How to Register a Historic Property Online

The National Register of Historic Places is an official list maintained by the United States government that recognizes and preserves the nation's most significant cultural resources. This comprehensive register includes a wide range of historic properties, including buildings, structures, districts, and sites that hold historical, architectural, and cultural importance. Registering a home on the National Register not only acknowledges its historical significance but also provides numerous benefits and opportunities for homeowners and the surrounding community. In this article, we will explore the process of registering homes on the National Register, the criteria for eligibility, the advantages of such registration, as well as the responsibilities and limitations that come with it. 

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The National Register of Historic Places is like the VIP list for buildings and sites that have significant historical value in the United States. It's kind of like getting into an exclusive club, but instead of velvet ropes, you get a fancy plaque.

To put it simply, the National Register is a master list of places that are worth preserving and protecting due to their historical, architectural, or cultural importance. It's like a historical Hall of Fame, but instead of athletes and celebrities, it honors iconic buildings, neighborhoods, and archaeological sites.

The purpose of the National Register is not just to have a cool collection of old stuff. It's actually a tool for promoting preservation and understanding of our nation's history. By recognizing and protecting these places, we can ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from them too.

Getting your home on the National Register is a big deal. It's like getting a gold star for being awesome. When a property is listed on the National Register, it becomes officially recognized as an important piece of our nation's heritage.

Listing on the National Register also means that the property is eligible for special considerations and incentives. It's like winning a prize for being historically significant. So, if you've always dreamed of having your home become part of history, this is your chance.

So, how does a home make the cut and get on the National Register? It's not as simple as a popularity contest or a beauty pageant. There are some criteria that need to be met.

First things first, your home needs to have some serious historical or architectural street cred. This means it must be associated with important events, persons, or trends in history, or possess exceptional architectural design or craftsmanship.

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Think of it as being the home of a founding father or a masterpiece of a famous architect. If your home doesn't have a noteworthy story or impressive architecture, well, it's like trying to get into an exclusive club without the right credentials.

Just having a cool backstory or unique architecture is not enough. Your home also needs to maintain its original character and integrity. It's like having an old, charming personality, but still being in good shape physically.

This means that major alterations, additions, or renovations that significantly change the home's historic appearance or character might disqualify it. So, if you've turned your 100-year-old Victorian mansion into a futuristic space station, it might not be eligible.

One of the biggest benefits is the potential to access preservation grants and tax incentives. This means you might be eligible for financial assistance to help maintain and restore your historic home.

On top of that, there are tax credits and deductions available for qualified rehabilitation expenses. So not only are you preserving history, but you might also be saving some green in the process. It's like getting rewarded for being historically responsible.

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Another great advantage of being on the National Register is the heightened sense of community recognition and pride. It's like becoming the local celebrity of historic homes.

Your home's listing will be publicized, and people will admire and respect your commitment to preserving the past. Plus, your home will contribute to the overall historic character and charm of the neighborhood. It's like being the crown jewel in the historical tiara.

Okay, you're sold on the idea and ready to make your home a historical superstar. But how do you actually get it on the National Register? Let's break it down.

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The first step is to dive into some good old-fashioned detective work. You'll need to gather historical research and document the significance of your home. Think of yourself as a historian on a mission to uncover the fascinating past of your house.

Once you've gathered all the evidence to prove your home's historical awesomeness, it's time to officially nominate it for listing. This involves submitting a nomination form, along with all the gathered documentation and supporting materials. It's like proposing to the National Register, but instead of a ring, you give them a whole lot of historical facts.

After you've submitted your nomination, the powers that be will review your application. They'll assess your home's eligibility based on the criteria we discussed earlier. It's like waiting for acceptance into an Ivy League university, but with less stress over SAT scores.

If your home meets all the criteria and passes the review process, congratulations! Your home will officially join the ranks of the National Register of Historic Places. It's like winning an Oscar for Best Historic Home.

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So, if you think your home has what it takes to make history, go ahead and take the plunge. You'll not only be preserving our nation's heritage but also becoming part of it. It doesn't get much cooler than that.

Registering homes on the National Register goes beyond individual homeownership. It has a positive impact on the entire community. It fosters civic pride, attracts tourism, and contributes to the overall cultural fabric of the area. These case studies highlight the benefits that come with registering homes and demonstrate how communities can thrive when historic preservation becomes a collective effort.In conclusion, the National Register of Historic Places serves as a vital tool in safeguarding our nation's heritage and ensuring that significant historic homes are preserved for future generations. 

Registering a home on the National Register not only grants recognition and protection but also opens doors to various financial incentives and community support. Get even more value out of your historical property by hiring a property management company. By understanding the process, responsibilities, and benefits associated with registering a home as a national historic place, homeowners can actively contribute to the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.