Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, or conducting research for legal or investment purposes, one of the most important pieces of information you need is who owns the property.

Fortunately, finding out who owns a property is a relatively straightforward process. There are many online resources that give you easy access to information about property ownership. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most effective ways to look up property owner information.

1. Google It

To start your investigation, try noting down as much information about the property as possible, including the property’s full address, the property’s tax parcel number, or legal description. The more information you have, the easier it will be to identify the correct property owner.

Next, you can open up Google and type in everything you know about the property in keyword format and see what comes up. If the owner has ever posted the property information online for sale or rent, Google is very likely to pick up the information.

2. Check Property Tax Records

Property tax records are public records, which is a good starting point. They typically include information about the property’s owner, assessed value, and tax payment history.

One of the first places you can access property tax records is through the county tax assessor’s office. Just note that you might have to pay to access documents.

Many counties also have online databases that allow you to search for property tax records using the property’s address or tax parcel number, so you might also want to search your local assessor’s website online to see if the option is available to you.

3. Check County Recorder’s Office

The county recorder’s office or land registry office is another valuable source of property ownership information. These offices keep records of all property transactions, including sales, transfers, and liens, and maintain public records that are accessible to the public.

You can visit the county recorder’s office in person or check their website, if available, to search for property ownership information using the property’s address or legal description.

4. Search for Title Information

Title information refers to the legal ownership of a property. You can look up the current ownership of a property with the county clerk’s office or a title company.

Title companies are private companies that specialize in providing title insurance and conducting title searches. They can provide detailed information about the property’s ownership history, including any liens or encumbrances on the property. Keep in mind that a title search is not free and depending on your area the cost differs.

5. Conduct a Reverse Address Search

If you’re still unable to find property ownership information, try conducting a reverse address search. There are many reverse address lookup engines that allow you to enter an address and gather information about the property, including ownership details.

You can try using Social Catfish and PeopleFinders for reverse address lookups. Both websites provide search functions that allow you to input the property address to retrieve information about the property. You might be able to dig up details about property owner, property value, and taxes.

6. Consider Hiring a Professional

If you’re having difficulty finding property ownership information on your own, you may consider hiring a search specialist from Social Catfish, to help you with your search. The professionals at Social Catfish are trained in tracking down people using software and technology. They have access to additional resources and expertise in conducting property searches, and they can help you navigate any legal or procedural challenges that may arise.

In conclusion, finding out who owns a property can be done through various methods, including utilizing online resources, checking county records, reviewing property tax records, searching for title information, conducting a reverse address search, or hiring a professional. Always double-check the accuracy of the information you find, as records may change over time, and consult with legal professionals if you have any questions or concerns. Happy searching!