How to look up the history of a house before buying

Quick insights

• Researching a home’s history helps uncover past ownership, renovations and potential red flags.
• A home inspector can help identify current and past issues, providing valuable information to homebuyers before making the purchase.
• Several official offices and online resources that specialize in property records are good places to start your research.

When you find your dream home, you might be excited to make an offer. Before you buy, uncovering pertinent details can provide confidence in the purchase and potentially save future time or stress.

Why researching a house’s history is important

Before buying a home, researching its history can reveal information that a home inspection might not include. Taking time to uncover details can help you avoid surprises, protect your investment and save money in the long run. Past ownership records, renovation history and maintenance reports might reveal unpermitted work and structural problems. Knowing about past legal disputes, liens or zoning changes could prevent future headaches.

Things you may want to know about your house

Understanding a home’s history can provide valuable insights and a better perspective on the property. Below are some aspects you may want to research before buying.

• Past ownership: Learn about previous owners, their history, and any notable events associated with the property.
• Renovation and repair history: Check for past upgrades, structural changes or major repairs that could impact the home’s condition.
• Property value trends: Research how the home’s value has changed over time and what factors influenced price fluctuations.
• Outstanding liens or legal issues: Ensure there are no unpaid debts, disputes or legal claims tied to the property.
• Crime history and safety concerns: Look into any past incidents or reports of illegal activity in the area.
• Neighbor and community reputation: Try to learn about the neighborhood culture, local amenities and any potential concerns with nearby properties.
• Environmental and land use history: Investigate whether the property was ever exposed to hazardous materials or used for industrial purposes.

Ways to look up the history of a house

Here are several steps you could take to check out a property’s history, sometimes online.

Explore the National Register of Historic Places

Before purchasing a home, especially an older home, it may be worth checking if it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This database is managed by the National Park Service. You’ll find homes and buildings recognized for their historical or architectural significance. If a house is on the list, there may be special preservation rules, potential tax benefits or restrictions on renovations.

Consult the Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office

If you’re curious about the history of the land included in a potential property, the Bureau of Land Management’s General Land Office (GLO) is a place to start. Its online database has historical land records, including land grants and homesteading documents. These can show who first owned the property and how it was used over time. The GLO database could be a useful tool for first-time homebuyers who want to dig deeper into the past of their land and neighborhood before making a purchase.

Review local records

These can be helpful if you’re researching potential historical significance or just want to know more about who lived there before you. Various states and townships may have records you review if you’re interested in a specific property. The local library might even have resources you can use to learn about a home’s or neighborhood’s history before you buy.

Red flags in a property’s history

While researching a home’s past, be on the lookout for any warning signs that could indicate hidden problems. Here are potential red flags that probably won’t be in a home inspection report:

• Frequent property turnover: If a house has been sold multiple times in a short period, there may be underlying problems driving owners away.
• History of major renovations or repairs: Repeated structural work or system overhauls could signal ongoing issues rather than simple upgrades.
• Liens or foreclosures: These financial troubles might imply that the property wasn’t well-maintained or could have legal complications.
• Past insurance claims: Recurring claims can include serious problems that may resurface over time (especially claims for water damage or mold).

Taking the time to investigate these key factors can help you make a confident decision before buying a home.

The role of a home inspector in property history research

A home inspector plays an important role in uncovering current and prior issues with a property. The inspector can thoroughly examine key areas, such as the foundation, roof, plumbing and electrical systems. One goal is to identify signs of wear, damage or previous repairs. This is why potential buyers hire an inspector while being under contract. At the end of the inspection, a report can capture many historical details about a property.

In summary

Researching a home’s history helps first-time homebuyers avoid unexpected problems. Using public records, recognizing red flags and hiring a home inspector can provide insights into past problems and renovations. Knowing this information can help homebuyers make an informed decision.