The federal, state and local governments offer some form of public property records. Any business can locate records such as property ownership listings if it knows where to look. Utilizing a free property records search can help an investor determine the after repair value (ARV) of an investment property. Real estate agents can use public home sale records to show the comparable value of homes in a neighborhood.
Property records searches can also help you verify the property owner. If you look for investment properties, this can help you identify the person you need to approach about wholesaling a property. Public records also help protect you from lawsuits or liens.
1. Use a property history search to determine whether a property has a clear title.
2. Compare the value of a property to others in the area, so you know whether the property is a good price.
3. Provide a free property record search to drive traffic to your website.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Conduct a mortgage records search to verify information
If a previous owner or creditor has a lien on a property that you buy, either one may claim your property. Even if they don't seize it outright, you may wind up in a lawsuit over the ownership of the property. Title companies use a variety of methods, including a property ownership listing, to prove that you own the property free and clear.
I recommend: Nationwide Environmental Title Research (NETR) provides a public records online directory that you can search by state.
Pacific Information Resources offer its member access to one of the largest online directories for property records. Search public records by type at its website.
Use a free property records search to find information
Most public records are free to access, if you know the right government office to go to. Companies that charge a fee for property records take advantage of the fact that most people won't want to invest the time to find the information on their own. Free property records searches may not include all the information that you need in one place, so plan to look at a few searches to gather a complete picture.
I recommend: Free PRF.com provides links to property records by county for the select states.
PublicRecords.OnlineSearches.com maintains a directory of property records by state and county.
Host public property records on your website to increase traffic
For businesses that offer home services, including Realtors, title companies or real estate investors, adding a search engine to your website may draw traffic to your site, which can increase your rank in search engine results. Consider adding public records specific to your areas of business to increase the chance of attracting potential clients.
I recommend: Petrieve offers businesses the ability to integrate a free public record search engine on their websites. If you would rather provide links to freeware property search tools, consider adding links like
3d2f to your website. You can also download the tools for your own use.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- You can use public property records to estimate the taxes you will need to pay on a certain property.
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