You may have been a homeowner for a while, or simply adore them.AdvertisementThere are several easy ways to find out the history of your house or the neighborhood you've always wanted to know. Here's how and where you can start.Google the address of your houseAs with any type of research, it is easiest to begin by doing a Google search for the home address. While this may be helpful, it is best to start with the most obvious.You will likely find a Zillow listing or Realtor.com listing if the house has been on the market for a while. This listing should give you information about the year it was built. You might also find interior photos if the house isn't for you. Any other information that a quick Google search uncovers is a bonus.Find cluesIf you live in the house that you are researching but don't know the year, it is worth looking around. The National Trust for Historic Preservation suggests that closets can be a good place to begin because there may be old wallpaper or paint that has patterns or color schemes that are specific to your era. You can also check for any dates or stamps on brick or rafters in the house.Public records can be used to conduct researchThis is where it can get more complicated. Although there are many public records available, not all of them have been fully digitized. You may have to look through handwritten census records (digitized) to determine who lived in the house before.AdvertisementTitles, deeds and property tax records are the most easily accessible public records. These documents can be found through the county auditors website, local libraries, or local historical societies. The Sandborn Fire Insurance Maps contain details on the construction of houses.Talk to your neighboursYour house might look different depending on where you live. If you have any questions about the history of your home, such as when it was built or for what purpose, they may be able to help you. There are likely to be long-term residents in small towns who can fill in the details about the home's history, including previous owners and their occupations.AdvertisementFind out about the history of your neighborhood or townAre the cottages in your street originally designed to accommodate railroad workers? The area was once considered farmland, with the farms being subdivided into several lots. Did you experience a significant influx of immigrants from certain parts of the globe during the time your house was built. Even if there isn't anything specific about your house, it may be helpful to get some historical background.
