Realtors learn about historic homes, why they appeal to some buyers

Among the many buyers in Silicon Valley, there is a special group that is willing to pay more for owning a piece of history. Santa Clara County historian April Halberstadt refers to this group as “historic home enthusiasts.” Halberstadt, a San Jose resident for over 40 years and former member of the county Historical Heritage Commission, recently shared information on historic homes, how they are classified, and what makes these homes desirable to others to members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors.

Halberstadt said a home is classified as “historic” depending on its location, condition, amenities and historic character. This would include homes that are

architectural designed, owned by famous people, have vernacular structures, such as tank houses and barns, have a unique character like elaborate gardens or a bocce ball court, or constructed in a particular style, like a bungalow, streamline modern or an Eichler.

Palo Alto’s Greenmeadow and Green Gables tracts were the first Eichler developments to receive a historic designation. Sunnyvale, which is the home to Eichler’s first development in 1947, has designated a couple of Eichler neighborhoods as historic. They are designated historic not only for their architecture, but because they reflect the mood of the mid-1950s, which has been described as a time of optimism after World War II and the Depression.

Historic home enthusiasts specifically look for such homes. “When they find a house that really speaks to them, they will go through all lengths to purchase it,” said Halberstadt.

Historic home enthusiasts are a close-knit group. They are willing to pay extra for historic features and refer each other to these homes. Spanish- and Victorianstyled homes have their own fan club.

Halberstadt said to be designated a historic landmark, a home must be at least 50 years old and, through documentation, must meet one of three criteria. The home must have been owned by a notable person, or designed by a notable architect or designer, or be the location of a significant event. Steve Jobs’ home in Los Altos, where he built the first Apple computer, has been designated a historic landmark, as has the HP Garage in Palo Alto, where the Hewlettpackard company was founded.

Before a home is designated “historic,” extensive research is conducted, and the application goes through a public hearing. Once designated a California Historical Landmark, the property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Except for Los Gatos and Milpitas, 13 of 15 cities in Santa Clara County have listed homes as historic.

There are advantages to having a historic home. The Mills Act is a state law allowing cities to enter into contracts with the owners of historic structures, allowing them to receive a reduction on property taxes in exchange for their preservation of the property. Halberstadt said there are about 300 properties currently under contract.

More information on historic homes can be found at a local planning department, the Victorian Preservation Association, Preservation Action Council of San Jose, Santa Clara Library Genealogy Center, and in the California Room at the San Jose Public Library.