How to check property ownership history

Answer

To check the ownership history of a property in the U.S., you can access public records that are maintained by local government offices, typically the county recorder or assessor’s office. These records include information about previous owners, dates of ownership transfers, and sale prices.

Here are several ways to research a property's ownership history:

• County recorder’s office: Most counties maintain public records of property transactions. You can visit the office in person or access their online database, if available, by searching the property address or parcel number.
• County assessor’s website: The assessor’s database may include property details, including ownership, assessed value, and tax history.
• Title company: When you work with a title company during the home buying process, they will conduct a title search to verify ownership history and ensure there are no legal claims or liens on the property.
• Real estate websites: Some online platforms offer basic ownership history as part of their property reports. While not official, they can provide a general overview.
• Hire a real estate attorney or agent: If you want detailed or legally verified information, professionals can help you obtain accurate ownership records and interpret the data.

Reviewing ownership history is an important step in understanding a property’s background, including any past disputes, rapid ownership changes, or issues that may affect its value or future resale.