Should You Buy a Historic Home in Brevard County? What to Know Before Making an Offer
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There’s something special about a historic home.
Maybe it’s the original pine floors... the massive front porch... stained glass windows... old fireplaces... intricate trim work... or the fact that the home has been standing for 100 years while everything around it changed.
I’ve helped buyers and sellers with quite a few historic homes along Indian River Drive, near Cocoa Village, and throughout Brevard County. One thing I’ve learned is this:
People either absolutely fall in love with them... or quickly realize historic home ownership is not for them.
So, should you buy a historic home? If you understand the maintenance, insurance considerations, and potential costs ahead of time, I’d say 100% yes.
But buyers need to understand that charm comes with responsibility.
The Biggest Mistake Buyers Make
The biggest mistake I see is buyers treating a historic home like a newer construction house.
It’s not.
Historic homes require maintenance, patience, and flexibility. If you go into the purchase expecting everything to function like a newly built home, you’ll probably be frustrated.
But if you appreciate craftsmanship, character, uniqueness, and architecture that simply doesn’t exist anymore... you may never want to live anywhere else again.
Insurance Can Be Tricky
One of the biggest issues buyers underestimate is insurance.
With older homes, insurance can be more expensive and sometimes harder to obtain. In Florida especially, buyers may need to shop around for coverage and reevaluate their insurance options regularly.
I’ve also seen financing affected because lenders sometimes use generic insurance estimates that are much lower than the actual cost of insuring a historic property.
That’s why transparency upfront matters.
Before making an offer, buyers should get realistic insurance quotes early in the process. This can help prevent surprises that affect the monthly payment, affordability, or loan approval later.
Inspections Matter More With Historic Homes
Not every home inspector is the right fit for a historic property.
One of the best things buyers can do is hire an inspector who has experience specifically with older homes.
Historic properties often have unique construction methods, older materials, and systems that an inspector who primarily works with newer homes may not fully understand.
Here are a few additional inspections and precautions I often recommend:
Get a Wood Destroying Organism Inspection
Wood destroying organisms are a major consideration with older homes, especially in Florida.
A Wood Destroying Organism inspection, commonly called a WDO inspection, can help identify visible evidence of termites, wood destroying beetles, wood decay fungi, and other potential concerns.
Ask About a Termite Bond
A termite bond can be extremely valuable and provide additional peace of mind for future inspections, maintenance, and treatment.
Buyers should find out whether an existing termite bond can be transferred or whether a new bond should be established after closing.
Consider a Pipe Scope
If the home still has older cast iron plumbing, a pipe scope can help identify deterioration, blockages, scaling, or other potentially expensive issues before closing.
Get a Septic Inspection
If the property is on septic, don’t assume everything is fine simply because the system appears to be functioning.
A proper septic inspection can help buyers understand the condition of the system and potentially avoid a major expense after closing.
Historic Homes Come With Ongoing Costs
Buyers should absolutely budget for ongoing upkeep.
That doesn’t mean historic homes are bad investments... it simply means maintenance is part of ownership.
Some common recurring expenses may include:
• Painting and maintaining exterior wood surfaces
• Periodic drywood termite inspections and treatment when recommended
• Maintaining a termite bond
• Recoating and maintaining older metal roofs or decorative fish scale shingles
• Preserving original woodwork, windows, porches, and other historic features
If you’re someone who enjoys maintaining a home or has the financial ability to properly care for one, this usually isn’t a problem.
But buyers looking for a completely low maintenance property may be happier in something newer.
The Character Is Impossible to Replicate
Now for the reason people fall in love with these homes in the first place...
You simply cannot recreate the character.
Many historic homes in Brevard County sit in incredible locations near the Indian River and Cocoa Village, with a level of walkability that can be difficult to find in newer developments.
They often feature:
• Mature oak trees and lush landscaping
• Huge front porches
• Original fireplaces
• Basements
• Historic trim and oversized baseboards
• Stained glass windows
• Antique hardware and door handles
• Original hardwood floors
And honestly... those old Merritt Island pine floors are stunning.
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen is owners covering original historic floors with modern flooring. Once those details are removed or damaged, they can be difficult or impossible to replace.
Personally, I think preserving the original character wherever possible is what keeps these homes special.
Who Should Buy a Historic Home?
In my opinion, historic homes are best suited for:
• People who appreciate architecture and craftsmanship
• Buyers who understand that maintenance comes with ownership
• Buyers who are financially prepared for ongoing upkeep
• Handy homeowners who enjoy projects
• People who value uniqueness over perfection
If that sounds like you... buying a historic home can be incredibly rewarding.
My Honest Opinion
If you fully understand the maintenance, insurance realities, and long term costs involved...
I’d say 100% yes.
When these homes are cared for properly, there’s just nothing else like them.
They tell stories.
They have personality.
And in many cases, they offer charm and character that modern homes simply cannot replicate.
Thinking about buying or selling a historic home in Cocoa, Rockledge, or another part of Brevard County? I’d be happy to help you understand the property, evaluate the potential costs, and connect you with inspectors and insurance professionals who have experience with older homes.
