How to Find out Information About a Property

You may be interested in the ownership of a piece of property. Maybe it belonged to your family years ago and you want to reacquire it for sentimental reasons. Maybe it is a parcel of land adjoining yours and you want to find out who owns it. You may be interested in the details surrounding a parcel that appears to have been abandoned for years, or you may simply be curious about a subdivision lot that is up for sale. Whatever your interest in a particular parcel of property, there are ways of finding out information pertaining to it.

• 1

  Call a realtor. If your interest surrounds a piece of property that is listed for sale, the listing agent will be one of your best sources of information. His number should be located on any sign advertising the property for sale. He should have all the details regarding the property that would be of interest to a prospective purchaser. If there is a website listed on the sign, you may be able to find detailed information regarding the property from the online listing.

• 2

  Visit the local tax assessor's office either via its website or at the county courthouse. The tax assessor's online site may have maps that show the dimensions of the property or measuring tools that allow you to measure the lines or area of the property. Many of the GIS maps also allow you to change to an aerial view, which will show if there are improvements on the land and how much of it may be wooded or in cultivation. You may also search for detailed information about a piece of property by entering the owner name or street address. In the event your county doesn't have online records, you should be able to obtain the needed information with the assistance of the clerks at the assessor's office.

• 3

  Search the real property records online, if available, or by visiting your county courthouse. If you have the name of the current owner of the property, and she purchased the property within the last few years, you should be able to find her deed to the property and search to see if she has made mortgages or has liens against the property in her name. A search of the real property records in the name of a recent subdivision should reveal whether or not restrictions have been placed against the property in the subdivision. Searching the name of a recent subdivision should also reveal the location of the recorded subdivision plat showing lots, utility easements and any common areas.