Historic House Specialist Program
Historic House Specialist Program
Become a designated Historic House Specialist with this certification issued by the City of San Antonio's Office of Historic Preservation. Over 10,260 properties are designated historic. Become a certified expert and increase your clientele! COURSE TOPICS include: Design review and Permitting, Property Work History, Architectural Styles, Benefits of Preservation, Wood Windows 101, Case studies of past projects Tax Incentives, Research, etc.
Program requirements
- Take all three courses
- Pass exam
Required courses
- Course #42909 - Historic Home Specialist: City Resources & Processes
- Course #42971 - Historic Home Specialist: Unique San Antonio, covers various preservation topics
- Course #42972 - Historic House Specialist: Preservation in Action Tour
These courses are certified by the Texas Real Estate Commission and real estate agents will earn elective CE credits.
This program is hosted in partnership with the San Antonio Board of Realtors.
No classes are scheduled at this time.
Resources & City Processes
Historic Preservation is about telling the story of our city, neighborhoods, and homes. As a community, we preserve so that we can strengthen neighborhoods, build the local economy, provide economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability, create jobs, and tell the story of San Antonio.
You will learn about the design review process and resources for you to share with your clients. Experts will help to dispel myths about owning historic property. During the course, our team will teach you terminology about architectural styles and district context so that you will be prepped to market any house!
After completing the course, you will be prepared to confidently market historic properties and you will become the expert leader for your buyers and sellers.
- This is one of the three classes needed for the Historic House Certification.
- Virtual - Access information will be emailed to you the day before the class.
Register here (no CE credits)
Register here with SABOR for CE Credit.
Genealogy of a House
We will discuss how to research and share the history of a home. This course will demonstrate how to access resources available online that can help establish a construction date, find a builder/developer/architect, identify previous residents and owners, and more. We will take a deep dive into building research so that you can be a valuable resource to your clients and uncover San Antonio’s history.
- This class counts as one of the three classes needed to be designated a Historic House Specialist.
- Virtual - Access information will be emailed to you the day before the class.
Register here (no CE credits).
Register here with SABOR for CE credit.
Preservation in Action: Historic & Design Review Commission
We'll put your knowledge into practice as we watch a live Historic & Design Review Commission, and get further insight on the commission proceedings.
Note: Please take this class last, after taking the class on City Processes and Resources.
This class counts as the last of three classes needed to be designated a Historic House Specialist.
Hybrid (Virtual and in-person option) - Access information will be emailed to you the day before the class. HDRC meets at the Development Services Center at 1901 S Alamo. Free parking is available.
Register here (non-CE).
Register here with SABOR for CE.
Resources & City Processes
Historic Preservation is about telling the story of our city, neighborhoods, and homes. As a community, we preserve so that we can strengthen neighborhoods, build the local economy, provide economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability, create jobs, and tell the story of San Antonio.
You will learn about the design review process and resources for you to share with your clients. Experts will help to dispel myths about owning historic property. During the course, our team will teach you terminology about architectural styles and district context so that you will be prepped to market any house!
After completing the course, you will be prepared to confidently market historic properties and you will become the expert leader for your buyers and sellers.
- This is one of the three classes needed for the Historic House Certification.
- Virtual Access information will be emailed to you the day before the class.
Unique San Antonio: Wood Windows 101
Preservation rule #1, retain original materials. Wood windows are an important and character-defining feature in San Antonio’s unique historic neighborhoods. By learning the basics about the material and anatomy of wood windows, you can highlight the quality and benefits of keeping historic wood windows. This course is ideal for anyone interested in the basics of wood window repair. Learn the terminology, tools, and techniques behind stripping, patching, refinishing, and reglazing. After completing the course, you will be prepared to confidently advise your clients and promote the value of wood windows.
- Instructor: Robin Foster
- Alonti box lunches will be served
- This class counts as one of three classes needed to be designated a Historic House Specialist.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
10 am to 12 pm
In-person at Neighborhood Place, 3014 Rivas St, San Antonio, TX 78228. Free parking is available.
Register here (non-CE).
Register with SABOR for CE.
Preservation in Action: Historic & Design Review Commission
We'll put your knowledge into practice as we watch a live Historic & Design Review Commission, and get further insight on the commission proceedings.
Note: Please take this class last, after taking the class on City Processes and Resources.
This class counts as the last of three classes needed to be designated a Historic House Specialist.
Hybrid (Virtual and in-person option). Access information will be emailed to you the day before the class. HDRC meets at the Development Services Center at 1901 S Alamo. Free parking is available.
Register here (non-CE).
Register here with SABOR for CE.
Looking to take a class that's not scheduled?
Let us know and if there's enough interest, we'll put another class on the schedule.
REGISTER NOW
Purchase all courses in the Historic House Specialist storefront if you are looking to take a class without earning CE credits.
Register with SABOR's Realtor Academy to receive CE credits.
- Costs are listed in registration links.
- These courses are TREC certified and real estate agents can earn elective CE credits.