How Do I Check a Property's History?

Checking a property's history is an essential step in the home-buying process.

It helps you uncover important information about the property's past ownership, condition, and any legal or financial issues that might affect your purchase decision.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to check a property's history:

1. Obtain the Property's Address and Legal Description

Before you start your research, make sure you have the property's correct address and legal description.

The legal description can typically be found on the deed, or in the property listing.

2. Use Online Property Records Databases

Many municipalities offer online access to property records through their assessor or recorder's office. Here’s what you can typically find:

• Ownership History: Details of past and current owners, including purchase dates and prices.
• Property Tax Records: Information on property tax assessments, payments, and any liens.
• Sale History: Records of previous sales, including prices and dates.

3. Visit the County Assessor's or Recorder's Office

If online records are not comprehensive or available, visit the local county assessor's or recorder's office. Here you can:

• Review Deeds and Titles: Obtain copies of deeds and titles to verify ownership history and any encumbrances.
• Check for Liens: Identify any outstanding liens, such as unpaid taxes or contractor liens, which could affect the property.

4. Use Title Search Services

A title search company can provide a thorough investigation of the property's history. They will:

• Examine Public Records: Review all public records related to the property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and zoning restrictions.
• Issue a Title Report: Provide a comprehensive report detailing the property's legal status and any potential issues.

5. Hire a Title Insurance Company

Title insurance companies offer title search services and provide insurance to protect against future claims or legal issues related to the property's history.

This step is often required by lenders when financing a home purchase.

6. Consult the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Real estate agents have access to the MLS, which contains detailed information about properties, including:

• Listing History: Previous listings, price changes, and time on the market.
• Agent Notes: Additional insights and comments from listing agents about the property's condition and history.

7. Check for Building Permits and Zoning Information

Contact the local building department to:

• Review Permits: Verify if permits were obtained for any renovations or additions. Ensure all work was completed to code.
• Zoning Compliance: Confirm the property's zoning designation and any restrictions or future zoning changes that could affect the property.

8. Search Online Databases and Public Records

• Property History Websites: Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com provide property history, including previous sales and price changes.
• County Clerk's Office: Search for legal documents, such as divorce decrees, probate records, and lawsuits, that might involve the property.

9. Investigate Environmental Records

Check for any environmental concerns or hazards:

• EPA Database: Use the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) database to look for records of contamination or environmental issues.
• State Environmental Agencies: Contact state agencies for information on any local environmental concerns affecting the property.

10. Talk to Neighbors

Neighbors can provide valuable insights about the property's history, including:

• Previous Owners: Information about the behavior and reputation of previous owners.
• Property Condition: Observations about any changes or issues with the property over time.
• Neighborhood Changes: Insights into changes in the neighborhood that might affect the property.

Conclusion

Thoroughly checking a property's history helps you make an informed decision and avoid potential legal or financial issues.

Utilize online databases, county records, title search services, and other resources to gather comprehensive information about the property's past.

This diligence ensures that you are aware of any potential red flags and can confidently proceed with your home purchase.

If you have a property you'd like helo researching, feel free to reach out.

Ken

It helps you uncover important information about the property's past ownership, condition, and any legal or financial issues that might affect your purchase decision.

Here’s a detailed guide on how to check a property's history:

1. Obtain the Property's Address and Legal Description

Before you start your research, make sure you have the property's correct address and legal description.

The legal description can typically be found on the deed, or in the property listing.

2. Use Online Property Records Databases

Many municipalities offer online access to property records through their assessor or recorder's office. Here’s what you can typically find:

• Ownership History: Details of past and current owners, including purchase dates and prices.
• Property Tax Records: Information on property tax assessments, payments, and any liens.
• Sale History: Records of previous sales, including prices and dates.

3. Visit the County Assessor's or Recorder's Office

If online records are not comprehensive or available, visit the local county assessor's or recorder's office. Here you can:

• Review Deeds and Titles: Obtain copies of deeds and titles to verify ownership history and any encumbrances.
• Check for Liens: Identify any outstanding liens, such as unpaid taxes or contractor liens, which could affect the property.

4. Use Title Search Services

A title search company can provide a thorough investigation of the property's history. They will:

• Examine Public Records: Review all public records related to the property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and zoning restrictions.
• Issue a Title Report: Provide a comprehensive report detailing the property's legal status and any potential issues.

5. Hire a Title Insurance Company

Title insurance companies offer title search services and provide insurance to protect against future claims or legal issues related to the property's history.

This step is often required by lenders when financing a home purchase.

6. Consult the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Real estate agents have access to the MLS, which contains detailed information about properties, including:

• Listing History: Previous listings, price changes, and time on the market.
• Agent Notes: Additional insights and comments from listing agents about the property's condition and history.

7. Check for Building Permits and Zoning Information

Contact the local building department to:

• Review Permits: Verify if permits were obtained for any renovations or additions. Ensure all work was completed to code.
• Zoning Compliance: Confirm the property's zoning designation and any restrictions or future zoning changes that could affect the property.

8. Search Online Databases and Public Records

• Property History Websites: Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com provide property history, including previous sales and price changes.
• County Clerk's Office: Search for legal documents, such as divorce decrees, probate records, and lawsuits, that might involve the property.

9. Investigate Environmental Records

Check for any environmental concerns or hazards:

• EPA Database: Use the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) database to look for records of contamination or environmental issues.
• State Environmental Agencies: Contact state agencies for information on any local environmental concerns affecting the property.

10. Talk to Neighbors

Neighbors can provide valuable insights about the property's history, including:

• Previous Owners: Information about the behavior and reputation of previous owners.
• Property Condition: Observations about any changes or issues with the property over time.
• Neighborhood Changes: Insights into changes in the neighborhood that might affect the property.

Conclusion

Thoroughly checking a property's history helps you make an informed decision and avoid potential legal or financial issues.

Utilize online databases, county records, title search services, and other resources to gather comprehensive information about the property's past.

This diligence ensures that you are aware of any potential red flags and can confidently proceed with your home purchase.

If you have a property you'd like helo researching, feel free to reach out.

Ken