How to Do a Search of the History of My Home
In order to get a history of basic information on your home, such as the previous owners and selling prices, you have to pay for a title search. This information is a matter of public record. A title search is common when a sale is in progress, but you have the right to pull this data at any time for your own information.
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Instructions
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Call local title search companies in your county. These companies compile data on the homes in your area. Ask for the cost of running a title search. Expect to pay about $450 to $600 for a comprehensive search.
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Visit the title search company that you choose and pay the title search fee. Wait for the company to retrieve information about your home's deed--it could take a few days.
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Review your title search results. This should include a history of the owners of the home, sales data, status and history of property tax payments, current owner, easements, and previous and current liens.
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Retrieve information on your home's history for free using the NETR Online Public Records search as an alternative (see Resources). This service compiles online websites for counties across the country. Find your state and county, then click the link to your county's public records website to pull up public records about your home's deed. Keep in mind that this method may not pull up comprehensive information on the history of the property--only a summary of basic information, like selling prices, historical values and sale dates.
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Tips & Warnings
To find out more in-depth information about your home's history, such as any notable people who lived in the home, contact your town's administration office or you local historical society.
Check your paperwork from the date when you closed on your home before you pay for a new title search. Your paperwork from closing should include a copy of the title search results from that date.
References
Resources
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