How to Find Out Who Owns a Property in Your State: 7 Easy Ways 

Imagine you’ve found the perfect house to buy or an intriguing property to invest in, but you hit a roadblock: finding out who owns it is more complicated than anticipated. Delays and complications in identifying property owners are often due to outdated records or bureaucratic hurdles when searching for the property owner. 

Knowing who owns a property can be crucial for a variety of reasons. It can provide peace of mind, allow you to contact the owner, and ensure due diligence before investing or resolving disputes. Understanding property ownership is not just for real estate professionals; it can benefit anyone looking to buy, sell, or learn more about a property.

The good news is that in most states, property ownership information is considered a matter of public record. This means you can access valuable details about a property’s legal owner(s). This guide will explore seven easy ways how to find out who owns a property in your state.

The Power of Public Records 

Public records are the primary source of property ownership information. These records are maintained by various government agencies at the state and local levels. While there might be some limitations on privacy in certain situations, generally, public records provide a wealth of information about property ownership, including:

• Owner’s name(s) and contact information (if available)
• Property address and legal description
• Property tax information and information on property ownership
• History of ownership changes

How to Find Out Who Owns a Property You Want

Here are seven easy methods to find out who owns a property in your state:

Method 1: Use Online Property Search Tools

In today’s digital age, online resources have made it easier than ever to identify property owners. Various websites provide comprehensive property information at the click of a button.

Steps

1. Identify Reliable Property Search Websites: Find reputable websites offering property search services. Examples include county websites, Zillow, and PropertyShark.
2. Input Property Details: Enter specific details about the property, such as the address or parcel number, into the search tool.
3. Interpret the Search Results: Review the information, which typically includes the owner’s name, property value, and transaction history.

Examples

Popular online tools for property searches include resources that help you find property data and track down the owner.

• County Websites: Often provide detailed and official information directly from local government databases.
• Zillow: Offers a user-friendly interface with property details, including ownership information for many listings.
• PropertyShark: A comprehensive tool for in-depth property research and analysis.

Method 2: Visit the County Assessor’s Office

The county assessor’s office is responsible for maintaining property records and assessing property values for tax purposes, providing crucial information on property ownership. This office holds detailed information about property ownership, including who the owner of the property is.

Steps

1. Locate Your Local County Assessor’s Office: Find the contact details and location of your local assessor’s office, which can help you find property ownership and can typically be done online.
2. Gather Necessary Property Details: Prepare the address or parcel number of the property in question.
3. Request Ownership Information: Visit the office and request the property ownership details. Be prepared to fill out forms and possibly pay a small fee.

Considerations

• Possible Fees: There might be a nominal fee for accessing detailed records online.
• Office Hours: Ensure you visit during business hours to avoid any inconvenience.

Method 3: Check the County Recorder or Clerk’s Office

The county recorder or clerk’s office is another valuable resource for finding property ownership information or much property tax information. This office records all real estate transactions, including deeds and other legal documents.

Steps

1. Find Your Local Recorder/Clerk’s Office: Search online or call for the location and contact information.
2. Provide Property Information: Give details such as the property address or parcel number.
3. Access Ownership Documents: Request access to deeds and other ownership documents, which may be available digitally or physically.

Considerations

• Privacy Restrictions: Some records might have restricted access due to privacy laws.
• Record Access: Access procedures can vary, so checking beforehand is best.

Method 4: Use Title Company Services

Title companies specialize in researching property titles and can provide detailed reports on property ownership and any potential liens or encumbrances.

Steps

1. Contact a Local Title Company: Look up local title companies and contact them.
2. Request a Property Ownership Search: Provide the necessary property details and request a title search.
3. Review the Report Provided: Once the search is complete, review the detailed report provided by the title company.

Considerations

• Potential Costs: Hiring a real estate attorney or a title company can add to your expenses. Title companies charge for their services, which can vary based on the depth of the search and the complexity of the ownership of a property.
• Turnaround Time: The time required to complete the search can vary, so plan accordingly when you want to find the property owner.

Method 5: Consult a Real Estate Agent

Real estate agents can access extensive property databases and use their local knowledge and professional networks to determine who owns a property.

Steps

1. Find a Knowledgeable Local Real Estate Agent: A real estate agent can help you find an investment property or determine who owns that property. Search for experienced agents who can help you make an offer on a piece of land.
2. Share the Property Details with the Agent: Provide the address or other relevant details.
3. Obtain Ownership Information from the Agent: The agent will use their resources to find and provide the ownership information.

Considerations

• Possible Fees or Commissions: Some agents might charge a fee for this service, especially if you’re not buying or selling through them.

Method 6: Use Legal Resources for Specific Cases

Legal methods might be necessary to determine property ownership in certain situations, such as disputes, inheritance issues, or tax problems.

Steps

1. Identify the Appropriate Legal Resource: Determine if you need an attorney, probate court, or another legal entity.
2. Provide Relevant Property and Personal Details: Prepare all necessary information for the search.
3. Follow Legal Procedures to Obtain Ownership Information: Adhere to the specific legal processes to access the required information.

Considerations

• Legal Fees and Time Requirements: Legal processes can be time-consuming and involve significant costs, especially when dealing with many properties.

Method 7: Search Through Public Records Databases

Public records databases aggregate information from various sources, providing a comprehensive overview of property ownership.

Steps

1. Locate a Reliable Public Records Database: Identify trustworthy databases such as those maintained by the National Association of Realtors or local government.
2. Input the Property Address or Owner’s Name: Enter the relevant details to initiate the search.
3. Review the Ownership Information Provided: Examine the data to confirm ownership details.

Examples

• National Association of Realtors: They can provide extensive property data and help you find an investment property. Provides extensive property records.
• Local Government Databases: Offer access to various public records, including property ownership.

FAQ

Conclusion

We’ve discussed seven methods to find out who owns a property in your state: using online property search tools, visiting the county assessor’s office, checking the county recorder or clerk’s office, using title company services, consulting a real estate agent, leveraging legal resources for specific cases, and searching through public records databases.

Choose the method that best suits your needs and context. Online tools are a great start for quick and easy access to records online. Visiting local offices or consulting professionals might be necessary for thorough and official records.