If walls could talk, what stories would they tell about the history of your house? Maybe the neighbors in your Chicago apartment never stopped sharing tales about the mysterious former resident in 221B, or perhaps you’re still convinced your rental house in Seattle was haunted.
Before buying a house in Marysville, WA, a house history search can help you uncover everything from interesting histories to specific property information. In this Redfin article, we’ll share a number of different resources to help you find what you’re looking for – and what may surprise you.
In this article:
Why should I do a house history search? How do I research the history of my house? Libraries and historical societies Census records Property records Vital records Criminal records Neighbors Redfin FAQs
Why should I do a house history search?
Learning about a house’s past gives you a deeper understanding of its background and can reveal crucial information about past repairs, upkeep, and any environmental concerns.
Even if your house isn’t very old, knowing the specifics can help ensure you’re on the right track as the new homeowner. Here are a some of the things you can learn from a house history search:
Tax histories: See how property taxes have fluctuated over time and know what you can expect in the future. Property liens and judgements: Find out if there are any outstanding liens or or court orders against the property. Major construction and maintenance: Review the timeline of major maintenance and construction to understand what kind of upkeep you’ll need to prepare for. Protected land: Discover if your property borders protected green spaces or conservation areas to avoid costly fines before landscaping or remodeling. Criminal activity: Whether it was on your property or in your neighborhood, check criminal records for a more in depth look at any reported incidents. Historical details: Exploring the history of how the house was built and who lived there is one of the coolest investigations to do when buying a historic home. A house history search can also reveal important information about a home that an agent or seller either isn’t required to disclose or may not be aware of. Your real estate agent will help you explore the details and address concerns before you buy, but you can also do your own search at any time.
How do I research the history of my house?
There are a number of different places you can look to research the property history. It mostly depends on what type of information you are looking for. Start by noting what you already know, then list questions you want answered.
Here’s where you can find out more about the history of your house:
1. Libraries and historical societies
For a much older house, you might be looking for details from a historical angle. Your local library and city’s historical society are great places to start. They often maintain archives of old newspapers, maps, photos, and other real estate records that can shed light on your home’s past and the people who lived there.
Some resources are digitized, but older materials require hands-on searching, like scrolling through microfilm to uncover past stories tied to your home and neighborhood.
2. Census records
If you’re more interested in a history of who has lived in the house over the years, take a look at the census records. You’ll find some of the most comprehensive data about a place in time, but it can be a complex project. Once you have a name or two, a quick Google search might reveal whether any former residents have a history worth looking into.
Even if you’re not looking for family, various genealogy search engines can help you navigate the process.
3. Property records
For newer builds or more informational details about the property, try a property records search instead. County Recorder or Assessor offices keep records like deeds, tax history, and building permits. You can even find out who owns a property if you’re interested in buying. Check the county website to see what records are available online, or find out when you can visit in person.
4. Vital records
Maybe you just need to know whether a death occurred in the house. Visit the county’s Vital Records office to check the lists of death certificates for your address. If you do find it on a record, you’ll be able to look into the details about what happened.
5. Criminal records
Perhaps you found something in your earlier searches that raised red flags about criminal activity. Looking into criminal records can help you get a better picture of exactly what happened on the property.
Having the name of a previous owner speeds up the search, but even without it, online tools can help you find local crime data and police reports for your address. From there, you can then decide how far you want to investigate.
While it may be tempting to use criminal records to determine the relative safety of a neighborhood, it’s important to remember that crime data and safety are not directly correlated.