If you’re curious about who owns a property, you’re not alone—plenty of folks are on the hunt for that info every single day. Maybe you’re eyeing that cozy lakeside cabin you’ve been dreaming about for ages, even though it’s not officially up for sale. Or perhaps you’ve come across a charming house with a “For Sale By Owner” sign and you’re keen to ensure everything’s legit before diving into negotiations. Or maybe you’ve noticed some strange activity around a nearby property and think the owner ought to know.
Finding out who owns a house, plot of land, or any real estate can be done a few different ways. With any luck, it’ll only take a few minutes, and even if you hit a roadblock, there’s always someone ready to assist. Here are some methods for house hunters, potential buyers, or anyone with a curious streak to track down that ownership information.
Public Resources for Finding a Property Owner
The simplest way to figure out who owns a property is by doing a title search since this info is public,” says Lee Suryani, a senior real estate sales and leasing agent in San Diego. “Certainly, if you’re in the process of buying a home, a title search is usually part of the standard procedure handled by your real estate lawyer. But even if you’re not, you can still do one yourself.
Surprisingly, just a quick online search of the address might uncover the current property owner without costing you a penny. If not, there are other public avenues you can explore.
1. Consult the County Clerk’s Office
Because real property ownership is a matter of public record, information about sales, transactions, and defaults—including the names of the parties involved—should be accessible at a specific department of your county or municipality. This department is often referred to as the Office of Land Registry, Property Records, or Land Records. You can obtain the data you need in person, over the phone, via email, or even online (in technologically advanced states).
2. Try the Tax Assessor
The individual or company currently owning a property is likely responsible for paying property taxes on it. This implies that your county tax assessor will have a record of their identity and the amount of tax they pay. To begin your search, simply Google the name of the county where the property is located along with “tax assessor.” In certain counties, you may need to visit City Hall to access the records, while other areas might offer online search databases. If you prefer a physical copy of the records, be prepared to pay a small fee. Otherwise, this is often a free option for finding out about property ownership.
3. Pay a Visit to the Library
Your neighborhood library might also offer free access to public databases on their computers. The staff are ready to guide visitors to reference materials regarding property sales and ownership. If the home or building you’re interested in was sold a long time ago, your local librarian may be able to find physical records that are more difficult to obtain.
Private resources for finding a property owner
1. Consult a title search company
I’d suggest reaching out to a property title company. These are independent firms that handle title searches during real estate transactions, ensuring there’s no “cloud on the title” by verifying old claims against the property, like mortgage debts or liens, as she explains. While the company may charge for their services, you’re guaranteed to get an answer. Any title company in your state can do an address search for you to find sales records and the property’s current legal owner.
2. Talk to a Real Estate Attorney
If the property is owned by an LLC or is part of a probate dispute, finding the owner can become challenging. In cases where you’re struggling to determine who holds the title, a real estate attorney might be able to uncover why you’re facing difficulties and resolve the ownership issue. It’s certainly a pricier option compared to conducting your own records search. However, if you’re truly stuck, it could be worth giving it a try.
3. Talk to a Real Estate Attorney
And hey, remember how savvy real estate agents can be? Suryani mentions that anyone in the real estate field can easily handle a title search for you. A lot of agents won’t even ask for payment for this favor, all in the spirit of building a strong relationship. And even if they do charge, it probably won’t break the bank.
4. Professional Record-Finding Resources
If you’re diving into the world of property flipping and find yourself often hunting down property owners, you might consider joining a professional record search service. These companies often ask for a monthly subscription fee, but in exchange, you get access to some pretty comprehensive data. You could even track down the owner of a property who’s only listed with a PO Box. Here are a few record-finding services you might want to check out:
- Property Radar
- PropertyShark
- Melissa Lookups
- Searchbug
- PropertyScout.io
A Final Word on Finding Property Owners
Figuring out who owns a building or parcel of land is usually straightforward and comes with several perks. Firstly, it ensures that you’re dealing with the rightful owner legally. Plus, it might put you in touch with a potential seller whose property isn’t on the market but could entertain offers, which can be a big advantage in a competitive market.
Often, your search not only reveals the property owner but also exposes any liens or outstanding debts tied to the property. Public records provide details like the current owner’s name and property taxes, along with transaction history and ownership timeline.
Once you’ve got the owner’s name, you might turn to a grantor/grantee database, such as the one for San Diego County, to find out who currently holds the mortgage. While you won’t see specific loan amounts or payment details, you can confirm the existence of a loan and identify the lender.