Buying & Selling

Great things are happening in Aurora's historic neighborhoods. From new street lighting to upgrades in historic McCarty Park, now is a great time to consider a historic Aurora home.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Older neighborhoods offer a strong sense of community.
  • Historic homes offer features many new homes don't. So many of Aurora's older homes have stained glass windows, wood floors, pocket doors, open stairways, and truly awe - inspiring details.

  • Buying historic is buying green. The greenest buildings are the ones that already exist. Remember historic windows and doors can be just as energy efficient as new windows if they are well maintained.
  • Aurora's historic districts are all within walking distance of downtown Aurora and Aurora's Metra station and all are a short drive to I-88.
  • Imagine the possibilities. There is great potential to be unlocked in Aurora's historic neighborhoods.

Historic Disclosure Ordinance 


Ordinance Number O03-138

  
An ordinance requiring the disclosure of historic designation by sellers of real property in the City of Aurora. At closing please remember to sign the Historic Disclosure Form and send a copy to the Preservation Commission.

Article VI. Disclosure of Historic Designation
Section 37-101. Definitions


"Seller" means every person or entity who is an owner, beneficiary of a trust, contract purchaser or lessee of a ground lease, or who has an interest (legal or equitable) in historic district or landmark property.

"Prospective buyer" means any person or entity negotiating or offering to become an owner or lessee of historic district or landmark property by means of a transfer for value to which this Act applies.

"Historic District" An area designated as an "historic district" by ordinance of the city council and which may contain, within definable geographic boundaries, one or more landmarks and which may have within its boundaries other proportions or structures that, while not of such historic or architectural significance to be designated as landmarks, nevertheless contribute to the overall historic or architectural characteristics of the historic district.

"Historic Landmark" A property, structure or natural object designated as a "landmark" by ordinance of the city council, pursuant to procedures prescribed in this title, that is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration and preservation because of its historic or architectural significance to the city.


Section 37-102. Disclosure Required


Whenever real property designated as part of an historic district or an historic landmark pursuant to Section 37 of the Aurora Code, is to be sold within the city of Aurora, the seller thereof shall tender to all prospective purchasers a copy of the pre-printed information available from the City that describes certain exterior alterations and construction standards. Said seller shall obtain the signatures of all parties to a sale of such real property showing that the pre-printed information has been given and received, indicating thereon the street address and parcel number of the real property being sold. The disclosure is not required for buildings constructed after 1978.

Section 37-103. Timing of Disclosure


The disclosure required in Section 37-102 above shall be completed no later than at the time the Real Estate Sale Contract is executed between the seller and purchaser thereof.

Section Two: That this ordinance shall be in full force and effect, and shall be controlling upon date of passage.

Section Three: That all ordinances or parts of ordinances thereof in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of any such conflict.

Section Four: That any section or provision of this ordinance that is construed to be invalid or void shall not affect the remaining Sections or provisions which shall remain in full force and effect thereafter.

Please Note:

Property owners in Aurora's Historic Districts have stated:


"I like the idea that my neighborhood will have the same character fifty years from now as it does today."

"The history, beauty, and elegance of old Aurora are represented by the buildings. The energy, enthusiasm and spirit of community of contemporary Aurora are represented by the people who live in that neighborhood."

"My property value will be maintained or increased because of the historic designation."