How to Search Property Records

Identify the county where the property is located., Find an address for the location of the property., Find the owner name., Do an online search using the county name and "public records" as the query. , Click on the government sites (.gov) that...

19 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Identify the county where the property is located.

    In the United States, most property records are handled at the county level.
  2. Step 2: Find an address for the location of the property.

    In the case of mobile homes, these are usually classified as personal property, rather than real property, so they may not have an address associated with them. , In some cases, you can research the person to find information about the property. ,,, You may need to go to several sites or locations to get a detailed property record.

    You can obtain property tax records with the county's Assessments and Taxation department.

    This will show the property tax payments for a given property.

    You can search for land records and deeds with the Clerk and Recorder's office of vital records.

    You can search Foreclosures and Tax Liens in your county through the Assessments and Taxation departments and through public notices. , Some states map out locations that have liens, foreclosures or other public records. , Request a public records search on the location of your choice.

    Find the state office you want for a property search.

    Some websites post links to property records offices in all 50 states. ,,,, The free online report will not include the name of the property owner or the sale price of the house, but it may include the year it was built, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms it has and information about the lot size and area.

    This is a good option if you are looking to buy a house in the area. , This free public records search has detailed records in those areas, similar to the listings on Realtor.com. , You can request a detailed property record search for approximately $3.50.

    You can also view the ownership and encumbrance report for $75.

    Paid search sites use the same public property records that you can search for free through county websites and offices; however, paying the fee can save you time and return a detailed report. , A cursory search is likely free, but you must pay for detailed reports. , If you plan to make a number of inquiries, this site provides them for $.25 to $8.

    You can search for people or property.
  3. Step 3: Find the owner name.

  4. Step 4: Do an online search using the county name and "public records" as the query.

  5. Step 5: Click on the government sites (.gov) that appear.

  6. Step 6: Decide the record that you want to search for.

  7. Step 7: Keep a lookout for property mapping services available through your county's clerk

  8. Step 8: recorder or assessments and taxation department.

  9. Step 9: Go to your local Clerk and Recorder office

  10. Step 10: if you cannot find an online search option.

  11. Step 11: Fill out paperwork to have a clerk complete your search.

  12. Step 12: Pay a search fee of $5 to $100 to receive a copy of public records.

  13. Step 13: Request copies or different searches for an additional fee.

  14. Step 14: Visit Realtor.com to find records of houses in your area.

  15. Step 15: Go to Propertyshark.com if you are researching a property in New York

  16. Step 16: New Jersey or Los Angeles.

  17. Step 17: Visit the data store at NETR Online.

  18. Step 18: Use docusearch.com to find free and paid property records.

  19. Step 19: Sign up for an account with accurint.com.

Detailed Guide

In the United States, most property records are handled at the county level.

In the case of mobile homes, these are usually classified as personal property, rather than real property, so they may not have an address associated with them. , In some cases, you can research the person to find information about the property. ,,, You may need to go to several sites or locations to get a detailed property record.

You can obtain property tax records with the county's Assessments and Taxation department.

This will show the property tax payments for a given property.

You can search for land records and deeds with the Clerk and Recorder's office of vital records.

You can search Foreclosures and Tax Liens in your county through the Assessments and Taxation departments and through public notices. , Some states map out locations that have liens, foreclosures or other public records. , Request a public records search on the location of your choice.

Find the state office you want for a property search.

Some websites post links to property records offices in all 50 states. ,,,, The free online report will not include the name of the property owner or the sale price of the house, but it may include the year it was built, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms it has and information about the lot size and area.

This is a good option if you are looking to buy a house in the area. , This free public records search has detailed records in those areas, similar to the listings on Realtor.com. , You can request a detailed property record search for approximately $3.50.

You can also view the ownership and encumbrance report for $75.

Paid search sites use the same public property records that you can search for free through county websites and offices; however, paying the fee can save you time and return a detailed report. , A cursory search is likely free, but you must pay for detailed reports. , If you plan to make a number of inquiries, this site provides them for $.25 to $8.

You can search for people or property.

About the Author

J

Joshua Cole

Specializes in breaking down complex practical skills topics into simple steps.

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