If a home could talk, what would it tell you? An Asheville, NC, company is acting as the tell-all for homes across the country. The firm created a database that contains building and permitting information from U.S. cities and counties.

The information is sold to appraisers, inspectors, and banks. Fees range from a single report ($39.99) to report services costing between ($100 to $300 per month). But there's something even better for consumers.

"BuildFax is proud to be able to offer consumers free access to comprehensive permitting reports on their property and on potential purchases," said Holly Tachovsky, president of BuildFax. Tachovsky believes these reports are essential for understanding a home's history. "These reports are an important and highly cost-effective way of learning about a property and we are confident that acquiring this data will become a standard practice for anyone looking into properties details.” Consumer wouldn't think of buying a used car without finding out its history but until now they have purchased homes without knowing the complete history of the home.

The reports from BuildFax are free until July 31, 2011. They provide detailed information about permitted work done on the property, giving potential home buyers and current home owners, in-depth information about the "life story" of the structure.

After July 31, these reports will be available for $39.99 each. Consumers can request free reports at buildfax.com. The BuildFax Reports include comprehensive information that's helpful to buyers and sellers. The company touts that its reports allow consumers to “see within the walls” like never before.

The newly offered free reports (until July 31, 2011) to consumers were previously only available to industry professionals. But exactly how much information will you get? BuildFax says it tracks 60 percent of the country's permit volume which enables it the ability to provide reports on millions of properties all over the country.

The decision to order a report like this is likely influenced by understanding that a home is one of the biggest investments most consumers will ever make. Having a report that helps identify any past or potential issues can help buyers save lots of money that might otherwise go toward unknown repairs. BuildFax is the nation's leading provider of historical building permit data. Now that it's making reports available to consumers, it hopes to help buyers and sellers avoid costly mistakes while also highlighting key upgrades and repairs made to properties.

The report details information on permitted home improvements, renovations made to the structure, additions, roof replacement, plumbing work, electrical modifications, demolitions, and pool work. It gives an account of major construction, major systems such as providing information on the likely age of the roof, plumbing, electrical systems, heating, and air conditioning systems.

It also gives information about past events and documents the building's remodel and repair history. And it provides information about which contractors have worked on the property.

"Consumers don't buy a refrigerator without reading reviews, purchase a car without knowing the full history of a vehicle, or book a vacation without getting more details on their destination," said Tachovsky. "With a home being the most expensive purchase that most consumers will ever make, buyers and sellers should research the history of the property with a BuildFax Report, and our free offer is an easy way to get the details, and peace of mind, risk free." A report like what BuildFax is offering may just offer buyers the peace of mind needed to confidently sign on the dotted line.

Published: July 1, 2011

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Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist, an author, customer service trainer/speaker, and founder of Setting the Service Standard, a customer service training and consulting program offered by Live Fit Enterprises (LFE) based in San Diego, California. She is the publisher of Live Fit Magazine, an online publication that features information on real estate/finance, physical fitness, travel, and philanthropy. Her company, LFE, specializes in media services including marketing, PR, writing, commercials, corporate videos, customer service training, and keynotes & seminars. Visit her magazine website: www.LiveFitMagazine.com. Phoebe's articles, feature stories, and columns appear in various publications including The Coast News, Del Mar Village Voice, Rancho Santa Fe Review, and Today's Local News in San Diego, as well as numerous Internet sites. She holds a California real estate license. Phoebe worked for KGTV/10News in San Diego as a Newscaster, Reporter and Community Affairs Specialist for more than a decade. Phoebe's writing is also featured in Donald Trump's book: The Best Real Estate Advice I Ever Received and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying Foreclosures. She is the author of If the Trash Stinks, TAKE IT OUT! 14 Worriless Principles for Your Success. Contact Phoebe at (858) 259-3646 or . Visit PhoebeChongchua.com for more information.