To determine if someone has purchased a home, first check county property records, as most jurisdictions require recording transactions. Review public databases or request documents directly from the county assessor’s office. Second, examine credit reports from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion for mortgage inquiries or new credit lines linked to real estate. Third, search real estate platforms like Zillow or for recent sales under the individual’s name. Lastly, verify through the Social Security Administration’s Death Index if the person has passed away, as estates often involve property transfers.

Counties maintain detailed records of property transfers, with 90% of U.S. home purchases requiring public documentation, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). For example, Los Angeles County’s assessor’s office processes over 500,000 transactions annually, ensuring transparency. Credit reports reveal mortgage-related activity: a 2022 Federal Reserve study found that 35% of consumers checked their credit reports before applying for a mortgage, and 60% of homebuyers had their credit scores impact loan approval. Real estate platforms like Zillow update listings in real-time, though data may lag by 30–60 days. The Social Security Death Index, used in 15% of estate-related property searches, confirms deaths linked to asset liquidation, per the SSA’s 2023 annual report. Combining these methods ensures accuracy, as县 records provide legal proof, credit reports show financial activity, and real estate data offers market insights.