Renovating a Historic House

I’ve always loved unique people and places, the more character the better. A neighborhood on the National Register of Historic places seems perfect for our family. While I was pregnant with my three year old, we renovated an 1100sqft beach condo while living in it. Andy gutted the kitchen and both bathrooms. We had a two year old son interested in every piece of construction. Although renovating our historic home seems less daunting than the condo, we are realistic that there will be unexpected costs, problems and stress in general. Luckily this time, we will not be living in the construction zone, I will not be belly heavy AND we've worked with most of the contractors that will be doing the work.
The first unexpected problem has already occured and relates to closing. All mortgage companies have said that it is extremely suspicious that we would make that our primary residence. They bluntly point out that it is almost unheard of for someone to sell their home to purchase one costing 35% of the value of their existing home. I will have to write up a testimony as to why we are doing it, have it notarized and cross my fingers that they believe me. What does this say about our society that no one ever simplifies their life by taking on less financial responsibility? Hopefully my wordsmith ways will convince them.
We are excited about the charter school that is within walking distance from the house that has the same scores as our current Lake Norman area home without the 200% overcrowding issues. Yeah. I plan on updating this blog instead of repeating myself to folks on our process. Check back whenever you wonder how we are faring. We are shooting to move in late April or early May. I’ll drive Riley to his current school for those last couple of weeks. The house was built for Nancy Jenkins in 1920. She lived there for 24 years and was the widow of the state treasurer David Jenkins. I'd love to get a hold of a picture of her, perhaps the historical society can help? Last thing of note, NC pays 30% of your rehab costs in the form of tax credits. Pretty neat. Off to man the rug rats. Ciao!