How to Find the Mortgage on a Property

There is a procedure in place that permits you the ability to obtain information about a mortgage on a property. The starting point is making contact with the register of deeds' office. You cannot go directly to the lender to obtain information about a mortgage unless you have a specific interest in the property at this time, unless you are one of the owners. Loan documents on file with a lender are not public record.

Things You'll Need

• Mortgage lien

Instructions

1. Go to the register of deeds' office in the county where the real estate is located. The register of deeds' office typically is located in the county courthouse or the county administrative services building.

2. Request the title records for the real estate in question. You can access this information either with the street address of the property or the name of the owner.

3. Review the mortgage lien in the title records. The mortgage lien will be a document physically located near the current deed associated with the property. The lien will list the name of the mortgage lender. The lien includes the initial dollar amount of the loan and the date the lien was filed with the register of deeds.

4. Request a certified copy of the mortgage lien (and the deed itself, if you so desire). A certified copy of the mortgage lien is one that is stamped and signed by the register of deeds as being a true and correct copy of the original.

References

• "Real Estate Law"; Robert J. Aalberts & George Siedel; 2008
• "Practical Real Estate Law"; Daniel F. Hinkel; 2007
• "Real Estate Law"; Marianne Jennings; 2010

Resources

• California Department of Real Estate: Real Estate Law