Question 1

Can you find any details about the people who used to live in my house?

Accepted Answer

Yes! By combing through Census Records, City Directories, and newspapers, I can do my best to find out the people who came before you at your address!

Question 2

Can you guarantee you’ll find information about my house?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no.  Certain addresses weren't recorded in Census Records or City Directories depending on how rural your house is, so information might not be easily obtainable. This is why I provide a free 15 minute consultation before signing any Statement of Work documents. I would like to ensure that I offer value for your money on all packages so we cannot offer guarantees on all commission levels. This allows me to be confident in my ability to offer quality research services and allow you to be assured with our service and that I have exhausted all efforts before committing to a plan.

Question 3

How do I know your research is thorough?

Accepted Answer

That's a good question! I have a bachelor's degree with a minor in Art History and Architecture. I have ten years of experience working in libraries and extensive training on how to ask the right questions, find the right answers, and chase every rabbit hole!

Every single package, including hiring me by the hour, includes investigating Census Records, City Directories, and the Tax Assessors files. And this is just the start of my research!

I will do my best to comb through every file I can to dig up information for you!

Question 4

Do you have access to records that aren't available to the general public?

Accepted Answer

No! But I do have access to Ancestry.com and library connections to help me know what leads to chase and which questions to ask. Over a decade of experiences saves you time and money in the efficient and effective skills I have that help me Meet Your Old House!

Question 5

Can you research old farmhouses?

Accepted Answer

If you house is a farmhouse or was built on farmland I can still complete a research package for you! My own house was a farm house before 1930 and I still managed to track down who lived in it between 1924 and the 1930 census! It does require more time and specialized research since most farmhouses did not always have proper address listings. My 15 minute free consultation will guide me on what information I can find before you commit to a specific package.

Question 6

How long does it take you to research my old house?

Accepted Answer

It depends! I can usually dig up some interesting surface level information in a few hours. To provide the assurance that I have thoroughly researched your house, I do not accept packages that require a turnaround of less than a month. Sometimes investigating a house involves contacting others and I want to provide you with an analytical search time that involves more than quick online searches.

Question 7

Do you do home inspections?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not. Though I studied architecture in a basic 100 level course for undergrad, I have no experience in structural integrity or architectural design.

Question 8

Do you do genealogy research?

Accepted Answer

No. My training is primarily involved in record searching and although I use Ancestry.com or other genealogy sources to research your old home, I would recommend someone who has a better skill set for family genealogy than I.

FAQ.

Frequently asked questions