When going through the process of buying a home, it’s essential to remember to ask important questions about the property’s history, such as when it was built and any renovations that have been done. Before finalizing a deal and starting the closing process, it’s crucial to research the property history of the home you are interested in purchasing. Below, we provide guidance on how to find out when a house was built and other important details to make the home buying process easier and less stressful.
6 easy ways to determine when your house was built
- Check documents like deeds, titles, and census records
- Consult your real estate agent
- Search your county assessor’s website
- Ask the title company
- Conduct a free online title search
- Search the home address or APN online
How to uncover the history of your house
Exploring the history of a property you own or are considering purchasing can be an intriguing journey. However, it can be challenging. Beginning with a public records search on your local city and county websites is a good starting point, but discrepancies in available information online may arise. This can influence the complexity of the search process. We will guide you through the steps.
Step 1. Research summary information
The initial step in discovering a house’s history involves looking up the property address on a real estate website. The property details will typically include the assessor’s parcel number (APN) or tax ID number and the year of construction under the Public Facts section, along with other information. It’s important to note down the APN or tax ID number for use in subsequent steps.
Step 2. Visit your county recorder’s website
The county recorder’s office, also known as the county clerk’s office, maintains records of all taxable properties in the city or county. They establish ownership, assign a taxable value to the property, and record various documents such as deeds of trust, liens, and lien releases.
Step 3. Utilize the county parcel viewer
The most efficient way to access property information on a county recorder’s website is by using the APN number. If you couldn’t find a parcel number on a real estate website, you can usually use the city or county parcel search feature.
If you require certified copies, you will need to pay a small fee per page or document to the recorder’s office.
Exploring Property Records: A Guide for Homebuyers
When you’re in the process of buying a home, delving into the property records can provide valuable insights. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically find in property records and where to look for them:
- Surveys: Surveys may not always be indexed by parcel number, so you may need to copy and paste the abbreviated legal description to access them.
- Active and completed permits: Permits usually contain information about the property owner, contractor, and address. Look for permits in the property report.
- Planning or building department complaints.
- Encumbrances, liens, deeds, and easements.
- Plumbing permits, septic system records, and private well records.
- Photos: Search for photos using the parcel number or legal description. Look for them in city, county, or regional archives, as well as in property reports and record cards.
- Area reports: These reports provide details about the taxing district, maps, valuation, and neighborhood information. Check for reports from the department of assessments for a comprehensive overview.
Exploring the History of Older Homes
For those interested in older homes, uncovering their history can be fascinating. Here are some tips for researching the past of an older property:
- Historical archives: Local archives are treasure troves of information on property history. Look for property record cards that include photos and historical data.
- Property record cards: These cards contain details like construction date, ownership information, and permit numbers. Use parcel numbers, addresses, or legal descriptions to search for records.
- Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps: These maps show structural changes over time and provide insights into the building’s evolution.
- Historical area reports: Dive into reports that offer a broader regional overview, detailing the history of land usage in the area.
Conducting a Free Online Property Title Search
Yes, you can perform a free online property title search to find basic information like property ownership and construction date. Resources like parcel viewers can provide sales history and deed details.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you encounter complexities in property records, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from real estate professionals like attorneys, escrow agents, and real estate agents. They can help decipher intricate details and address any questions you may have.
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