US home sales rose in September, but slowed from a year earlier as mortgage rates, prices rose
NBC Bay Area · Oct 15
HouseUpside
Know the upside before you offer.
In hot markets you get about a week, often with no contingencies. We do the city research for you in minutes.
The problem
Agents say “do your own research.” The city says “come to the counter.”
Zoning, ADU rules, permit history, flood maps and old plans are public, but scattered across a dozen portals that newcomers cannot navigate.
What you get
One report: worth it, buildable, risky?
Lot potential, ADU and lot-split options, permit history clues, hazard zones, local transfer taxes and the questions to ask before you write an offer.
Our promise
Smarter than a guess, honest about limits.
Every finding links to its official source and says how sure we are. When you need an architect, we tell you exactly what to ask them.
How it works
- 1
Paste an address
Any US home. From a listing, a drive-by, or your own house.
- 2
We pull public records
Location, flood zone, the city’s rules for building, transfer taxes and official portals for permits and plans.
- 3
Decide with confidence
A plain-language report with what is possible, what is risky, and what to verify before your offer deadline.
Everything a careful buyer checks, in one place
Build potential
ADUs, lot splits, second stories, rebuild limits and the state laws that override city rules.
Permit history clues
Where the past permits and archived plans live, and why a prior approval can save you a year.
Hazards
FEMA flood zone, wildfire and seismic flags, and what they mean for insurance and rebuilding.
Deal math
Transfer taxes, property tax resets, Prop 19 transfers, and a remodel-upside calculator.
City rulebooks
How offers, closings, disclosures and rent rules work in 20 major US markets.
Community
Ask buyers, owners and pros who have been through the same city process.
Sample
See a sample report
A 1950s single-story Eichler in Palo Alto: can you add a second story, an ADU, or rebuild?
Open the sample →Verdict
Good upside through an ADU and a full single-story rebuild. No second story. Budget for radiant heat and roof risks.
- ✓Detached ADU of up to 1,000 sq ft (state law), plus a JADU inside the house.
- ✓Single-story rebuild up to the floor-area limit; height capped at 17 ft in a Single-Story Overlay.
- ✓SB 9 duplex or lot split may apply; check the eligibility rules and owner-occupancy affidavit.
City rulebooks
Every market plays by different rules. Start with yours.
Latest real estate news
All news →Headlines link to the original publisher and appear in their original language.
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Board affirms Lake Oswego council’s decision on Kruse Way office-to-housing zoning change
Lake Oswego Review · Oct 15
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Zoning watch: Bunclody opens up 789 homes, but read the conditions first
Roundtower Capital · Oct 15
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Palo Alto Audit Finds Hidden HOA Fees Choke Affordable Homebuyer Program
Hoodline · Oct 15
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Some Paducah homeowners getting two property tax bills
WPSD Local 6 · Oct 15
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Phoenix home values fall as mortgage rates squeeze buyers
AZ Big Media · Oct 15