Selecting the Appropriate Agent to Sell Your Historic Property

Written by Linda A Garner

So how do you choose the right agent—one who can position your property for the right buyer?

Let’s take a closer look at how sellers typically select an agent.

When selling a standard home—one without historic designation or architectural significance—many homeowners choose an agent who is a friend, a neighbor, or someone recommended by someone they know. Others return to the agent who helped them purchase their home. Often, sellers are drawn to the agent with the highest number of sales in the area.

That approach may work for a conventional property.

But does any of that matter when you’re selling a historic home?

The answer is no.

Selling a historic or architecturally significant property is an entirely different process—one that requires specialized knowledge, experience, and intention. There is a profound difference between an agent who sells volume and an agent who understands historic architecture, preservation standards, provenance, and the buyer psychology unique to historic homes.

Selling a regular home often requires minimal effort. The property is entered into the MLS, which automatically syndicates to platforms like Zillow, Homes.com, and Realtor.com. In many cases, that exposure alone generates activity. Marketing is passive, and agents may invest very little time—or money—into telling the story of the home. As a result, more of the commission stays in their pocket, but very little is done to truly sell the property.

A historic home deserves far more than that.

Historic properties are not commodities—they are irreplaceable assets with stories, craftsmanship, and architectural integrity that must be communicated thoughtfully. They attract a specific buyer: one who values history, understands stewardship, and is willing to invest emotionally and financially in preservation.

That buyer is not found by accident.

They are reached through strategic storytelling, targeted marketing, architectural knowledge, and a deep respect for the home’s legacy. Choosing the right agent isn’t about popularity or production numbers—it’s about expertise, advocacy, and understanding what makes your home truly extraordinary.

When selling a historic home, who represents it matters—because how it’s presented determines who will value it enough to become its next steward.