If the walls can talk, what will they tell about the history of your home? Maybe your Chicago apartment neighbour never stopped sharing stories about the mystical ex-resident of 221b, or you’re still sure your rental house in Seattle is haunted.
Before you buy a home in Marysville, Washington, a home history search can help you uncover everything from interesting history to specific property information. In this Redfin article we share many different resources that will help you find what you’re looking for.
In this article:
Why do I need to do a history search for my home?
Learning about the home’s past will give you a deeper understanding of its background and reveal important information about past repairs, maintenance, and environmental concerns.
Even if your home isn’t too old, knowing the details will help ensure you are on the right track as a new homeowner. This introduces some of the things you can learn from a home history search.
Tax History: Learn how property taxes have fluctuated over time. Find out what you can expect in the future. Property Lien: Find out if there is an outstanding lien or court order on the property. Major Construction and Maintenance: Review the main maintenance and construction timeline to understand what maintenance costs you need to prepare. Protected Land: Discover whether your property protects green spaces or protected areas to avoid costly fines before landscaping or remodeling. Criminal Act: Whether it’s your property or your neighborhood, take a closer look at the reported cases and check your criminal history. Historical Details: One of the coolest researches when buying a historic home by exploring the history of how the house was built and lived there.
Home history searches can also reveal important information about a home that an agent or seller may not need or recognize. Real estate agents can help you explore details and address your concerns before making a purchase, but you can also do your own searches at any time.
How can I study the history of my house?
There are various places you can see to study the history of the property. It mainly depends on the type of information you are looking for. Start by paying attention to what you already know, then list the questions you need answers.
This will help you learn more about the history of your home:
1. Library and Historical Society
For a much older home, you may be looking for details from a historical angle. The local library and the city’s historic society are the perfect place to start. They often maintain an archive of old newspapers, maps, photographs and other real estate records that can shed light on your home’s past and those who lived there.
While some resources are digital, older materials require practical searches, such as scrolling through microfilms to reveal past stories that have been linked to your home or neighborhood.
2. Census Records
If you’re more interested in the history of living in your home over the years, look at the census records. You can find some of the most comprehensive data on location in time, but it can be a complex project. A name or two will reveal if a quick Google search has a history worth considering for previous residents.
Even if you’re not looking for a family, various genealogy search engines can help you navigate the process.
3. Property Record
For more information about new builds or properties, try searching Property Records instead. The county’s recorder or assessment office maintains records of conduct, tax history, building permits and more. If you’re interested in purchasing, you can also find out who owns the property. Check the county website to see records available online or make sure you have direct access.
4. Important Records
Maybe you just need to know if death happened at home. Visit the county’s Vital Records Office and check the list of death certificates at your address. If you find it on a record, you can find out more about what happened.
5. Criminal history
Perhaps you found something in your previous search that raised a red flag about criminal activity. A criminal history can help you understand exactly what happened with your property.
Having the name of a previous owner speeds up your search, but even without it, the online tool can help you find local crime data and police reports for addresses. From there you can decide how much you want to investigate.
While it may be appealing to use criminal history to determine the relative safety of a neighborhood, it is important to remember that crime data and safety are not directly correlated.
>>Read: Why Redfin doesn’t display crime data in your neighborhood
6. neighbor
If your home has history, it’s possible that your neighbors will remember it. Even if nothing happened with your property, they may reveal important insights into the property that has not been documented or disclosed anywhere. Plus, being a good neighbor and building connections is a great way to transform your new neighborhood into a new home.
7. Red Fin
Yes, you can use redfin.com to do a house history search. You can view sales history, tax information, climate risks, and more, both inside and outside the market. This is an easy way to get a basic overview of both your home and your neighborhood during the home buying process.
Home history search is more than a fun research project
Regardless of why you are looking into it, a home history search is the best way to get comprehensive details about your property. Ideally, this will be done before you buy, so you will be able to fully understand what you are investing in. But it’s never too late to dive into the details. who knows? Maybe the rumors about the famous artist who lives in your home aren’t the only rumors after all.
Home History Search FAQ
Do I need to do a home history search before or after purchase?
Ideally, a home history search will be performed before you buy a home, so you will have all the details you need to make an informed investment. Real estate agents will assist in this process to ensure that all concerns are addressed before closing your home.
What sellers do you need to tell me about the history of the house?
One important legal document involved in home sales is the seller’s disclosure. Some items you may find include neighbourhood trouble, danger, serious repairs, or deaths that occur in your home. Each state has different requirements for what must be disclosed. Check that it recognizes a particular area.
Why should you worry about property liens?
A lien is a legal claim against property introduced to secure a debt. These can be placed on property for several reasons. If you find an estate lien during a home history search, it is important to verify it and take the best next step for your situation. If you are purchasing property along with a lien, you may be financially liable for it. It is best to get help from experts to cover all bases.
A search for the history of the house tells you when my house was built?
If you don’t have much information about the property you’re buying and want to know when your home was built, this is a great way to find a home history search. Visit the county website to find information online and see if you can visit the local recorder’s office.
Should I do a home history search if I have a seller’s disclosure?
There are some federally mandatory disclosures such as lead paint, asbestos, and wetlands, but not all of them need to be disclosed by the seller. You may not even have seller disclosures for some types of purchases. Doing a history search for your own home can help you make informed decisions before you buy.
How can I find an old photo of my house?
There are several ways to find old photos of your home. You can ask and check with previous owners, take advantage of local libraries and historical societies, and check online resources. A quick and easy glance at the past, Google Maps Street view shows old images of the house. Simply click “See More Dates” and go back in time.
