There are various reasons why you may want to identify the owner of a piece of land. Whether you’re interested in purchasing a beautiful home, or considering building a house on a specific plot of land, finding out the owner’s contact information is crucial. Fortunately, there are several techniques and resources available that can help you find out who owns land.
1. Use a specialized public record search engine
Convenient, one-stop shop for finding publicly available information Easy to use Provides a wealth of information
Not free May not be accurate for all properties
Some specialized online websites or services have land ownership information. They can provide detailed records about a piece of land, often obtained from various public data sources and compiled into a searchable database.
If you don’t know which one to trust, you can make BeenVerified your go-to option. It’s a professional search engine specializing in reverse address lookup.
Simply enter the property address and click on Search Now. Once the search is finished, you’ll receive a detailed report that may reveal various information about the property, including potential owners, current residents, property details (lot size, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.), property tax details, estimated property value, deeds, liens, nearby homes, and details about the surrounding area.
2. Contact local tax assessor’s office
Free Can provide insights into the tax history of a property
May not directly provide ownership information
Local tax assessors’ offices maintain records related to property taxes. While they may not directly provide ownership information, they can offer insights into the tax history of a particular parcel. This information can indirectly help you determine the current owner or provide leads for further investigation.
3. Search for deed records
Official source of property ownership information Can be accessed for free or a small fee
Can be time-consuming Requires knowledge of property records and legal terminology
Deed records are legal documents that establish property ownership. These records are typically recorded at the county level, and you can access them through the County Recorder’s Office. By searching for recorded deeds associated with a specific land parcel, you can gather information about the current and previous owners.
4. Speak with locals
Can provide valuable insights, especially in tight-knit communities or rural areas Possibilities to get additional information about the property and the surrounding area
Information may not be reliable May require time and effort to find the right person
Engage in conversations with neighbors, local residents, or individuals who have knowledge of the area. Sometimes, word-of-mouth can provide valuable information about land ownership, especially in tight-knit communities or rural areas.
5. Hire a professional
Can provide accurate and reliable information, Can handle complex and difficult research Save you time and energy
Can be expensive
If you encounter challenges or need more specialized assistance, consider hiring a professional, such as a real estate attorney or a private investigator. These individuals possess the expertise and resources to delve deeper into land ownership research and provide you with accurate and reliable information.
FAQs on how to find out who owns land
1. What is the difference between property ownership and land ownership?
Property ownership refers to the ownership of a specific structure or dwelling, while land ownership refers to the ownership of the underlying land upon which the property is situated. In some cases, a person may own both the property and the land, while in other cases, these may be owned by different individuals or entities.
2. What are some of the legal documents that can be used to verify land ownership?
Several legal documents can be used to verify land ownership, including deeds, titles, and tax records. These documents are typically recorded at the county level and can be accessed through the County Recorder’s Office.
3. When should I consider hiring a professional to help me find out who owns land?
If you are facing challenges in finding out who owns land, especially for complex or high-value properties, consider hiring a professional such as a real estate attorney, a title company, or a private investigator. These professionals have the expertise, resources, and experience to conduct thorough land ownership research and provide you with accurate and reliable information.
4. What are the legal implications of finding out who owns land?
In general, there are no legal implications of finding out who owns land. However, there are some cases where it may be illegal to access or disclose property ownership information without the consent of the owner. For example, it is illegal to use property ownership information to stalk or harass someone.
That’s pretty much all we have to share on how to find out who owns land. Hope you find the post helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below.
There’s no guarantee you’ll find the information you’re looking for with the tools discussed in this article. They all source their information from publicly available data sources, such as county, state and federal courts, government departments, and police records, and those sources may contain incorrect or incomplete data. It’s illegal to use these tools to make decisions about employment, admission, consumer credit, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance. Read the Fair Credit Reporting Act to learn more....About this article
33 Revisions
Reviewed by BeenVerified
About this article
33 Revisions
Reviewed by BeenVerified
