While many new builds are springing up like dandelions around the West Shore, there is a small niche market in the area that is often overlooked.

Heritage or older character homes are rare on the West Shore but the wealth of history and character they bring often attracts buyersB次元官网网址� attention. Although, buyers be warned, they can have their share of potential problems.

Jenn Raappana, a realtor with DFH Real Estate Ltd., said that older character homes require a lot more research before they go on the market. She likes to know as much as possible about a homeB次元官网网址檚 history and anything that could come up during an inspection.

An example of this is her listing for a home built in 1902 on Happy Valley Road in Langford. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 one of the original houses on the Galloping Goose,B次元官网网址� Raappana said.

Before listing that home, she had a number of inspections done so any problems could be addressed before potential buyers saw it. B次元官网网址淚n this case the house didnB次元官网网址檛 need a lot of work,B次元官网网址� she said.

With older homes she said it is important to check for any plumbing, electrical, or foundation issues that could be flagged by insurance companies and cause a headache for potential buyers. She said many older homes often have knob and tube electrical wiring that needs to be updated. By doing pre-inspections, sellers can be aware of anything a buyer might refer to as a B次元官网网址減roblemB次元官网网址� and have it fixed before the house goes on the market.

But Raappana doesnB次元官网网址檛 want to deter any potential buyers. Older homes also have a lot of benefits, she said.

B次元官网网址淭hey built houses really, really well back then.B次元官网网址�

The fact they have been standing for over 100 years is a true testament to that. They also have a lot of character and quirks that draw in a number of buyers.

B次元官网网址淧eople like to buy into the history,B次元官网网址� she said, about another reason she likes to do extensive research on an older home before listing it.

B次元官网网址淚n the West Shore we donB次元官网网址檛 have a lot of them.B次元官网网址�

Older homes occupy a niche for those buyers looking for a house they can be customized with modern finishing but still have the charm of a heritage-style build.

B次元官网网址淚 think people are taking that on as a project,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a good investment.B次元官网网址�

Character houses with modern upgrades, such as granite countertops, tend to hold their value well on the market, Raappana said.

However, properties officially designated as heritage, B次元官网网址渃ome with their own cup of tea.B次元官网网址�

Often that designation means the homeowners are required to follow multiple regulations imposed by the municipality when doing any work or upgrading.

Her pre-listing research on heritage homes includes making potential buyers aware of those bylaws and exactly what they will or wonB次元官网网址檛 be able to do the home.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com