Public records 101: Property records usually live across multiple offices—assessor. This guide shows you how to pull the right pieces and cross-check them.
Start here: Property records search by address
OfficialPropertyRecords.org.
What are Public Property Records?
Public property records are official documents kept by local governments that detail property-related information. These records are open to the public and are essential for various tasks, such as confirming ownership, assessing property value, and reviewing a property’s history. They are crucial for buyers, sellers, investors, and those interested in property rights.
Information Found in Property Records
Property records contain extensive information, including:
- Ownership: Information on current owners, including names, addresses, and historical ownership changes.
- Deeds: Legal documents that establish ownership, detailing the property and its conditions.
- Taxes: Data on property tax assessments, including amounts owed and payment histories.
- Mortgages/Liens: Records of any financial interests in the property, such as loans or liens.
- Sales: Data concerning past property transactions, including sale prices and dates.
Where to Find Property Records
Property records are created and stored by various local government offices, including:
- Assessor’s Office: Handles property valuations and tax records.
- Recorder’s Office: Records deeds and other legal property documents.
- Clerk’s Office: Maintains legal filings related to property, like court judgments.
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Offers mapping and spatial data concerning properties.
How to Search Property Records
Step-by-Step Search by Address
- Identify the right office: Choose whether to search in the Assessor’s, Recorder’s, or Clerk’s Office based on your needs.
- Visit the office’s website: Many local agencies now provide online access for convenience.
- Locate the search tool: Find the option often labeled ‘Property Search’ or similar.
- Enter the property address: Type the full address into the provided field.
- Review the results: Check the results list for your property and click for detailed information.
Step-by-Step Search by Parcel/APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number)
- Access the correct office: Similar to the address search, know where to look for your information.
- Go to the office’s website: Navigate to the specific office’s online portal.
- Find the APN search option: Look for a specialized search for parcel numbers.
- Input the APN: Enter the complete parcel number in the designated space.
- Examine the property details: Click on the entry for extensive property information.
Understanding Common Fields in Property Records
Familiarizing yourself with terms in property records can enhance your understanding:
- Property Description: Information on size, type (residential, commercial), and zoning.
- Owner of Record: The legally recognized owner of the property.
- Legal Description: The official boundary and location description of the property.
- Tax Assessed Value: The property’s value for tax purposes, which may differ from market value.
- Liens: Any claims against the property, like unpaid taxes or loans.
Common Errors When Searching Property Records
While searching public property records can be easy, there are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect information: Typos or wrong addresses may yield no results.
- Not verifying sources: Always confirm information from various sources for accuracy.
- Overlooking recent updates: Properties can change hands frequently; ensure that the data is current.
- Ignoring additional documents: Other records, like permits or zoning changes, may offer more insight.
- Failing to grasp local laws: Property laws differ by area, impacting what gets recorded and how.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I access property records for free?
Most counties offer free access to property records through their official sites. You can also visit their offices in person without charge.
2. How often are property records updated?
Property records are usually updated regularly to reflect changes such as sales, tax assessments, and legal filings. However, update frequency can vary by jurisdiction.
3. Can I access property records for any property?
Yes, public property records are available to anyone interested, regardless of ownership status.
4. What should I do if I find incorrect information in the property records?
If you spot any inaccuracies, contact the relevant office (Assessor, Recorder, or Clerk) for information on correcting it.
5. Do property records include building permits?
Not all property records may contain building permits; these are typically maintained separately by local planning departments. Consult your local government for specifics.
Conclusion
Grasping property records is essential for anyone involved in real estate, whether for buying, selling, or investing. These records offer critical insights into ownership, financial obligations, and property histories. By becoming familiar with the types of records, how to search them, and common mistakes, you can navigate property transactions with greater ease. Utilize available resources and remember that these records are intended to be transparent and accessible. Happy searching!
Put this into action
- Use the county’s GIS map to confirm the parcel.
- Confirm grantee/grantor fields on the latest transfer.
Run a lookup: Search public property records