If you do not know the registry's Web address, start by looking for the official state site and work from there. Find out where deeds are recorded and stored for the time and place in which you are interested. Check to see if any of the information is available online and use it if it is. At the registry of deeds, look in the grantee index for an index of buyers. Look in the grantor index for an index of sellers.
Descriptions take many forms.
This might be confusing if some of the occupants were renters and not owners. Look for a tax stamp. This indicates a fee assessed according to the value of the transaction. Look for a release of spousal rights. A release of the right of dower meant that a wife agreed to the sale of the property.