About Manual Search
Manual NYC property research means visiting 8+ websites: DOB NOW, BIS, HPD Online, ACRIS, DOF, ZoLa, ECB/OATH, and more. Each has its own interface and data format. A thorough search takes 4-6 hours per property.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Speed: 4-6 hours (manual) vs. 3 seconds (RegWatch)
Cost: $250-500/abstract (manual) vs. free to search and save on RegWatch, with an optional one-time report from $15
Completeness: Easy to miss ECB liens and cross-agency connections manually. RegWatch cross-references automatically.
Monitoring: Not feasible manually. RegWatch saves any building free with in-app compliance alerts, and email alerts with Pro.
Reports: Manual compilation vs. instant PDF export on Pro or a one-time report.
The Verdict
RegWatch automates 90%+ of property research work. Manual research still adds value for physical inspections, court record deep dives, and final title insurance. The ideal workflow uses RegWatch for the data layer and human expertise for the judgment layer.
What You Get with RegWatch
- Save any building free
- In-app compliance alerts, free
- Email monitoring and unlimited AI chat with Pro
- 250+ source data aggregation
- < 3 second results
- Title abstracts from ACRIS
- One-time report snapshot from $15
- Risk scoring
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RegWatch better than Manual Search?
RegWatch and Manual Search serve different purposes. RegWatch excels at aggregating data from 250+ government sources into one search with automated reports and monitoring.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many professionals use RegWatch alongside other tools. RegWatch handles the data aggregation layer while other tools may offer specialized features.
Is there a free option?
Yes. Search any building and save it to your portfolio for free, with in-app compliance alerts and most report sections free to browse. Email monitoring and unlimited AI chat come with a Pro subscription ($15/mo); a one-time Full Analysis report ($15) is an optional snapshot with no monitoring. No credit card to start.
Related Searches
Search Free, Save Any Building
Search 9.4M+ properties across NYC, NJ & CT. Save any building free and get in-app compliance alerts — no credit card required.
Get Started Free