit.
- - Walkability Score: 49 out of 100, “Car-Dependent”.
901 Wisconsin Ave. Beloit WI
April 12, 2009 by RickM
Filed under Old House Real Estate
- - Realtor’s listing here.
- - This home is not within any of the current historic districts.
- - Walkability Score: 65 out of 100, “Somewhat Walkable”.
Searching For The Best Place To Buy An Old House?
February 17, 2009 by RickM
Filed under Historic Preservation, Neighborhood Discussion
Believe it or not, Yes! There is such a market.
I’ve said before. If home buyers are looking for new construction they have lots of options. If they’ have an appreciation for quality vintage housing in a quality neighborhood with proximity to center-city amenities, services and life style their options are much more limited. Supply/demand. Many people moving into the region from larger urban centers know of and/or have experienced quality historic districts & neighborhoods. We’ve an underutilized resource here.
[stepping off soap box]
.
As part of the ongoing commitment to the preservation community, PreservationDirectory.com has once again teamed up with This Old House magazine to promote their search for “The Best Places to Buy an Old House”. An upcoming issue of This Old House will feature the 2nd annual “The Best Places to Buy an Old House” article, which strives to identify affordable homes in historic neighborhoods and districts across the United States.
According to This Old House Associate Editor, Keith Pandolfi, “We want to spread the word about neighborhoods where the astonishing old houses are rivaled only by the community spirit. We especially want overlooked places with affordable houses appealing to old-house-loving buyers and are very interested in places where the momentum for preservation is just getting started thanks to pioneers who have begun moving in and rehabbing houses.”
In order to most effectively accomplish this search, This Old House and PreservationDirectory.com are seeking the help of dedicated preservationists, neighborhood boosters and heritage travelers! To nominate your historic district, town or city, please submit the following information:
Read more
Meeting Minutes 1/26/09
January 30, 2009 by RickM
Filed under Meeting notes, Neighborhood Discussion
At-Risk House Gets New Lease On Life
January 11, 2009 by RickM
Filed under College Park Historic District, Neighborhood Discussion
I am particularly glad to be removing one house in particular from the “Historic & Vintage Home Real Estate For Sale” page… Because it SOLD!
.
View Larger Map
Read more









