Frequently asked questions
What is a Buyer Brief?
A Buyer Brief is a research report on one property, built for buyer's agents and their clients before an offer. It pulls public records into one clear PDF, covering:
- Ownership and deed history
- Flood, shoreland, and septic flags where records allow
- A zoning and use-rights snapshot (for example, rentals and accessory apartments), with what to confirm with the town
- Property taxes
- Building materials and codes that were common for the home's era (general background, not an inspection)
- How to request the town permit file
- Nearby listings and sales where public data allows, with caveats (not a valuation)
- Questions for the listing agent
- For lake properties, a public water-quality snapshot
Facts are tied to the sources listed in the brief.
What is a Seller Brief?
A Seller Brief helps listing agents and sellers get ahead of buyer questions. It compares what the listing says with the public record, compares marketing claims (like rentals, apartments, or additions) with town rules and flags what to confirm with the town, lists permits and approvals to gather before buyers ask, flags risks worth addressing early, and previews questions buyers are likely to ask. It gives no value opinion or price recommendation.
Is a brief an appraisal?
No. A brief is research to support your conversations. It is not an appraisal, an automated valuation (AVM), a value opinion, or a price recommendation, and it doesn't guarantee value, marketability, or insurability. It doesn't replace an inspection, title work, a survey, or legal or tax advice. Briefs stick to the property, its records, and the process. They're written to be fair-housing safe and never describe who lives in, or should live in, a neighborhood.
What do I need to provide?
Just the property address or the MLS number. You never need to upload an MLS sheet or PDF. If you have notes or questions about the property, you're welcome to add them, but they're optional.
I paid but didn't get my brief. What now?
Email [email protected] with the property address or MLS number and the email you used at checkout. We'll track it down and get back to you.
Where does the data come from, and how accurate is it?
Briefs are built from public records, such as county registry filings, town assessor data, zoning maps and town rules, and state and federal environmental and flood sources, along with listing data from a third-party data provider. Each brief lists its sources so you can check them.
Public records and listing data can be incomplete, outdated, or wrong, and we don't invent property history to fill gaps. Our research may be assisted by AI tools, which can make mistakes. Please verify anything important with the original source and the right licensed professional before you rely on it or share it with a client. See our Terms of Use for the full research disclaimer.
How do payments and refunds work?
You pay before research starts. One brief is one finished Buyer or Seller Brief for one address or MLS number. Individual Buyer Briefs are one-time purchases. Monthly and annual plans renew automatically at the then-current price (plus any tax shown) until you cancel. Plan briefs reset each month, and unused briefs don't roll over.
To cancel, email [email protected] before your next renewal. Cancelling stops the next charge, and you keep access through the end of your current period.
Purchases are final, so there are no cash refunds for unused briefs or for cancelling mid-period. If we made a billing error or can't deliver your order, email [email protected] with your receipt and we'll make it right. See our Terms of Use for details.
How do I contact Penny Wesley?
For help with an order, your account, or anything else, email [email protected].