Long list of ‘can’t do’s’

I’ve been in the real estate business in L.A. for more than 23 years. “A Landmark Deal,” April 15, did a fine job espousing the benefits of owning a historic property, but it did not go into some of the negative aspects.

In general, the building cannot be modified from its original form. If the property needs a new roof, you can replace the roof only with one that is exactly the same. If it has an intricate and expensive patterned tile roof, you must re-create this, which can add thousands to maintenance costs.

Repairs must be approved by a historic committee, which is generally made up of your neighbors. This can mean more paperwork and sometimes frustration. You cannot tear down a historic building without approval by the committee.

Let’s say your building burns almost completely. You cannot raze it and build a new structure. You must repair it.

If the area changes and you want to sell the home to a developer who wants to tear it downand build something more suitable to the area, you cannot.

Historical homes are not for everyone.

MARY CUMMINS

Los Angeles