Sometimes, the history of a home for sale or rent can be uncertain.
If you’re making a significant investment in a new home, you may want more details about the property’s history than what the selling listing provides. For instance, it could be anything from a famous address to an unfortunate incident. Or perhaps there are intriguing historical elements you would like to know about your potential new home.
Here are a few ways to research a property’s details before signing a lease, making an offer, or moving in.
Talk to the Landlord or Homeowner
If you want to know more about a home’s history, don’t hesitate to ask the right questions. As a prospective tenant, talk to the landlord openly about issues prior tenants have experienced with the property or neighbors. In the case of buying a home, property owners are also required in most states to provide a disclosure form. While you may not see every small problematic aspect on the form, you will see information that potentially affects the home’s marketability. For example, if the house has ever sustained water damage, had extensive foundation work, or had a fire, these should be in the disclosure.
Do a Quick Search of the Home’s Address
In the age of Google, you can learn a lot about a place through a quick internet search. Plug the home’s address into your search bar on Google and see if you pull up anything concerning. Be sure also to try the “News” tab.
In many cases, if a crime has occurred in a particular neighborhood or someone notable has lived at a specific address, you will find a few bits of information to offer insight.
Take a Look at Past Property Values
Standard websites like Realtor and Zillow often give a brief overview of the history of a property’s estimated or evaluated price or even its list price. You may even see the different listing prices and how often the home has changed ownership in some cases. While price drops are not a definitive clue that something questionable happened at the address, pricing can give you a better clue of potential drawbacks.
For example, if a home that was once valued at $500,000 has a drastic drop over a few years or is bought and sold several times, pay attention. This could mean something is questionable about that property.
Strike Up a Conversation with a Prior Resident or Close Neighbor
If you have access to information regarding prior home residents, look up and reach out. It can be helpful to get firsthand knowledge from someone who has lived at the address. If a home has nearby neighbors, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself as a prospective buyer or tenant and ask questions. If neighbors have been in the area for a while, they can be an excellent source of information.
Feel Confident in Your Choice? Let’s Get You Moved
Once you’re happy with the place you picked, we can help you handle the rest. Our professional movers can ensure your transition happens with the utmost care. Reach out to request a free estimate or learn more about our services.
