How to Find the Original Purchase Price of a Home

Finding the original purchase price of a home is a common need for homeowners. This information is valuable for several financial purposes, including calculating potential capital gains for tax reporting, evaluating refinancing options, or maintaining comprehensive personal financial records. Locating this detail may require a thorough investigation, depending on the property’s age and the availability of past records.

Reviewing Personal Documentation

Homeowners have documents that can reveal the original purchase price of their property. Starting with personal records is the most direct approach. These provide immediate access to acquisition details.

Property Deed

Your property deed is a key source for the original purchase price. It formally transfers ownership and is recorded with local authorities. The deed contains a “consideration” clause, stating the value exchanged, often reflecting the sale price. Some deeds list a nominal value, but others include the actual sale price.

Closing Disclosure/HUD-1

For recent purchases, the Closing Disclosure form provides a comprehensive summary of the transaction. It details loan terms, payments, and closing costs, including the home price. Older transactions used a HUD-1 Settlement Statement, which outlines the sale price and associated fees. Both documents list the purchase price and other costs contributing to your property’s cost basis for tax purposes.

Old Tax Returns

Old tax returns offer indirect clues to a home’s purchase price. Filings related to mortgage interest or property tax deductions may reference the property or contain information leading to the original cost. While not a direct source, these records can corroborate other findings or indicate the acquisition year.

Mortgage Documents and Bank Records

Mortgage documents and loan agreements, while not directly stating the purchase price, are useful. These documents specify the original loan amount, which, when combined with your known down payment, help approximate the purchase price. Bank records also provide direct evidence of the down payment or the full initial transaction.

Utilizing Public Records Databases

When personal documents do not provide the necessary information, public records databases become a valuable resource. These official sources maintain property data accessible to the public, offering a pathway to uncover historical transaction details.

County Recorder or Clerk’s Office

The county recorder or clerk’s office is the repository for property deeds and other real estate documents. Access is available through online portals, in-person visits, or mail-in requests. You will need the property address or parcel number to search effectively. A recording fee may apply for copies.

Assessor’s Office or Property Tax Records

The assessor’s office or property tax records maintain information. Their records include sales history and assessed values that can lead to the original purchase price. Access is often available through online search tools or by visiting the office.

Online Real Estate Platforms

Online real estate platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com offer a starting point for research. They aggregate public data and display sales history, including past transaction prices. While useful, accuracy can vary, especially for older transactions.

Contacting Involved Parties

If previous methods are insufficient, contacting parties involved in the original transaction can provide details. This approach focuses on communication with external sources who may retain records.

Mortgage Lender or Servicer

Your original mortgage lender or servicer may have records of the loan that financed the home purchase. Contact their customer service to inquire about the original loan amount and terms, which indirectly confirm the purchase price. Provide your name, property address, and original mortgage account number for retrieval.

Title Company

The title company that handled the original closing would have records, including the purchase price and a copy of the settlement statement. Provide the property address and approximate closing date to help them locate files.

Real Estate Agent

The real estate agent who represented you during the original purchase may have transaction records. Brokers are required to retain transaction documents, though retention periods vary by state and older records may no longer be available. Contacting the agent could provide a direct lead to the purchase agreement.

Previous Homeowner

If you know the previous homeowner, they might share details from their records. This method is not guaranteed but can yield information if other avenues are exhausted.