Whether you’re interested in buying a property, resolving a boundary dispute, or contacting a property owner for business purposes, finding out who owns a property is a valuable skill.
Fortunately, there are several ways to access this information legally and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the various methods to identify property ownership, including public records, online tools, and professional assistance.
Also Read
Why You Might Need to Find Out Who Owns a Property
There are several legitimate reasons for wanting to know who owns a property, including:
- Real Estate Investment: Interested in buying an off-market property.
- Boundary Disputes: Resolving property line disagreements with a neighbor.
- Vacant Properties: Contacting the owner of an abandoned property.
- Business Opportunities: Seeking commercial partnerships with property owners.
- Legal Issues: Addressing liens, disputes, or unpaid taxes.
Always ensure you have a legitimate reason for seeking property ownership information to avoid privacy violations.
Start with Public Property Records
1. County Assessor’s Office
Every county maintains public records of property ownership. These offices keep tax records, property deeds, and ownership history.
Steps to Search:
- Visit the County Assessor’s Office or their official website.
- Use the property address or parcel number to search records.
- Access details such as the owner’s name, property value, and tax history.
Pros: Free or low-cost access to reliable information.
Cons: Some counties may not have digitized records.
If you’re unsure which county the property is in, use an online mapping tool (e.g., Google Maps) to verify.
2. County Recorder or Registrar of Deeds
The County Recorder’s Office maintains property deeds, mortgage documents, and ownership transfers.
Steps to Search:
- Visit the Recorder’s Office in person or online.
- Search using the property address or legal property description.
- Access ownership history and mortgage details.
Pros: Detailed historical data.
Cons: Some offices may require you to visit in person.
Use Online Property Search Tools
1. Property Tax Websites
Many counties have online portals where you can search for property tax records.
- How to Use: Enter the property address or parcel ID on the official county website.
- What You’ll Find: Owner’s name, property value, and tax payment history.
Example Websites:
- Zillow
- Realtor.com
- Redfin
2. Specialized Online Tools
Several online databases aggregate property ownership data from public records.
1. Zillow (www.zillow.com)
Provides property details, previous sales history, and ownership information (if publicly available).
2. Realtor.com (www.realtor.com)
Lists property ownership details and transaction history.
3. PropertyShark (www.propertyshark.com)
Offers comprehensive property reports, including ownership, tax history, and zoning details.
4. Whitepages (www.whitepages.com)
Helpful for cross-referencing property owners’ contact details.
Some services may charge fees for full access to property reports.
Hire a Real Estate Agent or Title Company
Real Estate Agent
Agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database, which contains ownership records.
They can identify the property owner and even facilitate contact.
Title Company
Title companies specialize in property ownership research and verifying property titles.
They can provide detailed property reports, including ownership history and liens.
Pros: Accurate and reliable data.
Cons: Professional services may incur fees.
Check the Property Itself
Sometimes, clues about the property owner are right in front of you.
- Look for “For Sale or For Rent signs with contact information.
- Check mailboxes or public notices posted on the property.
- Ask neighbors—they may have helpful information.
Be respectful of privacy and avoid trespassing.
Use State or Local Property Appraisal District Websites
Many regions have appraisal district websites where property records are digitized and searchable.
Steps to Search:
- Search for the local appraisal district website online.
- Use the property address or parcel number.
- Retrieve the owner’s name, mailing address, and property value.
Search Court Records for Probate or Legal Cases
If the property seems abandoned or has a complicated ownership history, it may be tied up in probate or legal proceedings.
How to Search:
- Visit your local county probate court or court records office.
- Search using the property address or owner’s name.
- Look for ownership disputes, foreclosures, or inheritance cases.
Check with Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
If the property is part of a planned community or subdivision, the Homeowner Association (HOA) might have ownership records.
- Contact the HOA office.
- Provide the property address.
- Request ownership details (they might require valid reasons).
Be prepared to provide identification or a valid reason for your inquiry.
Social Media and Online Networking Platforms
Sometimes, property owners are listed on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or local community forums.
Steps to Search:
- Search the property address or subdivision name.
- Look for posts about the property.
- Politely reach out if you find relevant information.
Hire a Private Investigator
If all else fails or if you require detailed and sensitive information, hiring a licensed private investigator may be the most efficient route.
Pros: Comprehensive investigation and verification.
Cons: Can be expensive.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
When searching for property ownership:
- Always have a legitimate reason for requesting the information.
- Do not trespass on private property.
- Use official channels to obtain records.
- Respect privacy laws and local regulations.
Finding out who owns a property can seem daunting, but with the right tools and approach, it’s a straightforward process.
Whether you start with public records, online databases, or professional assistance, ensure you follow legal and ethical guidelines.
Remember: Be persistent, respect privacy, and use the information responsibly.
If you’re ready to start your search or need help navigating property records, feel free to ask—I’m here to guide you!
