The history of a home is more than just a date on a deed; it’s a story woven into its very foundations. Knowing when your house was built is essential for numerous reasons, impacting everything from insurance costs to potential renovation considerations and understanding its value.
According to the National Association of Realtors, over 70% of homebuyers find a home’s history an important factor when making a purchasing decision. Understanding your home’s past provides you with the context of its construction and the historical development of the area it’s in. This information allows for better care, informed decision-making, and a deeper appreciation for your property. Let’s delve into how you can uncover this fascinating information.
Why Knowing Your House’s Build Date Matters
Understanding when your home was built is fundamental to various aspects of property ownership. It influences insurance premiums, helps identify potential structural issues, aids in accurate property valuation, and provides a valuable historical context.
Older homes, especially those built before certain building codes were established, might require specialized insurance policies to account for unique potential risks, such as asbestos or lead paint. The presence of these materials is often correlated with the build date, underscoring the need for this data. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homes built before 1978 are more likely to contain lead-based paint. Knowing the age of the house helps homeowners address this potential hazard proactively.
When applying for home insurance, insurers often ask for the build date to assess risk. Also, if planning a renovation, knowledge of a home’s age is essential for understanding potential challenges related to older building materials, like Knob and tube wiring.
How to Search the Property History for a Home
1. Public Records: Your First Stop for Build Date Information
Local government websites, specifically those of your city or county’s assessor or recorder’s office, are prime sources for property records. These records often include the date of construction, original building permits, and details of any major renovations.
Many local governments are now digitizing their records. A report by the National League of Cities states that nearly 80% of local governments have launched some form of online service in recent years. This allows the public easy access to information that used to be available only in person.
In most states, you can typically search for your address on the county assessor’s website and find relevant details. These resources can often provide more detailed information than private property databases.
2. Online Real Estate Databases & Resources
Online real estate platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com often include the build year of a property. These sites compile data from various sources and provide a convenient starting point.
These sites leverage large databases and often have estimated values, property details, and tax information. According to Zillow Research, over 90% of home buyers start their search online, underscoring the prevalence of these platforms.
While these sites are helpful, always cross-reference the information with official public records to ensure accuracy. Discrepancies between online data and official data are not uncommon and could impact things like financing or property assessment accuracy.
3. Property Deeds and Title Records: Digging Deeper
Property deeds filed with your county’s recorder or clerk’s office contain essential historical information. These documents detail the ownership history, transfers of ownership, and sometimes the original build date of the structure.
Deeds can be examined at local county offices and sometimes online. They may also contain details of when different improvements or additions have been made to a home, helping you piece together more than just the initial construction. These records are legally binding and carry more weight than the data available in private databases.
When going through a purchase transaction, the title company performs a search of all previous deeds to ensure that there are no outstanding legal claims on the property. This process could uncover valuable information about the age and building history.
4. Building Permits and Historical Records
Beyond property records, permits, and local history societies can give clues to construction dates.
Building permits are required for all new construction, and in many municipalities, these are a matter of public record. Local historical societies may have records, photos, and maps related to the area your home is in, which might date the property.
If the other sources fail to provide a precise build year, these may help determine if the house is of a certain age, even if the specific date is unknown. For example, permits may help you ascertain whether an addition was completed, even if the original build date is not listed.
5. Professional Assistance (When Needed)
In some cases, particularly with older or historically significant homes, it might be beneficial to consult professionals.
A property surveyor, or a real estate historian can often access specific resources to ascertain a home’s age. This can be important if the home is to be listed on a register or for any historical purposes.
Historic research companies or local historic associations can help you compile detailed property histories when the public records don’t offer enough information. They are trained to delve into obscure and unusual resources.
Conclusion
Knowing the history of your home—starting with the year it was built—is an important aspect of property ownership. It can help you make informed decisions about insurance, renovations, and potential issues. By leveraging the public resources and online tools available, and by possibly seeking professional help when needed, you can uncover your home’s full story.
Ready to dive into your property’s past? Start your search with your county assessor’s website today or explore online real estate databases. If you’re looking for expert guidance in Oklahoma City, OKC Home Realty Services can assist with property research, restoration planning, and more. Contact us today to uncover the fascinating story behind your home!
FAQs: Common Questions About Property History
Where can I find building permit records?
Building permit records are typically available through your local city or county’s building department or planning department. Most of these are open to the public upon request.
What resources are available for older homes with limited online records?
Local historical societies and libraries may house maps, photos, and historical records to provide clues to a home's construction date. Librarians and historians can be invaluable resources.
Is there a cost to search property records for when my house was built?
In most cases, accessing online property appraiser websites is free. However, obtaining certified documents or archived building permits might require a small fee.
Can I find out if my home is historically significant?
Yes, consult the National Register of Historic Places or your state’s preservation office. They maintain databases of properties deemed historically important.
