How to Find Out Who Owns a Property: Step-by-Step Insights

Finding the right place to call home can be nerve-wracking. Mortgage approvals, closing costs and possible remodels are enough to stress anyone out, and that's if you've already found the home you want. Maybe your dream house isn't currently listed, or you've found a plot of land that looks like the perfect spot to build your home. In these situations, you may want to see property data to contact the owner and start negotiations.  

Luckily, several search methods exist, either through public records online or through professional services. If those don't work, there are alternative ways to get prospective buyers (or investors) a property owner's information.  

Each county in the United States keeps records of property deeds. These legal documents account for the transfer of land and buildings from a seller to a buyer. They are usually held in the tax assessor's office, the county clerk's office or on their websites.     

From municipal offices at city hall to county websites, tracking down the owner could be as simple as a quick search or phone call. Every homebuyer pays property taxes annually, and the local tax assessor records how much each household pays. Searching the county assessor's website can pinpoint the current property owner's contact information and show if the property has a lien against it.   

A lien is a legal hold on a property, which can be taken if a debt isn't paid. Depending on the type of lien, purchasing the home can be more expensive. If the current owner can't be found, the tax assessor also keeps plat records with the lot or parcel number of the land itself. That number can be used to find the owners in urban or suburban subdivisions.         

The county clerk records land transfers and property deeds. A deed is incredibly helpful because it contains the owner's name, the lot size, the assessed value and the home's overall square footage. An online search of the clerk's website or a phone call will likely lead you to the owner, and maybe a little history about the house or land. Remember that physical copies of the documents might require a small fee.     

Some property owners are harder to find than others. Documents can be misplaced or never recorded, and if an owner dies without a will, identifying the new landholder can be much more difficult. Other options exist if checking with the local tax assessor or county clerk doesn't provide the information you need. Professional services come in various forms, from contacting real estate agents and attorneys to hiring a title company.        

Real estate agents have access to the multiple listing service (MLS) in the areas where they work. These databases keep track of available housing, new listings and foreclosures. If you're already in the market for a home, a real estate agent can direct you to listings that haven't been posted yet. They can also walk you through buying a house or parcel of land.   

A title company operates independently of real estate agents. These companies ensure there's nothing to legally hold up a sale, such as a lien, and perform title searches to determine who the property owner is. Usually, a title company isn't involved until a sale is initiated, but some perform pre-contract searches. These services aren't free, but the company researchers are experts trained to find records, deeds, and current property holders.    

Real estate attorneys will likely be the most expensive option for finding property ownership. However, they're also invaluable if an LLC owns the property. Investment companies or individuals often use limited liability companies to keep their names off the property deed. So, finding contact information for an LLC can be difficult. Real estate attorneys can access legal documents with owner's names and specific property information. They can help negotiate a deal, eliminate disputes and address zoning issues.     

It's still possible to find out who owns a property if public resources and contacting real estate professionals have not paid off. Methods such as contacting the owners or their neighbors in person or visiting your local library can be helpful, but they should always be approached with respect for others' privacy.   

The most direct way to contact the owner is to visit their home. Knocking on the property's door may provide you with the owner's name, even if renters currently live there. Leaving a note with your contact information and reason for reaching out is an excellent way to introduce yourself, even if there's no one home. You can also send a letter or postcard if you know the address.     

If you're running out of avenues to explore, the property's neighbors can be a valuable source of information. They might tell you about the owners and possibly the property's condition. In some instances, they might also be able to introduce you to the owners or pass a message along if they're comfortable doing so. Keep in mind that many homeowners do not enjoy strangers at their door. Make yourself aware of any 'private drive' or 'do not disturb' signage, and respect those requests for privacy when you see them.   

Performing internet searches on your own or at the local library is another avenue that may uncover property ownership. Libraries can be especially helpful because librarians are trained to find specific information using databases and reference materials. Your local library could also have historical documents for the county or town. Those records can reveal the history of a home or the ownership details of a property that hasn't changed hands in decades.   

Librarians can also help you search through websites like Homes.com, which offers large databases for home buyers and investors to see what's currently for sale or recently sold. Homes.com also provides crime and safety scores, school ratings, transit information, home values, and trends. You can search the site for real estate agents who specialize in the area, and for maps showing noise levels or natural disaster risks.      

Once you have the owner's name, contacting them will be the next step. It's understandable if you're eager to reach out after all your hard work, but there are several things to remember before you do.  

The owner won't expect anyone to inquire about the property and might be concerned about how you found their information. Ensuring their privacy is secure and explaining how you got the data can go a long way toward establishing trust. So can having your finances in order.  

Good credit, funds for a down payment and preapproval for a mortgage put you in a much better position than making an offer with nothing to back it up. If the owner is interested in selling, verifying the deed or property title will confirm there are no legal complications to hold up the sale.   

The most important thing to remember is that the owner of a property has the final say over whether they'll sell or not. As excited as you might be about the home, respecting the owner's decision is vital.   

Whether you'd like to find your dream home or invest in an up-and-coming area, it all starts with a simple search and a bit of imagination.  

• Visit the Tax Assessor’s Website
• Check with the County Clerk’s Office
• Contact a Real Estate Agent
• Have a Title Company Search for Records
• Seek Advice From a Real Estate Attorney
• Reach Out to the Owner or Neighbors
• Visit Your Local Library
• Search the Internet