Housefax, a service that a former realtor.com CEO is helping to steer, has launched what it says is the first property data service that offers “comprehensive, consolidated” reports on homes.
The company, which unveiled its product today, lays bare historical information on building permits, mortgages, fires, floods and sink holes, among other data.
According to the company’s website, Housefax harvests data on millions of properties from thousands of sources — both public and proprietary, according to a company statement — to construct the reports.
They cost $59 each, and according to the company’s website, are designed to complement a professional home inspection, seller’s disclosure and repair documentation.
“Though we’re in the midst of a housing rebound, many homes have been neglected, rented, foreclosed or left vacant, and today’s buyers are far more cautious,” said Housefax founder and CEO Eddy Lang in a statement. “When finalizing a contract on a home, inspection reports often threaten closings too late in the process, and can miss hidden red flags like mold, fire and flood damage, or even meth labs, sink holes, earthquake fault lines and other hazards. It’s important to do your own residential diligence before making an offer on any home.”
Former realtor.com CEO Allan Dalton is Housefax’s chief strategy officer.
“No one’s been able to combine all these tools and information into one universal report to help consumers make better decisions,” Dalton said in a statement. “As the market rebounds, Housefax will complement the roles of real estate professionals and home inspectors, preserve more transactions, and convert the market from ‘Buyer Beware’ to ‘Buyer Aware.'”
