Ah, the history of your house, the tales it could tell! When digging into your home’s backstory, there’s a treasure trove of information waiting to be uncovered. You could go down to the city’s land division and start pulling records and tracing its history – was it formerly part of a plantation? What year might it have been built? You can also look up the old Sanborn maps and find some fun info! And don’t forget about our Main Library – a staff member there can also help you dig into the past.
With all of this being said, you need other information on your home, too. When you make a purchase, these are good things to know and give a better understanding of the house. (Some of this info won’t be fully uncovered until you have home inspections!)
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Age & Construction: Start at the beginning! How old is your house, and what materials were used to build it? Understanding its construction can give you insights into its durability and any unique features. (For most homes in New Orleans, we do not have an accurate age. Many owners are passing down the info they have been told.)
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Renovations & Upgrades: Speaking of renovations, what changes have been made to the house? Were there any major remodels, additions, or upgrades? Understanding this can help you maintain the property and anticipate future maintenance needs. This comes with property disclosures. If the house was listed previously, your New Orleans real estate agent could potentially pull those old records, too! Permits & Records: Get your detective hat on and hunt for permits and records! Finding out which permits were pulled for renovations or additions can confirm that everything’s up to code. We have the One Stop App in New Orleans to help find old permits. However, this only dates back so far. For Jefferson Parish, you can start on their website.
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Historical Events: Was your house witness to any historical events or significant moments? Sometimes, homes have intriguing stories tied to local history. You can check for historic landmark locations on the city’s website.
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Property Line & Land History: What’s beyond your walls? Delve into the history of your land, property lines, and any land-use changes. It’s fascinating to see how the area around your home has evolved. Heading to the city’s land division at 1340 Poydras, on the 4th floor, will certainly be a start. (This can be a real challenge if you’re not sure where to start. Have your real estate agent ask a title company to see if an old survey is on file!)
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Issues or Repairs: Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to any past issues or repairs. Understanding, if there were any structural issues or recurring problems, can help you stay ahead of the game in maintenance. This is again when property disclosures and home inspections will help guide the way on your house history!
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Architectural Style & Features: Embrace your home’s style! Learning about its architectural features and the era it represents can deepen your appreciation for its unique character.
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Flooding: Did the house ever flood, and was it properly renovated after that flood? Sometimes, that answer doesn’t always come out till later, unfortunately. So, don’t hesitate to inquire about mold testing in a home if you’re worried!
You likely won’t know the full history of your home, even if you rip it all apart and rebuild it. But don’t be afraid to ask questions, dig deep, and talk to neighbors to better understand your potential (or already new) abode!
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