How to Find the Owner of the Property You Want

October 8, 2024

In real estate, knowing who owns a property can be crucial for several reasons—whether you’re looking to purchase a specific plot of land, wanting to inquire about leasing, or even attempting to resolve a dispute or encroachment. Whatever your motive, identifying the owner of a property isn’t always straightforward, especially if the property appears to be abandoned or unused. Fortunately, there are various offline and online methods to help you track down property ownership information.

This article outlines multiple approaches to finding the owner of a property, ranging from simple online searches to more advanced techniques involving public records and professional assistance. Whether you are a potential buyer, a real estate investor, or simply a curious neighbor, these tips will guide you through the process.

Start with a Local Tax Assessor’s Office

The most direct way to find property ownership information is through your local tax assessor’s office. Every property owner is required to pay property taxes, and the tax assessor’s office keeps detailed records of who owns which parcels of land.

How to Access Records:

Visit the Tax Assessor’s Website: Many local tax assessor offices have moved their databases online. You can often search for properties by address, parcel number, or owner’s name by visiting their website. Once you find the property, the owner’s name and tax details are typically listed.
Visit the Office in Person: If the online database is unavailable or outdated, you can go to the office in person and request assistance from a clerk. In most cases, public records are accessible and will help you locate the information you need.

Information You Can Expect:

Owner’s name
Property’s assessed value
Property tax payment history
Legal description of the property

This method is usually free or may involve a small fee for printed copies of documents.

Check with the County Recorder or Clerk’s Office

Another valuable source of property ownership information is the county recorder or county clerk’s office. These offices handle the recording of all legal documents related to property, including deeds, liens, and mortgages. When someone purchases a property, the deed is recorded in this office, making it a reliable source for finding the property owner.

How to Access Records:

Online Access: Many counties have digitized their public records so that you can access deeds and other documents online. Search for relevant information by property address, parcel number, or owner’s name.
In-Person Research: If online records are not available, you can visit the office and request access to the property records. Clerks may assist you with searching for the owner’s information.

Information You Can Expect:

Deed holder’s name (property owner)
Dates of property transfers
Previous owners
Recorded liens or mortgages

Remember that while most property ownership information is public, you may need to pay a small fee for copies of documents or detailed reports.

Use Online Property Search Tools

Suppose you prefer a more convenient, tech-savvy approach. In that case, many online property search tools and databases provide ownership information. These platforms compile public data from various sources to offer an easy way to search for property details.

Popular Online Tools:

Zillow: Primarily used for home listings, Zillow also offers property details, including the current owner’s or seller’s name in many cases. Enter the property’s address into the search bar.
Realtor.com: Another real estate platform that provides detailed information on listed properties. While not all listings include owner information, you can sometimes find contact details for the real estate agent or property manager.
PropertyShark: A specialized tool for real estate professionals that offers detailed property reports, including ownership information, property value estimates, and transaction history. Some features are free, while others require a subscription.
Local Government Websites: Many counties and municipalities offer free property lookup tools on their official websites. You can access owner information directly from government databases by entering the address or parcel number.

Information You Can Expect:

Current owner’s name
Property history (previous owners)
Property tax details
Square footage and zoning information

These tools can be highly effective, but not all provide comprehensive information, particularly for currently unavailable properties.

Hire a Title Company or Real Estate Agent

Suppose you are still looking for the information on your own. In that case, a professional title company or real estate agent can assist in locating the owner. Title companies specialize in verifying property ownership and handling legal documents during real estate transactions. In contrast, real estate agents have access to databases and networks that can streamline the search.

How They Can Help:

Title Company: A title company can perform a detailed title search to identify the current owner, including any encumbrances on the property, such as liens or easements. This service usually comes with a fee but is highly reliable.
Real Estate Agent: Agents often have access to multiple listing services (MLS) and other tools that have not been available to the public. They can help identify the owner and facilitate direct communication, especially if you are interested in buying the property.

Information You Can Expect:

Verified ownership details
Title report or history
Encumbrances or liens on the property

While this method may cost more than conducting your research, it can save time and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the property’s legal status.

Speak to Neighbors

Sometimes, asking around the neighborhood may yield the information you seek. If the property you’re interested in is abandoned or not listed, neighbors might know the current or previous owners. They can also offer insights into any local issues or legal matters surrounding the property.

What to Ask:

Do you know who owns this property?
Is the owner open to selling or leasing it?
Do you have any contact information for the owner?

While this method is informal, it can be surprisingly effective, particularly in tight-knit communities with well-known property owners.

Investigate Probate Records (If the Owner is Deceased)

Suppose you are trying to identify the owner of a property that appears abandoned or neglected. The owner may have passed away in that case, and the property could be in probate. Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets, including property, are distributed. If the property goes through probate, the ownership will eventually transfer to an heir or be sold to settle the estate.

How to Access Probate Records:

County Court Website: Many courts have online probate records where you can search by the deceased’s name or property address.
Visit the Probate Court: You can request records in person at the local probate court to determine who will inherit or manage the property.

Information You Can Expect:

Deceased owner’s name
Executor or administrator handling the estate
Potential heirs or beneficiaries

This method may take longer, but it can be necessary if the property is involved in legal matters.

Conclusion

Finding the owner of a property requires persistence and attention to detail, but there are multiple ways to obtain this information. From using public records at the tax assessor or county recorder’s office to online databases and professional assistance, knowing where to look is vital. Depending on your needs, you can choose a quick and convenient method or one that offers a deeper level of legal and historical insight. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to identifying the owner of the property you’re interested in, opening the door to your next real estate opportunity.