As a real estate investor or developer, one of the most challenging aspects of your job can be finding the right piece of property. And even once you’ve found it, the next hurdle is determining who owns that land. You need the owner’s information to make a purchase or offer, but that data is not always easy to come by.
Luckily, there are various ways that you can find land owner information. Below we’ll guide you through the best methods, tools, and resources to help you uncover that elusive ownership information.
Public Records Databases
When you need to find out who owns a particular piece of land, the best place to start may be with public records. Most county clerk offices keep records of property transfers, sales transactions, and land ownership information that can be easily accessed by the public. Some counties even offer online databases where you can search for this information!
Simply search for the county clerk’s website of the area you are interested in. Once there, you can enter in the address or parcel ID of the property to locate all available property information, including current ownership records.
Online Property Databases
One of the most accessible resources for finding landowner information is through online property databases. Sites like Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin make it easy to find out more about any property, including ownership information.
With these sites, all you need to do is enter the property’s address or location into their search function. If the address is present in their database, you’ll get a wealth of information such as recent sales, land valuations, and of course, the current landowner.
Title Companies
When all else fails, you can always go to a title company. A title company will search through public records to detail ownership information. They compile a report, which provides the names of the current property owners, past owners, and any outstanding liens or encumbrances on the property.
Title companies are often utilized by real estate agents, developers, and investors to find landowner information. And while this option may be a bit more expensive, it also provides the most in-depth information available.
Conclusion
While finding landowner information may seem challenging, with the right resources and tools, it doesn’t have to be. From public records databases to online property resources, and even title companies, there are various options available for uncovering the right property owner information. With some patience and persistence, you can find the right ownership information that can help you make a sound real estate investment!
