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How to Find Out Who Owns That Property: A Deep Dive

So, you want to know who owns a piece of property? It’s a question as old as land itself, and while the process might seem shrouded in mystery, it’s actually quite straightforward once you understand the key resources available. The answer, in short, is that you can look up property owners through a combination of public records, online databases, and sometimes, a little bit of detective work. Let’s break down the most effective methods.

Utilizing Public Records: The Foundation of Your Search

The cornerstone of property ownership information lies in the realm of public records. These records are maintained by local government agencies and are, as the name suggests, accessible to the public.

County Recorder/Assessor’s Office

Your first stop should be the county recorder’s or assessor’s office. These offices are responsible for recording and maintaining records related to property ownership, including deeds, mortgages, and tax assessments.

Deeds: The deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of a property from one party to another. It contains the names of the buyer (grantee) and seller (grantor), the property’s legal description, and the date of the transfer.
Tax Assessments: The assessor’s office is responsible for determining the value of properties for tax purposes. Their records often include the owner’s name, address, and other details about the property.

How to access these records:

In-Person: You can visit the county recorder’s or assessor’s office in person and search their records. This may involve using a computer terminal or requesting assistance from staff. Be prepared to pay a small fee for copies of documents.
Online: Many counties now offer online access to their records. You can search for property owners by address, parcel number, or name. This is often the most convenient and efficient way to find information.
By Mail: You can also request copies of documents by mail. Contact the county recorder’s or assessor’s office for instructions on how to submit your request.

City Hall

In some cases, particularly within city limits, City Hall might hold relevant records, especially concerning zoning information, permits, and potentially even some property ownership details. It’s a good secondary resource, especially if your initial searches elsewhere come up short.

Leveraging Online Databases: Speed and Convenience

Several online databases aggregate property ownership information from various sources, making it easier and faster to find the information you need.

Government Websites

Many local governments, as mentioned above, are increasingly moving their records online. These are usually the most reliable sources, and often free (though accessing higher-resolution images or certified copies might require a fee). Look for websites with search functionality by address, owner name, or parcel ID.

Third-Party Property Search Websites

Numerous third-party websites offer property ownership information for a fee. These websites typically gather data from public records and other sources and present it in a user-friendly format. Some popular options include:

Zillow: While primarily known for real estate listings, Zillow also provides property ownership information in many areas.
Trulia: Similar to Zillow, Trulia offers property ownership details and other relevant information.
Realtor.com: Another popular real estate website that provides property ownership information.
LexisNexis: A powerful legal and business information provider, LexisNexis offers property records as part of its broader data services. This is a good option for professionals who need comprehensive information.
PropertyShark: Specializes in providing detailed property information, including ownership, sales history, and property taxes.
DataTree: Owned by First American, DataTree offers access to a vast database of property records across the United States.

Important Considerations for Third-Party Websites:

Accuracy: While these websites can be convenient, it’s essential to verify the information they provide with official sources, such as the county recorder’s office. Data can be outdated or inaccurate.
Cost: These websites typically charge a fee for access to their data. Compare pricing and features before subscribing to a service.
Coverage: Not all websites have complete coverage for every area. Check to see if the website covers the location you’re interested in.

Alternative Methods: When the Obvious Fails

Sometimes, the standard methods don’t yield the results you need. In these cases, you may need to employ some alternative strategies.

Checking with Neighbors

If you’re trying to identify the owner of a neighboring property, simply asking the other neighbors can be surprisingly effective. They might know who owns the property, especially if the owner lives off-site.

Contacting the Post Office

The post office may be able to provide information about the property owner if you have the property address. However, they may only be able to provide limited information due to privacy concerns.

Hiring a Title Company or Private Investigator

For more complex situations, you may need to hire a title company or a private investigator. These professionals have access to more extensive resources and can conduct a more thorough search. This is generally a last resort due to the cost involved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it legal to look up property owners?

Yes, it is generally legal to look up property owners as property ownership information is considered public record. However, you should use the information responsibly and avoid using it for illegal or unethical purposes.

2. How much does it cost to look up property owners?

The cost varies depending on the method you use. Accessing public records at the county recorder’s office may involve a small fee for copies of documents. Online databases typically charge a subscription fee or a per-search fee. Hiring a title company or private investigator can be more expensive.

3. What information do I need to look up property owners?

Typically, you’ll need the property address or the parcel number. You can also search by the owner’s name, but this may be less accurate if the owner’s name is common.

4. How can I find the parcel number of a property?

The parcel number can usually be found on the property’s tax bill or through the county assessor’s office website.

5. What is a “title search,” and why might I need one?

A title search is a comprehensive examination of the property’s ownership history to ensure that the seller has clear ownership and that there are no outstanding liens or encumbrances. You might need one when buying or selling property, or when refinancing a mortgage.

6. What if the property owner is a company or trust?

If the property is owned by a company or trust, you can search for the company or trust name in the public records. You may also be able to find information about the individuals associated with the company or trust. Identifying the beneficial owner of a trust can sometimes require more advanced techniques.

7. Can I find out if a property is in foreclosure?

Yes, foreclosure information is typically public record. You can check with the county recorder’s office or search online for foreclosure notices.

8. What if the property owner wants to remain anonymous?

While property ownership information is generally public, some owners may use trusts or limited liability companies (LLCs) to shield their identity. This can make it more difficult to find the individual owner, but it’s usually still possible with enough research.

9. Are there privacy concerns when looking up property owners?

While the information is public, it’s essential to use it responsibly and avoid using it for stalking, harassment, or other illegal purposes. Be mindful of respecting the privacy of property owners.

10. How often is property ownership information updated?

Property ownership information is typically updated when a deed is recorded, which usually happens shortly after a property is sold or transferred. However, it can take some time for the information to be updated in online databases.

11. What is “chain of title” and why is it important?

The chain of title is the history of ownership transfers for a property, from the original owner to the current owner. It’s important to ensure that there are no gaps or irregularities in the chain of title, which could indicate a potential problem with ownership.

12. How can I find out about easements or other restrictions on a property?

Easements and other restrictions on a property are typically recorded in the public records at the county recorder’s office. You can search the records for documents that affect the property, such as easements, covenants, and restrictions.