How to Find a Person That Owns a Property

There are many options for finding the owner of a property.

Whether you're looking for the owner of a property you want to purchase or you need to send a request or complaint, finding the information you need may take more than knocking on the door. Property searches can sometimes involve many steps but, in many cases, technology makes the job much easier. With many offices in the United States going paperless, your investigation could be complete with just a few clicks.

Instructions

1. 

   Gather the complete property address, including county or township.

   Type the property address and the word "county" into a search engine if you are unsure of the correct municipality. This Internet search should produce the county's website in the results, but if not, simply type the county name into the search box. Visit the appropriate county website and navigate to pages for the Register of Deeds or Property Search. Enter the property address into the appropriate search tool. The search results should provide the current owner's name and mailing address in addition to other information about the property.

2. 

   A visit to the local courthouse may be inevitable.

   Make a trip to the local courthouse if an online property database is not available. Locate the public records or county recorder's office and ask the attendant for copies of the land records for the property address you are researching. Records are filed according to date and type of document.

3. 

   Paid sites can offer instant access to public records.

   Purchase access to an online property records search website for instant access to information. These services are provided at a cost, but may be worth it if you don't have time to make phone calls and personal visits to county offices. You may have the option of paying for only one record or, depending on the site, you may have to purchase a subscription.

4. 

   Enlist a team of experienced title abstractors.

   Hire a title search company if you more need detailed information, or if you are unable to obtain records from the courthouse. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a title abstractor, or title examiner, can search both public and private records in order to provide a detailed report of all documents pertaining to the property.

Tips & Warnings

• Some municipalities require users to create an account in order to use online property search services.

• Be careful when choosing a paid records service. The search may produce little more information than you could retrieve yourself with the same amount of effort. If you are required to subscribe for a period of time, don't forget to cancel the service if you don't frequently search for property owners.

References

• United States Department of Labor; Bureau of Labor Statistics; "Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009"

Resources

• Public Records Online Directory