Commission a File
Give a home its history.
Commission a researched Doorway File for your home, give one as a meaningful gift, or present one to a client at closing. Signature and Heirloom Files include a permanent, shareable page on The Doorway Files. An unlisted Shareable Web File may also be added to a Doorway Snapshot.
Who it is for
For your home
Discover the people, records and fragments connected to the place you call home.
Give it as a gift
Mark a new home, anniversary or family milestone with a history that can be shared for years.
For realtor clients
Give buyers a distinctive closing gift built around the home they have just chosen.
What every Doorway File includes
- Research using available census records, directories, newspapers, maps and archives
- A carefully written, nonfiction narrative
- Source citations for the findings
- Historical documents and images when available
- The present-day doorway image
- A professionally designed downloadable PDF
Signature and Heirloom Files include a permanent, mobile-friendly page and shareable URL. Snapshot clients may add an unlisted Shareable Web File for $125.
Example URL — included with Signature + Heirloom · optional with Snapshot
https://thedoorwayfiles.com/files/[file-number]-[address]
Choose your Doorway File.
Every address leaves a different trail. Choose the depth of investigation that fits the occasion.
Choose a plan to begin a request. No payment is due today.
An ideal start
Doorway Snapshot
$225
- A concise 500–750-word property history
- 3–5 verified findings
- Source citations
- Present-day doorway image
- Professionally designed downloadable PDF
Optional add-on
Shareable Web File · +$125
Add a permanent, mobile-friendly page on The Doorway Files that can be shared with family and friends.
Estimated delivery: 2–3 weeks
Most commissioned
Signature Doorway File
$495
- A complete researched narrative comparable in depth to File 005
- Approximately 1,000–1,500 words
- Census, directory and newspaper research when available
- Approximately 8–12 cited findings
- Historical documents and record images when available
- Permanent shareable URL
- Downloadable keepsake PDF
- One factual correction round
Estimated delivery: 3–5 weeks
Most comprehensive
Heirloom Doorway File
$895
- A deeper, multi-era investigation
- Expanded narrative
- Maps, census pages and historical record images when available
- Household, resident or ownership timeline
- Permanent shareable URL
- Expanded downloadable PDF
- One factual correction round
Estimated delivery: 6–8 weeks
Realtor Partner Pack
A closing gift they will keep sharing.
The Realtor Partner Pack includes five Signature Doorway Files that can be commissioned for clients during the following 12 months. Each file may include an optional dedication from the agent or brokerage.
Five Signature Files — $2,125
$425 per closing
- Five Signature Doorway Files
- Twelve months to redeem
- Optional “Presented by” dedication
- Printable closing card with a QR code linking to the completed file
- Unlisted or public publishing preference for each client
File 005 — GREENPOINT, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
See what a finished file becomes.
A nineteenth-century brick house, a family of seven, two additional women in the household — and one directory entry that still resists explanation.
Explore File 005How it works
- 01
Choose a file
Select the level of research and tell us whether it is for you, a gift recipient or a client.
- 02
Send the address
Share the property address, anything already known and any photographs or documents you may have.
- 03
We check the trail
We confirm that enough records survive to create the selected Doorway File before full research begins.
- 04
The file opens
We research and write the completed story. Snapshots are delivered as downloadable PDFs. Signature and Heirloom Files are published at permanent, shareable URLs, and Snapshot clients may add an unlisted Shareable Web File.
On surviving records
Every address leaves a different record trail. We cannot promise a particular discovery, historic photograph, named resident or complete ownership history. If the initial records check suggests that we cannot create the selected file responsibly, we will contact the purchaser before proceeding.
Commission request
Tell us about the doorway.
Select a plan and share the address. We will check the surviving records before confirming the commission.
No payment is collected today.
Submit a commission request and we will first review the available records. We will then confirm the scope, estimated delivery date and payment details before research begins.