Frequently Asked Questions

Why the RECO data

What is RECO Data?

RECO Data builds decision ready home reports so buyers can move from “love it” to “it’s the right one.”

What is the PEN Report™?

A single, easy-to-read report that organizes the essentials into three pillars: Property, Economic, Neighborhood.

Who is the PEN Report™ for?

Everyday homebuyers (useful to agents/investors too), looking for a fast, objective view of risk, fit, and context.

How is this different from Zillow/Redfin or a Zestimate/AVM?

Listings and AVMs focus on price. PEN Report™ focuses on decision readiness. Does this home have permits, what are the climate risks, how are the schools, what hazards are nearby, Economic market context, and livability (Places of Interest, Elected Officials, EV Stations, Golf Courses).

Why are you better than the MLS or online Real Estate platforms?

We’re not better, we’re different. Your first look should be the MLS, the brokerage listing, or a major platform for the freshest listing facts (status, price, photos). The PEN Report™ steps in to help you decide. It’s independent of MLS status and still shows what matters: permits, taxes/liens, lifestyle and climate risks, schools, and nearby amenities. If reliable public data exists, we’ll surface it even when a home is off market or delisted.

Does this replace an inspection or appraisal?

No. It guides what to ask and where to dig deeper before committing time and money.

What’s Inside

What information does the report include?

Permits & Age of Roof; Climate Risk; environmental facilities; market trends; schools; crime indices; amenities; broadband/transport noise; neighborhood context.

The sample report is too long. Do you include a 1-pager Summary?

Yes. Our ethos has been Low Tech / High IQ. But to help buyers assess a home we’ve implemented an AI summary that gives you factual highlights of the report. We’ve also incorporated a simple PEN Scorecard that grades each of the sections you might be researching further.

What is the PEN Scorecard?

A high level snapshot of the three pillars with short notes so you see why something looks strong or weak. It’s a guide, not a verdict.

What exactly is on the first page?

An AI Summary (4 to 6 factual highlights), a PEN Scorecard for Property/Economic/Neighborhood with a grading system from A to F on sections many homebuyers care most. In many cases many of these call outs arm you to have have further conversations and may require a closer look.

How should I use the report with my agent or during negotiations?

Share the PDF, start with the Summary’s call-outs, and agree on 3–5 follow-up questions (e.g., permits, hazards, taxes). Use the Scorecard to compare options; it’s input for your decision, not a final answer

Can I preview a sample before buying?

Yes. View a sample report available on the homepage and/or download to see what your PEN Report™ may show.

Do you predict prices?

No predictions. Recent trends and context are shown to inform questions, not as investment advice or guarantees.

Data & Method

Where does the data come from?

Public records, government datasets, environmental registries, permits, mapping/geospatial, and vetted third-party providers. We list all sources in our appendix section.

How current is the data?

Update timing varies by source. When possible, each indicator shows its most recent known update window.

How are scores built?

Category indicators are combined into normalized letter scores. Method notes are included for each indicator.

Coverage & Limits

What areas are covered?

U.S. nationwide, with occasional gaps. Though in densely populated areas like New York City the neighborhood information may not be as relevant.

Do you cover condos, co-ops, and rural properties?

Yes, where data is available.

Will you re-pull or edit my report if something looks off?

No. Reports are generated once. Some data may be missing, limited, or outdated. Always verify locally before deciding.

Ordering & Delivery

What do I need to order a report?

The address for the home you want to view and follow the check out prompt.

How fast do I get it?

Instant download, usually 30 seconds or less and stored in your dashboard.

Can I compare multiple homes?

Yes. The best way is to take advantage of the PEN Pack which will give you 3 reports that you can use to compare side-by-side.