Open permits, disclosure risks, hazard zones, and what public records tell you before the keys change hands.
An open permit means work was started but never inspected or signed off. You may be inheriting unverified work, including the obligation to close it after purchase.
Disclosure RiskThe NHD report covers six statutory hazard zones and is legally required, but most buyers don't realize it doesn't cover permits, claims, or property condition.
Disclosure RiskLegally yes, but it carries real consequences for both parties. Sophisticated buyers read multiple "unknowns" as a red flag, not neutral information.
Permit RiskLADBS, eTrakit, BuildZoom, the TDS, and your prelim each surface different facts. Here is a practical checklist before you make an offer.
Due DiligenceA property history report summarizes records; it does not replace a physical inspection. Waiving contingency still leaves blind spots a walk-through cannot fix.
Hazard RiskNHD, FEMA flood data, Cal Fire severity zones, and state fault maps tell different parts of the story. Know what to verify before you bid.
Due DiligencePermits, assessor data, title and liens, hazard disclosures, claims where available, court filings, and seller forms: what to pull and what a report aggregates.
Permit RiskInsurance gaps, resale friction, city enforcement, refinance hurdles, neighbor disputes, and the cost to legalize: why verification beats optimism.
ProductThe NHD covers statutory hazard zones and required seller disclosures. HomeHistory pulls documentary records such as permits and claims. Different questions, complementary answers.
Due DiligenceInspectors see accessible systems today; documentary checks surface what agencies and insurers recorded over years. Neither replaces the other.
Submit a property and we'll build your report — permits, claims, hazard data, violations, and more, all source-cited.
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