How Do I Locate the History of a Home Residence?

Obtain the chain of title for the home. A chain of title is the history of who has owned a home from its original owner to its present owner. Sometimes a chain of title will be created when a home is purchased. If not, the chain of title can be reconstructed by visiting the local agency that maintains records of deeds, such as the register of deeds or department of records. The chain of title will provide the names of previous owners so the occupant history of the home can be outlined.

Search for building permits. The chain of title should provide the approximate date when the home was constructed, and with this time range it will be easier to find the original building permits. Building permits are typically located at the zoning or planning commission for the area and provide information on when the home was built, the original plan and information about the construction of the building. If additions or renovations were completed, building permits will also provide details on those changes.

Review tax records for the property. Tax records, either the tax assessor rolls or property tax records, will indicate the value of the home over its lifetime, which may lead to the discovery of when renovations or other improvements took place in the home.

Contact the local historical society. The historical society is a great resource for learning the history of the area and will often have information on prominent citizens and homes. Learning more about the area helps place the home in a historical context, such as if it was originally located in a part of town that was home to recent immigrants or if it was constructed as a home for factory workmen and their families.

Talk to neighbors. People who have lived in the neighborhood for a long time will often have information about the previous residents of a home. Neighbors may also have memories of when the residence was built or renovated.