What’s Hiding in Your Home’s Past? Your Guide to a House History Search

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.

>>Read: Why Redfin doesn’t show neighborhood crime data

6. Neighbors 

If your home has a history, chances are a neighbor remembers it. Even if nothing happened on your property, they might reveal important insights about the property that may not be documented or disclosed anywhere. Plus, being a good neighbor and building connections is a great way to turn a new neighborhood into a new home.

7. Redfin 

Yes, you can use Redfin.com for a house history search. You can view the sales history, tax information, climate risks, and more for homes both on and off the market. It’s an easy way to get a basic overview of both the home and neighborhood during the home buying process. 

A house history search is more than a fun research project

Regardless of why you might be looking into it, a home history search is the best way to get comprehensive details about your property. Ideally this is done before you buy so you can fully understand what you’re investing in. However, it’s never too late to dive into the details. Who knows? Maybe those rumors about a famous artist living in your house aren’t just rumors after all. 

FAQs about house history searches

Should I do a house history search before or after buying? 

Ideally, a house history search is done before you buy a house so you have all the details you need to make an informed investment. Your real estate agent can help you with this process to make sure all of your concerns are addressed before closing on a home.

What is a seller required to tell me about a house’s history? 

One important legal document involved in home sales is a seller’s disclosure. Some items you might find on it include neighborhood nuisances, hazards, significant repairs, or deaths that occurred in the home. Each state has different requirements about what must be disclosed. Make sure you take a look at the ones to be aware of for your specific area. 

Why should I worry about property liens?

Liens are legal claims against a property that are put in place to secure a debt. They can be placed on a property for a number of reasons. If you find property liens during your house history search, it is crucial to verify it and take the best next steps for your situation. If you’re buying a property with a lien, you may become financially responsible for it. It’s a good idea to get help from a professional to ensure you cover all your bases. 

Will a house history search tell me when my house was built? 

If you don’t have a lot of information on the property you’re buying and want to know when your house was built, a house history search is a great way to find out. Visit your county’s website to find information online, or see when you can pay your local Recorder’s Office a visit. 

Do I need to do a house history search if I have a seller’s disclosure? 

While there are some federally mandated disclosures like lead paint, asbestos, or wetlands, not everything is required to be disclosed by the seller. For some types of purchases, you may not even have a seller’s disclosure. Doing your own house history search is important to help you make an informed decision before purchasing. 

How do I find old photos of my house?

There are a few ways to find old photos of your house. You can ask around or check with the previous owners, utilize local libraries or historical societies, or check online resources. For a quick and easy glance into the past, Google Maps Street View shows older images of your home. Just click “see more dates” to travel back in time.

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