Dilbeck Prevails
It is a victory whenever a historically and architecturally significant home is sold to a new owner who will restore and renovate it. Every historic home that has not been extensively renovated or expanded is in danger of being torn down. This danger is especially acute when a Charles Dilbeck-designed home is only 1,800 square feet and is on a substantial lot in Highland Park.
This Dilbeck prevailed over a builder’s overtures for a lot sale and demolition. I have said that fabulous homes are torn down not because no one wants them, but because owners and real estate agents are tempted by an offer that comes in before the home is on the market or in the first two days. Builders and preservationists have too often said there is little hope for a historic home to be saved in Highland Park. Owners think they are getting a quick, sure sale, and agents do not have to do any work except provide the lot dimensions.
My contravening argument is that numerous buyers dream of owning a historic home. They need more time and information to evaluate it, but they are often willing to pay more for the lot and house than a builder or investor would pay just for the lot.
This Charles Dilbeck-designed home is a perfect example. I received a substantial offer from a builder the first day it was on the market. My clients turned it down. Before it went on the market, we spent a month preparing information, floor plans, and photographs to give homebuyers the opportunity to understand the home and its value.
There were 20 showings, and it took a month for the right offer to come in, much higher than the builder’s lot purchase offer. The cash buyers, who are restoring and accentuating the original Dilbeck features, closed in seven days. This made the closing date not that different from a customary 30- to 45-day builder closing.
Most encouraging was that three other buyers were devastated that they deliberated too long and the house got away. Yes, there is a pool of buyers who desire a historic home in Highland Park. This Charles Dilbeck-designed home has the best new homeowners.
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