Frequently asked questions

The short version of how PeckCheck works and what to trust.

What is an APN / parcel number?

The Assessor's Parcel Number — the county's unique id for a piece of land (also called Parcel ID, Tax Parcel ID, Property ID, or Map/Parcel number). It's usually on the listing, the deed, or the county assessor's website. It's the most reliable way to pin the exact parcel.

I don't have an APN — can I still check a parcel?

Usually, yes. The address with ZIP code is often enough to find the parcel and its county. If you also paste the listing details (Zillow, Realtor, LandWatch, etc.), we'll try to pull the parcel # out to pin the exact parcel. For raw or vacant land the address alone may not land on the right parcel — adding the APN or the listing text helps. If we can't match an official parcel record from what you provide, we'll tell you and ask you to paste the listing details or try another property — we don't return an approximate guess.

How much does PeckCheck cost?

You get 3 free checks to try — no sign-up needed. Add your email for 3 more right away, then 2 free checks every day (no password or credit card required). Need more in a day? Continue right away for $4.99, or buy a credit pack ($4.99, $12.99, or $24.99). Credits never expire, and there's no subscription.

Is the data official?

The instant layer comes straight from authoritative government sources — FEMA, USGS, USDA NRCS, USFWS, and the county/state parcel & zoning GIS. The AI-researched parts (zoning details, legal access, HOA, utilities) cite their sources, but are a starting point — always verify with the county and a licensed professional before you buy.

What does Low / Medium / High friction mean?

Each object gets a status based on the likely effort, permits, cost, uncertainty, and follow-up needed. Low Friction — no obvious blocking issues found in the available data reviewed. Medium Friction — evidence-based concern, uncertainty, extra cost, or additional steps may be required. High Friction — significant red flag or possible blocker that requires official confirmation before relying on the property. Unknown — not enough data; verify directly with the county, agencies, or licensed professionals. Only evidence-based findings raise friction — things we cannot confirm are flagged as “needs confirmation,” not treated as confirmed problems.

Which areas are covered?

PeckCheck currently supports Tennessee only. We pull the parcel record and county zoning for supported Tennessee counties and are actively adding more — a few counties aren't supported yet. Where a county has no zoning GIS, the AI researches the zoning instead. Support for more states is on the way.

Is this legal, title, or engineering advice?

No. PeckCheck surfaces hidden risks and tells you what to check — it does not replace a surveyor, title company, soil/perc test, or your county's planning & codes office.

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