Property Insurance

What is insurtech? (& the top insurtech insights for 2023)

You came across the term ‘insurtech’ in recent months or weeks, and you may be wondering: What does insurtech mean?

For that matter, if you’re an insurance agent, an employee at an insurance company, or work in real estate, you’re probably asking yourself: How are insurtech products impacting the industry? Will they affect my job? What type of insurtech insights could I gain by learning more about this technology?

If you’re looking for answers, you’re in the right place. This blog post will act as your comprehensive, go-to guide about what insurtech is, the different types of insurtech products, and how this technology can give you valuable insights.

What is insurtech?

Simply put, insurtech stands for ‘insurance technology’. It refers to the various technological advancements that are deployed across the insurance industry. Insurtech products allow insurers, their employees, and agents to delegate and outsource tasks to technology, streamline time-consuming functions, and gain critical insights about their customers and internal processes.

Before we go over the most prominent insurtech examples, let’s take a step back and look at how technology is impacting the financial sector, in general. After that, we can dig into the details of how insurtech products and insights are helping insurance companies and agents operate more efficiently.

Insurtech is a Branch of Fintech

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Insurtech is a branch or sub-category of fintech. In short, fintech stands for financial technology. It refers to the at-large uses of technology and digital services in the financial sector, including banking, investing, real estate, and insurance.

Here are some popular fintech products and examples:

  • Online Banking – Websites and apps that allow you to open a bank account online, deposit checks digitally, access electronic statements, transfer funds, and perform other banking functions.
  • Online Brokerage – These fintech products and services enable you to digitally open an investment account, buy and sell stocks and financial instruments online, move your assets between different accounts, and view your portfolio statements from your phone or desktop device.
  • Real estate & Property Technology (Proptech) – Many apps and websites let home sellers to put their home on the market while they enable buyers to digitally tour properties and place bids online. One of the most popular examples is Zillow.

In the insurance industry, insurtech allows customers to apply for coverage, file claims, access policy information, and service their accounts online through the insurer’s website or app.

Both fintech, in general, and insurtech, in particular, also include other detailed and more technical functions that can be performed digitally. However, you now have a general idea of how insurtech is related to technology and digitization.

At this point, we can take a closer look at how insurtech is used by different players in the industry.

What is insurtech used for and by who?

Insurtech is used to outsource, streamline, and simplify tasks that insurers, their employees, and independent agents usually perform via apps, websites, and software products. Both consumers and insurance companies use insurtech for claims processing, underwriting, property risk assessments, customer service, and more. Additionally, others in the property industry (like real estate agents and assessors) rely on insurtech to obtain records, for home valuations, and to analyze risks.

To be specific, here is how insurtech helps the following insurance and property market players with performing their job duties:

  • Underwriters Insurance underwriters rely on cloud software tools, computer programs, and similar insurtech products to gather data on a policy applicant and examine the risk of insuring them.
  • Claims Departments – Certain insurtech products allow claims specialists to automatically pull out information from claims forms, digitally inspect damages, and detect fraud.
  • Insurance Agents – Property & casualty (P&C), life, and auto insurance agents can save time and money and, at the same time, serve their customers in better ways through using chatbots/virtual assistants and claims-processing software. Just as importantly, they could minimize their risks via risk-related data insights, property reports, and advanced home inspection insurtech products.
  • Appraisers – Property appraisers are increasingly utilizing drones, online datasets, and digitally-aggregated property reports to appraise and assess property values.
  • Real Estate Professionals Real estate professionals and agents deploy insurtech products to help their clients buy/sell houses, conduct home showings remotely, gather information on a property from various sources, and complete forms.

Needless to say, insurtech makes the jobs of those involved in the insurance and property markets much easier. To further illustrate, let’s take a look at the most prominent insurtech examples and how they assist real estate and insurance professionals with performing their job duties.

Insurtech Examples

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The following examples include some of the most prevalent insurtech products in both the insurance and real estate sectors:

Claims Processing Software

Claims processing insurtech products allow customers to file claims through their online accounts, automatically pull out relevant details from forms (such as policy numbers, the policyholder’s address, and the types of damages), manage paperwork, and organize claims. They also help insurers determine whether insurance claims get denied or approved.

Data & Behavior-based Underwriting Functions

These insurtech products gather data from various sources to identify trends and help insurers manage their risks. For example, they look at how at-risk a property’s area is for experiencing a natural disaster and analyze the behaviors of drivers (like those who belong to a certain age group).

Chatbots & Virtual Assistants

Artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbots perform a wide array of customer service tasks. They can answer common questions, help policyholders file claims, schedule appointments with agents, and redirect customers to the right department.

For these reasons, chatbots are commonly referred to as ‘virtual assistants’.

Face Recognition Software

Face recognition insurtech products, as their name suggests, can recognize a policyholder’s facial features when they hold their phone’s camera in front of their face. They add an extra layer of protection because they’re used alongside the policyholder’s username and password. Face recognition software may be deployed when a customer wants to log in to their account, file a claim, access sensitive documents, and/or make a payment.

Paywalls

Instead of calling an agent/billing professional or sending checks in the mail to pay their premiums, policyholders can make payments by using paywalls that are integrated within the insurer’s app or website.

Drones

These insurtech products help property & casualty agents, appraisers, and real estate professionals evaluate a property’s condition, understand how at-risk it is to get damaged, and determine its valuation.

Mileage Tracking Devices

Simply put, these devices are placed in a policyholder’s car so that they track how many miles they typically drive, the roads that the driver commonly takes, and their general behavior. These details enable insurers to get an accurate idea of the risks that are associated with insuring the vehicle’s driver.

Flood & Fire Detectors

These insurtech products immediately alert homeowners and the emergency services in the event of a fire or flood. As a result, they can act promptly and stop any damages from occurring, which minimizes the claims that insurers have to payout.

Now that you have an idea of what some of the main insurtech examples are, we can dig deeper and learn about the benefits that insurers and agents obtain by leveraging these insurtech products.

Insurtech Insights & Benefits

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In general, insurtech products have two benefits: First, they provide crucial and valuable insights about the insurance company’s operations and customer interactions. Second, they enable insurers and agents to operate and serve their customers with added layers of efficiency.

Data Anlytics & Critical Insurtech Insights for 2023

There are a lot of valuable insurtech insights that insurers can gain by gathering data, analyzing trends, and identifying potential risks ahead of time. Additionally, insurtech insights help insurance companies retain their customers and provide them with better services.

Since insurers obtain insurtech insights directly from their source, it isn’t surprising that predictive analytics is reshaping the insurance industry. To clarify, here are some of the most prominent insurtech insights in 2023:

  • The data that insurance companies get from underwriting software, claims processing technology, chatbots, and mileage tracking devices enable them to understand the risks that are associated with ensuring a policyholder. In turn, they can use these insurtech insights to set premium prices that accurately reflect their risks.
  • On a larger scale, the insurtech insights that predictive analytics and data reveal allows insurance companies and agents to group people together by their behaviors, demographics, and other common features. Based on this information, they could target new markets that have similar characteristics, especially those with relatively low risks and a high profit potential.
  • By looking at insurtech insights and data about a customer’s past behaviors and interactions with the insurance company, insurers can better understand the policyholder’s preferences and needs. From there, they could use these details to improve the policyholder’s experience and enhance customer loyalty.
  • Similarly, claims and underwriting tech tools enable companies to use past data to predict how their customers will file claims and interact with the insurer. With these insurtech insights at hand, insurers can allocate their time and resources more efficiently.

Insurtech Insights & Risk Assessment

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Alongside data, insurers, agents, and even real estate professionals gain risk-related insurtech insights by leveraging certain technologies. This includes the following:

  • Devices that track a vehicle’s activities give insurers critical insights about a driver’s behavior and the risk of insuring their car and/or belongings.
  • Drones and satellite images provide accurate details about a home, property size, its condition, and more in a way that’s much less prone to human error than in-person inspections.
  • Digitally-generated property reports reveal the risks of structural damages that a property may incur as a result of a fire, flood, or natural disaster.
  • In the same vein, real-time property reports, such as those offered by PropertyScout.io, provide insurers and their agents with the most up-to-date information about a home.

As insurtech gets increasingly advanced and sophisticated each year, insurers and agents can obtain a lot of benefits by tapping into this growing market. These insurtech benefits go beyond data collection and risk management.

Insurtech Benefits

Here are some of the main insurtech benefits and advantages that insurance companies and agents may enjoy by leveraging the different forms of insurance products and examples that we covered in this blog post:

  • Insurers and agents save money by delegating tasks to technology, such as chatbots and virtual assistants.
  • In the same vein, insurers can allocate their resources more efficiently by streamlining certain processes (for example, underwriting and claims filing).
  • Insurtech products minimize the likelihood of human error, especially when it comes to property inspections and collecting data.
  • Data and predictive analytics enable insurers to minimize their risks and losses from floods, fires, and other types of property damage claims.
  • Facial recognition and fraud detection insurtech products help insurance companies identify and prevent fraud at an early stage.
  • By tapping into technology, insurers can cater to the younger generations and tech-savvy users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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What does insurtech mean?

Insurtech means insurance technology, and it refers to websites, apps, and software that handle various tasks for insurers and agents. Insurtech is a branch of fintech, which stands for financial technology.

What is an example of insurtech?

Insurtech examples include claim-filing and processing digital tools, chatbots, paywalls, facial recognition software, devices that track drivers, flood and fire detectors, and more.

What is the role of insurtech?

The role of insurtech is to delegate certain tasks and job duties (which are traditionally handled by the insurer’s employees and agents) to technology. This allows insurance companies to save money, prioritize their employees’ tasks more efficiently, and enhance customer service. 

What is the primary goal of insurtech?

The primary goal of insurtech is to enable insurers to save time, cut their costs, and boost their efficiency. In the same vein, insurtech products make it easier for customers to interact with insurance companies, apply for coverage, file claims, and service their accounts. All of this could be done online and through mobile apps.

What can insurtech do?

Insurtech products can handle a wide range of responsibilities. This includes processing claims, underwriting new policies, managing paperwork, answering customers’ questions, analyzing risk, detecting fraud, accepting payments, and many, many other tasks.

What is insurtech? The insurtech products, examples, benefits, and insights that you need to know in 2023

At this point, you should have a comprehensive idea of what insurtech is, how to leverage the various products and services that are on the market, and the critical insurtech benefits and insights that you could gain by using these technologies.

Whether you’re an insurance company’s employee, an agent, or a real estate professional, ask yourself the following: How is my position in the industry affected by insurtech? Which insurtech products can make my job more efficient and less time and money consuming? What type of insurtech insights do I need? Which of these insurtech benefits will help me the most?

This blog post has all the answers that you’re looking for, and it should act as your initial insurtech guide. Next, you want to figure out how you can take advantage of insurtech in a way that suits your unique personal and professional needs.

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Property Insurance, Property Records Search

Top 10 insurtech trends to watch in 2023 & beyond

Insurance agents and real estate professionals can stay ahead of their competition this year by understanding and utilizing the latest insurtech trends in 2023.

This is because many increasingly prevalent trends in the insurance industry can save them time and money. Equally important, insurers, appraisers, and real estate agents could streamline their processes and enhance their efficiency by tapping into the most current technological products and tools.

If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, boost your productivity, or simply stay up-to-the-minute on the latest know-how that’s transforming the sector, this list of the top 10 insurtech trends in 2023 is for you.

Insurtech Trends in 2023

Over the last few years, many technological trends in the insurance industry have reshaped the way that various insurance company departments, agents, and even real estate professionals do their job. As time goes by, these technological advancements are becoming more and more sophisticated, groundbreaking, and, above all, beneficial for the different players in the sector.

With that in mind, this list goes over the most critical and disruptive insurtech trends in 2023.

1. Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applied AI is one of the most disruptive trends in the insurance industry. In a way, applied AI is similar to search engines. While the latter gives you web results, images, and videos based on the term that you searched for, applied AI can give you answers when you ask it questions, direct you to a certain page or form based on the services that you need, and perform other functions.

  • Chatbots & Virtual Assistants – These tools answer simple questions, pull out information, and help policyholders file claims or obtain documents.
  • Processing Claims – Policyholders can fill out online forms and answer questions when they want to file a claim. Based on these inputs, applied AI-powered tools would choose the right form, automatically analyze it, and quickly process claims.
  • Identifying Fraud – Fraud-detection software, such as facial recognition tools, enable insurers to cut costs and immediately identify when a non-authorized person is trying to access a policyholder’s account or file a claim on their behalf.

Applied AI is especially important because many of the other insurtech trends that we will go over rely on this technology.

2. Generative AI

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Generative AI is similar to applied AI. However, the main differences between generative vs applied AI is that the former creates new forms of data based on how users interact with it. For instance, generative AI might come up with custom policy recommendations based on an applicant’s preferences, habits, and behaviors.

To further illustrate, here are some examples of insurance technology trends in 2023 that rely on generative AI tools:

  • Insurance Applications – When a client wants to apply for a policy, a website page or app that utilizes generative AI may ask them questions about their employment, income, property type, and other related details. In turn, generative AI would create a policy with the premiums, areas of coverage, and amounts that suit that applicant’s specific needs.
  • Underwriting – Generative AI helps insurers analyze a policy applicant’s past behaviors and patterns to predict the risk associated with covering their vehicle or property and whether to approve or deny the application.
  • Processing Claims – Claims processing tools that deploy generative AI can create images and videos. These visuals help insurers understand the type of damages that a policyholder incurred and assess them in an incredibly accurate manner.

It should be noted that some of the prominent generative AI trends in the insurance industry utilize what’s known as machine learning technology.

3. Machine Learning (ML)

Machine learning (ML) technology is a subset of AI. ML uses complex algorithms that collect data in order to identify patterns and make future predictions. For instance, ML can gather data on policyholders to potentially detect fraud or predict how likely it is that they will file a claim in the future. Insurers may also rely on ML insurance technology trends to learn about new markets with a high profit potential that they could enter. ML-powered insurance technology trends are able to complete other tasks that are traditionally delegated to humans.

4. Chatbots

Simply put, chatbots are automated, AI-powered customer service representatives. Almost any agent or insurance company can take advantage of chatbots since they’re relatively easy to use and integrate into a website or app.

When you visit an insurance company or independent agent’s website or use their app, you may ask an automated chat tool questions or send them text messages. These chatbots will give you more information, answer your question directly, refer you to a certain page, or connect you to a live person who could assist you.

With that in mind, here are some of the benefits that insurers gain by using chatbots:

  • They save money on hiring customer service teams to perform these functions.
  • Agents can easily integrate a chatbot within their website, which is much less costly and time consuming than hiring a personal assistant or answering policyholders’ questions directly.
  • Chatbots allow insurance companies to collect data on how customers interact with the firm and the type of questions that they typically ask. In turn, this allows them to enhance their customer service offerings.

Chatbots are also referred to as ‘virtual assistants’ since they provide support and assistance to customers in a variety of ways. For instance, if you ask the chatbot “how do I make a payment?”, they may give you a link to a payment page or ask you more questions to understand that type of payment that you want to make (the monthly premium, deductible, …etc.).

5. Paywalls

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Paywalls are integrated tools that allow you to make a payment directly through the insurer’s website or app. Some paywalls or apps will even send you automated reminders when your monthly premium is due.

This is one of the most popular insurtech trends in 2023 among both insurers and independent agents because it allows them to save a lot of time and money on collecting payments. Here is how:

  • Automated reminders reduce the likelihood that policyholders will miss a payment or have their coverage lapse.
  • Agents and billing departments spend less time on calling clients to collect payments or obtain bank account/debit card information.
  • Insurers have to deal with and store less paperwork since more of their policyholders will use paywalls instead of sending paper checks in the mail.

Many insurance companies rely on third-party software providers for their paywalls. However, this technology is becoming increasingly advanced. As a result, insurers are starting to build their own, in-house paywalls, without redirecting customers to a third-party app or website when they want to make a payment.

6. Outsourcing & Streamlining Technology

These insurtech trends particularly pertain to underwriting and processing claims. Insurance companies typically have entire teams and departments that are dedicated to performing these roles. Yet, thanks to AI technology, insurers can outsource them to underwriting and claim processing software while they refocus their employees’ time and energy towards other tasks.

To illustrate, here are a couple of examples that highlight how these insurtech trends function in practical, real-life scenarios:

Underwriting

Let’s assume that a homeowner wants to apply for a property insurance policy, and they use an AI-powered app to do so. To evaluate their risk and choose the right coverage for them, the software would ask the applicant about the following:

  • Basic information – their age, household size, occupation, …etc.
  • Zip code – to determine if their area is prone to floods, wildfires, and other types of disasters.
  • The age of their home – an older home is more likely to experience structural damages than a relatively newer one
  • Value of their property and belongings – applicants with expensive properties and belongings may require insurers to pay out larger claims in the event of a disaster or other types of damages.

Processing Claims

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In the same vein, insurance technology trends are making the auto and property damage claims process easier and less time consuming for insurers. For instance, AI can ask policyholders simple and straightforward questions when they want to file a claim. From there, AI-powered tools automatically complete the forms for them. Just as importantly, whether an insured client files their claim automatically or manually, AI can scan the form and rapidly pull out the relevant information from it (such as the policy number, types of damages, and payout amount). AI could also quickly deny or approve the claim.

7. Data-Driven Risk Analysis

In addition to simplifying and streamlining underwriting processes, many of the top insurtech trends in 2023 are enabling insurers to analyze and manage their risks through data. These trends in the insurance industry go beyond property damage, and they extend to the risks that are associated with fraud and entering new markets.

Mileage Trackers

Auto insurers ask drivers (especially new policyholders) to attach mileage tracking devices to their vehicles. These devices identify how many miles the policyholder typically drives, the roads that they take, and whether they aggressively hit the breaks or make sharp turns. From there, insurers use this data to determine the risk of insuring a driver and how much to charge them in premiums.

Fire & Flood Detectors

These detectors immediately alert the relevant authorities whenever a property is at risk for a fire or flood. As a result, insurance companies minimize the likelihood of paying out claims that are associated with damages caused by these events.

Fraud Detection

AI-powered fraud detection software asks a policyholder to place a cellphone in front of their face to verify their identity. This is similar to logging in with a username and password, but it adds an extra layer of protection and ensures that only authorized users can access an account, file claims, and request sensitive documents.

Entering New Markets

By leveraging new insurance technology trends, insurance companies can gather data on demographic groups, residents of certain zip codes, and consumers that have common characteristics. In turn, they may determine the risks involved with entering a new market (such as by servicing a particular city or catering to those who belong to a specific age group) by looking at data that reflects their behaviors and habits.

Keep in mind that some of the most prevalent insurance technology trends allow real estate professionals and individual property and casualty (P&C) agents to manage their risks, as well (and not just insurance companies).

8. Automated & Drone Appraisals

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Real estate professionals and P&C agents can deploy drones to accurately evaluate a property’s structure and general condition in a more accurate way than traditional assessments do.

In fact, because this is one of the most popular insurtech trends in 2023, there are various products for drone inspections that come with sensors, thermal cameras that identify heat sources, and features that enable them to access hard-to-reach and narrow spaces.

Here are some of the main advantages that are attained by utilizing drones for property inspections:

  • They give inspectors an accurate view of roofs, towers, and other areas of a property that are difficult to reach in person.
  • Inspectors minimize their risks of getting seriously injured by using a drone instead of climbing a structure with a rope or ladder.
  • Drones can enter tight spaces that are difficult for a human to get into.
  • A drone could be deployed to inspect an area with hazardous and harmful gasses or chemicals.
  • Certain types of drones are capable of detecting heat and pressure that humans can’t manually identify.
  • Drones that are equipped with multiple high-resolution cameras are less likely to miss capturing a spot or make an error in comparison to a human.

It goes without saying drones allow professionals to save time on performing these tasks manually since these pieces of equipment could fly and are directed by remote controls from a distance.

9. Property Information & Data Aggregation

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This is also one of the technological trends in the insurance industry that enables P&C agents, assessors, and real estate professionals to save plenty of time.

To clarify, there are software products that automatically gather and aggregate data about a specific property from various online and offline sources. This includes:

  • The sales history of a house and a list of its past owners.
  • Information about its current owner.
  • The property’s size.
  • A home’s repair history and structural condition.
  • The number of rooms, windows, garages, and similar features that are in a house.
  • Whether there are any tax liens or unpaid debts that are associated with a given property.

These tools are very valuable since they permit interested parties to forgo the traditional ways of collecting this information. For example, a P&C agent who is considering insuring a house doesn’t have to look through different state, county, and municipal records, nor do they need to visit government offices in person to access details that aren’t available online.

Above all, some of these tools, such as those provided by PropertyScout.io, are updated on an ongoing and real-time basis.

10. Real-Time Data Analysis

Each property dataset may be updated at a different time. That is to say that certain transactions could be up-to-date when obtained from one source (for example, a municipal government), but another would delay recording them (the state government, for instance).

With that in mind, one of the most advantageous trends in the insurance industry is being able to obtain property records that are updated on an ongoing, real-time basis. This allows insurers, real estate agents, and appraisers to get the latest and most accurate information on a property, including sales, repairs, mortgage balances, and tax or involuntary liens.

Moving Forward & Leveraging the Top 10 Insurtech Trends in 2023 and Beyond

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Whether you’re an insurance or real estate professional, this article should give you an up-to-the-minute idea of what the top insurance technology trends in 2023 are.

Next, consider how you (or your firm) could leverage these trends. Do you want to use AI and ML technology to streamline your processes and boost productivity? Would investing in a drone or aggregated, real-time property reports be worth the money and effort that you can save? How will embedding a paywall or chatbot into your website enhance your efficiency? Maybe you simply want to stay ahead of your competitors by learning about the top groundbreaking insurtech trends in 2023.

Either way, by reading this list, you now know what the latest trends in the insurance industry are, as well as how they are currently transforming the sector and will continue to do so for years to come.

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Unlocking Solar Energy Potential: The Power of Real Estate Data

Real estate data can be of great value to solar energy companies.
It allows you to identify ideal properties for solar energy production and installation. By understanding the geography, value, ownership, age and features of individual properties, solar energy companies can determine the viability of a potential site and make informed decisions on where to pursue projects. It can provide information about the characteristics of the properties that are most likely to benefit from solar energy, such as roof size and orientation, enabling them to maximize their return on investment. Additionally, understanding regional market trends can help solar energy companies develop strategies for predicting and managing the costs associated with individual projects.

Real estate data also offers operational benefits.
Specifically, improved understanding of local markets allows solar companies to make more informed decisions and gain a better understanding of their target market. Property data can greatly improve targeting of prospective customers allowing solar companies to focus their efforts on the customers that fit their criteria. When sales teams and business development teams have this data readily available, it can reduce their cost per acquisition and maximize their ROI. It also increases efficiency in operations and reduces risk in investment decisions. Overall, the use of real estate data allows solar companies to reduce costs and increase profits.

Property data is available from a number of sources including:

  • County assessors
  • Title companies
  • Multiple Listing Services (MLS)
  • Online real estate websites 
  • Property tax records 
  • Local government websites 
  • Mortgage lenders and brokers 
  • Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) 
  • Public records databases 

Finding data in some of those sources is very time-consuming. That’s why we created PropertyScout.io. It’s a one stop place where you can look up by address or parcel number. It puts all the property data for that address at your fingertips. And you can quickly download reports and images of deeds and mortgages to attach to your records.

Solar companies face a variety of challenges when utilizing real estate data. Obtaining accurate and up-to-date data can be difficult, as this data can often be incomplete or outdated. Additionally, integrating data from multiple sources and formats can be time consuming and difficult. Lastly, utilizing the data to create useful insights can be a challenge, as the data must be interpreted and analyzed to be meaningful.

PropertyScout.io offers the most accurate and up-to-date information. It can save you time by having all the data in one place. It saves some of our customers that were using title companies a lot of money! Some solar companies get their real estate data from title companies and pay $2,000 per record. If you don’t need that level of in-depth, certified data then PropertyScout.io can save you thousands of dollars per record. 

Some of our customers use our API to integrate our data directly into their system to make operations such as customer prospecting, property reviews and financial analysis much more efficient.

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Property Insurance

Property Damage Release Form 101 (Sign Or Not? + Definition)

Your insurance company just processed your claim, offered you a settlement, and asked you to sign a property damage release form.Now what?If you are thinking about whether or not you should sign the document, taking your time to review this legally-binding form is certainly the right thing to do.In fact, you want to go further than that.This article will cover all the ins and outs that you must know before signing the form, and what to expect after that.Let’s take a look.

Property Damage Release Form: Sign Or Not?

Prior to answering this question, you need to first understand what this document is for and take a few factors into consideration.

What Is a Property Damage Release Form?

Your insurance company will give you a property damage release form when they investigate your claim and estimate the value of your losses.This is what the process typically looks like:

  1. An insurance adjuster inspects your losses from a disaster.
  2. The company evaluates how much your damages are worth.
  3. They offer you a settlement amount that they believe you’re entitled to.
  4. The insurer sends you a property damage release form.
  5. When you sign the document, they will give you your settlement.

Before you sign the form, make sure that the estimated damages and payout amounts fairly reflect your losses.After signing the document, you can’t reopen your claim or ask for a larger settlement. This is the case even if you discover additional damages that the insurance company didn’t cover or wasn’t aware of.Your insurer might give you a property damage release document that’s under a different title, such as a ‘Release of Liability Form’ or a ‘Release of All Claims Form’.When presented with one, you need to carefully read it and take a few things into consideration.

What Is a Property Damage Release Form

Critical Factors to Consider Before Signing

Now that you know what a property damage release form is, you can decide on whether or not you want to sign it by looking at what it includes.Here are some critical factors that you should keep in mind:

What Damages Are (and Aren’t) Covered

Take a look at which damages are included in and excluded from the form.If the document covers certain damages that could get worse in the future, you may have to think twice about signing it.Meanwhile, when the form leaves out these damages and only includes the ones that you believe are fully repaired, you might want to sign the form to get your compensation and recover your losses faster.If the insurance company excludes some damages until they further investigate them, they may ask for your permission to do so.

Permission From the Insurance Company

The property damage release form could give your insurance company permission to access specific information about you.For example, when the company leaves certain damages out of the form because they need to examine them in more detail, they will ask for permission to enter your home or talk to contractors about the repairs.Similarly, the provider might want to view your medical records when you get injured during a disaster and file a claim to get your health care bills reimbursed.When the form that you receive gives the insurance company permissions, consider whether or not they’re necessary and how long they will last for.At times, a verified property report from an independent third party that shows the history of your home will include all the details that the insurance company is looking for.

Benefits In the Long Run

Think about how signing the form may impact you in a few years from now. In other words, don’t let the temptation of getting your settlement money right away cloud your judgment.For example, after you sign the form, you may go on to discover that there are other damages that you weren’t previously aware of. Since you already signed the document, you would have to personally pay for these repair costs in full.The amount could be much larger than what the insurance company originally offered you to settle your claim.This is in addition to the time and money that you would have to spend on challenging the settlement, working with a lawyer, and continuing to go through the property damage insurance claims process.

Attorney or Lawyer Involvement

Consider hiring a lawyer or attorney to go over your property damage release form if you have a complicated claim. You might also want to work with one when you’re worried that the insurance company isn’t giving you a fair settlement.A qualified insurance attorney can advise you on what your rights are and give you an idea of what to expect when you sign the form.

What Can You Do After You Signed the Property Damage Release Form

Now that you signed the document and submitted it to the company or your property and casualty insurance agent, you are probably wondering what you can do if you discover additional damages that you were never compensated for.For the most part, you must cover the repair costs in full. However, you still have a few options, including the following:

  • Know Your Exclusions – If the new damages that you uncovered are excluded from the form, you are eligible to get compensated for them.
  • Report the Company to the State – If you believe that the company was negligent or dishonest with you, report them to your state’s government so that they investigate the issue.
  • Hire an Attorney – A qualified insurance attorney will explain your options and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf. At times, they may advise you to file a lawsuit, such as when the company violates the terms of your policy or the release form.

Sample Property Damage Release Forms

Here are a couple of examples of what property damage release of liability waivers and forms typically look like:

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Damage Release Forms

How Do You Write a Release of Liability Form?

Insurance companies will provide you with this form. If you want to write it yourself, consider using a customizable online template.These templates allow you to put together a form that outlines the damages that you suffered and complies with your state’s laws.

What is a Release of Claims Form?

A release of claims form is simply another term for a property damage release form.It’s a document that states that you agree with the insurance company’s evaluation of the damages and will not ask them for further compensation after they give you your settlement.

To Sign or Not To Sign the Property Damage Release Form: Making Your Decision

At this point, you should understand all the ins and outs that come with signing the property damage release form.Go ahead and grab the document that the insurance company gave you. Read through it and think about how it will benefit you today and in 10 years from now.What types of damages does it cover? Are the ones that you’re worried about included/excluded?Does it impact your privacy? If so, how comfortable are you with that?You may still be wondering whether to sign the form or not, and you probably have to do some more thinking.However, by reading this article, you now know what to think about and the factors that you need to consider when making your decision.

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Property Insurance

8+ Types of Property Damage Claims (& Compensation Guide)

There are many types of property damage claims ‌you could file for if you recently experienced a disaster.Dealing with the aftermath of a disaster is very stressful. And you shouldn’t need to worry about recovering your financial losses‌.After all, that’s why you have homeowners’ insurance, right?While getting covered is a great way to protect your property, it only takes you halfway through the road to recovering from a disaster.This article is about the second half of your journey. It entails submitting the right claim, getting a fair settlement, and everything in between.Let’s dig in.But first, let’s look at what a property damage claim is.

What is Property Damage and What Does It Involve?

Basically, tangible property is anything that you physically own, such as your home and furniture.Common property damage examples are walls, surfaces, and clothes that get burned in a fire.Now that you know what property damage involves, we can take a closer look at the individual claim types.

8+ Types of Property Damage Claims

The nature of the damages that homeowners suffer will differ from one disastrous event to another.Therefore, insurers require policyholders to file a specific property damage claim form for each type of disaster.

1. Theft and Vandalism Damage

Most types of homeowners insurance cover theft and vandalism. This includes the following property damage examples:

  • Arson
  • Broken or impaired windows and doors
  • Eggs that were thrown at your house
  • Graffiti, paint, and/or drawings on your exteriors
  • Stolen or missing belongings

To get compensation for damage to property after an act of theft or vandalism, follow these steps:

  1. 1Get a police report.
  2. 2Take pictures or videos of the damages.
  3. 3Make a list of the stolen or missing items.
  4. 4Contact your insurer and gather the documents that they need to process your claim.

You may have to follow some of the same steps (or similar ones) when you file other types of property damage claims.

2. Water and Freeze Damage

According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damages account for more than 40% of disaster-induced homeowner losses.Your homeowners insurance will cover water damage that impacts your house’s interiors (but not the exteriors).This applies to water and freeze damages that are caused by:

  • Extinguishing a fire
  • Plumbing problems and unexpected overflows
  • Rain and snow storms
  • Roof leaks (the interior damages are covered, but not the roof itself)

To get compensated, you have to prove that the disaster was accidental and/or sudden (and not due to negligence).Here, a property report from an independent third party that shows that your home’s pipes and water systems were properly maintained can greatly help.

8+ Types of Property Damage Claims

3. Fire Damage

Your insurer will pay to replace your destroyed belongings and repair your home’s structures when you experience fire or smoke damage.Before you file a claim, you should get an official report from the police or fire department and take pictures or videos of your damages. After that, review these documents with the insurance company and submit them alongside your claim.You also want to consider including a detailed and verified property report that has information about your house and its value. It is certainly worth paying for.This is because the average fire claim costs homeowners nearly $80,000 in losses per disaster. It is the most expensive claim type.Further Reading:How to Do a Property Title Search (And Avoid Misinformation)

4. Wind and Hail Damage

Standard homeowners insurance policies cover wind damage and the related costs.To clarify, here is what your insurer will pay to repair and/or replace after a wind or hail storm:

  • Fences
  • Roofs
  • Sidings
  • Windows
  • Any other structures, dwellings, or items that were impacted by the weather conditions

Once the storm calms down, you need to identify any damages that require immediate attention, take pictures of them, and repair them right away (before they get worse).After that, contact your insurance company. To get compensation for damage to property that’s caused by wind or hail, follow the same steps for filing the other ‌property damage claims.

5. Tree Damage

Your insurer will cover your damages when a tree falls on a house because of a storm or peril that’s outlined in your policy. If the tree blocks your driveway or garage door, you are protected regardless of why it fell.Meanwhile, if the tree falls without harming any structures or blocking your driveway, you would be responsible for the entire cost of removing it.Just as importantly, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover the damages when a badly-shaped or neglected tree falls.Considering this, your claim should include evidence that the tree was well-maintained and in good shape before it fell (alongside pictures and/or any other supporting documents).Further Reading:10 Reasons Homeowners Insurance Claims Are Denied

6. Sinkhole Damage

Sinkholes, which form under the ground, have tightly-insulated surfaces that don’t allow liquids to drain. As a result, their structures dissolve and eventually collapse if they get filled with water.When it comes to sinkholes and insurance, your policy will compensate you for the costs of repairing your home and replacing your belongings.If you experienced property damage from a sinkhole or are worried about one, you should check whether it’s included in your homeowners insurance plan.Insurers in the following states (which have a high risk for sinkholes) may require you to purchase this coverage separately:

  • Alabama
  • Florida
  • Kentucky
  • Missouri
  • Pennsylvania
  • Tennessee
  • Texas

7. Hurricane Damage

Most homeowners insurance policies reimburse you for your losses following a hurricane, even if you live in a high-risk area. This includes repairing your harmed structures or dwellings and replacing your missing or destroyed belongings.Nonetheless, homeowners insurance typically excludes hurricane-caused floods and sewer or drain backups.To get compensation for damage to property that your policy covers, follow these steps:

  1. 1Take pictures and videos of the property.
  2. 2Fix any urgently-needed repairs and save the receipt.
  3. 3Review your coverage and supporting documents with your property and casualty insurance agent.
  4. 4File your claim.
  5. 5Collaborate and stay in touch with the company until you get a fair settlement amount.

8. Lightning Damage

In the same vein, to receive the compensation that you deserve, understanding your insurance coverage when lightning strikes is going to be crucial.Almost all homeowners policies will take care of your repair and replacement costs if you experience a lightning-induced fire.However, the majority of plans exclude damages to your cars and pets.To file a claim, gather your evidence and contact your agent. If you want to get reimbursed for electrical problems and damage to electronics, you need a professional electrician to verify that the lightning directly caused these issues.As mentioned earlier, lightning and fire claims are the most expensive property damage claims.

9. Other Property Damage

Here are some additional types of property damage claims that many homeowners and renters commonly file:

  • Earthquake Damage
  • Power Outages and Electric Damage
  • Flood Insurance
  • Termite and Pest Infection Damage

These coverages are particularly advantageous when you combine them with your existing homeowners policy.For example, if you can’t prove that a lightning strike caused the power to go out in your home, an electric damages policy would still allow you to recover your losses.Now that you know what the different types of property damage claims are and the supporting documents that are required for each one, you can file a complete and accurate claim.

How To Get Compensation If Your Property Has Been Damaged

Once you submit your claim, your insurance company will schedule you an appointment with an adjuster.You should prepare for the meeting ahead of time because the adjuster will work with you until your claim is settled.To learn more, read our article about the property damage insurance claims process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Property Damage Claims

About Property Damage Claims

What are Examples of Property Damage?

Common property damage examples are disfigured structures, broken doors or windows, wrecked walls or dwellings, torn down fences, and destroyed or stolen personal belongings.If you experience one or more of these losses after a disaster that’s covered by your policy, your insurance provider will reimburse you.

What is Covered by Property Damage?

Most homeowners and renters insurance plans cover property damages that were caused by theft, vandalism, fires, water and pipe problems, fallen trees, and sinkholes. Also included are natural disasters like wind and hailstorms, hurricanes, and lightning strikes.However, if you live in an area that’s at high-risk for certain events (such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires), you might have to purchase additional coverage for these disasters.

What is the Difference Between Physical and Property Damage?

Physical damage describes any bodily injuries that you or someone on your property suffered during a disaster. For instance, a person may slip on a damaged stairway and break their bones or get burned while trying to escape a fire.Property damage‌ refers to harmed and/or destroyed objects. They can be personal belongings (such as furniture, electronics, and clothes) or parts of your home’s structure (for example walls, ceilings, roofs, doors, windows, and the fence)).

The Different Types of Property Damage Claims: Which One To Choose?

Understanding the type of claim that you need to file takes you through the second half of your road to recovering from a disaster.To put it another way, submitting the right documents is the best way to ensure that you will get the compensation for property damage that you deserve.In turn, you can focus on the rest of your journey while your insurance policy goes to work for you.Now that you know what you need to do, go ahead and contact your insurer, file your claim with confidence, and give yourself a much-needed peace of mind.

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Property Ownership

What Happens To A Condemned House? (Definition + Buy & Sell)

Thinking about selling your condemned house? Perhaps you want to buy one as an investment or a second home?Either way, you’re in the right place.At first glance, dealing with a condemned house may feel like a burdensome hassle. However, it could also be a hidden opportunity when you use the right approach and strategy.This is the case whether you’re in the buying or selling end of the process.Keep reading to learn why and when a house gets condemned, as well as how to determine whether your best option is to buy, sell, or fix it.Let’s dig in.

What Happens to a Condemned House?

Before getting into the details of what happens to a condemned house, you need to initially understand what this designation means and why a home would get condemned in the first place.After that, you will get a better idea of what your options look like when a house gets condemned and which of them suits you best.

What Does It Mean When a House is Condemned?

When a house is condemned, it means that the government has the legal right to take it away from its owners.City and county governments across the U.S set building codes, safety rules, and livability standards. Local homes and other buildings must follow these rules.Most of the time, a home is condemned for alleged code violations or based on claims that it is unsafe or uninhabitable. This can happen for various reasons.

Why Would a House Become Condemned?

Why Would a House Become Condemned

A house becomes condemned when its condition violates the local legal codes or makes it unsafe to live in.Here are some examples of why a house would be condemned:

  • Abandonment – Homes that are abandoned by their owners and left to deteriorate could get condemned, especially when they’re in a very bad condition.
  • Black Mold – If black mold starts to grow in the home (which is common in states that frequently experience floods), it becomes uninhabitable. This is because the air in moldy buildings is toxic and dangerous to inhale.
  • Excessive Clutter – When a large amount of clutter piles up in the house, it will be prone to getting infested with termites and/or pests.
  • Fragile Flooring – The floor could collapse if the furniture is too heavy or a certain number of people are in the house.
  • Plumbing Problems – A faulty plumbing system may cause flooding or damage the water pipes. Moreover, plumbing issues can create other problems that make the home unsafe to live in, such as black mold.

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples. Every county and municipality has its own set of condemned house rules and criteria, including why and when they can condemn a home.

How Long Does It Take to Condemn a House?

The amount of time it takes to condemn a house is different from one area to another.However, when condemning a home, local governments will take these general steps:

  1. Identify the Violation – Some counties and municipalities regularly conduct surveys and examine properties to look for homes that are unsafe or noncompliant with local codes. Others rely on residents who are living next to a condemned house to report it.
  2. Inspect the Property – Once the government receives a complaint or spots a home in a bad condition, they get in touch with the owner and inspect the property.
  3. Inform the Owner – If the county or city’s investigator determines that the home is uninhabitable or its condition violates the building laws, they will give the owner a condemned house notice. This document outlines the repairs that need to be made and when they should be completed by.
  4. Levy Penalties and Fines – The local government requires the homeowner to pay monetary penalties and fines when they don’t make the repairs on time or completely ignore them.
  5. Condemn the House – If the owner continues to neglect fixing the property, the city or county will condemn and seize the house. When this happens, the government estimates how much the property is worth and reimburses the owner, but they also take the home’s condition into consideration and deduct the repair costs from that amount.

Some local governments have flexible condemned house rules. As an alternative to repairing the home, they give property owners the option to sell it.

How To Sell a Condemned House (Strategies & Methods)

How To Sell a Condemned House (Strategies & Methods)

If you want to place your condemned house for sale, there are three ways for you to do so.

Finding a Real Estate Agent

Look for a real estate agent who is willing to help you sell the condemned house.The main advantage to working with a professional agent is that they already have a network of potential buyers. Some of them may even have clients that specifically want to buy condemned houses.Having said that, since condemned homes tend to be in bad shape, many realtors and buyers consider them to be risky investments.Because of this, if you want to work with a real estate agent, you might have to do some research and contact multiple realtors until you find one who is willing to sell a condemned house.

Selling By Owner

Another way is for yourself to work directly with buyers who are looking for a condemned house for sale.You have multiple options for selling the house as its owner. Here are a few of the most effective ones:

  • Contact potential buyers and/or investors that you ‌know.
  • Attend networking events for real estate professionals and investors.
  • Use online platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com.
  • Put up a ‘For Sale’ sign in front of the house and include a working phone number.

When you directly sell the home, you don’t need to worry about finding a realtor who is willing to offer a condemned house to their clients.You also get to keep the entire amount that you sold it for. Real estate agents, on the other hand, take a commission out of the sales proceeds.There is a main downside to selling the condemned home as an owner: Since buyers already find condemned houses to be risky, they might prefer to purchase them from a professional real estate firm rather than an individual owner.

Selling by iBuyer

iBuyer is a website that connects home sellers with local buyers and investors who want to quickly purchase a property.iBuyer may buy your condemned house from you, take care of repairing and cleaning it, and then list it for sale.This can save you a lot of time and money. Moreover, iBuyer has a near-instant process, and your home might be sold very quickly.Before you put your condemned house for sale on iBuyer, make sure that you have somewhere else to move to after you sell it. For example, you can sign a rental lease, move in with a friend, or buy another home.

How To Buy a Condemned House

How To Buy a Condemned House

You can buy a condemned house by relying on the same three methods for selling it.If you want to buy an already-seized condemned house from the government, the most common way is to purchase it when it’s being auctioned.This is because local officials sell condemned houses that are in their possession through public auctions.There are certain advantages to buying a condemned building. Here are the most noteworthy ones:

  • Discounted Price – The lenders that issued the home’s mortgage loan (when it was in its original condition) are willing to quickly sell it and for a low rate. Otherwise, when the government condemns the house and/or the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender will not be able to get any of their money back.
  • Flipping Opportunities – If you buy a home that’s in a bad condition and repair it (a practice known as ‘house flipping’), you can sell it for a bigger value and earn a profit.
  • A Cheap Second Home – Some buyers will turn the condemned house into a second home by purchasing for a low price and then gradually fixing it.

With that being said, there are also downsides that come with buying a condemned house. Among them are the following:

  • Lots of Regulations – You must get the approval of the city or county government that condemned the home. They might require you to prove that you will fix it. Your local authorities may have additional condemned house rules.
  • Repair Costs – At times, the repair costs can end up being much more expensive than what you initially thought. This could impact your proceeds if you plan to sell the house.
  • Unknown Problems – If you discover certain damages after buying the home that you weren’t aware of beforehand, you have to pay to fix them out of your own pocket.
  • Inherited Debts – Once you purchase a condemned home, you are responsible for the debts that the previous owner didn’t pay and any liens on the property, even if you weren’t aware of them.

To avoid running into these problems, consider getting a verified and reliable property report.You want a report that shows you the history of the home, pictures of the property, details about its room sizes and previous repairs, as well as whether it has any liens or judgements against it.By knowing these details before purchasing the condemned house, you will put your mind at rest and ensure that you don’t run into any unwanted surprises after you buy it.In addition, a property report might help you narrow down your options when you look at a list of condemned houses for sale.

Where To Find a List of Condemned Houses for Sale

Where To Find a List of Condemned Houses for Sale

You can find a list of condemned houses for sale in your area on different real estate listings websites and platforms.Here are some of the best real estate websites for doing so:

  • Foreclosure.com – Arguably the best website for finding a condemned house for sale, Foreclosure.com’s search tools include city and/or sheriff department-owned homes, fixer uppers, as-is deals, properties that are in pre-foreclosure status, and those that were already foreclosed.
  • FSBO – FSBO’s website has listings of properties that are in pre-foreclosure status and previously foreclosed houses that are being sold by the sheriff’s department.
  • Realtor.com – Realtor.com also allows you to search for condemned homes through their foreclosure listings.
  • Redfin – Redfin is another widely-used real estate website that lets you find foreclosed homes in your county, city, and/or zip code.
  • Trulia – In addition to their list of foreclosed homes, you can further narrow down your search on Trulia to condemned houses that are for sale by either their owner or a real estate agent.
  • Xome – Xome has comprehensive search tools that lets you browse foreclosed homes and properties that are being auctioned. Moreover, you can use Xome’s calendar to find upcoming auction sales in your local area.
  • Zillow – Zillow’s listings of foreclosed homes for sale can help you with finding a list of condemned houses near you.

Before you buy one, check the local condemned house rules and codes on fixing it. After that, you can decide whether the time and cost of repairing a condemned house is suitable for you.

Can You Fix a Condemned House?

Yes, you can. However, the process for fixing a condemned house depends on whether you’re the owner or the buyer. It is also different from one locality to another.If you’re a homeowner who received a condemned house notice, read it carefully and go through the repairs that the government is asking you to make.From there, try to estimate how much they would cost. Some problems, such as excessive clutter and plumbing issues, are relatively easy and cheap to fix.Having said that, you may be required to make major condemned house renovations or bulldoze the entire building.When this happens, think about whether moving out of the home (and allowing the government to seize it and compensate you) is more financially advantageous for you than paying for the repairs.Meanwhile, if you’re a buyer who is wondering whether you can purchase a condemned house and then fix it, consider these factors as you make your decision:

  • Government Approval Timelines – In some areas, the local condemned house rules will require you to get the government’s permission and demonstrate that you can fix the condemned home when you buy it. The amount of details that you need to give your local county or municipal officials, as well as the time that it takes to get their approval, should influence your decision.
  • Financing Options – Since condemned homes are high-risk assets, many lenders don’t issue loans to those who want to buy them. If you can’t find a traditional mortgage issuer that’s willing to finance your purchase, think about your other options. For example, you could get a loan from a private lender or pay for the purchase and repair costs yourself.
  • Debts on the Property – Your area’s condemned house rules may require you to ensure that the selling homeowner doesn’t have any unpaid property taxes or debts on their home before you buy it. Consider checking your local delinquent tax list properties. Otherwise, after you purchase the property, you could end up paying property taxes and delinquent debts on behalf of the previous owner.

As you make your decision, carefully weigh each of these factors.Note down any concerns or questions that you have so that you can discuss them with the real estate agents and/or lending professionals that you will work with.

Frequently Asked Questions About Condemned Houses

Frequently Asked Questions About Condemned Houses

Can You Live in a Condemned House?

You can live in a condemned house only if you make the needed repairs within a certain amount of time. You can find this deadline on the condemned house notice that you received.If you don’t take care of the condemned house renovations by the deadline, you have to vacate the property and allow the government to take it.

Should You Fix a Condemned House?

You should fix a condemned house if you can afford to, especially when the government isn’t offering you a fair reimbursement for seizing the property.If your local condemned house rules allow you to sell it, compare the cost of fixing the home to how much you would get for selling it.

Can You Enter a Condemned House?

You can’t enter a condemned house because of the health and safety risks. For example, while you’re inside, the floor could collapse or electrical problems may cause a fire.Most of the time, condemned houses are sold in an auction and the buyers don’t see the homes in person.

What is a Condemned House Notice?

A condemned house notice is an official document that notifies homeowners that their property’s conditions violate the local rules and building codes.The condemned house notice goes over the repairs that the owner must complete and when they need to be finished by.

Condemned House vs Property: What’s the Difference?

The term ‘condemned house’ refers to a privately-owned home that is unsafe to use or in a condition that violates local building codes.A ‘condemned property’ is a broader term that describes any building that’s in this situation, including private homes, apartment complexes, commercial/office spaces, malls, and others.

Buy, Sell, or Fix: What To Do With a Condemned House

Now that you know when, why, and how a house can get condemned, you can look at your options and determine which of them suits you best.As a buyer, a condemned house could be an investment that helps you reach your larger goals. Maybe it’s second home that you’ve long wished for.As a seller, a condemned house notice may be the wake up call ‌you needed to renovate your home. Alternatively, it could be a chance to cash out on your existing property and get a fresh start in a new home.Either way, ‌use the information that you learned from this article to turn that condemned house from a hidden opportunity into a brand-new livable reality.

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Property Insurance

Property Damage Insurance Claims Process (2022 Updated Guide)

Recently experienced a disaster, and wondering what to expect from the property damage insurance claims process?You’ve come to the right place. It’s tricky trying to understand the different terms, conditions, and coverage limits that are in your insurance paperwork. And, even more so when dealing with disfigured structures or dwellings, and look for lost or destroyed belongings.And you’re not alone. But you can make your property damage insurance claims process seamless, straightforward, and, above all, successful.Let’s find out how, shall we?

The Property Damage Insurance Claims Process

This section goes over when, how, and where you can file your claim.

Equally as important are the valuable homeowner insurance claims tips that we will lay out.

Let’s start with when we should file.

When to File a Property Damage Insurance Claim

The property damage claim time limit ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on your insurer’s policies. Failing to act within this timeframe is among the top 10 reasons home insurance claims are denied.You should contact your insurer right after the disaster takes place to ask them about their property damage claim time limit and the supporting documents that you need to present.Getting a property report that shows the value of your losses can ‌help. Your claim is more likely to be successful when it includes a report with information about your home’s worth, pictures of its exteriors and interiors, and similar details.Now that you know when to file the claim, let’s talk about how.

How to File a Personal Property Damage Insurance Claim

Property Damage Insurance Claims Process

Step 1: Assess the Damage

Start by identifying the damaged items and materials, such as furniture, personal items, walls, and ceilings. Then, write your assessments on a piece of paper and take pictures so that you can provide your insurance company with proof of the damages.Above all, you only want to focus on items that were harmed by the specific incident that you’re filing the claim for. Otherwise, you may run into delays or have your entire claim get rejected.

Step 2: Report to Your Insurance Company

Let a home, property, and casualty insurance agent or company representative know about the damages as soon as possible. They will let you know what their property damage insurance claims process looks like and which areas are covered by your policy. Your agent might also schedule you an appointment with the company’s adjuster. To clarify, the adjuster’s job is to assess the damages and determine how much the insurance would pay in repair and replacement costs.

Step 3: File a Police Report

This step is ‌important if your property was damaged as a result of a crime (for example, theft and burglaries). In fact, in those instances, most insurance companies will require you to provide a police report with your claim.

Step 4: File the Property Insurance Claim

After you learn about what to include in your claim and get a police report (if needed), you can formally file your property damage claim.There are two things that you can do to make this step as simple as possible. First, before submitting your claim, go over your forms, documents, and proof of damages with an agent to confirm that all of your information is accurate, complete, and properly filed.Second, as mentioned earlier, initiate this process as early as possible to ensure that you submit your paperwork within the property damage claim time limit.

Step 5: Work With the Insurance Adjuster

Property Damage Insurance Claims Process

You must get ready for your appointment with the insurance adjuster in advance. Write ‌a list of the damages that you suffered and be prepared to highlight them as you walk through the property alongside the adjuster.Keep in mind that you have to be as clear and transparent as possible. This is because adjusters are well-trained at identifying whether a loss was caused by a specific incident (such as a fire). Giving them false information, on the other hand, can lengthen your property damage insurance claims process timeline and potentially land you in legal trouble.

Step 6: Get Your Property Repaired

During your appointment, the adjuster estimates how much your claim could be worth, gives you an amount for the initial payment, and tells you if the insurance company will send you the funds or directly pay the contractors.Once you get these details, you can start comparing different quotes and hire a contractor to work on the repairs. Occasionally, you may have to do this before the appointment with the adjuster, particularly when you experience severe damages that prevent you from living on the property or using it for your daily needs (making food in the kitchen, for instance).

Step 7: Finalize the Insurance Payout

The last step in the property damage insurance claims process is to collect your money. Upon the completion of the repairs, you want to send the receipts and before/after pictures to the adjuster or the insurer’s appropriate department (in addition to any other documents that they asked for).Next, the company will send you a final settlement offer that highlights the compensation amount that you’re entitled to. If you already paid for the repairs, the insurance provider would reimburses you through a check or a bank transfer. However, some companies might directly pay the contractors.

Where to File a Property Damage Insurance Claim

At this point, you should know how to file your claim. Now it’s time to focus on where you could do so.You ‌have three options for filing a property damage insurance claim.

  1. 1Calling – You could call your insurer and do so on the phone.
  2. 2Submitting a Paper Form – Every company has a paper claim form that you can fill out. You may be able to find this document online, in the folder that contains the rest of your policy’s papers, or by visiting a local agent’s office.
  3. 3Going Online – Many insurance providers are now allowing their customers to complete digital claims forms online.

Whichever method you choose, you should always remember to get a tracking number for your claim and a receipt or confirmation document that shows that you filed it.

This is a crucial step that many people typically forget.

Homeowners Insurance Claims Tips That Nobody Tells You

Property Damage Insurance Claims Process

Tip #1: Secure the Property and Premises

This tip serves two purposes: First of all, the property stays in the condition that it was in right after it got damaged. In turn, this strengthens your claim, allows the adjuster to come up with an accurate estimate, and prevents household members from moving items around or potentially causing further impairments that aren’t covered by your insurance.The second purpose is that properties with damaged exteriors tend to attract burglars and thieves, especially when the home is clearly uninhabitable.

Tip #2: Seeking a Professional

In addition to your insurance provider’s assessment of the repairs, you want to get the input of other professionals. A public adjuster could weigh in on what the insurance company’s adjuster valued the claim at and offer you with an objective, non-biased assessment.If you feel that your company gave you a low estimate, the public adjuster can deploy their experience and knowledge to negotiate with them for you throughout the property damage insurance claims process.

Tip #3: Don’t Repair Until You’ve Met With the Adjuster

The adjuster will tell you what is and isn’t covered by your policy.

For example, if your walls got damaged after a flood, you may be tempted to replace and upgrade them. However, you should only make temporary fixes that are needed to prevent further damages.Otherwise, before paying the contractor, ask the adjuster whether the company will cover the upgrades.Similarly, the adjuster can inform you if the insurance provider pays the contractor directly or reimburses you after you initially cover for the expenses.

Tip #4: Don’t Throw Anything Away Just Yet

Simply put, anything that was destroyed or harmed is evidence of your damages. Therefore, you shouldn’t throw any belongings away before the adjuster examines them and estimates their value.This is especially important if you plan to include these items in your personal property damage claim. After all, when you don’t present any evidence that you owned these belongings or can’t prove that they were damaged, your claim might get delayed or rejected.

Tip #5: If You Don’t Think You’re Treated Fairly, You Can Do Something About It

When your insurance company wrongly processes your claim or gives you less than the amount that you’re entitled to, you can share your concerns with the adjuster and/or file a dispute with the company. You should consider getting a property report from an independent third party that highlights its value and shows pictures of your home before the damages.If this still doesn’t work, you could ask for help from your state’s public adjuster.

Tip #6: Remember, the Initial Payment Isn’t Final

Your insurer may make an initial payment while they investigate your personal property damage claim. This commonly happens when the home becomes uninhabitable after a fire, flood, natural disaster, or crime.Yet, you must keep in mind that this is merely a preliminary amount. That is to say that you need to continue working with the insurance company’s adjuster and collecting evidence of your damages until the claim is fully processed.

Tip #7: Your Insurance Company May Pay Your Contractor Directly

There are two types of property damage insurance claims: Ones that disburse a home insurance payout instead of repair-cost reimbursements and those that directly compensate the contractors who did the work on the damaged property. If your insurer follows the latter approach, consider discussing the repair cost estimates with your contractor. Obtaining a property report from an independent third party will help you come up with a fair amount.

Tip #8: To Get Replacement Value for Your Items, You Must Actually Replace Them

In the same vein, there are also two types of property damage insurance claims as they relate compensation for ruined or harmed belongings.First, some policies cover an item’s worth in cash (which take its age and depreciation into account).Second, there are plans that remiunate you based on the item’s replacement value. These types of policies require you to either replace your belongings with new and similar ones or show the adjuster how much it would cost to do so.

Tip #9: Understand Your Exclusions, Values, and Limits

The worth of your personal property damage claim depends on your policy and the exclusions, values, and limits that it entails.

  1. 1Exclusions – Exclusions outline what is not covered by your plan, such as vehicles or specific items.
  2. 2Values – These are determined based on the price of your home and personal items that were estimated when you initially purchased the insurance policy.
  3. 3Limits – They highlight the maximum amount that you’re entitled to for each type of damage and repair.

Property Damage Insurance Claims Process FAQs

Property Damage Insurance Claims Process FAQ

How Do Property Damage Insurance Claims Work?

When a disaster or crime damages your property and personal belongings, you may file a claim to get compensated for the repair costs and the value of the destroyed or disfigured items. Once filed, the insurer inspects the property, assesses its condition, and offers you a settlement. The amount of money and damages reimbursements that you’re entitled to are contingent on the coverage that’s outlined in your policy.

How Do Insurance Companies Pay Out Claims?

There are two types of property damage insurance claims payments: fix and restore and payout. Under the first one, the company could directly pay a contractor to fix the destroyed surfaces and/or areas and restore the property to its previous condition. The second type entails a home insurance payout instead of repair-cost reimbursements. To clarify, this means that your insurer will directly give you the funds (either via a check or bank transfer) after they estimate how much the damages are worth.

How is Property Damage Calculated?

It is based on the cost of rebuilding and/or replacing the harmed structures (rather than the property’s sale value, which accounts for the price of land), as well as the home’s age and condition. To get a fair settlement, you should learn how to find the history of a house and obtain a property report that shows when it was built, photographs of the internal and external structures, details about its room sizes, and more.

How Do You Claim Property Insurance?

Your first step in the property damage insurance claims process is to contact your insurance company, inform them about the disaster, and tell the agent that you want to file a claim. Typically, you can do so online or through filling out a paper form. If you make your claim via phone, you’ll need to ensure that you get a claim or receipt number that you could track.

Should I File an Insurance Claim or Pay Out of Pocket?

You should initially file a claim so that you fully understand what your policy covers. You don’t want to pay for certain repair costs and eventually discover that your insurance will not reimburse you. Additionally, the company’s adjuster is more likely to give you a fair and accurate assessment when they inspect the damages before you fix them. You should only consider paying out of pocket when your home becomes uninhabitable.

What Does Property Damage Liability Cover?

During a disaster, a friend, relative, or colleague may get injured or suffer damages on your property. After that, if they decide to sue you, property damage liability insurance will cover your legal costs. This ranges from the lawyer’s fees to anything that you’re obligated to pay if the court rules against you. Most insurers let you choose the amount of property damage liability coverage that you want.

What are the Types of Property Damage Insurance Claims?

There are various types of property damage insurance claims. The more common one pertains to repairing the dwellings, surfaces, and structures of your property. The not so common type has to do with getting reimbursed for damages to your personal belongings, such as electronics, furniture, and jewelry. If you have an auto and property insurance bundle, you can claim the costs of repairing your car and replacing any damaged items that were in it.

Can You Get a Home Insurance Payout Instead of Repair-Cost Reimbursements?

This depends on your coverage and the insurer’s policies. However, there are some pros and cons to each type of payment. When the company pays you directly, you can compare contractors’ quotes and choose the one that you prefer. Meanwhile, when your insurer directly reimburses the contractor, they are more likely to negotiate a better price and avoid being talked into paying for additional services that aren’t included in your coverage.

The Property Damage Insurance Claims Process Summarized

This comprehensive guide should equip you with the tools that you need to file a personal property damage claim that accurately reflects your losses. All you have to do is follow the steps that we outlined and take our unique homeowners insurance claims tips into account.This allows you to understand what your policy’s terms, conditions, and coverage limits are. After that, you can help the adjuster look past disfigured structures, damaged dwellings, and destroyed items to see the true value of what you lost. By doing so, you increase the likelihood of getting the settlement amount that you’re entitled to.So what are you waiting for? Let’s get going!

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Investment, Property Ownership

Single Family Attached vs Detached 101: How To Choose?

When looking for a home, the type of house is one of many decisions you’ll have to make. Location is important, but so is the type of house. Choosing the right home can be overwhelming. Understanding the differences between single family attached vs detached housing will help you choose a style that matches your needs, reducing stress with your search. Even if you are thinking of building, this article will help! Let’s dive in, shall we?

Firstly, What Does ‘Detached’ Housing Mean In Real Estate?

The term “detached housing” refers to a single-family house that is unattached to any other residences or buildings.More common terms include: “standalone house”and “single detached house”.What does this mean for you? This means a lot more space to do what you want, with a lot less neighbors in your proximity. You could even buy land way out in the country to build your new home and live off the grid!

What Is A Detached House? (And Why It Matters)

When selling off-market, you can use a real estate agent or do the entire procedure yourself. Real estate agents can be very pricey when it comes to selling your home. The second method is far less expensive. Here is some advice on house selling for individuals who choose the DIY route:

Single-Family House Definition

A single family house is a house that is occupied by a single family household and is used as a single living unit or suite. It typically has one owner, no shared walls, and is on its own property. Not included in this definition are hotels, motels, inns, rooming or boarding houses, apartments, or condominiums.

Detached House Definition:

A detached house is one that does not share a wall with any other houses or buildings. This includes, other single family houses, multi-family houses, or commercial properties. Row houses and tower blocks are not included.

What Is A Semi-Detached House?

Semi-detached houses are often known as semi attached housing. A semi-detachedhouse is a single-family house that shares only one common wall. These types of homes comprise of two separate dwelling units that join by one wall or sit on top of each other. This is not to be confused with terraced homes or townhouses, which share a wall on each side.Often, semi-detached houses are built in pairs. To make construction easier, each house’s plan mirrors the layout of the other. Another term for semi-detached housing is an “end-of-terrace” property which only shares one wall with another house.Now that we understand semi-detached houses, let’s look at their pros and cons.

Semi-Detached Homes And Their Advantages And Disadvantages

Single Family Attached vs Detached

Advantages:

Lower CostLow cost is the most compelling point for home buyers and builders. Typically a semi-detached home is cheaper than a detached home because of their smaller size and shared wall. Shared Maintenance CostsIf you and your neighbor can share costs you will save money. Examples include property repairs, maintenance, roof repairs and yard care.More Space than CondominiumsCompared to condominiums, semi-detached homes offer more room. If cost is a concern, a semi-detached home can be a happy medium between a condominium and a detached home. A semi-detached home can offer you many of the same luxuries of a detached house at a lesser price. This is because you will be sharing a wall with your neighbor.

Disadvantages:

PrivacyA major disadvantage of living in a semi-detached home is the lack of seclusion. Depending on the design, driveway, back yard, and front yards could be connected resulting in a lack of privacy. Noise LevelsDespite the builder’s efforts to soundproof the wall, sounds will penetrate through it. The amount of noise will vary. The noise will be amplified if the house is old or if your neighbor is loud. ScentsIf you are sensitive to smells, don’t overlook this! It’s common for semi-detached property owners to pick up strong scents through the walls. This is especially true when cooking fish or foods with strong spices, or if there is cigarette smoke.Less Space than Detached HouseSemi-detached houses are smaller than detached houses. Semi-detached houses sell for less than detached houses because of their smaller lots and overall home size. If you plan to expand your family or simply desire more space now, a detached house might be best. Unattractive Curb AppealYour home’s curb appeal is the general attractiveness of your home’s exterior. If this is important to you, note it may suffer if you and your neighbor disagree on the aesthetics. Many semi attached houses have mismatched roofing materials, door colors, and exterior wall materials. There may be a lovely front porch on one side and weeds on the other. Curb appeal is not only important for aesthetic viewing, but resale value. RepairsDepending on the repairs, you may need to ask your neighbor such as roofing or landscaping. Property borders also complicate things like fencing and shared driveways repairs.

What Does ‘Attached’ Housing Mean In Real Estate?

Attached housing are dwelling units on separate land parcels that share common walls and are connected by a shared property line. Examples include townhouses, rowhouses, and similar structures. Attached housing makes up a tiny proportion of homes in the USA. In 2020, a million homes were sold of which 83,000 were attached.

What Is A Semi-Attached House?

A semi attached home is also known as a “semi-detached,” or “semi home.” This type of home shares one wall within a single-family house.

Single Family Attached Vs Detached Major Differences

Attached Vs Detached Major Differences

Now, let’s look at the fundamental differences between attached and detached houses.In attached houses, there are at least two units that share a wall with each other. Examples include Rowhouses, townhouse-style condominiums, and even two-story houses with distinct entrances. Apartment complexes are, in fact, attached.How does this differ from detached?In a detached house, there are no common walls and in most suburban areas these are commonly houses. Importantly, there is no minimum distance required for houses to detach. Even with six inches of separation from your neighbor, it’s still detached.

Does Ownership Differ Between Attached And Detached Homes?

Rules and Regulations:

Attached HousesAttached houses usually come with at least one restriction on what you can do with it. This is because an HOA, or homeowners’ association, owns or manages attached houses in most neighborhoods. They set and enforce rules for the properties and residents.Detached HousesDetached houses often come with their own lot. As a result, it is now yours and you have greater control over it. Detached houses have a lot more freedom than HOAs since you can do whatever you want with them.

History:

Attached housesAttached houses are often ran by associations with strict standards. A tight ship means less likelihood of running into significant issues with the house.Detached housesDetached houses are less restricted, so there’s more potential for a shaky past. You can investigate the history of a home through various methods. Because many people want this info, knowing the history can help if you decide to sell the home later.

Pros And Cons Of Attached And Detached Houses

Pros of Attached Homes

  • Rentability – Attached houses are more rentable. This isn’t always true, but it’s often enough to remember. than detached homes. Many people investors who buy residences like multiple apartment complexes rent out the unit next to their own. It provides which provides stable income.
  • Supply – Attached housing is more available and common in major cities. This means they are close. Their proximity to parks, hospitals, banks, freeways, and shopping centers makes them more attractive. They may also be closer to family and friends.

Cons of Attached Homes

  • Contamination – Attached homes can be riskier depending on your neighbors and the home itself. If your neighbors’ building property catches fire, it’s likely to spread to yours. Pest infestations can spread between houses through tiny cracks in the walls and foundation.
  • Size – Attached houses are likewise generally more compact and smaller in size. Due to increased demand, attached houses are becoming increasingly compact.

Pros of Detached Homes

  • Safety – Detached houses are typically safer and because they give you offer more space from your neighbor. Detached dwellings are also a symbol of a more affluent community and can often be in gated areas for added protection.
  • Acreage – More single family detached homes are being sold than ever before as buyers seek more acreage to produce crops, small gardens, or raise animals.
  • Privacy – Due to buyers enjoying added privacy and better social separation afforded by with a detached house, more people are choosing to live in these properties.
  • Value – When it comes to getting “more for your money,” these houses are usually the best bet. Detached properties offer more value as they feature more room, fewer neighbors, and less stringent laws and regulations.

Cons of Attached Homes

  • Affordability – Detached houses are often more expensive than their attached equivalents.. If you’re buying, consider taxes and other home expenses before purchasing.

Which Is Right For You: Attached Or Detached Homes?

Both attached and detached homes have benefits and drawbacks. Here are some valuable insights that will aid your decision.

attached house

Location, Location, Location!

Choose an attached house if you enjoy city living and having neighbors. Most attached houses are in urban regions and densely populated suburbs. Detached houses are usually in less congested locations, providing you greater independence.

Pricing and Cost – How To Spot Value

Attached housesPricing – Attached houses are often less expensive than detached houses. Attached houses each have their own value, with some slight variances. Value -Condominiums, as an example, are popular because they are small and easy to maintain. They are also less expensive than a larger detached house. This provides value to a certain type of person. Perfect for someone who likes amenities, easy maintenance, and a leisurely lifestyle. Detached HousesPricing – If you buy a detached house, expect a price increase since you’ll be the property owner for the property. Not only will the cost of the home be higher but maintaining it will add extra expenses as well. You must consider taxes, property maintenance, and home repairs. Value – Maintenance is no big deal for someone looking to have ample space and privacy. They find value in caring for their own yard and having control over the home’s aesthetic inside and out.

What About Privacy And Soundproofing?

Attached houses limit control and privacy compared to single family detached houses. You might be limited on aesthetic choices. This is because what you do to your home has an immediate impact on your neighbor. This can be both a gain and a drawback when dealing with many units. Attached houses tend to be more cohesive.A detached house is best for those seeking privacy and avoiding noise concerns. But a standalone unit can feel isolating at times. If you’re afraid of living alone, stick to an attached home.

Availability – Does It Matter That Much?

Availability will affect your decision, especially if you are not flexible with location. Some housing options will be more available than others depending on location.In cities, the chances of finding detached houses are slim because there is less available space and buildings construct up rather than out.

High Or Low Maintenance

The amount of maintenance for an attached house versus a detached house varies. For instance, condominium owners the maintenance is low as they are only responsible for maintaining the interior of their unit. For detached homeowners, the maintenance cost is high because the exterior, interior, and landscaping of a semi-detached or detached home must be maintained regularly.

Beware Of Homeowners Associations (HOA) Costs and Bylaws

HOA costs cover the upkeep of the shared areas in your building and amenities. High HOA fees are often included in the purchase price of a detached house such as a condominium or townhouse. HOA bylaws have a wide range of covenants, conditions, and limitations that must be adhered to. Exterior alterations, such as painting your property a certain color, are subject to these rules.

Homeowners Associations

Things To Know About Townhouses

Let’s define what a townhouse is first.Townhouses are attached dwellings since they share walls. Sharing walls is a fundamental requirement to be considered an attached dwelling.

Why would anyone buy one if it’s attached?

Good question.Buying a townhouse is often less expensive than purchasing a detached house, depending on location. Another reason is larger families living in condominiums often need more space which a townhouse provides.More importantly, as the townhouse owner, you are accountable for more than the unit. Townhouse HOA fees often include insurance, community amenities, and landscaping costs.

Is A Townhouse Considered Attached Or Detached?

Townhouses are often referred to as “attached houses,” along with duplexes and condominiums. “Attached” is a phrase realtors use when they are unsure about the property’s class.To be a classified as a townhouse, it must be connected to other housing and is therefore not detached. If a detached home listed as a townhouse, it is more for aesthetics than ownership stake. It might have the look and feel of a townhouse, but if it is detached, it is not a townhouse.

“Attached” House Vs. Townhouse – What Are the Differences?

Townhouses are attached houses since their outside walls come into direct contact with their neighbors. There are many types of attached houses aside from townhouses. For example, condominiums, apartments, and duplexes are also attached houses. The difference is that townhouses typically provide more space than other attached house types. The roof and land beneath the house are usually included as well. Townhouses have multiple levels, and often have an attached garage. They are much like a detached home in this way, except they share walls with neighbors.

What Is The Difference Between SingleFamily Attached And A Townhouse?

Although townhouses are single family attached houses, they are distinct from other attached house types such as condominiums and duplexes.For example, older townhouses have a small footprint in a city, with many levels (often six or more). City townhouses are within walking distance of business and industrial sectors. If you like the hustle and bustle of a major city, a city townhouse could be perfect for you. Newer townhouses are often equipped with modern and energy-efficient features. They are built with luxury and convenience in mind. This is perfect for those who want less maintenance.

Thinking Of Condominiums?

When purchasing a condominium, there are some things to keep in mind. Firstly, condominiums are distinct from detached houses. Neighbors are likely to share walls and other physical elements such as your roof and yard. Secondly, for first-time buyers or for those wishing to downsize, condominiums offer many advantages over detached houses including reduced costs on maintenance. Most of the time your HOA handles yard work and overall exterior care of the home.

Condominiums

Single Family Attached Vs Condominium

In short, condominiums are under the single family attached classification. Single family attached is a broad term that classifies a property as being connected by one or many walls of another property. On the other hand, condominiums have specific features that typically make up the classification. These features include pools, parking, a clubhouse, and an administration facility. Condominiums are usually one level, although larger than your standard apartment. An apartment is often smaller in size than a condominium, and does not offer as many, if any, amenities.

What Is A Detached Condominium?

Condominiums can be detached. Detached condominiums are sometimes known as “ground condos” and “free-standing condos.”Detached condominiums have no common walls and are frequently found in densely populated areas of cities.

Detached Condominium vs Attached Condominium

Similarities

  • Like regular condominiums, detached condominiums have homeowner associations. They also offer buyers the benefits of single family houses without maintenance.
  • They provide easy access to neighboring cities and a code of behavior for residents to follow.

Differences

  • They are more expensive than an attached condominium, as they offer more outside space and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If you still have lingering questions, keep reading. Here’s some frequently asked questions about attached and detached housing.

What Is A Detached Garage?

A detached garage is one that stands on its own, whether it is a few feet or a few yards away from your home. Because it is not tied to your home, a detached garage can be larger than an attached garage. People who own a large piece of land and have a detached house can take advantage of this. When living in an attached house, the garage is usually attached. This applies to those who live in townhouses. Some condominiums and apartments offer garages for residents. Some offer separate, unattached parking or storage units.There are several advantages to owning a detached garage.For example, detached garages are great for storage. You can also keep the house warmer without heat loss or be subject to fumes from a parked car.

How To Attach A Detached Garage To A House?

To connect a detached garage to a house, you will need to do two things. Firstly, you’ll need to construct walls or a framework to link the new sidewalls. Walls can be placed according to your personal preferences, budget, and design.Secondly, you need to add a roof structure. If you already have a detached garage near your home, you can always connect them. For example, create a breezeway or roof the gap between the home and the garage. Make sure the driveway and access to the house is clear before choosing the connection.It may get complicated. If you aren’t sure where to begin, hiring a local contractor could help. Find those who offer a free assessment, so you can compare options and pricing.

How Long Should An Attached House Last?

If you build an attached house with standard materials, you may expect it to survive between 100 -120 years on average. There are many houses that can endure much longer than others. Brick apartment buildings, for example, have been known to last over two centuries.While it’s impossible to forecast how long a house will last, the Census estimates that over one-third of the almost 140 million residences in the US were built before 1970. So, if you aren’t buying new, consider age: An older home often requires more care and may require more frequent repairs.

What Is The Difference Between A Single Family Attached vs A Duplex?

Duplexes are attached houses on only one side, technically making them a “semi attached house.” They share a wall with only one other neighbor.A single family attached house is attached on both sides and is a part of many homes that are in a row or stacked.

The Verdict On Single Family Attached Vs Detached

Searching for your new house doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with the right knowledge on what you are looking for and where to look, it can be an enjoyable process!If you value saving, semi-detached or attached houses can be a great option. They provide many of the benefits of detached houses at a lesser cost. Yet, you may make some tradeoffs for a reduced price, such as less space and shared walls.For example, if you aren’t much of a socializer, or you prefer seclusion, an attached house might suffocate you. A semi-detached house such as a duplex might be less constricting. But you are still connected to a neighbor. A detached house is often the most expensive type of house. But with a higher price often comes more luxuries and space. A detached house can also give the privacy needed for someone who isn’t much for socializing or answering to neighbors for their lifestyle habits. Overall, both attached and detached houses offer similar quality of life and economic possibilities. Weighing all the positives and negatives can help you determine the best style for your needs, desires, and budget.If you feel unsure, always ask a real estate agent for advice!

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Property Chain of Title
Property Ownership

Selling off market? What It Means And How To Decide In 2022

You’re nervous.Taking a deep breath, you decide to go ahead. And sell your property. It’s a big step. A big milestone in your life.But should you sell off market? Or with a real estate agent?You’re confused because you don’t know which option is better for you. Which one gets you the best price, less stress and best price. But it doesn’t have to be this way. We’ve detailed what selling off market means and whether it’s the right choice for you. Let’s dive right in.

The “Sell Off-Market” Meaning

Selling off market

Homes for sale that are not posted on many listing services (MLS) are “off-market listings.” This is because they are not available in the open market. Many real estate sellers prefer this method because they can check the market while maintaining their privacy. They can also benefit by saving money on commissions and creating a sense of exclusivity. This could cause a higher sale price.

Why Sell Off Market and Quietly Profit from It?

Why Sell Off Market

Selling off-market allows sellers to develop an excitement for their home while prepping the property. It also allows them to gauge whether they will get the price they desire. Another reason to go off-market might be because the home is not in “marketable condition.” The seller may be unwilling or unable to undertake renovations. This is usually because they do not have the necessary funds. Others prefer working with direct buyers to have greater control over the transaction.Like with any real estate transaction, you should expect both benefits and drawbacks when selling off-market. It is up to you to analyze each step of this process and determine whether this is the best course of action for you.

When to Sell Off Market and Which Markets Are Ideal

When to Sell Off Market

Homeowners and real estate investors are turning to non-MLS listings because of the following:Rising markets – characterized by low supply and excess demand. Demand for housing is outstripping availability in hot real estate markets. It leads to bidding wars and price increases because there are more active buyers than there are vendors. These markets are known as seller’s markets since they favor sellers.Falling markets – characterized by an excess of supply. When the market is down, sellers benefit because they can get a greater price for their property. This presents an excellent opportunity for investors to buy high-end properties. Both buyers and sellers can enjoy these two scenarios. Selling off-market helps sellers avoid managing a sales campaign in a competitive market. In terms of purchasers, a private sale enables them to avoid a bidding war on an investment property.

Pros and Cons of Selling Off Market

Pros and Cons of Selling Off Market

The way properties are acquired and sold has changed because of off-market sales. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of doing an off-market listing.

Benefits of Selling Off Market

Void periods To Look Out ForA seller’s worry about losing their listing in the MLS is based on the number of days it has been on the market. Longer days on the market implies that the property has flaws. This can be with pricing or other elements. These “void periods” on the market also tend to attract lowballs. With off-market listings, there are no set start dates. This means you can sell your house at your own pace. You can also test the market without offending potential buyers.Selling Cost Savings There are many cost savings associated with off-market selling. For example, you can save on listing costs, photographers, property stylists, and even listing fees. Off-market means fewer showings and less need to fix up. You save money and time by listing your home instantly.Selling Price ClarityIf you sell your home off-market, you can get a sense of how the market will perceive your property’s value. You can also see how your price point compares to the market’s pricing. If your home is priced too high, you can reduce the price before listing it on MLS sites.Quick SaleYou will attract more serious purchasers because your home is not publicly listed. Were they to find your listing on a website, they are less likely to be passers-byes.PrivacySellers may prefer anonymity for a variety of reasons. One reason might be the owner wanting to safeguard their renters’ privacy. Choosing an off-market listing will allow you to keep your home off the open real estate market.

Cons of Selling Off Market

Lower Market PriceYou will never know if your home could have fetched a higher price on the open market. Less competition means less chance of a bidding war. This means less chance of selling at a higher price point.Less BuyersSince only a few people know you’re selling, you will have fewer potential purchasers. This may delay the sale of your home. No bidding battles mean your home won’t sell as high as it could if more individuals were interested.

How to Sell a House Off Market and Attract a Higher Price

How to Sell a House Off Market

When selling off-market, you can use a real estate agent or do the entire procedure yourself. Real estate agents can be very pricey when it comes to selling your home. The second method is far less expensive. Here is some advice on house selling for individuals who choose the DIY route:

Evaluate the MarketBefore selling off-market, you must be conversant with the local housing market. To understand current market trends, you must do a real estate market analysis. Talk to agents and other industry experts to get a sense of market demand.Value Your PropertyAfter determining a demand for your property, a precise valuation is required. An appraisal can be done in two ways. It is preferable to employ an expert to value the residence. You can also appraise it yourself. To estimate your home’s value, gather information about the property. Then, compare your findings to similar residences.Prepare Your Property The condition of your home affects its capacity to command a premium price. The goal is to impress purchasers during showings. Make sure everything is in order first. You can do this by inspecting the property and determining what repairs are needed.List Your Property The best strategy to market a house is to post it on real estate websites. This is also a good option for those who do not want to hire a realtor. While these websites feature MLS listings, many allow you to list your home as off-market.Consider Zillow. Sellers can list on Zillow 30 days before the MLS. Then there is Opendoor. This site allows buyers and sellers to trade without ever having to list on the MLS.

Buying off-market: How to Easily Find Off-Market Opportunities

Find Off-Market Opportunities

So, how can you find off-market homes to add to your portfolio? While some are better than others, knowing your alternatives is critical. Some are free but take a long time to load or demand a lot of patience. Others may cost a little yet save you a lot of money and effort.Property AgentsMost real estate brokers use their local MLS to identify properties. They also have connections in the industry. This means they may know about properties coming to the market. Agents may also know of properties that are hanging on the market because of owner issues or property difficulties. Even if you don’t buy the property, they can often take the listing and sell it to someone else. Remember, you will be required to compensate your agent for their time and efforts. And you’ll need patience as you’re at the agent’s mercy.WholesalersWholesalers buy properties from interested sellers. The wholesaler then finds a buyer for the property, usually from a cash buyer list, and keeps the difference as profit. Wholesalers find off-market listings through various marketing methods. Examples include, direct mail marketing, door knocking, cold calling, and other marketing initiatives.In the above scenario, you would be the buyer, paying slightly more than the wholesaler for the off-market property. It’s possible you’ll buy it following the wholesaler’s first deal. You may also be given the current contract. The finder’s fee or assignment fee can be a tiny percentage or a significant sum. For off-market assets, look for them in public records.Local ContractorsThere are many contractors who encounter issues being fairly compensated for their work. Paying for a solid lead provides these reps a second chance on failed deals. You can network with builders, contractors, and inspectors if you are an investor who fixes and flips properties.Drive AroundDriving around looking for properties is another off-market real estate option. Boarded-up, run-down, and hoarder homes can be great places to find hidden deals. Visit your local assessor’s office to get the owner’s name and address. You can contact them by phone or email instead of mail. You’ll gain a better understanding of the owner’s situation and be able to make a more tailored sales pitch. Professionals can use a comprehensive property data and owner information platform like PropertyRadar. This avoids traveling around or searching through public records.Public RecordsPublic records can help discover owners of off-market homes as well as distressed properties. In either scenario, use your public records search to contact the seller.Although off-market property can be found for free, public records might be messy. Finding information in public documents takes time and effort because preservation laws predate computers. Delays, errors, and unintended consequences can be caused by a single typo.

Conclusion – Is Selling Off-market Advisable?

Is Selling Off-market Advisable

If you’re unsure whether selling off-market is the right course of action for you, using the services of a real estate agent might ease your concerns. The benefits and downsides of an off-market listing can be discussed, and they can also outline measures to protect your privacy and lessen your stress during the process.Agents are motivated to sell the property at the greatest price possible to maximize their compensation. However, to receive the greatest price, the property must be listed to attract more purchasers. To attract more purchasers, the house will need to be cleaned, fixed up, staged, and open for viewings. The longer a house sits on the market, the more expensive it becomes, and the more likely an agent is to accept a lower price.There are many advantages to using off-market postings for both sellers and consumers. You should still check to see if selling off-market is the best alternative for you. Spend some time evaluating the market information you’ve gathered, and then move forward only if you’re confident in your understanding of the entire procedure.

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Property Ownership

How To Find The History Of A House: The Ultimate 2022 Guide

After months of searching and driving countless roads in the city and countryside, you found the house of your dreams. Together with your real estate agent, you begin to draw up the paperwork, and everyone is looking forward to celebrating the day you close on your new home. Buying a home is a considerable commitment, after all, you’re probably planning to live there for years to come, but how much do you know about the home? Before you sign on the dotted line, it’s probably not a bad idea to find out a bit of the history of your soon-to-be new home. You might want to know exactly how old the home is, who were the previous owners, were there any events you need to know about that took place in the home or on the property, and even if there are any liens on the home and land you are purchasing. No one wants to get tied up in court after buying their home because of unfinished legal business.Read on to discover how you can find out anything you want to know about the history of your future home, if there are problems that might arise, and what you can do about them if they do.

Where to Start Digging for Important Details

Google Street View

Google Street View

Google isn’t just for looking up word definitions or finding the rating on a favorite restaurant. Google Street View can show you a timeline of pictures that date back to 2007. You only have to enter the home’s address, click on street view and then the timeline. It’s not ancient history, but it will give you an idea of how the home may or may not have changed over the past decade if there are pictures available.

Look at Past Photos

Take a trip to the past with WhatWasThere. This website allows you to take a street tour to see what it used to look like. This online service combines historical photos to present images on Google Maps. If you’re near a location where a historic photo was taken, you can enlarge the photo and use your camera with the one screen fader to switch between past and present. There is also an info screen that will give more details about the photograph.You can install the iPhone app to make your phone become a portable portal into the past. Use the iPhone’s camera to experience the history that surrounds you. The iPhone app is free and has enhancement updates coming soon.

Ask the Neighbors

A wealth of information could come from neighbors that live around the property you are looking at. Neighbors that have lived in the area or right next door for years may know more than you can find elsewhere. This is a quick way to get started on finding out about the history of your home.

Did Someone Die in the Home?

DiedInHouse is a web-based service where you can search and find out if someone passed away in the home you are about to purchase. Information is gathered from any valid address, and a report is generated on whether someone has ever passed away in the home. Sometimes realtors are required by law to reveal this information to potential clients, but not many states require it. If it’s something you want to know, you’ll need to ask to be sure.For a fee, DiedInHouse will generate a report that tells you if a death has occurred in the home and when it happened. As a bonus, you can also find out if there was any meth activity or fire incidents in the home.

Finding The Listing (Even If It Wasn’t Listed Before)

Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Real Estate Agents and Brokers

Often brokers and realtors will have a seller’s list, and some of these sellers may be interested in selling if they see market conditions are favorable. Also, hungry agents may cold call homeowners in the area and entice them to sell. Celebrities sometimes want to keep their identities secret when selling and have their homes in an off-market listing. Pocket listings are off-market listings that never make it to a Multiple Listing System (MLS). The real estate agent will show these to buyers through the seller or their private network.Selling a home this way benefits the seller because usually, the buyer will purchase the home in its current condition without any landscaping or things such as a roof repair. Skipping the monotonous showing of the home and open houses will stop an unwanted parade of those interested in looking but not necessarily buying.A benefit to the buyer of a home off-market is there is much less competition. Fewer people aware of the home up for sale will give the buyer an edge and a likelihood of the offer on the home being accepted.

Contractors

Off-market property deals can sometimes be found through contractors because they usually work with property owners. The physical building is only one aspect for some contractors as some possess some skills to gather data. If an owner is getting ready to sell, they may tell the contractor about what is being fixed on the home. If you happen to know the contractor, they may share what they have found out with you.

Property Management Companies

A property management company is owned by a real estate investor, and they take care of houses and multifamily properties. Sometimes these real estate investors are willing to sell a home. The property management company already knows the condition of the property, the financial performance of the home, and the tenant, so you will know if the property is a good match for what you need.

Real Estate Wholesalers

Real estate wholesalers spend the entirety of their day finding undervalued properties, estimating repairs, putting the home under contract, and assigning that contract to a real estate investor. A significant advantage to buying a wholesale property is even after money has been spent on repairing and updating a house, it should still be below fair market value.

Fascinating Ways to Find Out About the History of the Home

Research the Home’s Title

If you want to dig deeper into the history of your home, a title search should tell you quite a bit about remodeling and the home’s age. If permits were never filed for remodel projects, this information might not be as accurate as you want. The title may show the materials used in the construction or remodel of the home and if the roof has a short lifespan because of asphalt shingles.

Local Studies Library or Archive

Try taking a trip to your local studies library, sometimes a part of your local, more extensive library or museum. They usually have collections of prints, maps, and old photographs that homeowners have donated over the years. It’s possible the employees there might be able to point you to the newspaper cuttings or land records related to the street your home is on.

Identify the Era

With the help of an architecture book, most homeowners can figure out the core style by looking at a home’s silhouette and how it’s laid out. Checking the windows, doors, and other features will also give clues as to what era the home was built. A home with a Mansford roof could be from the late 19th-century, where a hip roof might indicate a Queen Anne home built a decade later.Keep in mind that visible features reveal a lot. There may be more there than meets the eye. Some contractors have found old walls, stair steps, or some other relic while renovating a home. If you aren’t into dismantling the home, look through the neighborhood to see what other similar homes are there.

Look at the Hardware

Looking at hinges and bolts may not tell the complete story since they were available from Europe while early local hardware was relatively crude. However, if a hinge design matches the date of the door, and the hinge doesn’t appear to have ever been changed, it may confirm the estimate. If the hardware was mass-produced from the Victorian era, old catalogs might be a great resource. When you consider all the clues, finding a possible construction date of a house falls into a ten or 20-year window, and that’s about as good as most people can do.

Property Records

Research the Home’s Title

Property records are public information and can reveal a lot of what you are looking for. You can find the tax history, sales history, how many previous owners there were, and changes to the square footage of the home. You should check to see if the city has a public records directory portal. This will allow you to do your search for free.Many counties offer a Geographic Information System (GIS) on their local government website. This will have an interactive map where you can view the property and see the parcel details. You will be able to learn more about:

  • Mailing address
  • Acres
  • Year built
  • Owner’s name
  • Architectural style
  • Property class
  • Basement type

It’s possible you may find a sketch vector of the home. You can find out what parts of the home might be original and what parts are add-ons. You may also be able to find out whether the home has an enclosed, raised porch or a wood deck. There are also paid services that will allow you to conduct reverse address lookup and discover more about past and current owners, plus the sales history and home value.

National Register of Historic Places

The National Register of Historic Places will show you if your potential home is a historic home. This is a program of the National Park Service where historically significant homes are recorded. Here you will find a research page for searching properties. Also available is a downloadable spreadsheet that has the most current and complete set of information they have on all properties. You can use the GIS map there as well.A state may list a property on the state register but not send it to the National Register of Historic Places. Your home may still be considered worthy of preservation, so you may have to look in two places if you want to be sure if your home is considered historic.

The Bureau of Land Management General Land Office

The Bureau of Land Management General Land Office (BLM GLO) provides online access to federal land conveyance records for the Public Land States. These are states that were created out of the public domains. On the BLM GLO website, you will find images of more than five million Federal land title records issued since 1820. There are also images related to field notes and survey plats as far back as 1810.The GLO Records include Master Title Plats (MTP), which is a mapping of current land status for any specified township. Other plats can be included in this group, such as oil and gas, and the leasable mineral plats add a graphic depiction of the current mineral lease status to the basic MTP depiction of land status.

Census Records

With census records, you can confirm information you’ve already collected. You can probably learn new information, and census records will provide a genealogy-rich collection of information for any former residents that lived in the home. Here you can find out the names of the residents, their marital status, where they were born, and when they were born. Bear in mind, older census records may show less detail than what you are expecting. Anything before 1890, and you are out of luck. The Commerce Department Building was destroyed, along with all census info, during a fire in January 1921.

Online Real Estate Search

One quick way to find out about your potential new home is to use resources like Zillow or Redfin. You can do a property search on these real estate search sites and find basic information about the home you intend to purchase. You will, however, have to sign up for an account on the site to be able to search addresses, so if you are willing to share your email address, this is a great place to start.

FAQ’s

How Do I Find the History of My House for Free?

Newspapers can be a great free resource for finding information about developed areas. Chronicling America is a collection of digital newspapers mainly from the 1860s through the early 1900s. You can use the advanced search feature to zero in on a certain paper, time period, place, or other criteria. The US Newspaper Directory can help you find print copies or microfilm of other newspapers not yet online.

How Do I Find Previous Owners of My House?

A trip to your county courthouse is all you need to find the information you’re looking for. Property records are kept from the time the land was first surveyed and a history of homeowners. With the new Google Earth 5, you can turn back the clock and see imagery from around the world. By clicking on the clock icon in the upper-middle or the “View->Historical Imagery,” you can use the time slider and see what imagery is available.

How Can I Find Old Pictures of My Street?

Start by looking to Facebook and/or Google for relevant local history groups in your area. Some are very active and helpful with sharing memories, photos, and ideas on doing further research if you need more. However ordinary your street is, you might find it pictured on an old postcard, the Victorian and Edwardian text message of their day, can be found in the county office where the property is located.

How Do I Find Historical Pictures of My House?

If you know the former owner of your home, this is the best place for finding pictures. If the owners have lived there for many years, chances are they are going to have very early pictures of the home. The home may have been a family home that dates back 50, 100, or even more years with pictures passed down through the family. If this isn’t possible, neighbors may have pictures of your home or know others who may have pictures.The Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) is where America’s built environment is stored, comprising surveys of more than 581,000 measured drawings, large-format photographs, and written histories for more than 43,000 historic structures and sites from the Pre-Columbian times to the twentieth century.

Let Us Do The Research For You

If you are tired of looking through dozens of websites to find the property data you need, our magical software will provide the data you are looking for with the click of a button. We put the right details at your fingertips like square footage, property ownership, the year the home was built, and much more. Contact Property Scout today and let our software do the work for you.

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Property Ownership

10 Reasons Homeowners Insurance Claims Are Denied (And What To Do)

As a property owner, what could be worse than a disaster that strikes your property, such as a fire, theft, a major plumbing leak, or a windstorm?

It’s even harder to imagine a worse feeling than being told that your homeowners insurance claim was denied after such a disaster. When you learn that your personal property insurance claim has been denied, you may question what went wrong and whether you should seek the help of an insurance claims lawyer..

Why Would A Property Insurance Claim Be Rejected?

There are many reasons your insurance claim may be rejected. There are many reasons why. For example:

  • Timeliness of Filing – If you don’t file your claim on time, it maybe rejected
  • Exclusion Condition – The property damage may fall in your exclusion condition.
  • Missing Payments – Your insurance premiums are overdue and haven’t been paid
  • Documentation – Missing documentation to satisfy the policy may lead to a claim being rejected.
  • Fraud – An insurance adjuster may find your claim to be false or misleading.
  • Precautions – You may have not taken the appropriate precautions to minimize the loss.

While claim experts’ assistance may be required, claims rejection can sometimes be due to simple reasons with manageable solutions.

Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

Reasons Homeowner Claims Are Rejected (And How To Avoid Them)

Have a look at some of the most prevalent reasons for personal property insurance claim denials and some suggestions for preventing them in the future.

1. There are Paperwork Errors or Mix-Ups

You accidentally mixed up some paperwork or made an error on your claim. Insurance firms have to take all necessary precautions to avoid fraud. If there was a mix-up or an error, your claim could be questioned for fraud — even if it’s just a mere typo. Don’t try to recover parts of your property that are unrelated to the current loss or claim damages paid for in a previous claim, which you didn’t have repaired or replaced.

What to do:

To prevent paperwork mix-ups or any errors, double-check your paperwork and proofread for any mistakes you may have made.

2. You Misrepresented the Damage

You might want to get your property damage repaired as soon as possible, but claiming things you aren’t entitled to might result in your insurance company rejecting the entire claim, not just those portions you shouldn’t have claimed.Whenever a claim is filed, it is always best to be as specific and exact as possible. The insurance industry frowns upon the practice of lying about how the damage occurred to your property. You may not only have your claim dismissed, but you could also be held responsible, which could result in penalties — or even jail time.

What to do:Insurance providers are constantly on the lookout for fraudulent activity. To avoid going under investigation, you should:

  • Cooperate
  • Disclose all pertinent information
  • Provide proof such as witnesses and photos

If you are under investigation for fraud:

  • Seek legal assistance right away.
  • When the investigator records your interview, request a digital copy of the interview or transcript.
  • In case English is not your first language, ask for an interpreter.
  • Do not sign anything you are uncertain about before and after the interview.

3. Misrepresentation of the Property

property insurance claim

You may be familiar with a standard homeowner’s insurance policy that protects your house or property.

What if you’re planning to transform your home into a rental property or rent out part of the rooms?

Or, for that matter, investing in a brand-new rental property? A homeowner’s insurance policy will not suffice in either instance, and you will need to convert to a landlord insurance coverage.Occupancy misrepresentation is considered fraud as well. Both a landlord’s insurance policy and a homeowner’s insurance policy safeguard your property from damage.

However, they cover you in entirely different ways. When you own a rental property, landlord insurance protects your investment far more than when you rely on homeowner’s insurance.

What to do:Some people don’t declare to their insurance provider when they decide to switch back to the owner-occupied property, so they can still get the advantages of landlord insurance. Again, it’s preferable to be truthful than to force yourself to give proofs for claims that you don’t have in the first place.

4. You Have Insufficient Documentation

Your claim may be rejected if you do not submit the required information. Inadequate property damage evidence and a thorough inventory of items on or in your property before the loss might undermine your case.

To help support your claim, take pictures of the damage to your property as soon as possible.

What to do:To settle your claim, insurance adjusters will require as much information as possible about the damage — this is where all of those pictures will come in handy.

The insurance company may send an adjuster to examine the damage. Still, you should furnish the necessary things requested by your insurance company — such as a detailed written statement of the damage to go with the photos.

5. You Are at Fault for the Incident

Most insurance plans have a “duty of care” or “reasonable care” clause that requires you to take reasonable precautions to avoid claims. In theory, this is fair, but it can lead to your insurance provider rejecting claims for dubious reasons in practice.Your claim may be denied if a disaster did not cause damage to your property.

What to do:

It is your responsibility to demonstrate that the furniture, fixtures, or premises covered by your insurance were damaged at the time of the event. If an expert says that your property was already damaged or in poor condition, you will need to produce counter-proof.

6. The Service Is Not Covered Under Your Plan

property insurance claim

Your property insurance, as excellent and protective as it is, does not cover all types of losses.

Standard covered risks include fire, lightning, and wind damage.

However, many other add-ons, such as mold and water backup damage, are not covered unless you pay an extra premium to add them to your insurance.

What to do:Other forms of damage are frequently excluded from regular property coverage unless you opt to add them on, such as the following:

The above disasters necessitate different coverage insurance. If one strikes your property and you don’t have the necessary insurance, you’ll be out of luck.

7. You Did Not Follow Plan Rules

The insurance company must pay insurance claims.

Nonetheless, suppose they are dissatisfied with your conduct or believe you have been irresponsible and not following plan rules.

In that case, they may examine your insurability with them after the event and terminate your policy.

What to do:When your insurance company pays a claim, it doesn’t imply you’re out of the woods. Insurance providers are in the business of reducing risk.

Hence they attempt to choose and retain clients who will help them do so.

An insurance underwriter may decide to terminate a policy if the person is plainly irresponsible, not following rules stated in their policies, or has a history of claims that might have been avoided.

8. You Missed the Deadline to File a Claim

Time-sensitive restrictions for making a claim and demonstrating damage are common in property damage claim policies.

Begin the claims procedure as soon as possible by notifying your insurance company of the damage or loss right away.

What to do:You may miss the window of opportunity to make an insurance claim if you aren’t prompt enough.

If you wait too long to make a claim, your odds of receiving a satisfactory payout decrease.

It’s wise to verify with your insurance company because deadlines might range from 180 days to a year.

9. You Are Behind on Your Payments

It’s crucial to stay on top of your premium payments. An insurance provider will expect you to pay your premium on time, and if you don’t, you risk having your policy lapse due to non-payment.If you miss a payment or are late on a payment, your insurance coverage may terminate.

Your insurance provider may be able to refuse your claim if this occurs and may hurt your property as a result.

What to do:

It is possible that a payment was not adequately reported or that someone’s records were incorrect. With this, you may be given a grace period to make up for missing payment.

10. The Damage Is Less Than the Deductible

property insurance claim

Every policy comes with a deductible that you must pay before your coverage kicks in.

If the cost of the damage is less than your deductible, you’ll have to pay for it yourself.

What to do:The damage isn’t expensive enough is perhaps the most common cause for claims being denied.

For example, if your property insurance policy has a $1,000 deductible and a burst water pipe costs $700 to fix, your insurance provider will be unable to pay anything on the claim.

You must first pay the deductible before the insurance company would cover the damage.

Don’t Forget the Exclusion Clause!

Conditions and exclusion clauses are standard in insurance contracts. For example, you must maintain your property to keep it in excellent working order. All windows and external doors must have keyed locks and deadlocks.

You’ll need to go over your policy carefully to see what conditions apply.If you fail to comply with a condition, your insurance provider may deny your claim. On the other hand, an insurance company cannot refuse to pay a claim because of any act or omission.

They can, however, limit the amount they will pay you to the extent that your actions or inactions have harmed their interests.Let’s say you didn’t install keyed locks on all of your windows, and a burglar breaks in by shattering a window or smashing down the front door. In such an instance, you might be able to argue that your failure to install or maintain window locks did not prejudice your insurance provider because it had no bearing on the loss or damage caused by the break-in. A scenario or occurrence not covered by the insurance is an exclusion standard in insurance plans. Flood damage, fair wear and tear, damage resulting from defective construction/design, subsidence, erosion, and seepage are some examples of occurrences that may be excluded.

What to do:To rely on an exclusion clause, the insurance must show that it applies to the balance of probability.

In some circumstances, your provider may be required to explain the exclusion to you adequately.

However, this does not have to be done in person. It’s typically enough to provide this information on the document you receive when you sign up for the insurance.Some of the most common exclusions are:

Exclusion #1: Damage From Normal Wear and Tear

“Wear and tear” and damage caused by a failure to maintain the property are frequently excluded from insurance policies.

A storm, for example, might cause your roof tiles to fall off. If your property is ancient and some parts need replacing because of its age, the insurance may refuse to pay the claim.

Insurance plans are not a replacement for poor property maintenance.If your insurance denies a claim due to wear and tear, you should try to get the following:

  • Proof that a storm or other insured event caused the damage.
  • Proof of regular maintenance work and inspections.
  • Evidence of the property’s overall condition of repair.

Exclusion #2: Flood

If your insurance company tells you that your property damage was due to a flood and that your insurance doesn’t cover flood, you should still file a claim.

Why?

Because this is due to the possibility that your insurance is incorrect.If your insurance company denies your claim because floodwaters caused the damage, you should seek legal advice because:

  1. 1If a significant number of individuals are affected, the insurance company may agree to settle the claim nonetheless.
  2. 2Your claim may still be settled if the damage was caused by both rainwater and flood. Even if a flood enters your property, if rainwater infiltrates your property first, and damages are produced by rainwater coming through a hole in the roof, you may still be able to get your claim settled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does a denied home insurance claim count against you?

The short answer is yes, it does. When a claim is denied, it says the insurance company that you are at risk.

How do I fight a denied home insurance claim?

The first step is to contact your claims adjuster. You’ll need to know the exact reason why your claim was rejected. Once you find out, you should send a formal letter to document your appeal and start gathering evidence.

What does a denied home insurance claim mean?

A denied home insurance claim means that your claim doesn’t match your policy. If you think otherwise, you have the opportunity to dispute it.

Do insurance companies deny fire claims?

Insurance companies can deny fire claims if there is an exclusion. Policyholders who have filed for these losses may not be covered. It’s best to check your policy inclusions and exclusions.

Get Property Records Fast

At Property Scout, we know how important it can be to get the information you need to decide about a property you’re interested in.

That’s why we give you public access to all property records and document data for the United States and U.S. territories. We import our database from records across state, county, municipal, and assessor’s office resources.

You’re supported 24/7 and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Let us help you — start your search today!

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Property Ownership

Deed Or Title Search: Know The Difference & Buy With Confidence in 2021

Did you know that a title and a deed are two different things? When you’re considering purchasing a new property or home, you need to understand the difference.While a title and a deed are two separate documents, they work together to purchase a specific piece of property.

  • A deed transfers the rights of ownership to the buyer of a property.
  • The title changes the property owner into the buyer’s name and gives them rights to sell the property in the future.

To avoid any legal issues during the purchase, a title and deed search should be performed. You can think of a title, and deed search as a “background check” for a property — much like a prospective employer conducts a background check on a potential employee. Before closing, the buyer must verify that the current owner is valid, be aware of any liens on the property, and any other issues that may come up that may challenge the transfer of ownership. Now that you understand titles and deeds let’s dig into the search process and show you how it all works.

Why Do I Need To Get A Title Search?

A title search involves examining numerous documents. It consists of searching deeds, contracts, and any recorded papers to determine if the current owner owns the property free and clear of any issues. As the buyer, you want to ensure that you get a clear title to avoid future legal problems.No matter if the buyer is purchasing the property with cash or a mortgage, the title search protects them from any issues that may creep up during the closing process that could jeopardize their ownership.While we’re talking about problems, let’s take a look at some of the most common issues that come up when you start doing a title search.

9 Common Problems During a Title Search

Problem #1. Break In The Chain Of Title

The chain of title is all documents regarding the property in the past and ends with the most recent document filed against the property. For example, a title transfer was inaccurate at the time of a previous sale. This could be caused by human error, such as a misspelled name, but it could also indicate fraud.

Problem #2. Liens On The Property

If a property owner has failed to pay a debt, a claim can be filed against the home. When a lien is filed, it gives a creditor a way to recover money owed to them. While a mortgage is a voluntary lien, involuntary liens are filed by another entity to which the owner owes money. Common types of involuntary liens are:

  • Unpaid real estate taxes
  • Unpaid income taxes
  • Mechanics liens – when a contractor that worked on the home did not get paid
  • Judgment lien – when a creditor is owed money
  • Divorce lien – when the other spouse files a lien to stop the sale of the property

Any of these liens impact the ability to buy or sell a property. The homeowner needs to negotiate to remove or release the liens to proceed with a real estate transaction.

Problem #3. Easement

An easement is where a title to a specific property belongs to the landowner. Still, another person or organization is given the right to use the land for a specific purpose. For example, a utility company may have an easement allowing access to an electrical pole on the property. There could also be an easement on a property if it blocks access to the main road.

Problem #4. Bankruptcy

If the current owner has filed a bankruptcy in the past, the ownership may be unclear. Depending on the type of bankruptcy, the home may be held in trust until the bankruptcy is cleared.

Problem #5. Probate Property

When a person passes away, their property goes through probate. Someone may occupy the property after the owner has passed away. This may cause someone else to claim ownership of the house while it’s in probate.

Problem #6. Zoning Ordinances

Depending on how a property will be used, the zoning must reflect the use. If the property will be used for a reason other than the current zoning (i.e., residential) but the buyer wants to have a home business, there are zoning ordinances to consider before the purchase. A title search will reveal this information.

Problem #7. Multiple Mortgages

There are times when a property owner takes out a second mortgage on a property. In this case, both mortgages must be paid off for a sale to continue.

Problem #8. Foreclosure

If the current owner failed to make mortgage payments, it is possible that a third lien was placed on the home from a private lender or another party that no one knew about.

Problem #9. Cloud On A Title

A cloud on a title is a term used to refer to a claim or encumbrance that could cast doubt or nullify a title. For example, there may be a mortgage lien or unpaid taxes on the property. A cloud on a title can delay the sale and transfer of a property but can generally be resolved by filing a quiet title action or a quitclaim deed.Any of these issues could cause a delay in the purchase process. Title insurance provides protection when a buyer needs to resolve a title issue.

What Is Title Insurance?

What Is Title Insurance?

Title insurance is a way to protect the buyer from any financial loss due to legal expenses if a defect or fraud is found in the title to a property. Title insurance focuses on risk prevention rather than assumption. With title insurance, examiners look at the property’s history and work to eliminate title issues before the purchase. Title insurance doesn’t have a monthly payment, just a one-time premium paid at closing.There are various issues that title insurance protects against. Having title insurance is crucial because you may not learn about title defects for months or even years after purchase.

10 Common Risks Covered by Title Insurance

Some of the most common examples of risks covered by title insurance are:

Risk #1. Improper Execution of Documents

The term “execute” in this context means that a contract is signed between two or more parties for the purpose of a legal transfer of ownership. Most often, improper execution applies to the deed, and if a mistake is found, it could void the deed and its ability to be used to transfer property.

Risk #2. Mistakes in Recording and Indexing Legal Documents

The most common problem is that a deed cannot be located through property deed indexes. This could be the result of a mistake of indexing a deed under the wrong name.

Risk #3. Forgeries and Fraud

Fraudulent deeds have one or more forged details. For example, an unauthorized representative signs the deed fraudulently. In other forged deeds, individuals could make up a name or identify themselves as the owner’s representative. When these situations occur, if the property is sold without a title and deed search, the property could be sold without the rightful owner’s knowledge or consent.

Risk #4. Undisclosed or Missing Heirs

This can happen if the owner of the property being purchased has passed away. The previous owner may or may not have had a will, but unknown heirs may still appear and sue the prospective buyer to keep the property for themselves.

Risk #5. Unpaid Taxes

Property tax is mandatory for any property. These taxes can be paid either through an escrow account or by the owner directly. However, if these taxes are not paid and current, the sale of a property is delayed until the taxes are paid in full.

Risk #6. Unpaid Judgments and Liens

A judgment lien is imposed on a property if someone sues the owner and wins a money judgment against them. A standard lien is where several circumstances when the owner did not pay a debt.

Risk #7. Unreleased Mortgage

There are some cases where a mortgage has been paid but not released. The most common reasons for an unreleased mortgage are:

  • A prior title policy is in force, and a hold harmless release must be sent to the title company.
  • The home had a HUD-1 mortgage, and the person who paid off the mortgage is not the last recorded owner.
  • The statute of limitations for the period of repayment has lapsed.

Risk #8. Mental Incompetence

The grantor on the deed must be mentally competent. Identifying if the individual is mentally competent to handle a real estate transaction is complicated because of the different standards for each type of transaction.

Risk #9. Impersonation of Actual Owners of Property by Fraudulent Persons

An individual may forge their name on a deed for a property or even approach a homeowner who they know is in financial trouble and trick them into signing the deed over as a receipt of repairs or another small loan.

Risk #10. Refusal of the Purchaser to Accept Title Based on Condition

If the property is being offered to the buyer, they should look for any potential issues before accepting. It’s best to refuse a deed if your due diligence shows that the property will create significant burdens on the new owner.

How Do I Search For A Title And Deed?

How Do I Search For A Title And Deed?

Now that you know the hows and whys of a title and deed search let’s look at how to conduct a title and deed search. You can search for the title and deed by owner’s name and property address. This search can be done in various ways. Let’s take a look at these ways of finding a title or deed.

Visit Your Tax Assessor Office

When you visit your County Tax Assessor’s office in person or online, you can enter the county, property owner, or address for a specific property. However, searching the website yourself may offer few results. The best way to find a title and deed is by using the property’s identification number. There are various ways this number is referenced. It all depends on your state and county. Even though the information is free, every county has its website and search function, which may or may not be intuitive and easy to use.

Contact the County Recorder or Clerk

The County Recorder or Clerk has information on property owners. They have all documents associated with a property and the people associated with it. Documents at the Recorder or Clerk’s office associated with properties are things like:

  • Notice of Sale
  • Mechanic’s liens
  • Bill of Sale
  • Deeds of Trust
  • Mortgages
  • Easements
  • Tax liens
  • Homestead
  • Reconveyance
  • Trust Deeds

The County Recorder or Clerk’s office has a lot of information if you have the patience, time, and strategy to go through all of the records. If you’re searching in numerous counties, it can be a long, tedious process. There’s no consistency between county websites, and you can’t view the information before you purchase the report.

Check with Your Local Title Company

Your local title representative can provide you a general Focused Real Estate Marketing (FARM) list. They can search by name, address, mailing address, property characteristics, neighbors, comparable sales, transaction history, and depending on the state, you can find demographic and school information.If you’re searching for information beyond what you find at the County Recorder or Clerk’s office, there will be a fee for this information. You’ll also be waiting for a bit to get the information, most title company reps are busy, and it may take them a while to provide you with the information you need. There’s no automatic organization to the documents you receive and no ability to refine lists, gain insights, or automatically update the list when property conditions change.

Can I Do My Own Property Title Search?

If you’re a real estate broker or agent and want consistent, high-quality leads to keep your inventory up to date and fresh for buyers, using property data and owner information software is a must-have. This software isn’t just for realtors, mortgage, and real estate investors, and home property services also benefit from access to these records as well as the advanced search functionality that these applications provide.Using property data and owner information software provides:

  • Access to nationwide property owners
  • The ability to mix and match property, mortgage, owner, demographic information, and more to create mailing lists
  • Explore leads and refine your marketing lists
  • Advanced capabilities such as links to social media, skip tracing, emails, and phone numbers
  • Mobile applications with GPS, the ability to add notes, images, and files
  • Integration and automation functionality

While this software is not free, it provides robust information on any property or group of properties. It is mainly used by professionals who want to take the time to explore the information and get the vast amounts of data available.

Are You Ready to Take Your Title Searches to the Next Level?

At Property Scout, we provide 24/7 support backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So what are you waiting for? Start your search now!

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Marin County, CA: Property Search By Address

Did you know that as a lender, investor, or insurer, there is a FAST way to get property records? Mining for information on county websites costs you and your business more money than anticipated because time is money. Most of us assume county websites have online portals for property record searches. The unfortunate thing is after spending all of that time digging through a website; we hit a brick wall to discover either they don’t have an online portal to property records or the portal is a third-party platform that requires us to know details about a property to be able to access it. So, where can you find Marin County real estate records? We are going to show you just how easy it is to get the information you need.Try a Marin County property records lookup HERE!

A Synopsis of Marin County

Located just over the Golden Gate Bridge is Marin County, a peninsula just north of San Francisco. The ocean waters hug the sides of this county, providing beautiful shorelines, beaches, and attractive properties for prospective homebuyers.San Quentin Prison is perhaps one of the most well-known prisons in the U.S. It’s located in the county on 432 acres of shoreline along the San Francisco Bay. The beautiful Muir Woods National Monument is something that many tourists flock to when in California. The giant Redwoods are larger than life within the park and waterfalls, and endless hiking trails are well enjoyed. Point Reyes National Seashore is home to the famous “Cypress Tree Tunnel” and the Reyes Lighthouse. Celebrities and prominent people reside in Marin County. The luxurious Skywalker Ranch is owned by George Lucas (film director, writer, producer.) The late Robin Williams and Julia Childs also called this area home.Marin County has a lot to offer for residents and visitors. Being just a bridge away from San Francisco makes this county highly attractive.Are you an investor, lender, or insurer interested in Marin County? Try a FAST Marin County property records by name search HERE!

The Scope of Marin County

Scope of Marin County

Marin County has 26 cities and towns (with additional areas that are unincorporated.) The county sprawls out over 828 square miles. Almost one-third of the county is water (308 square miles), leaving the remaining two-thirds land (520 square miles.) San Rafael is the county seat, which in 2010, had the 5th highest income per capita in the U.S.

Cities/Towns

  • Belvedere
  • Bolinas
  • Corte Madera
  • Dillon Beach
  • Fairfax
  • Forest Knolls
  • Greenbrae
  • Inverness
  • Kenfield
  • Lagunitas
  • Larkspur
  • Marin City
  • Marshall
  • Mill Valley
  • Nicasio
  • Novato
  • Olema
  • Point Reyes
  • Ross
  • San Anselmo
  • San Geronimo
  • San Rafael (county seat)
  • Stinson Beach
  • Tiburon
  • Tomales
  • Woodacre

Owning or Renting Property in Marin County

Owning or Renting Property in Marin County

Most of Marin County has upscale, luxurious homes in affluent areas. The median sale price of a home is $1.2 million. Seasonal properties are widespread throughout the county, which leads to investment opportunities. Don’t expect to find cheap homes here because the average price per square foot for a home comes in at a whopping $683/square foot! In the Belvedere area, the median price of a home is $5.5 million ($1,600 per square foot.)

Quick Facts About Marin County

  • Covers 828 square miles
  • Established in 1850
  • Population 259,943 (an increase 3% over the past 9 years)
  • 499 people per square mile
  • Hospitals: 5
  • School Districts: 17
  • 33,516 students
  • Elementary schools: 45
  • Middle schools: 9
  • High schools: 9
  • Charter schools: 4
  • Public Safety
  • Police Departments: 6
  • Sheriff’s Department: 1
  • Fire Districts: 6
  • City Fire Departments: 4
  • Colleges/Universities: 3

Quick Facts About Marin County

Property Climate in Marin County

There are 113,084 housing units in the county (217.3 homes per square mile.) 36.3% of these units are rental homes, whereas 63.7% are owned homes.The median listing price for a home: $1.3 millionThe median sale price for a home: $1.2 million (a 7% increase over the past year)The median property tax is $8,102

Home Valuation for Marin County

The median value of a home is $995,800.

  • $750,000 – $1 million: 25%
  • $1 million – $1.5 million: 24%
  • $1.5 million – $2 million: 24%
  • >$2 million: 24%
  • $400,000 – $500,000: 4%
  • $300,000 – $400,000: 3%
  • $200,000 – $300,000: 2%
  • $100,000 – $200,000: 1%
  • $50,000-$100,000: 1%
  • <$50,000: 1%

Owner Occupancy Rate for Marin County

93% of the housing units in the county are owner-occupied. Vacant/seasonal properties account for the remaining 7%.

Rental Property Data for Marin County

36.3% of homes in the county are rentals.

The median monthly rent is $2,069.

  • $1,500 – $2,500: 43%
  • $2,500 – $3,500: 22%
  • 1,000 – $1,500: 12%
  • >$3,500: 9%
  • $300 – $500: 3%
  • $500 – $750: 3%
  • <$300: 2%
  • $750 – $1,000: 3%

Economy in Marin County

The main employers for the county include information technology companies, research labs, county and state government, and hospitals.

GDP for Marin County

  • 2015: 16,337,703
  • 2014: $16,329,197
  • 2013: $15,308,701

Second Mortgages/HELOCs in Marin County

In comparison to other counties, Marin County has fewer mortgage-free homeowners. 71% of homeowners in the county have a mortgage.

  • 2nd mortgage only: 2%
  • HELOC: 16%

Property Insurance and Risks in Marin County

Marin County has a history of natural disasters that have accounted for an unfathomable amount of money for damages incurred. Flooding in the county has caused over $1 billion in damages. Earthquakes are an ever-present possibility because of the nearby fault lines. Landslides from heavy rain or wildfire runoff have generated $45.9 million in damages. Wildfires are at the forefront of natural disasters for the county. Insurance rates are exorbitant for Marin County residents and businesses due to 80% of the land area being rated moderate to very high fire risk. Over 216 repetitive wildfire losses have contributed to the increase in fire insurance.

Property Insurance and Risks in Marin County

Public Record Access in Marin County

If you have tried getting property records through county websites, you know the frustration that lies within pages after pages of links that lead nowhere. We performed a search on Marin County’s website to find that it is just as arduous as most other county websites. Most of us would assume that the County Clerk or Marin County Property Appraiser is a place to start our search. However, we know from experience that oftentimes, they aren’t.We began our search on Marin County’s landing page. Clicking on “Government” and then “Departments,” we are taken to the Administrators Office. There are no links or information on public/property records, so we return to the landing page. Going back into “Government” and then “Departments,” we click on “Assessor-Recorder.” A page opens, and off to the left side are links. We click on “Assessor Recorder County Clerk.” Next, we select “Property.” A page opens to “Real Property,” and that’s as far as we can go.

Public Record Access in Marin County

Once again, we hit the back button and go to “Real Estate Sales Data.” A search window opens with options that you must have the information to put in. You must check the disclaimer box first and then enter the year, month, and dwelling type. Once you do that, hit search. Well, we didn’t have any of this information; we hit the back button. Next, we select “Recorder Services” and then “Search Recorders Indexes.” A new page appears, requiring us to “accept” a disclaimer, which we do. Another new page opens to “Search Recorder’s Official Records.” To perform a search at this point, it requires us to know a name, document, book/page, document title. We hit the back button again.We now go into “Assessor Records and Map.” To do a search, we must know the parcel ID, map book, and map page. We abandon ship and return to the website’s landing page. We type in a general search in the search bar for “property records.” After doing this, a new page opens with 768 different article links to pages we have already visited. Hitting the back button, we are on the landing page. Going to the “Residents” link and then “Community,” we then click on “Marin Communities. A new page opens with a listing of Marin County’s towns/cities. Some of these towns/cities have a link to their own smaller websites. We click on one of them to find a new page where we can request public records! However, we must do this either via email, online request form or in person.It’s relatively clear that there’s no online portal to public/property records to do a Marin County property lookup. We throw in the towel and give up after 2 hours of digging and searching!Don’t waste hours of your valuable time! Try a Marin County property tax search HERE!

Are you ready to save time and money? Get property records in ONE CLICK!

There’s really no direct source on county websites to get property records. Why spend a chunk of your day chasing after information that hides deep within antiquated records maintenance systems in a courthouse basement?

  • You can get property records quickly and within a matter of a few clicks!
  • We save you time and money.
  • Our service provides you a great return on your investment.

Try PropertyScout.io today and experience first hand how quickly you can get the information you need.

Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Duplin County: Property Search By Address

Many of us in the lending, investing, and insurance industries depend on various online resources when doing a property profile search. Property records that are maintained by county governments are typically the first place we begin a search. However, the fact still remains that county websites have many obstacles that we must overcome when doing a search, and once we are past those obstacles, we hit a dead-end, unable to go any further. Why does this happen? It’s rare to find a county website that has direct portals to public records/property records. At best, we may be able to locate a third-party platform integration that provides some insight, but that too is a rare occurrence. So, where do you go for a Duplin County property lookup? We are going to show you how to do it!Try a search HERE for Duplin County property records by name.

A Synopsis of Duplin County

Duplin County is best known for its agricultural, poultry farming, pig farming, and one of the world’s largest frying pan! It spans 826 square miles and is situated almost in the middle of Jacksonville, Fayetteville, and Wilmington. The Atlantic Ocean is about an hour’s drive away. The county offers a quiet getaway for those in the cities and a peaceful place for residents to call home.The town of Mount Olive is where you’ll find one of six U.S. Butterball turkey processing plants. This plant is over 665,000 square feet and employs nearly 1,000 people. Along with Butterball, Mount Olive is also home to Mt. Olive Pickles that fill the shelves of stores throughout the country. Residents enjoy the local wineries, an old-fashioned county fair, various general stores, and flea markets that are charming and unique. Recreational venues bring in visitors who seek a quiet escape to camp, fish, swim, or hunt. The cost of living in Duplin County is relatively cheap, which attracts prospective residents who are wanting a friendly community to raise a family in. Housing prices are affordably priced throughout the county (median home price $92,000.) Property taxes are equally affordable, with a median property tax rate of .7350 ($676.20/year.) Investment opportunities in this area are somewhat limited to land acquirement for commercial or agricultural lease/purchase. The demographic growth of the county increased by 0.8% over the past nine years, while the economic growth (GDP) has steadily dropped 2.39% over the past three years. Owner occupancy in the county is high (83%), leaving what’s perhaps seasonal (vacant) properties at 17%.

A Synopsis of Duplin County

Doing a FAST Duplin County property tax search is as easy as clicking HERE!

The Scope of Duplin County

Scope of King County

Duplin County has 13 townships. Additionally, there are 10 incorporated towns within the county. The county consists mostly of rural countryside that is agricultural land. To provide you with a perspective on the sparse population in Duplin County, we will compare it to a larger county in North Carolina.

  • Duplin County
  • Population: 58,967
  • # of people per square mile: 72
  • Fayetteville County
  • Population: 319,431
  • # of people per square mile: 1,424

Townships

  • Albertson
  • Cypress Creek
  • Faison
  • Glisson
  • Limestone
  • Kenansville
  • Island Creek
  • Magnolia
  • Rockfish
  • Rose Hill
  • Smith
  • Warsaw
  • Wolfscrape

Townships

  • Beulaville
  • Calypso
  • Faison
  • Greenevers
  • Kenansville (county seat)
  • Magnolia
  • Rose Hill
  • Teachey
  • Wallace
  • Warsaw

Owning or Renting Property in Duplin County

Owning or Renting Property in King County

There are 25,958 housing units (31.8 homes per square mile) in the county. 70.4% of these units are owned, whereas 29.6% are rentals.

Owned vs. Rental

  • # of Units Owned: 15,160
  • # of Units Rented: 6,360

Owned vs. Rental

  • Owner occupied: 83%
  • Vacant: 17%

2nd Mortgages And HELOCs

42% of homeowners in Duplin County have a median monthly mortgage of $1,108. Additionally, a very small percentage have either a second mortgage or home equity line of credit (HELOC.)

  • 2nd Mortgage: 1%
  • HELOC: 4%
  • No Mortgage: 58%

Owning or Renting Property in Duplin County

Housing Market In Duplin County

The median home value in the county is $90,200. Over the past year, there has been a decrease (10.2%) in home sales.

  • Median Listing Price: $120,000 ($91/square foot)
  • Median Sales Price: $155,000
  • 2020: $155,000
  • 2019: $159,000
  • Market Increase/Decrease: -10.2%

Home Valuations

  • $50,000-$100,000: 32%
  • $100,000-$200,000: 30%
  • <$50,000: 23%
  • $200,000-$300,000: 7%
  • $300,000-$400,000: 4%
  • $500,000-$750,000: 3%
  • $400,000-$500,000: 1%

Median Monthly Rental Rates

  • $500-$700: 33%
  • $750-$1,000: 19%
  • $300-$500: 13%
  • <$300: 11%
  • $1,000-$1,500: 10%
  • $1,500-$2,000: 1%

Property Taxes

Property taxes are assessed every five years. The Duplin County property appraiser will do the next valuation in 2022.

Median Property Taxes

The median amount for property taxes in the county is $738.

Property Tax Rate

The tax rate for Duplin County is .7350

Property Tax Valuations

The property tax rate has slowly increased over the past 5 few years.

  • 2019: .7350
  • 2018: .7350
  • 2017: .7150
  • 2016: .6950
  • 2015: .7300

Property Insurance and Risks in Duplin County

Duplin County is currently collaborating with the county of Sampson in developing a dual-county hazard impact and mitigation plan. These plans contain valuable insight into natural disasters that have occurred. What we do know is hurricanes pose a severe threat to Duplin County, which is evident in past events. Because hurricanes are a significant risk for the county, 17 homes/properties were purchased through a $1.8 million grant by FEMA and the state of North Carolina. These properties are in an area of repetitive flooding damage. They were cleared to minimize continual risk costs, to act as a barrier by absorbing floodwaters, and to reduce erosion.

Notable Events in Duplin County

2020: Tropical Storm Ernesto flooding had an impact on the county.2018: Hurricane Florence

  • 8 deaths

2017: Hurricane Matthew caused damages totaling $292,271

  • Percentage of Claims:
  • 32% other towns
  • 31% Kenansville
  • 21% Warsaw
  • 16% Rose Hill

About Duplin County

Owning or Renting Property in King County

  • Covers 826 square miles
  • Incorporated in 1750
  • Population 58,967
  • Hospitals: 1
  • Schools
  • Nearing 10,000 students
  • PreK-Middle: 8 schools
  • High School: 5
  • Private: 5
  • Colleges/Universities: 1
  • Public Protection
  • Sheriff’s Department: 1
  • Fire Districts: 8 (24 volunteer departments) Economy in Duplin County

Largest Employers

Duplin County proudly ranks as the #1 producer of pigs for the U.S., bringing in over $614 million in revenue!The largest sector of employers is in pig farming, turkey farming, and turkey/poultry processing. Butterball and Smithfield Foods (owned by Butterball) are the largest employers in the county. Following behind the poultry industry, other employment sectors include manufacturing, county government, schools, and the county hospital.

GDP

2018: $1,990,9502017: $2,021,0782016: $2,039,389

Maneuvering Our Way Through A Duplin County Property Lookup On The County Website

We know and understand the frustration behind weaving your way through the fibers of county websites. To provide you with a glimpse into what a typical property records search entails on a county website, we take you into the Duplin County website.

Search Attempt #1

  • Before us is the county’s website landing page, we type in a general search in the search bar for “public records.”
  • A new page opens to “County Jobs…Public Health Nurse.”
  • We hit the back button and go back to the landing page where we go to “Departments” and select “County Manager.”
  • A new page opens to a bio/background on the county manager; this page is static.
  • We go back to the landing page and go back into “Departments.”
  • Next, we select “Register of Deeds.”
  • A new page opens, which has a link to the Register of Deeds website page. We click on that link, and another new page opens. There are various links to go into that include vital records, real property records, history, and more. Nothing here, so we return to the landing page.
  • Again, we go back into “Departments” and select “Tax Administration.”
  • A new page opens containing a link to land records, which we click on.
  • Another new page opens, bearing a disclaimer to proceed to “GIS.”
  • We click “Ok,” and a new page opens to a third-party search platform that requires the owner’s name, PIN, and address.
  • We go back to the landing page and type in another general search in the search bar for “Duplin County real estate records.”
  • A new page opens bearing two links; one to “Register of Deeds Vital Records” and the other to “Tax Administration: paying taxes online, link to GIS.”
  • We return to the landing page, go into “Services,” and select “Register of Deeds: Public Records Search.”
  • A new page opens to the “Register of Deeds” page we have visited numerous times already.

We surrender after about an hour of wasted time. We found ourselves running in a vicious circle trying to find a portal to property records.Avoid finding yourself going in circles on a county website. Try doing a search that goes straight to Duplin County real estate records HERE!

All It Takes Is One Click To Get Property Records FAST!

Don’t waste your valuable time (which is money) on county websites. Get the information you need quickly in one place without endless “new pages” opening before your eyes.

PropertyScout.io gets you the golden data you need.

  • Quick access to detailed property records.
  • Enables you to get what you need and be done without wasting time with lengthy searches.
  • Cost-effective because we help you to be more efficient and productive.

We invite lenders, investors, and insurers to try a search on PropertyScout.io today!

Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Broward County: Property Search By Address

As lenders, investors, and insurers, we depend on property data to give us insight into a particular property in Broward County. Most of us experience the frustration that comes from trying to get the data we need. Although property records are public, trying to work our way through the vast layers of Broward County’s administration and website redirects is daunting. Just when you think you’ve found a starting point, the more steps you take, the further you are set back.You’ve come to the perfect place because we are going to reveal just how easy it is to get Broward County real estate records.Avoid confusing governmental websites. Try a search on PropertyScout.io now!

A Synopsis of Broward County

Broward County is perhaps one of the most beautiful areas in Florida. It is situated in between Miami Dade and Palm Beach Counties. Fort Lauderdale rests in Broward County, where tourists, seasonal residents, and prospective residents flock to. Spring-breakers and casino enthusiasts enjoy all that Broward County has to offer. Pristine beaches sprawl along the coastline for 23 miles. The turquoise waters and a few up-close encounters with beached sea turtles attract those seeking a sunny place to swim and relax. Fort Lauderdale has become the epicenter for gambling and betting venues. Florida ranks as one of the top three states for gambling!Broward County’s median property tax is one of the highest here in the U.S. The median property tax is about $2,664 annually. Residents contribute about 4.35% of the annual income towards property taxes. If you are a lender, insurer, or investor, having Broward County property tax search right at your fingertips is ONE CLICK AWAY!

A Perpetual Seasonal Influx of Tourists Provide Attractive Investment Advantages

Scope of King County

Broward County boasts diversity in residents, culture, attractions, and property options. The endless waterways and canals in communities create a tropical paradise where homeowners can literally dock their boats just outside their back doors. Both tourists and seasonal residents come to this area to enjoy the endless amenities Broward County has to offer. The investment potential that thrives here is often too great to pass up!

The Scope of Broward County

Broward County has 37 cities and towns within its borders. Two-thirds of the county is conservation land (The Everglades), with the populated areas resting on the eastern third along the coast. Fort Lauderdale is the largest city in the county, with numerous suburban towns and cities surrounding it.

  1. 1Boulevard Gardens
  2. 2Broadview Park
  3. 3Coconut Creek
  4. 4Cooper City
  5. 5Coral Springs
  6. 6Dania Beach
  7. 7Davie
  8. 8Deerfield Beach
  9. 9Fort Lauderdale
  10. 10Franklin Park
  11. 11Hallandale Beach
  12. 12Hillsboro Beach
  13. 13Hillsboro Pines
  14. 14Hollywood
  15. 15Lauderdale Lakes
  16. 16Lauderdale-by-the-sea
  17. 17Lauderhill
  18. 18Lazy Lake
  19. 19Lighthouse Point
  1. 1Margate
  2. 2Miramar
  3. 3North Lauderdale
  4. 4Oakland Park
  5. 5Parkland
  6. 6Pembroke Park
  7. 7Pembroke Pines
  8. 8Plantation
  9. 9Pompano Beach
  10. 10Roosevelt Gardens
  11. 11Sea Ranch Lakes
  12. 12Southwest Ranches
  13. 13Sunrise
  14. 14Tamarac
  15. 15Washington Park
  16. 16West Park
  17. 17Weston
  18. 18Wilton Manors

Owning or Renting Property in Broward County

Owning or Renting Property in King County

Broward County is appealing for those considering homeownership there. The variety of communities, price, and the vast amenities of oceanside living makes Broward County attractive. Single-family homes, vacation homes, apartments, and even boat-homes await new residents and investors! This is a great place to live for all types of people.

Quick Facts About Broward County

  • Covers 1,244.7 square miles (urban 427.8 square miles, conservation land 796.6)
  • Incorporated in 1915
  • Population over 1,919,644
  • 30+ Hospitals
  • The School district is 6th largest in the U.S. with 261,000 students (76 high schools, 138 elementary schools, 43 middle schools)
  • Public Services
  • 14 Municipal Police Departments
  • 1 Sheriff’s Department
  • 15 Fire & Rescue Stations
  • Colleges/Universities
  • 41 Private
  • 4 Public
  • 1 Coast Guard Station

Property Climate in Broward County

  • The median sales price for a home in Broward County in 2019 was $375,000.
  • The median home value listing value is $330,000
  • 11% were valued between $50,000-$100,000
  • 24% were valued between $100,000-$200,000
  • 21% were valued between $200,000-$300,000
  • $16% were valued between $300,000-$400,000
  • 9% were valued between $400,000-$500,000
  • 17% were valued above $500,000

Home Value Appreciation for Broward County

Zillow data reveals home values in Broward County increased 2.5%. The median listing price was $330,000 with a median sale price at $319,000.

Owner Occupancy Rate for Broward County

From 2014-2019, the owner-occupancy rate for Broward County was 62.1%. Seasonal and vacant properties accounted for the 37.9% unoccupied rate.

Rental Property Data for Broward County

The median monthly rental from 2014-2019 was $1,332.

Economy and Homeownership Facts for Broward County

Broward County employment sectors vary; however, the highest concentration of employment lies within the Health Care and Social Aid sects. Following behind that is retail, hospitality/food and beverage, utility companies, public administration, and science/technical.

GDP Broward County

  • 2018: $108,572,033
  • 2017: $103,518,020

Credit Stress in Broward County

Although the economy is thriving in Broward County, there is a small percentage of homeowners who have either a second mortgage or home equity line of credit. Surrounding counties reflect lower percentages in comparison to Broward County.

Second Mortgages/HELOCS in King County

King County has its fair share of natural disasters/risks as most other counties do. Several environmental factors place the county at risk of six natural disasters that can impact properties.

Broward County

  • 2nd Mortgages – 11%
  • HELOCs – 7%

Palm Beach County (North of Broward)

  • 2nd Mortgages – 8%
  • HELOCs – 1%

Miami Dade County (South of Broward)

  • 2nd Mortgages – 2%
  • HELOCs – 5%

Property Insurance and Risks in Broward County

Natural disasters and unexpected events are a given in any part of our country. When considering a property (for investment) purposes in Broward County, it helps to be aware of any potential and past risks/occurrences.Broward County sits among numerous other counties in the state of Florida, which are all highly prone to inland flooding. The exposed coastlines, inlet waterways, and tributaries are at lower elevations. Heavy rains, hurricanes, tropical storms, and storm surges factor into the flooding potential. Between 2006 and 2012, there were 128 events causing $3.6 billion property damage along with crop losses adding up to $25 million.Property insurance rates are anticipated to significantly increase by up to 40% because of catastrophic loss and damage from hurricanes and flooding over the past few years. Now is the time to act.

Public Record Access in Broward County

Public Record Access in King County

We are aware that property records are available to the public. Getting to the precise record presents a challenge due to various local governmental infrastructures. It takes numerous hurdles to get over to get to the right person and department who can point your further in what we hope is the right direction.Under normal circumstances, we would go to the county clerk, tax assessor, or the Broward County property appraiser for access to public property records. Just how do you get results for a Broward County property lookup?

Maneuvering Through A Broward County Property Lookup

Most of us would assume the county clerk is a jumping-off point to get property records; however, not so in Broward County. In referencing the Broward County website’s organizational chart, you can see just how overwhelming it can be to determine who to contact for property records. There really is no direct way of knowing what department handles property records unless you do some digging and call first. By going on the county’s website, you are met with numerous options, none of which directly imply property records. We just happened to do a search for “records,” and the Records, Taxes, and Treasury Division landing page came up. When selecting “Contact Us” at the bottom of the landing page, a phone number and address appears for the Records, Taxes and Treasury Division. For access to records in person, you must visit an address that the landing page supplied. To access records online, the landing page directs you to continue on to a link (see below.)“To view the images stored in our Official Records database online, visit broward.org/Records.”

Search Attempt #1

  • “Official Records” page opens.
  • By selecting the “Search Records” button, you are taken to the “OnCore Acclaim” page.
  • Selecting “Document Type” takes you to another page.
  • Various legal document-types are listed, and you must choose from one. You must also enter a date range for the type of document you select.

Search Attempt #2

Alternatively, trying a different online search method proves to “continue to peel the onion.” There doesn’t seem to be a way to look up a simple Broward County records by name.Starting Point: Broward County’s website landing page

  • There’s a scrolling icon gallery to select from (“Quick Links.”)
  • Selecting “Official Records Search” loops you back to the “Official Records Search” landing page where you are faced with the same scenario in the above “Attempt #1.”

Avoid confusing governmental websites and go STRAIGHT to Broward County Real Estate Records! See what Property Scout.io can do for you. Try it now!

You Are Only ONE STEP Away From Getting Property Data!

Trying to maneuver your way through a LOT of landing pages burns up your valuable time. Efficiency and productivity are lost when you have to take time away from focusing on your business.Don’t sink your time into searches that only lead to frustration. All of the information you need is one click away with PropertyScout.io.

  • You get the property records you need.
  • You don’t waste time digging through websites or going in person to request records.
  • PropertyScout.io is cost-effective for you and your business.

​If you are a lender, investor, or insurer, partner with Property Scout.io to leverage property data without the high cost of time (which is money!) Try a search on PropertyScout.io now!

Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Property Ownership

How to Do a Property Title Search (And Avoid Misinformation)

Many have seen it on closing documents when we buy or sell a home: title search, settlement service fees, title insurance premiums, document fees, and filing fees. What are they all about? Do we really need to pay those fees? This post focuses on title searches starting with the background on what a title is and how it is different from a deed. Then we progress to why a title search is important and how you can do your own. We end with whether you should do your own.

What is a Title?

We hear about title searches on properties but also see documents being filed at the Register of Deeds or hear expressions like, “whose name is on the deed?” We get the sense the terms are different, but they seem like they are used interchangeably. What is going on?One way to organize these terms is to think of the title as your right to ownership of the property. It is a legal concept. Like many legal terms, the definition can be convoluted but think of the concept of title as the concept of ownership.

  • The right of possession; The property is yours
  • The right of control; You decide what to do with the property if it is within the law
  • The right of exclusion; You choose who can step into your property
  • The right of enjoyment; You may do what you wish, again, as long as it’s nothing illegal.
  • The right of disposition; This right, gives you the right to transfer ownership of your property, some exceptions, may apply.

“Okay, but if title is just a concept, how do I prove that I have ownership? Isn’t there a title for real estate like we see a Certificate of Title for a vehicle?” That is where we get into deeds.

Clearing a property title means determining that it is free of liens or encumbrances that could pose a threat to its ownership.

Deed vs. Property Title

Deed vs. Property Title

Ownership of a property was initially shown by possession. Possession is still sometimes used as legal evidence of ownership when a person claims “adverse possession.” What is most common today is for ownership to be documented in a deed. That documented deed shows the transfer of title (or ownership) of the property in question.

When you buy a house, a deed will be created that conveys, or transfers, the rights of title from the seller (s) to you. The previous owner is the grantor, and you are the grantee. If you get confused about the grantor/grantee names, you can compare them to lessor/lessee.

If you have rented before, you probably know the landlord is the lessor and the tenant is the lessee. We are avoiding mortgage terminology because that gets flipped around a little…

Back to doing the deed (I had to put that in there). To be legal, a deed needs to have several elements:

  • Be in writing,
  • Clear description of the property,
  • Grantor(s) and grantee(s) identified,
  • Some wording stating that how the deed is transferred,
  • Signed by the grantor, and
  • Accepted by the grantee.

When you take ownership, you want to be 100% sure you’re getting what you think you are buying. Many people take out mortgages where they commit to paying three times the purchase price of the home over 30 years (check out an amortization table if you’re curious about this). It’s reasonable to have a bunch of questions about what you’re buying. Here are some:

  • How will you be confident that the seller is able to sell you the property?
  • Is the deed valid?
  • What if years ago an owner allowed for a public trail to go through the back yard or agreed that they wouldn’t grow trees over a certain height so neighbors’ views would not be obstructed (encumbrances)?
  • What if the seller didn’t pay the plumbing company for that beautiful state of the art heating system and there’s an unsettled lawsuit (mechanic’s lien)?
  • What if they’re going to stiff you with the water bill?

Or what if they are a normal seller who is just selling their property so they can move elsewhere? How will you ever know the truth? It can be stressful. That’s where the title search comes in.

Title Search

Property-Title-Searches

A title search is just what it sounds like. Someone, usually a lawyer or a title company, searches through the documents that can affect ownership of the property (title). What they’re looking for is anything that can affect the seller’s ability to sell that property. Examples could include:

  • Missing deeds
  • Incorrectly recorded deeds
  • Owners who have not relinquished their interest in a property,
  • Liens,
  • Unpaid utility bills, and
  • Unpaid property taxes.

The people that do this work may be licensed in their state and almost always have extensive experience in that town/county. Depending on the type of search required, they may be a Title Abstractor or Title Examiner. They usually carry some sort of errors and omissions insurance coverage in case they make a mistake. Attorneys may be held liable for negligence if they fail to property conduct a property title search in New York and other states.

Who Requires Title Searches?

There are two general situations where a title search is needed. The most common one is for financing. The lender wants to be sure that the collateral (the property) being put up for the money they are lending (the loan) has clear title. You may also hear “no defects,” clouded title, bad title, or exceptions. The lender’s concern is that the property will hold its value if they end up owning it because you didn’t pay off the loan and they had to foreclose. The way they require a title search is as a condition of the mortgage. They require you to purchase a title insurance policy for the lender. That insurance policy will be only be issued by an insurance carrier if there’s a clear title search.Another situation where a title search may be needed is when you, the buyer, are paying cash and want some peace of mind about the property you’re buying. This is especially important with quitclaim deeds found in off-market, auction, or foreclosure sales.A frequent problem is trying to figure out what type of search you need and how far back you should go. Each state has different requirements, so you’ll need to get familiar with the laws pertaining to your property. For example, a property title search in Ohio should go back at least 40 years.

How to Get an Abstract of Title vs. Title Report

There is a nuance in naming the type of title search. Rather than rewrite this blog, here’s a great reference to the differences between an abstract of title and a title report. While either is going to establish a chain of title, the main difference is the abstractor picks up significantly more risk. This is one reason why title insurance companies outsource their work to abstractors.

Can I Do My Own Title Search or Why Would I Pay Someone for This?

Maybe you don’t have a lender for your property. That means no one is requiring you to buy title insurance. That means no property title search is required. Should you do your own title search and save a few bucks? This attorney attempts to answer that question. The answer is long and complicated enough that it may be easier to pay a few hundred bucks for the peace of mind depending on the risk of the investment.It doesn’t hurt to start with your own search if you want to know the current owner of a property and any liens they may have. Be careful; here’s a horror story about property title search in florida where the buyer thought they knew the owner. You may also decide to go back to the previous owner (known as a two-owner search), but you’ll want to verify any liens. These can be started online at sites like PropertyScout.io. If you need to go back prior to two owners, or the property value is over $5,000, it’s probably best to hire an expert.

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PropertyScout.io property title report
Comparisons

PropertyScout.io vs. US Realty Records – What’s the difference?

As leaders in the lending, insuring, and investing industries, we know the value of time. Time is a costly commodity that we use wisely. In today’s business world, professionals leverage third-party services to perform tasks for a nominal fee. When it comes to gaining insight on properties, we use data provider services to get us the information we need quickly. Otherwise, we’d be forced to hunt that data down on our own accord. Do you find that regardless of having a data provider service, you must still perform an ample amount of searches to get exactly what you need?If you answered yes to the above question, it might be time to reevaluate your partnership with that data provider.

  • Do you have to dig deeper and deeper into their platform to get to the right button to click?
  • Are you paying additional costs for upsales of individual reports or documents?
  • Is there fine print in the “Terms” referencing the data MAY not be accurate or MAY not be available?
  • Are there sample reports and a glimpse of what a paying customer gets?

Unfortunately, many of these data provider platforms take your money and don’t deliver! PropertyScout.io delivers, outperforms, and provides you a user-friendly experience that’s rich in data and positive in customer experience!

A Little Vetting Pays Off

If you are like most of us, we understand the importance of vetting services before opening our wallets to them. Sometimes a website looks polished and chocked full of what appears to be “perks.” We tend to become like kids in a candy shop, mesmerized. However, that mesmerization easily turns into frustration after buying into something that falls short of what we need.There are ways to gauge just how efficient a data provider service is. Research and do your homework before committing to a data provider service pays off in more ways than one!

  • ALWAYS check what others are saying online with reviews and ratings.
  • Thoroughly scour the platform (as much as you can without committing.)
  • Read through the “fine print” under “Terms and Conditions” and “Privacy Policy.”
  • Explore the various forms (phone, email, chat, hours) of customer support available.

Your Data Provider Service

A data provider service should, at the very least, provide you with a positive user experience on their platform. Being able to efficiently access data you need is yet another must-have in a platform.

  • User Experience
  • The moment you land on the home page, there should be clear, concise information on price, samples of reports, customer testimonials, credentialing, and customer support. You should never have to hunt and peck to find any of these items.
  • Maneuverability throughout the platform should be smooth, quick, and free from load-lag.
  • Pricing plans should be inclusive rather than upsales of individual documents and reports.
  • Efficient Access to Data
  • Data provided should be accurate and reliable. Trusting that data based on “data may not be current” is risky at best.
  • Getting to the data you need should be quick. After you log in to the platform, if you have to go through a series of clicks, pages, or links to arrive where you want to be, you aren’t saving time. The user-experience gets lost, and efficiency is absent from the process. Data should only be a few clicks away at the most.

Instant Access

For Instant Access to ACCURATE Property Data Within an EFFICIENT PLATFORM Click Here!

A Comparison of Two Data Providers: PropertyScout.io vs. US Realty Records

PropertyScout.io vs. US Realty Records

PropertyScout.io and US Realty Records share a common business model for delivering data to users seeking information on properties. No two data provider platforms are alike. It’s the differences that help prospective users to evaluate which platform will best meet their needs. We have taken PropertyScout.io and US Realty Records and laid them out side-by-side to compare what each brings to the table for users. This comparison is made by an unbiased party with no vested interest in either platform.

Synopsis of Services

Below is an overall summary of our findings. Further down, we break things down with a more comprehensive explanation of these findings.

Header

PropertyScout.io

US Realty Records

Target Audience
  • Insurers
  • Investors
  • Lenders
  • Homebuyers/sellers“We created a service to help anyone who is buying or selling a home get the data they need in order to make an informed decision on a new home.” – About Us Page
  • Realtors and other businesses“Real estate teams, enterprise firms & large businesses” “Individual, small agencies and businesses”
Credibility
  • Clients include Farmers Insurance, Remax, State Farm Insurance
  • Trusted Site Trustmark
  • Customer Testimonials
  • No information
Types of Data Provided

Users have FULL ACCESS to ACCURATE data.Comprehensive Property Details:

  • Address
  • Property Details;
  • Size
  • Pool/Sauna/Hot Tub
  • Internal Structure (foundation, plumbing, sprinklers)
  • Interior (# of bedrooms, bathrooms, bonus rooms, etc.)
  • Ownership
  • Residents at the property (name, age, date of onset, relatives)
  • Map/Photos (street view, satellite view, traditional map view, photos)
  • Last Sale
  • Tax Assessment
  • Liens
  • Mortgage Details
  • Deed Details

Basic Report :$14.95 for 1 report

  • Map
  • Property value
  • Property details
  • Financial history
  • Mortgage info
  • Taxes
  • Comps on area properties
  • Area info
  • Schools
  • Market info

Premium: $29.95 per report

  • All of the “Basic Report” PLUS
  • Report tracking

Premium: $19.95 per month

  • All of the “Basic Report” and “Premium” PLUS priority customer service.
Transparency
  • Pricing is straightforward
  • Pricing appears on the landing page.
  • Guarantees
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Sample Reports
  • Sample reports on landing page
  • Peace of Mind
  • Terms & Conditions state PropertyScout.io will issue refunds for searches that do not yield results or for results that are 1+ years backdated.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Users have the option to request their personal data be kept private. Most sites sell user’s data without offering an option for protection.
  • Confidentiality
  • Private searches
  • Pricing
  • Pricing access readily available by clicking on the “Pricing” button.
  • Guarantees
  • Refunds are done on a case-by-case basis
  • Sample Reports
  • No sample reports
  • Peace of Mind
  • Refunds are done on a case-by-case basis.
  • The “Premier Monthly” plan offers a “100% risk free – cancel anytime” option.
  • Privacy Policy
  • “We do not sell or rent your personal information to other companies, entities or individuals without your consent or approval.”
  • Confidentiality
  • Unable to locate any mention about private searching.
Customer Support
  • Available 24/7-365.
  • Users have several options to reach customer support;
  • Submit a support ticket (with ability to check status.)
  • Phone number
  • Knowledge Base to find answers
  • FAQ’s
  • Messaging through Facebook
  • Availability not specified.
  • Users have several options to reach customer support:
  • Phone number
  • Submit a support ticket through the online contact form
  • Email
  • Knowledge Base and FAQ’s are one in the same.
  • No social media.
Pricing
  • 3-Day Plan: $9.95 (up to 100 searches) with full search history and report storage
  • Pro Plan $59.95 (up to 1,000 searches) with full search history and report storage
  • Basic Report: $14.95 for 1 report
  • Premium: $29.95 per report
  • Premium: $19.95 per month (20 premium reports a month)

Visit PropertyScout.io to Compare Features!

Platform Features

PropertyScout.io Platform Features

The “bells and whistles” of a platform come in the form of features. It’s those features that draw users in. Being able to customize your searches and reports are a BIG PLUS when it comes to a data provider platform. Why pay for a service that is nothing more than a static page? Often, we may find ourselves on the other side after clicking “join” to end up discovering a platform that may not necessarily function as we expect. To avoid investing in a service that underperforms, again, it boils down to doing your homework and vetting the platform and the provider. Reviews like this one provide valuable insight that would otherwise take you up to several hours to uncover online.

Header

PropertyScout.io

US Realty Records

Landing Page
  • Quality
  • Simple and attractive
  • Overview of Services
  • Details are to the point and quick to find and read.
  • Pricing Transparency
  • Pricing button easily identified in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Trusted Site Credentialing
  • Yes
  • Customer Testimonials
  • Yes
  • Five heavy-influencing industries back PropertyScount.io
  • Sample of Reports
  • Yes
  • Quality
  • Simple and attractive
  • Overview of Services
  • Information is easy to find and doesn’t require extensive reading and hunting.
  • Pricing Transparency
  • Pricing link easily located in the upper right corner of the screen.
  • Trusted Site Credentialing
  • No
  • Customer Testimonials
  • No
  • Sample of Reports
  • Yes
Data Reliability Transparency
  • Statements of data being incorrect, unreliable, outdated, etc. are nowhere to be found.
  • “Terms of Use: 9.1 We may provide Users with content belonging to the Outside Sources or links leading to the Outside Sources. We are not responsible for the content provided by the Outside Sources. Outside sources are not under our control, and they may have different terms of use and policies. The Site is not responsible for the availability and content of the Outside Sources.”
Support
  • 24/7-365
  • By Phone
  • By Support Ticket Submission
  • By Facebook Messaging
  • Hours/days not specified
  • By Phone
  • By Support Ticket Submission
  • By Email
Dashboard
  • Account Info
  • Search/Report History
  • Customization
  • Printing/Downloading
  • Although there is a dashboard, it’s difficult to tell when you are in it because it appears as a regular screen.
  • “Account” button in top right corner

Platform User-Friendliness

If you are able to work your way through pages and links with ease while finding the information you need, then kudos to the platform for providing a user-friendly environment.

Header

PropertyScout.io

HomeInfoMax

The Overall Process
  1. 1Login (takes you to Dashboard)
  2. 2You can access “History” for recent searches/reports
  3. 3Search methods:
  • Address
  • APN
  • People
  • Map
  1. 4Search results bring up:
  • Printing options appear (PDF, Excel, CSV)
  • Address
  • Property photo
  • Map (street view, satellite view, map
  • Owner
  • Property details
  • Last sale
  • Taxes
  • Deed
  • Mortgage
  1. 1Sign In (you arrive at your dashboard)
  2. 2Search methods:
  • You must enter address, city, state, and zip in a form to generate a search. At the time you perform this search, it counts as a report.
  1. 3The report (from your search) brings up:
  • Map
  • Address
  • Square footage
  • Year built
  • Property Details
  • Value/Financial
  • Estimated value
  • Mortgage
  • Estimated rental
  • Comp’s on area properties

Pricing Plans

Having an easy to understand pricing plan that clearly outlines what you receive for a fee is a must for any platform.

PropertyScout.io

US Realty Records

Two plans with access to full data and history/storage.

  • 3-Day Plan: $9.95 (up to 100 searches) with full search history and report storage
  • Pro Plan $59.95 (up to 1,000 searches) with full search history and report storage
Three plans with access to the below data and report history.

Basic Report: $14.95 for 1 report

  • Map
  • Address
  • Square footage
  • Year built
  • Property Details
  • Estimated value
  • Mortgage
  • Estimated rental
  • Comp’s on area properties

Premium: $29.95 per report

  • All of the “Basic Report” PLUS
  • Report tracking

Premium: $19.95 per month(20 reports per month)

  • All of the “Basic Report” and “Premium” PLUS priority customer service.

The Entire Takeaway

PropertyScout.io

Overall Impression

  • The platform is user-friendly in functionality.
  • A personalized dashboard provides a more customized appeal rather than a generic screen.
  • Pricing is straightforward, affordable, and no hidden fees or upsales.
  • Customer support is always on duty to help!

US Realty Records

Overall Impression

  • The overall appearance of the platform is user-friendly and attractive.
  • The only things lacking in features were:
  • Street-view map
  • Satellite-view map
  • Image of property
  • Sample reports
  • It would be a plus if they had customer testimonials and/or credentialing to provide prospective users a sense of reliability.
  • The fact that numerous “dba’s” may appear on your credit card statement is odd.
  • “Charges may appear as any of the following on your credit card statement:
  • REALTYRECORD8005614950
  • USREALTYRECORD8005614950
  • REALTYRECORDUS8005614950
  • USHOMEREPORT8005890586
  • HOMEREPORTS8005890586”
  • Their pricing plans are straightforward without hidden fees.
  • As far as customer service, they provide email, phone, and support ticket submission, which suffices. However, there’s no information about their hours/days for support service.

RELIABLE, REPUTABLE, AND ACCURATE Property Data Service… Contact PropertyScout.io Today!

PropertyScout.io delivers a positive customer experience with our services.

  • Customer support is available 24/7/365.
  • Our platform delivers a great user-experience in functionality AND features!
  • We don’t upsell or have hidden fees.
  • Your productivity is our priority!

You will be immersed in one of the best data provider service platforms in the industry. Give us a try!

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Property Records Search, Uncategorized

Greene County, Illinois: Property and Tax Records Search By Address

For many of us who rely on public records relating to properties, getting the correct information through reliable sources requires a sleuth’s expertise! As investors, insurers, and lenders, the data in these public records are vital to performing our jobs effectively. Counties across our nation have individual uniqueness in how someone like ourselves gains access to property records. In some counties, the tax assessor is responsible for managing these records. In other counties, a county clerk may handle them. Additionally, there are counties where you have to peel away websites and links to find out the state handles public records. Lastly, some counties have a ghostly existence online that lack a website, portal, or person to contact.Property data is only a click away; no digging and hunting required! Try a quick search on PropertyScout.io NOW!

A Synopsis Of Greene County

Greene County is a very small area that quietly hugs the Illinois River just north of St. Louis and southwest of Springfield. The county functions under township governing with a total of 13 townships. The largest towns in the county include Carrollton and White Hall. Smaller villages and towns make up the remainder of Greene County.

Townships In Greene County

  • Athensville
  • Bluffdale
  • Carrollton
  • Kane
  • Linder
  • Patterson
  • Rockbridge
  • Roodhouse
  • Rubicon
  • Walkerville
  • White Hall
  • Woodville
  • Wrights

Greene County is an emerald gem of simple country-like living. Here you can truly enjoy a peaceful, simple way of living that’s ideal for raising children. The fast-paced lifestyle of big cities is foreign here as well as crowded public gatherings. Residents in Greene County savor life’s moments with tea and great conversation on a front porch or pleasant leisure drive through the countryside. We are now living in times where remote workers are looking for options to get away from city crowding, where it’s safer to work, live, and play. High-rise apartment buildings are being traded for charming Victorian homes and farmhouses in more peaceful, quiet communities.

Greene County Property Tax Search (Tax Rates)

Property taxes in Greene County are relatively low. Tax rates vary according to each township within the county. However, the average monthly median tax is about $1,277. Greene County property tax search is not available online. Because the county government infrastructure doesn’t have the technology to post a comprehensive list of tax rates, you will need to contact each township to obtain it. The Greene County property appraiser in the townships is not the source to go to. You will need to reach out to the recorder.

Property Investment Opportunities

Property Investment Opportunities Greene County

Although the remote rural ambiance of Greene County may be unappealing for some, others see opportunities for a narrower target audience, such as remote workers and those seeking a safe place to raise a family. The small-town environment is something that presents itself as an attribute in marketing towards various niche-oriented prospective residents. Believe it or not, there is a market out there that would devour an opportunity to reside in a place like Greene County!

  • Young couples who are interested in homesteading/farming.
  • Young families with small children.
  • Remote workers who are seeking something outside of the city.
  • Vineyard opportunities because of the lush farmland.
  • Bed and breakfast inn.
  • Herbalist farmers/crafters who grow and create products such as essential oils, candles, etc.

Get the Greene County property tax search you need right HERE!

Owning or Renting Property in Greene County

Residents in Greene County don’t own grand mansions or luxury condos. Here you’ll find communities that are anchored with traditional ranch or two-story homes in different styles. The majority of those living in the county are proud homeowners. A total of 6,425 homes are sprawled throughout the county. 79.1% of these homes are owned, and the remaining are rentals.

Quick Facts About Greene County

  • Covers 543.02 square miles
  • 25 people per square mile
  • 12 houses per square mile
  • 600 farms that cover 78% of the county (corn, soybeans, wheat, hogs, cattle)
  • Government: townships
  • County seat: Carrollton
  • Population 12,969
  • Hospitals: 1
  • School Districts
  • Carrollton
  • K-8: 488 students
  • High school: 234 students
  • Greenfield
  • K-8: 376 students
  • High school: 146
  • North Greene
  • 2 Elementary schools: 555 students
  • 1 Junior high: 144 students
  • 1 High school: 356 students
  • Public Services
  • 1 Sheriff’s department
  • 6 Fire stations
  • 1 Hospital
  • GDP Greene County
  • 2012: $246,604
  • 2015: $198,632

Property Climate in Greene County

The housing market varies in each township. However, in the two larger towns within the county, the past year’s data is positive. The affordable prices in the county make the area ideal for first-time home buyers!

Carrollton

  • Median listing: $129,900
  • Median sale: $97,000
  • Price per square feet: $66
  • Past year result: Increase of 11.7%

White Hall

  • Median listing: $76,000
  • Median sale: $72,000
  • Price per square feet: $45
  • Past year result: no change

Property Climate in Greene County

Property Stats for Greene County

Greene County has 6,425 housing units, which averages 12 houses per square mile. There are more owned homes than rentals.Rentals: 1,047 (21%) with a median monthly rental of $591Owned: 3,958 (79.1%) with a median monthly mortgage of $947

Types Of Housing

  • Single detached: 82%
  • Duplex: 3%
  • Apartment: 5%
  • Mobile/Manufactured home: 10%

Percentage Of Homes Owned In Specific Price Ranges

  • $<50,000: 29%
  • $50,000-$100,000: 36%
  • $100,000-$200,000: 25%
  • $200,000-$300,000: 7%
  • $300,000-$400,000: 2%
  • $400,000-$500,000: 1%

Percentage of Monthly Rental Rates Renters Are Paying

  • $<300: 14%
  • $300-$500: 15%
  • $500-$750: 37%
  • $750-$1,000: 14%
  • $1,000-$1,500: 7%

Property Stats for Greene County

Mortgage Stress in Greene County

There are 47% of homeowners with a mortgage in Greene County, of which 8% have a second mortgage or home equity line of credit. The remaining 53% of homeowners in the county are mortgage-free!

Property Insurance and Risks in Greene County

Tornado Alley has shifted eastwards and now covers Illinois. Greene County not only contends with tornadoes but a host of other natural disasters.Over the last ten years, the county experienced 66 natural disasters.

  • Tornadoes: 5
  • Winter-related events: 20
  • Extreme heat events: 19
  • Flooding: 9
  • Drought: 1
  • Earthquake: 1

In May 1995, the county dealt with flooding that caused significant damage. Property damage totals were up around $15 million and crop loss near $12 million.

Public Access To Greene County Real Estate Records

Greene County, real estate records are available to the public. But, the process of trying to find the source that maintains those records is about as easy as threading a needle with your eyes closed!Using a process of elimination, we began with a generic online search for “Greene County, Illinois government.” Now, most of us would start with the Tax Assessor’s web page. The confusion mounted the more we dug and searched for a website or page for the county.Our beginning efforts to find something on Greene County property lookup was not yielding much luck!

Searching For A Greene County Property Lookup

Searching For A Greene County Property Lookup

Our online search for “Greene County, IL” failed to pull up a dedicated government website. In cases like this, we proceed to the state government’s websites because when there’s no county site, you can usually find it under the state. The “Illinois Secretary of State” website is the state-run online resource. Oddly it’s named “CyberDriveIllinois.com.” Typing in a search for “Greene County” on the “CyberdriveIllinois.com” landing page opens a page listing the Greene County Courthouse, address, and phone numbers. That was nothing more than a static page lacking links to the Greene County Courthouse. We notice a menu bar towards the top of the page with “Local Government Records Database.” We click and are taken to another page.A page opens up for “IRAD – Illinois Registry Archives Depository.” It lists the various depositories that house public records. Towards the bottom is a “search” button that we click on. Another page opens to “Local Government Holdings.” To go further, you must enter the county name, a title, AND the depository that maintains Greene County records. A new tab is opened to perform an independent online search for the assigned depository for Greene. Once we have our answer, we go back to the website.We enter “Greene County,” and that’s it because we don’t know what to put in for “title.” Another page opens to a secondary “Local Government Holdings.” A list containing “titles, begin date (1800s), and end date” appear. Unfruitful results take us back to the Illinois Secretary of State homepage. We then type in a search for “County Assessor,” “Clerk,” and also “Recorder.” A page for the county clerk/recorder comes up. However, it too is a static page with the Greene County Courthouse, address, phone number, and a Hotmail address for the recorder. Hotmail is extremely outdated and not generally used for professional/governmental contacts. The online effort ends there after 2 hours and 21 minutes of digging.Are you ready to get Greene County public records FAST without digging? Try a search on PropertyScout.io now!

Stop The Madness Of Endless Searching!

Can you imagine if you had to commit a big chunk of time out of a busy day to perform a search as we did? Time is money and must be used wisely to keep things running efficiently. PropertyScout.io puts public records right at your fingertips to help you grow your business and be more productive with your time.Get the data you need on Greene County property records by name!

  • Property records data delivered FAST.
  • Skip the endless time-consuming searches through government websites that may not even exist!
  • Save time from having to call around or go in person to get records.

Give PropertyScout.io a try TODAY with a quick search.Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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King County: Property and Tax Record Search By Address

In a county as large as King County, Washington, we as lenders, insurers, and investors depend on the county’s website to find property records. Property records are publicly accessible in every county in our nation. It’s getting to those records that differ between counties.Do you need to get some info on a property located in King County, Washington, but unsure where to go? County public records are accessible to the public and contain valuable property data that the lending, investing, and insuring industries rely on. Every county website differs in how they are structured. Some may have direct portals to public records, some may not, and some, well, you have to do a lot of digging. Finding the source of access to those public records can be very time consuming, challenging, and frustrating. We will show you how to save time, money and get to King County real estate records within a few clicks!

Try a FAST way to get property data!

A Synopsis of King County

King County is a beautiful area nestled in between mountain ranges in Washington. It comes in as the 13th largest county in the U.S., with Seattle as the county seat. Over two million people called this area home. The county was initially named after an Alabama senator (William Rufus DeVane King) but was later renamed to honor Martin Luther King, Jr.Culture is highly diverse here where artists, poets, writers, and everyday people of all types collide as a society. The county is among the top 100 U.S. counties with the highest income. Affluent communities and properties include celebrity residents such as Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. The economy within the area is prosperous and thriving, with big companies headquartered here such as Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon, Costco, and more. One of the nation’s largest international seaports is located here as well.Try a King County property tax search NOW!

The Scope of King County

King County has 39 cities and towns. Three-fourths of the county is forest land. The highest concentration of populus is in and around the Seattle area.

Cities/Towns

  1. 1Algona
  2. 2Auburn
  3. 3Beaux Arts Village
  4. 4Bellevue
  5. 5Black Diamond
  6. 6Bothell
  7. 7Burien
  8. 8Carnation
  9. 9Clyde Hill
  10. 10Covington
  11. 11Des Moines
  12. 12Duvall
  13. 13Enumclaw
  14. 14Federal Way
  15. 15Hunts Point
  16. 16Issaquah
  17. 17Kenmore
  18. 18Kent
  19. 19Kirkland
  20. 20Lake Forest Park
  21. 21Maple Valley
  22. 22Medina
  23. 23Mercer Island
  24. 24Milton
  25. 25Newcastle
  26. 26Normandy Park
  27. 27North Bend
  28. 28Pacific
  29. 29Redmond
  30. 30Renton
  31. 31Sammamish
  32. 32SeaTac
  33. 33Seattle
  34. 34Shoreline
  35. 35Skykomish
  36. 36Snoqualmie
  37. 37Tukwila
  38. 38Woodinville
  39. 39Yarrow Point

Owning or Renting Property in King County

The alluring mountains, forests, job market, and diversity of people draw prospective residents into the area. Options in housing offer a wide variety in affordability, location, styles, and amenities.

Quick Facts About King County

  • Covers 2,132 square miles
  • Urban areas: 462 square miles
  • Rural areas: 301 square miles
  • Agricultural areas: 62 square miles
  • Streams/Rivers: 3,000 miles
  • Forest land: 850,000 acres
  • Coastline: 100 miles
  • Population over 2,190,200 (13.4% growth over past 8 years)
  • 49 Hospitals
  • 20 School districts
  • 477 public schools
  • 243,861 students
  • Emergency Services
  • 4 Police precincts
  • 1 Sheriff’s department
  • 25 Fire districts
  • 40+ Colleges/Universities

Owning or Renting Property in King County

Property Climate in King County

Home prices are higher in King County compared to other areas of our nation. Having a higher population of affluent residents and communities lend to the higher costs of homes here. Median property taxes were $4,611.

  • Median sales price: $695,000
  • Median listing price: $675,000 ($410/sq. ft.)
  • Median home value: $493,500

Valuations

  • >$2m: 7%
  • $1.5m – $2m: 7%
  • $1m – $1.5m: 7%
  • $750,000 – $1m: 13%
  • $500,000 – $750,000: 25%
  • $400,000 – $500,000: 14%
  • $300,000 – $400,000: 17%
  • $200,000 – $300,000: 12%
  • $100,000 – $200,000: 4%
  • $50,000 – $100,000: 1%
  • <$50,000: 2%

Home Value Appreciation for King County

The value of homes in King County increased 11% over the past year and 13.66% over the past two years.

Housing Occupancy Rate for King County

King County has 917,904 housing units (434 homes for every square mile.) 57% of those units are owned-homes, and 43% are rental properties. A whopping 94% of homeowners occupy their properties, leaving a narrow property vacancy margin of only 6%. Seasonal/vacation homes may account for the 6% of vacant properties.

Rental Property Data for King County

Median monthly rental: $1,494

  • >$3,500: 2%
  • $2,500 – $3,500: 8%
  • $1,500 – $2,500: 39%
  • $1,000 – $1,500: 30%
  • $750 – $1,000: 10%
  • $500 – $750: 4%
  • $300 – $500: 3%
  • <$300: 3%

Economy for King County

Major employers in King County include Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, University of Washington, Starbucks, and the area hospitals.

GDP King County

  • 2019: $294,329,768
  • 2018: 278,127,160
  • 2017: 256,067,584

Second Mortgages/HELOCS in King County

  • 2nd mortgage only: 2%
  • HELOC only: 11%
  • No second mortgage/HELOC: 59%
  • No mortgage: 27%

Second Mortgages/HELOCS in King County

King County has its fair share of natural disasters/risks as most other counties do. Several environmental factors place the county at risk of six natural disasters that can impact properties.

  • Earthquakes
  • 3 past events causing $39.5 million in damage.
  • Flooding
  • Occurrence happen every 2-5 years
  • 28 past events causing trillions of dollars in damage.
  • Landslides
  • 8 past events causing $200 million in damage.
  • Winter Weather Events
  • 8 past events causing $101 billion in damage.
  • Windstorm
  • 2 past events causing $30 billion in damage.
  • Volcano
  • Wildfires

Public Record Access in King County

Unlike many other counties in the U.S., King County is relatively easier to access public records providing you have an address, homeowner’s name, or parcel ID. It would be ideal if every county had the organized infrastructure of websites that enabled easy online access to public records.We have encountered hundreds of county websites to date that have no portal or online access to public records. When industry professionals like yourself go to search property records in counties such as those, you will find that you must lean on outdated methods of acquiring the information you need.It’s then that you must decipher what department handles and maintains public records. County clerks or assessors are the presumed sources. Where do you start with a King County property lookup? Our starting point included trying the King County property appraiser for access to public property records.

Our Experience In Performing A King County Property Lookup

We will admit that compared to the numerous other county property records searches we do on county websites, King County was not as cumbersome. Our search did require a bit of digging and hunting through various departments and typing in searches on the county’s website.A typical search for property records on a county website takes us anywhere from 1 – 3 hours. We perform these searches and break down what it took to get through the county website’s pages and links to provide you an inside look at how frustrating the process can be.

Our “Descent” Into King County’s Website

With the website landing page in front of us, we do a search for “public records.” A new page opens where numerous links appear to more pages of information. One link catches our eye, so we click on it (“find public records and documents.”)A new page opens listing various departments and links. We click on “Property & Land.” Another page opens where we click on “property tax records.” Another page opens to a sub-page under “King County Department of Assessments.” On this sub-page is what appears to be a platform called “eReal.”The eReal platform page has a checkbox that we must select to agree to their terms, which we do. We are then taken further into the platform to a new page. On this page are search options.

  • “Search by address, city, zip”
  • “Search by parcel number”
  • Search by property name”

We enter a known address in the county in the “Search by address, city, zip” box. It fails to turn up any results. We try another known address, and it opens a page with property information.

  • Parcel #
  • Owner name/address
  • Image
  • Tax levy rate district
  • Tax history
  • Year built
  • Square footage
  • # bedrooms, baths
  • Lot size
  • Condition

At the top of that page is a menu bar with various links.

  • Property tax bill
  • Map of property
  • Area report
  • Property details

We click on “Property details,” and a new page opens featuring a comprehensive listing of property information. We decide to try another property search by address back on the eReal platform page, so we hit the back button until we are taken back to it. We enter a known address in the “Search by address, city, zip,” and it too failed to yield results.Doing a property records search on King County’s eReal platform page is a “hit and miss” situation because you may or may not get the results you need.Do you want to invest your precious time by trying a “hit and miss” search that is uncertain with results? Try doing a QUICK search HERE!

Get The Property Records You Need In ONE CLICK!

So, now you have a glimpse into just how cumbersome and time-consuming searching for property records is. Who has time and money to burn with a business to run? PropertyScout.io provides professionals like yourself with an efficient and productive solution!

  • Property records are accessible in just one click.
  • No diving deep into the abyss of county website pages.
  • You get a great return on your investment by partnering with us.

Leverage our platform to get the data you need to optimize your business! Give us a try!Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Los Angeles County: Property and Tax Records Search By Address

Public property records are often a lifeline those of us in lending, investing, and insuring industries come to rely on. However, it’s getting to the right entity within a county government that houses that data that proves to be a significant challenge. Counties throughout the U.S. typically have similar infrastructures; however, there are variances in departmental or authorities that maintain and control property records. Los Angeles County is no different when it comes to a maze of county departments you must work your way through. So, just how do we get to the right place quickly for the information we need?

You can tap into property data within seconds! Try a search on PropertyScout.io NOW!

A Synopsis of Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County hugs the California coastline between Anaheim and Oxnard. It reaches northward as far as Lancaster, California. The city of Los Angeles sits in the southern-central area of the county. The greater Los Angeles area is infamous for the vast number of celebrities that live there. LA culture drips with wealth with mansions with unfathomable square footage and amenities strewn up and down palm tree-lined boulevards. Tourists of all walks of life visit in hopes of a celebrity sighting, mega mansions, and various attractions. The beautiful beaches call to those who vacation and live in the area. There’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy a diverse world of culture and things to indulge in not only in the Los Angeles area but California as a whole.Los Angeles County is the LARGEST county in the U.S. A whopping 88 cities are within the boundaries of this county, the biggest city being Los Angeles. Approximately ⅓ of the county is densely populated, with the other ⅔ being mountain ranges and desert areas with smaller cities and towns. In the winter, you can bury your feet in the warm sands of Malibu Beach and drive a few hours northerly to enjoy a fun run on the snow-covered ski slopes in the mountains! Los Angeles County is where all your favorite movies were shot in. From Blade Runner to La La Land, it has it all. It’s not uncommon to walk around outside in LA and see a film crew setting up to start a shot.

Los Angeles County Property Tax Search (Tax Rates)

Because there are so many cities within the county, the tax rates vary. However, the average tax rate on properties is about 1.25%. Tax revenue is distributed throughout the county, with the largest portion (40%) going towards schools. Los Angeles County property tax search that is narrowed down by address or city will yield definitive tax rates rather than averages.

Property Investment Opportunities

Working remotely has become the “new norm” for many of us. As investors, we can leverage this shift in work environments by investing in seasonal/rental properties in Los Angeles County. Remote workers opt for areas that offer desirable climates and access to the outdoors, such as beaches. Although a cramped little rental in the city’s heart may not be ideal for potential remote worker housing solutions, something within walking distance from the beach is. The mountains north of Los Angeles are just as appealing as the beach for remote work. Regardless of a beach or mountain property potential, now is a great time to take advantage of an investment opportunity!A FAST Los Angeles County property tax search can be done by clicking HERE!

Owning or Renting Property in Los Angeles County

Property Climate in Los Angeles County

Seasonal, vacation, or full-time residential rentals provide newcomers with endless choices. Location, price, and available amenities make this area very attractive! Downtown high-rise apartment living to a simple beach bungalow awaits tenants. Grand-scale living is attainable on a monthly rental basis with choices in mega-mansions, contemporary hillside homes, or turn-key vacation homes that provide ample room for the occasional private helicopter.

Quick Facts About Los Angeles County

  • Covers 4,084 square miles
  • Islands (Santa Catalina and San Clemente) 129 square miles
  • Coastal 75 miles
  • Los Angeles was the first city in the county to be incorporated (April 1850.) The last city in the county to incorporate was Calabasas (April 1991.)
  • Population 10,441,080 million
  • Hospitals: 4
  • Medical Centers: 19
  • The School district in Los Angeles County is the SECOND LARGEST in the U.S.
  • 652,648 students
  • 75,674 employees
  • Primary schools: 18
  • Elementary schools: 439
  • Middle schools: 77
  • High schools: 88
  • Magnet schools: 65
  • Special education schools: 12
  • Public Services
  • 23 Sheriff’s Departmental Stations
  • 175 Fire & Rescue Stations
  • Colleges/Universities: Seven of the U.S. top universities are right here in Los Angeles County!
  • 60 colleges/universities

Property Climate in Los Angeles County

The enormous size of such a densely populated county presents a bit of a challenge to gain insight into the market as a whole. To get specific median home pricing, valuations, etc., requires scaling down from a county perspective to city-data. This perhaps sheds light on just how immensely time-consuming a DIY property records search can be.

Median Home Prices

A market report generated by the California Association of Realtors breaks down the median prices on homes over the past year along with home sales rates. Their forecasted figure on state-wide foreclosures includes 60,000 properties. A baseline market outlook in single-family homes reflects an increase of about 3.23%. Median home prices are predicted to increase by 4.23% over the next year.We have highlighted various cities in the northern, southern, eastern, western, and central regions within the county to give you a synopsis of single-family residential property (SFR) market ranges.

Northern Region

Lancaster

  • SFR: 2.6% decrease over the past year
  • Median home price: $360,000

South/Central Region

Beverly Hills

  • SFR: 9.5% increase over the past year
  • Median home price: $3.35 million

Burbank

  • SFR: 84.6% increase over the past year
  • Median home price: $1.03 million

Glendale

  • SFR: 6.1% increase over the past year
  • Median home price: $1.16 million

Long Beach

  • SFR: 6.6% increase over the past year
  • Median home price: $820,000

Los Angeles

  • SFR: 23.9% increase over the past year
  • Median home price: $1.01 million

Eastern Region

Norwalk

  • SFR: 46.2% increase over the past year
  • Median home price: $1.47 million

Property Climate in Los Angeles County

Property Stats for Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has 3,524,321 housing units in which averages about 868 houses per square mile. There are more rental properties than owned in the county.Rentals: 1,791,480 (54%) with a monthly median rental of $1.390Owned: 1,514,629 (46%) with a monthly median mortgage of $2,417

GDP Los Angeles County

  • 2018: $710.9 billion
  • An increase of .37% is forecasted by the year 2021

Mortgage Stress in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County will, of course, reflect a higher percentage of homeowners with second mortgages or home equity line of credits because of the size of the county. Within the county, 72% of the population have mortgages, of which 21% have 2nd mortgages or a home equity line of credit.

Property Stats for Los Angeles County

Property Stats for Los Angeles County

Earthquakes are synonymous with California. Additionally, wildfires and mudslides plague the hillsides where multi-million dollar homes sit. Along the coastline, there is an increase in the potential for flooding. Back in 2009, the infamous “Station Fire” was documented as the largest wildfire in the county. Over the past three years, there have been six county wildfires. Those who invest or own properties in the hills are at risk of fires like these. Mudflow and mudslides can result from the runoff of water used in fighting the fires.Numerous earthquakes have shaken Los Angeles County. In 1987 a 5.9 earthquake caused $358 million in damage to properties. Just four years later, another one hit, triggering $40 million in damage. 1994 brought forth a 6.7 earthquake that damaged over 100,000 structures.

Public Access To Los Angeles County Real Estate Records

Los Angeles County real estate records are publicly accessible. Once you think you’ve found the right place, you do a silent happy dance. However, you are quickly met with disappointment when you are either told to go somewhere else, or a county website link proves fruitless. The lack of consistency in departments and/or officials that handle property records is something we must contend with in different counties across our nation. One county’s tax assessor may manage property records, while another county houses those records under some other department/official. The only way of discovering this is to work your way through the maze of each individual county infrastructure. Doesn’t Los Angeles County property appraiser handle property records? No, unfortunately, they do not.Just where do you go to get results for a Los Angeles County property lookup?

Searching For A Los Angeles County Property Lookup

When arriving at the Los Angeles County’s website, there’s no precise way to know where public records (property records) are. Most of us would ordinarily look for a portal that links you to “public records.” But this is not the case for this county.Typically, we would go straight to the Los Angeles County property appraiser to begin our search. You would think that the Los Angeles County property records by name should be attainable through the appraiser or assessor. Because there’s no “jumping off” point on the county’s website, a general search must be entered for “property records.” After typing this in, we are directed to a page that contains links to more pages. One link (“property document recording”) appears to be promising. Clicking on that link carries you deeper into the abyss with another page opening. We are now staring at the “Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk” page. Scrolling down, there are more links, one of which may get us somewhere! So, we click on “Real Estate Records.” Another page opens and brings us to “General Information.” Appearing on the page are three tabs; “General Info,” “Real Estate Records Request,” and “Viewing Real Estate Records.” Undoubtedly one of these tabs will get us where we need to be. A click on “Real Estate Records Request” opens a page listing fees for public records such as copying, mailing, etc. That’s as far as this page takes us. So, we click on the other tab, “Viewing Real Estate Records.” A page opens bearing an address in Norwalk, where you must go in person to access public records dating 1850-1957. Requests by telephone are not accepted. But wait, over on the left side of the page is a link, “Online Access to Real Estate Records.” This has got to be the link we need! So, we click on this link, and a page appears with a statement of “This office does not provide online access to real estate records or indexes via the internet.” This dead-end was just that, a flat dead end! When calling the Registrar’s office to inquire further about online access to records, we were met with a recording.The only way to access property records in Los Angeles County is in person. Get the data you need NOW by trying PropertyScout.io.

Just One Click Away From Getting The Property Data You Need!

Don’t let dead ends like this one devour your precious time and sanity! We know how costly wasted time can be. Efficient means of acquiring property data not only save you time but money. PropertyScout.io gives you a much-needed boost in productivity, allowing your focus to be on growing your business. Los Angeles County property records by name are just a click away!

  • Get the property data you need quickly!
  • Avoid peeling away the numerous layers of governmental websites and in-person visits to get property records.
  • Save money and time to be more efficient and productive.

Get what you need FAST with PropertyScout.io. Give us a try!

Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Cook County: Property and Tax Records Search By Address

Are you frustrated trying to find property data in Cook County through the county’s website? As leaders in the lending, insuring, and investing industries, we rely on property information accessible through public records. It’s getting to those records easily and quickly that presents a challenge. Our time is valuable, and spending hours or days on one property search is not cost-efficient or productive.There’s an easier way to bypass the frustration and save time!Don’t let county websites suck you into the abyss of endless pages! Try a quick search for the data you need on PropertyScout.io.

A Synopsis of Cook County

Cook County hugs the shoreline of Lake Michigan and has the “Windy City” of Chicago poised right in the center of that shoreline. Larger suburban cities border Chicago as they spread outward, making Cook County a very densely populated county! Many from around the globe make a pilgrimage to Chicago to see the attractions. Seeing the expansive city from the Sears Tower is a must for anyone new to the area. The “Magnificent Mile” provides visitors with a unique shopping experience that offers modern and timeless classic stores, boutiques, and shops. Three massive multi-level shopping malls beckon strollers from the street for a glamorous atmosphere with even more shopping opportunities. Chicago is a mecca for tourists year-round. There’s something magical about spending the holidays in Chicago where snowflakes as big as cookies quietly fall from the sky. Football fans huddle together under blankets to enjoy a game in Soldier’s Field. We can’t forget the infamous Chicago-style pizza, and Chicago hotdogs that visitors and residents seek out and devour!Lenders, insurers, and investors…do a Cook County property tax search HERE!

Investment Opportunities In Cook County

The year-round influx of tourists, college students, temporary corporate workers, and temporary city dwellers creates housing needs that will cause an investor’s dollar senses to tingle! Offering a turnkey vacation or seasonal rental to those coming to the city may prove to be a money-making opportunity. A small rental apartment near the shopping attractions is ideal for offering weekend shoppers coming in for a weekend or during the holidays. A cottage along the shoreline north of Chicago near the beach is something seasonal renters will find appealing.

The Scope of Cook County

Scopes of Cook County

Cook County is the second-most densely populated county in the U.S. (Los Angeles County being first.) The 94 towns and cities within Cook County fall under one of the 30 townships. These townships are similar to a district. When searching for property information in this county, you may find that you’ll need to know what township that property is located in.To add more confusion to finding property information, a property may fall within one of the county’s 800 local governments. Within those 800 local governments are 130 municipalities!

Towns And Cities In Cook County

  • Barrington
  • Berwyn
  • Bloom
  • Bremen
  • Calumet
  • Chicago
  • Cicero
  • Elk Grove
  • Evanston
  • Hanover
  • Lemont
  • Leyden
  • Lyons Palos
  • Maine
  • New Trier
  • Niles
  • Northfield
  • Norwood Park
  • Oak Park
  • Orland
  • Paletine
  • Proviso
  • Rich
  • River Forest
  • Riverside
  • Schaumburg
  • Stickney
  • Thornton
  • Wheeling
  • Worth

Townships in Cook County

Every town or city falls within a township, similar to a district

  • Alsip
  • Arlington Heights
  • Bellwood
  • Berkeley
  • Berwyn
  • Blue Island
  • Bridgeview
  • Broadview
  • Burbank
  • Calumet City
  • Chicago
  • Chicago Heights
  • Chicago Ridge
  • Cicero
  • Country Club Hills
  • Des Plaines
  • Dolton
  • Elk Grove Village
  • Elmwood Park
  • Evanston
  • Evergreen Park
  • Flossmoor
  • Forest Park
  • Franklin Park
  • Glencoe
  • Glenview
  • Glenwood
  • Golf
  • Hanover Park
  • Harvey
  • Harwood Heights
  • Hazel Crest
  • Hickory Hills
  • Hillside
  • Hines
  • Hoffman Estates
  • Hometown
  • Homewood
  • Justice
  • Kenilworth
  • La Grange
  • La Grange Park
  • Lansing
  • Lemont
  • Lincolnwood
  • Lyons
  • Markham
  • Matteson
  • Maywood
  • Melrose Park
  • Midlothian
  • Morton Grove
  • Mount Prospect
  • Niles
  • Northbrook
  • Oak Forest
  • Oak Lawn
  • Oak Park
  • Olympia Fields
  • Orland Park
  • Palatine
  • Palos Heights
  • Palos Hills
  • Palos Park
  • Park Forest
  • Park Ridge
  • Posen
  • Prospect Heights
  • Richton Park
  • River Forest
  • River Grove
  • Riverdale
  • Riverside
  • Robbins
  • Rolling Meadows
  • Schaumburg
  • Schiller Park
  • Skokie
  • South Holland
  • Steger
  • Stone Park
  • Streamwood
  • Summit Argo
  • Techny
  • Thornton
  • Tinley Park
  • Westchester
  • Western Springs
  • Wheeling
  • Willow Springs
  • Wilmette
  • Winnetka
  • Worth

Owning or Renting Property in Cook County

Renting Property in Cook County

Cook County offers an array of property options for potential home buyers or renters. You have the amenities of a big city, suburban living, or smaller rural areas. Driving distance to the shoreline of Lake Michigan provides recreational activities that many enjoy. Everything from a single-family home to an upscale high-rise apartment is available here.

Quick Facts About Cook County

  • Covers 946 square miles (city of Chicago makes up 85% of the county)
  • Established January 15, 1831
  • Population: 5.3 million
  • 73 Hospitals
  • 153 School districts
  • 1,374 public schools
  • 766,000+ students
  • Public Services
  • 5 Sheriff’s Police Districts
  • 1 Sheriff’s Department
  • Chicago Police Department
  • 302 Fire Departments
  • Chicago Metro Fire has 128 stations in their district.
  • Colleges/Universities
  • 116+
  • 1 Military Base (Great Lakes Training Center – Navy Base)
  • GDP Cook County
  • 2018: $411,671,713
  • 2016: $383,453,743

Property Climate in Cook County

  • Median Home Listing Price: $324,900
  • Median Home Sale Price: $275,000
  • Median Home Price Per Sq. Ft. Price: $203

Property Taxes

There are 1,400 taxing agencies in Cook County. Property taxes provide about 50% revenue for schools in the county.

Average Tax Rates (2019)

  • Chicago: 6.890%
  • Suburbs (North/Northwest): 8.920%
  • Suburbs (South/Southwest): 13.317%

An average increase of 4% was incurred from 2018-2019.

  • Highest tax rate in the county (Park Forest): 35.748%
  • Lowest tax rate in the county (Burr Ridge): 7.111%

Property Climate in Cook County

Home Value Appreciation for Cook County

The housing market in Cook County saw an 8% increase in listings/sales.

  • September 2020
  • Median Listing Price: $325,000
  • Median Sale Price: $281,000
  • September 2019
  • Median Listing Price: $299,000
  • Median Sale Price: $242,000
  • September 2018
  • Median Listing Price: $295,000
  • Median Sale Price: $242,000

Median Home Values

  • 28% $100,000-$200,000
  • 23% $200,000-$300,000
  • 15% $300,000-$400,000
  • 8% $400,000-$500,000
  • 8% $500,000-$750,000
  • 3% > $750,000

Owner Occupancy Rate for Cook County

Cook County has 2,188,394 homes.

  • 90% are occupied
  • 10% are vacant
  • 56.9% are owner-occupied

Rental Property Data for Cook County

The median monthly rent is $1,091.0043% of the 2,188,394 homes in Cook County are rentals

Median Monthly Rentals

  • 11% < $500
  • 10% $500-$750
  • 24% $750-$1,000
  • 32% $1,000-$1,500
  • 20% $1,500-$2,500

Credit Stress in Cook County

Surprisingly, Cook County has a low percentage of those with second mortgages and/or home equity line of credits. For such a densely populated county, the numbers are relatively low!

  • 2nd Mortgages – 2%
  • HELOCS – 7%
  • No 2nd Mortgage or HELOC – 56%
  • No Mortgage – 35%

Rental Property Data for Cook County

Property Insurance and Risks in Cook County

Cook County has its fair share of natural disasters. Valuable data regarding risk assessment, mitigation, and at what cost natural disasters have imposed on the county is compiled in the county’s hazard mitigation plan. The county has had 1,909 past natural disasters that have totaled more than $670 billion! The most costly type of natural disaster in the county has been flooding. The damage from 231 flood events has amounted to $506,040,000 million. Following in the footsteps of costly damage are the 57 tornadoes that caused $118,337,750 million. Storm damage (1,443 events) cost $44,820,600 while winter events (178) cost $700,000. More detailed reports break down other events that cause a significant increase in damage expenses.

Our Journey With A Cook County Property Lookup

As large and expansive as Cook County is, having a comprehensive, user-friendly website with access to property records is something we would expect. However, once we began our journey into the website, we were quickly met with some major frustration.We enter a search for “public records” on the county’s landing page. Another page opens, revealing 730 linking articles. Now, who has time to go through all of those to determine where the source for public records is? We go back to the landing page.We enter another search for “real estate records.” Another page opens, revealing 138 linking articles. Yet again, we retreat to the landing page. At the top of the page is a link for “Agencies.” So, we click on it. A new page opens. We click on “Assessor.” Another new page opens.We go into all of the links on the “Assessor” page. Each link takes you further and further into an abyss. We turn back and go back to the assessor page. Scrolling to the bottom of the page, we find a link for “Assessor’s Website.” We click on that, and a new page opens. The “Assessor’s Website” page has numerous links. We click on “online tools,” thinking that it may take us to a portal for public records, real estate records, or property records. A new page opens with nothing but COVID19 information. As luck would have it, we find a link on this page “Enter PIN to see property details/search by address.” We click on this, and we are taken back to the county’s website landing page.We go back up to the top and click on “Agencies,” and a new page opens listing all of the different entities that run the county. We click on “Recorder of Deeds,” and a new page opens. We click on “search public records.” A new page opens and appears to be antiquated. This page has two options to search; “20/20” and “Onyx Power User Site.” In trying both, you are required to have a PIN to access records. At this point, we sit here trying to make rhyme or reason out of what agency in this county maintains property records. Do we attempt to try Cook County property appraiser? Apparently after searching, there’s no appraiser in county agencies. Now, most county assessors are the right place to go. We go back to the assessor’s website page. After a few minutes of looking around, we try our hand again, exploring the entire page and its links. Scrolling down, a banner that is disguised to look like an ad has “Enter PIN to see property details.” We don’t have a PIN, but the small lettering below notes “Search by Address.” We click on that, and a new page opens with options to search by PIN, address, or neighborhood. This is the sweet spot we’ve been looking for to get to property records! But disappointment meets us because to do a search; we must have a PIN, have the address, or know the exact neighborhood to gain access to property records. After 1 hour and 45 minutes of a fruitless search, we closed our laptop.A Cook County property lookup should not be this difficult.Don’t waste hours of your precious time. Go DIRECTLY to Cook County Real Estate Records by trying a search on PropertyScout.io!

Cook County Property Records By Name Is Just ONE CLICK Away!

Don’t let yourself get caught up in Cook County’s website. The deeper you go, the more frustrated you become. We spend the time to investigate for ourselves just how cumbersome county websites can be when it comes to searching for property records. Use your time more productively and avoid the painful process of page upon page and link upon link. Get the information you need FAST, and only one click away with PropertyScout.io.

  • Property records and data you need right at your fingertips.
  • You save time (which is money!)

Lenders, investors, and insurers… we encourage you to try a search on PropertyScout.io.Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Property Records Search, Uncategorized

Gladwin County: Property and Tax Record Search By Address

Having online access to county public records is a necessity in our line of work. Because we are in the lending, insuring, or investing industries, we depend on a “lifeline” of property data that lies within county public records. So, why is it so difficult to find online access to public records in counties?

Difficulty In Accessing Public Records

Many counties in our nation have beautifully designed websites that feature sources of information and contacts for residents. However, IF there are online portals to public records, they are hidden deep within the website that requires a LOT of digging. Likewise, many counties don’t have public records portals at all on their website, and it’s not until you spend hours digging that you discover this. Outdated county websites may have links that take you to antiquated search systems for records that no longer work. It would be ideal if all counties had a streamlined website, but unfortunately, that doesn’t exist. You will find that many government departments and appointed officials have their own website that connects with the county website, which adds more confusion.Lenders, insurers, and investors like ourselves rely on data service providers to efficiently get us the property data we need within seconds. It doesn’t make sense in today’s business world to waste time, which is money. Are you ready to find out where you can get property data within seconds and avoid peeling away the layers of county websites? We are going to show you how!Try a search on Property Scout.io!

A Synopsis of Gladwin County

Located in the northeast central state of Michigan is Gladwin County. This county received its namesake in 1831 to honor Major Henry Gladwin, a British officer. It wasn’t until 1875 that the county was officially organized, with its county seat being Gladwin City. Gladwin County offers a more rural lifestyle settled back into lush, green pine-covered countrysides. Raising a family here or those seeking a quiet lifestyle makes the county appealing. Remote workers escaping crowded cities find solace and ample distancing from large gatherings of people.Camping along the numerous little streams, rivers, and larger lakes attracts visitors in the warmer months. Hunting in this area is a year-round activity. Deer hunters flock to Gladwin County in hopes of seeing the “big pointer!”

The Scope of Gladwin County

The Scope of Gladwin County

Gladwin County has 15 townships and two cities within its borders. There are no big cities within the county, but rather a few larger towns established as cities. The government of Gladwin County is broken further down into township municipalities. Most of these townships do not have websites or lack a public records portal. This impedes our ability to get the necessary property records online.

Townships

  • Beaverton (pop. 1,964)
  • Bentley (pop. 844)
  • Billings (pop. 2,416)
  • Bourret (pop. 461)
  • Buckeye (pop. 1,308)
  • Butman (pop. 1,999)
  • Clement (pop. 901)
  • Gladwin (pop. 1,116)
  • Grim (pop. 136)
  • Grout (pop. 1,964)
  • Hay (pop. 1,362)
  • Sage (pop. 2,457)
  • Secord (pop. 1,151)
  • Sherman (pop. 1,043)
  • Tobacco (pop. 2,566)

Cities

  • Gladwin
  • Beaverton

Ready to get the information you need NOW? Trying a search is only ONE CLICK AWAY!

Quick Facts About Gladwin County

  • Coverage – 516 square miles in total (51.2 people per square mile)
  • Land: 505 square miles
  • Water: 11 square miles
  • Streams/Rivers: 473 miles
  • Organized in 1875
  • Population: 25,449
  • 2 Hospital
  • 2 School Districts
  • Beaverton School District: 1,009 students
  • 1 elementary school
  • 1 middle/high school
  • Gladwin Community School District – 1,613 students
  • 1 elementary school
  • 1 elementary/middle school
  • 1 high school
  • Public Safety
  • 1 Sheriff’s Department
  • 8 Fire Departments
  • Colleges/Universities
  • 4 Public

Housing in Gladwin County

Housing Gladwin County

Gladwin County has a total of 17,867 housing units. There are 36 homes per square mile.

  • 85% are owned (9,292 homes)
  • 16% are rentals (1,707 rental units)

Property Tax Rates

  • Median property tax: $1,403

Housing Valuations

County-wide, the median home price was $104,700. The two cities within the county both had increases in sales over the past year.

  • Gladwin City
  • Median listing price: $110,000
  • Median sale price: $145,000
  • 10% increase over the past year
  • Beaverton City
  • Median listing price: $109,900
  • Median sale price: $117,500
  • 14.6% increase over the past year

County Housing Market

Owned

The majority of homes owned in Gladwin County fall within the $100,000 – $200,000 price range with a median monthly mortgage of $1,031.

  • $500,000 – $750,000: 1%
  • $400,000 – $500,000: 1%
  • $300,000 – $400,000: 4%
  • $200,000 – $300,000: 13%
  • $100,000 – $200,000: 34%
  • $50,000 – $100,000: 29%
  • <$50,000: 19%

Rentals

The monthly median rent is $610

  • <$300: 10%
  • $300 – $500: 16%
  • $500 – $750: 34%
  • $750 – $1000: 15%
  • $1,000 – $1,500: 7%
  • >$1,500: 3%

County Housing Market

Economy In Gladwin County

Gladwin County has eight primary employers that sustain the local economy.

  • Manufacturing
  • St. Goban (291 employees)
  • Brown Machine Group (280 employees)
  • East Jordan Plastics (170 employees)
  • Loose Plastics (110 employees)
  • Education
  • Gladwin Community School District (250 employees)
  • Beaverton School District (135 employees)
  • Healthcare
  • MidMichigan Health (187 employees)
  • Gladwin Pines Nursing/Rehab Facility (145 employees)

GDP Gladwin County

  • 2019: $471,364
  • 2018: $448,248
  • 2017: $428,392

Credit Stress in Gladwin County

Gladwin County seemingly has a thriving economy, given its smaller population and rural demographics.

Homeowners With 2nd Mortgages/HELOCS

51% of homeowners have a monthly mortgage, whereas 49% do not.

  • 2nd mortgage or HELOC: 6%
  • 2nd mortgage only: 1%
  • HELOC only: 5%
  • No 2nd mortgage or HELOC: 45%

Credit Stress in Gladwin County

Property Insurance and Risks in Gladwin County

Gladwin County has a lower natural disaster risk and damage costs compared to many other counties. Winter weather poses more of a risk than any other event.

  • Tornadoes: 9 events, $200,000 damage
  • Winter Weather: 40 events (damage cost unknown)
  • Flooding: 8 events, $100,000 damage

Public Record Access in Gladwin County

Most of us are well-seasoned in experiencing the frustration of trying to find property records on county websites. The numerous obstacles and hurdles we face to find the source that maintains such records are incredibly time-consuming. You would think that going to the website page to the assessor or clerk would do the trick. Attempts to access the Gladwin County property appraiser for access to public records fail to yield results as well.So, where do you go online for a Gladwin County property lookup?

Our Experience Doing A Gladwin County Property Lookup

Many counties that are more rural may not necessarily be up-to-date with the technology that provides portals to public records. Accessing those records in circumstances like these may require you to go in person, call, or email the appropriate department that maintains the records. We have done a search on Gladwin County’s website to provide you with a glimpse into just how challenging it can be to get access online to public records. We begin at the landing page for Gladwin County’s website.Immediately, we notice that a search button/option is nowhere on the landing page. We click on “Department Directory.” The link is not working, so we hit the “back button to go back to the main landing page.

So we begin our descent into the abyss by clicking on various departments to start our search.

  • Going into the “County Clerk” departmental link, we arrive at a new page where there are no links or information on public records. So, we hit the “back” button.
  • Clicking on the “Register of Deeds” link, a new page appears that also has no links or information on public records. Again, we hit the “back” button.
  • Now we click on the “Treasurer,” and a new page opens. We may be getting somewhere! Scrolling to the bottom of the page, there’s a listing of 15 townships. So, we begin clicking on each township. Some have links to the township’s page, and some do not.
  • Beaverton: no link, only a phone number
  • Bentley: no link, only a phone number
  • Billings: we click on the link and are taken to the “Assessing” page. A message appears, “Content coming…property record cards will be available to owners and customers for viewing.”
  • Bourrett: we click on the link, and a new page appears which has no information on public records.
  • Buckeye: no link, only a phone number
  • Butman: we click on the link, and a new page appears which has no information on public records.
  • Clement: we click on the link, and a new page appears which has no information on public records.
  • Gladwin: no link, only a phone number
  • Grim: no link, only a phone number
  • Grout: no link, only a phone number
  • Hay: no link, only a phone number
  • Sage: no link, only a phone number
  • Secord: no link, only a phone number
  • Sherman: no link, only a phone number
  • Tobacco: no link, only a phone number
  • Beaverton City: we click on the link, and a website for Beaverton City appears. We click on a link to the assessor’s website, and a new page opens. We click again on a link to “Public Records Portal Search.” It requires an address to search, so we enter a known address in Beaverton City. Nothing comes up. We repeat this step with various addresses and still nothing. The portal is static.

After 1 hour and 35 minutes into digging, clicking, searching, and hitting the “back” button, we surrendered. Now, if we were paying an employee to perform this same search at their hourly wage, we will have wasted 1 ½ hours of wage compensation. Because our jobs depend on searches like these, several of these may need to be done in a day’s time. The more you search, the more time and money you lose.

SAVE MONEY and TIME! Try a search on PropertyScout.io and get the data you need QUICK!

Just ONE CLICK Will Get You Property Data You Need!

We invite you to try a search on PropertyScout.io. You will experience for yourself how EFFICIENT and TIME-SAVING it will be. Time is money, and it’s not something we can afford to waste.

  • Get access to property records you need.
  • Bypass the endless online searches.
  • Your return on investment will more than pay off!

Lenders, investors, and insurers benefit by partnering with PropertyScout.io. Give us a try TODAY!Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Property Records Search, Uncategorized

Newaygo County: Property and Tax Records Search By Address

If you are in the lending, insuring, or investing industries, you are most likely acquainted with the challenges county websites present when it comes to searching for property records. We understand just how vital property data is. It isn’t easy to make an informed decision without the necessary insight into a particular property. Hitting a brick wall is not an option! So, just how do you get the information you need on a property in Newaygo County if there’s no direct way to plug into property records?Guess what? We have a way to plug DIRECTLY into property records. You’ll no longer have to go through the frustration of endless county website searches.

PropertyScout.io is your ONE CLICK solution to valuable property records. Give us a try by doing a search!

A Synopsis of Newaygo County

Newaygo County is western-centrally located in Michigan and sits just 25 miles north of Grand Rapids. A total of 24 townships, 4 cities, and 1 village make up the county, and all fall under the governing body of Newaygo County.

Townships

  • Ashland
  • Barton
  • Beaver
  • Big Prairie
  • Bridgeton
  • Brooks
  • Croton
  • Dayton
  • Denver
  • Ensley
  • Everette
  • Garfield
  • Goodwell
  • Grant
  • Home
  • Lilley
  • Lincoln
  • Merrill
  • Monroe
  • Norwich
  • Sheridan
  • Sherman
  • Troy
  • Wilcox

Cities

  • Fremont
  • Grant
  • Newaygo
  • White Cloud

Villages

  • Hesperia

Lenders, investors, and insurers can take advantage of a time-saving source containing readily available Newaygo County property records. Try doing a search HERE!

A Scope of Newaygo County

Newaygo County is perhaps one of the most serene places in Michigan that offers access to pristine outdoor forested areas for outdoor enthusiasts. The Muskegon and White Rivers attract vacationers, fishermen, hikers, hunters, and more! There are 234 lakes and 484 miles of rivers and streams that make this county highly desirable for those looking for peaceful getaways. Campgrounds and lodges dot the banks and inland areas where you can enjoy camping at its best. Anglers make pilgrimages to the area to try their hand at brown trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead fish. Canoes, kayaks, and tubing adventurers are often sighted along the rivers leisurely floating on by.Although spring and summer are high peak seasons, autumn and winter attract just as many visitors with the gorgeous fall foliage, hunting, and winter sports. Cross county snow skiing, sledding, ice skating, and ice fishing beckon tourists.

Owning or Renting Property in Newaygo County

Owning or Renting Property in Newaygo County

Investors find this area to be appealing investment-wise with seasonal properties. You can easily leverage the four-season attractions the county has to offer. Prospective residents have a wide array of home styles, prices, and amenities to choose from. Property taxes in the county are mid-range in comparison to other counties. Because of the various townships, villages, and cities, property taxes differ. The rates are dependent upon what township/village/city a property is in, what school district you fall under, and whether or not the property is your principal or secondary residence.

Quick Facts About Newaygo County

  • Covers 861 square miles
  • 48 square miles of water
  • 234 lakes
  • 484 miles of rivers and streams
  • 20% of the county is Manistee Forest
  • Organized in 1851
  • Newaygo was the first county seat until a fire destroyed it.
  • White Cloud is the current county seat.
  • Population
  • 48,460 (during spring/summer, it increased 47.6% to 71,523)
  • 59 people per square mile
  • Hospitals: 1
  • School Districts: 6
  • Total student population: 11,941
  • Fremont District: 2,139 students
  • Grant District: 1,799 students
  • Newaygo District: 1,562 students
  • White Cloud District: 957 students
  • Hesperia Village: 899 students
  • Big Jackson District: 25 students
  • Public Protection
  • Fire Districts: 6
  • Sheriff’s Department: 1
  • Colleges/Universities: within 1-2 hours drive

Owning or Renting Property in Newaygo County

Property Climate in Newaygo County

The median listing price in the county is $149,900 ($104/square foot.)

  • Median monthly mortgage: $1,097
  • Median property taxes: $1,657

Valuation Over Past 3 Years

  • November 2020: $149,900
  • November 2019: $142,400
  • November 2018: $129,900

Median Home Valuation Distribution

The median home value in the county is $121,300.

  • <$50,000: 15%
  • $50,000-$100,000: 25%
  • $100,000-$200,000: 37%
  • $200,000-$300,000: 15%
  • $300,000-$400,000: 5%
  • $400,000-$500,000: 2%
  • $500,000-$750,000: 1%

Median Home Prices By City/Town

  • Newaygo (city:) $169,900 (largest housing market in the county)
  • Fremont: $163,700
  • White Cloud: $100,000
  • Grant: $163,500
  • Croton: $160,000

Owner Occupancy Rate for Newaygo County

There are 25,075 housing units (31.3/square mile) in the county.

Vacant Homes (26.6%)

73% (4,885) of these vacant homes are seasonal properties. Lilley Township has the highest amount (12.9%) of seasonal homes (629.)

Owner Occupied Homes (73.4%)

16,074 homes are owner-occupied.

Owner Occupancy Rate for Newaygo County

Rental Property Data for Newaygo County

The median monthly rental $704

Median Monthly Rental

  • <$300: 8%
  • $300-$500: 14%
  • $500-$750: 27%
  • $750-$1,000: 25%
  • $1,000-$1,500: 11%
  • $1,500-$2,500: 2%

Newaygo County Economy

The major employers in the county are Nestle-Gerber Products (Gerber baby food,) Spectrum Gerber Memorial Hospital, Magna Mirrors, county/city government, and the various school districts.

GDP Bergen County

  • 2019: $1,567,460
  • 2018: $1,439,562

2nd Mortgage/HELOCs Newaygo County

A very small percentage of homeowners have a second mortgage or home equity line of credit (HELOC) on their home. Almost half (47%) of homeowners within the county are mortgage free!

  • 2nd mortgages: 1%
  • HELOCs: 5%

Property Insurance and Risks in Newaygo County

Storms and flooding are the most prominent forms of natural disasters that hit the county. Over 83 storm events have caused $2 million in damage. The Muskegon River Watershed and White River contribute to 2-3 annual flood events that have the ability to cause catastrophic damage. Interestingly, Bridgeton Township has the highest repetitive flood events (8) that have resulted in losses.The county has seen 13 tornado events ($190,000 damage,) 48 hail events ($325,000 damage,) and 18 winter events ($13,425,000 damage.)

Public Record Access in Newaygo County

Public Record Access in Newaygo County

Unlocking the maze of pages, departments, and contacts within a county and its townships and districts can be daunting! Finding a starting point on a county website is merely the first step as numerous pages open from the massive amount of links one has to open to find direction. Newaygo County’s website is not nearly as complex and confusing as other county websites are. However, piecing together the puzzle remains intricately similar with an end result of hitting a brick wall unable to go further.

You can get results NOW by doing a Newaygo County property lookup HERE!

Maneuvering Through A Newaygo County Property Lookup

We will show you just how difficult and challenging it can be to find property records on a county website. As we dive into the abyss of page after page, searching, digging, and clicking on links, you will find that getting the information you seek isn’t as simple as assumed.We begin our search on Newaygo County’s website. The landing page is the “Welcome” page, which oddly has a disarray of content that doesn’t seem to fit on a landing page. Here we find election results, COVID information, links to court trials, press releases, and a little bit of information on the county. After typing in a general search in the search bar for “property records,” we are taken to a new page with over 50 links to outside/third-party property data providers. This was definitely not what we would expect because county websites rarely direct traffic to outside sources that may not be reputable or reliable. So, we go back to the “Welcome” landing page.Perhaps by going into the “Departments” link button, we will get somewhere. When clicking on the button, there are options to choose from, one of which is “Central Offices.” We click on that one, and a new page opens to the County Administrator page, which happens to be nothing more than a static bio page. We go back to the “Welcome” page.Going back to the “Departments” button, we choose the next option: “County Clerk.” A new page opens to yet another static bio page. We return to the “Welcome” page.

On a third try at the “Departments” button, we choose the “Register of Deeds.” A new page opens, and we arrive at what looks like something fruitful. On this new page are statements about how they are working on transferring “digitized” records to a database system. Off to the right side of this page are links. We click on “Online Searching,” and a new page opens. This new page requires us to log in as “public,” which we do. Another new page opens to a “County Fusion KOFILE Technologies” platform. To search for a property, we must enter the property owner’s name, recorded dates, parcel number, township, subdivision, lot, and block. There is no option to “search by address” or any other method. So, here is the brick wall that often comes up in searching county websites.

Don’t waste precious time to end up hitting a brick wall! Get FAST access to Newaygo County real estate records by trying a search on PropertyScout.io.

Get The Property Data You Need NOW!

Burning up precious time is the same as throwing your money into the pit of a fire. Wasting time in our industries is costly, inefficient, and non-productive. Property records are only a click away. The bad news is when you rely on county websites, you waste time and money. The GREAT NEWS is there is a way to save money and time in getting property records.

PropertyScout.io provides you with:

  • FAST access to property data without having to rely on county websites.
  • A great return on your investment by partnering with us.
  • A reliable source to get the insight you need to do your job effectively.
Are you ready to save time and money? Give us a try today!

Source for county statistics: www.towncharts.com

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Property Records Search, Uncategorized

NeighborWho Property Search – Is It Right For You?

Knowing what you are getting into when considering buying or renting a home is important. It is perhaps the best way to ensure a happy long term investment. While most things are disclosed in the initial documentation there are sometimes discrepancies. PropertyScout.io works to dig up this hidden data. This makes it easier than ever before to access everything you could ever want to know about your new space. Let’s compare PropertyScout.io to one of its leading competitors, NeighborWho.

A Common Goal

Both PropertyScout.io and NeighborWho are working to make hidden data available. They do this by doing the hard work for you. You no longer have to dig through court records to get the information you need!

Despite going about this in differing ways, they do share a common goal. Their efforts to provide a view of the past of a home and what to expect living within the area where the home is located.

That being said, the ways both sites find and report this data varies greatly. This sets them dramatically apart from a quality and detail orientation standpoint. Let’s get more into the specific features and details.

Included Information Variances

Information Variances

You will notice some dramatic differences when looking at a report from each company. It appears, at first glance, that NeighborWho is giving a more detailed report. A closer look at content quality indicates this may not be true.

NeighborWho

NeighborWho provides a well-rounded report with a lot of valuable information. This can, of course, be very beneficial. For example, there is a sex offender registry listing included at the end of the report. This gives you an idea of the potential risk factor of living in that given area.

They also include email and social media information, as well. This is something that can prove valuable records. Things like tenant information and long term residential data is included. It allows you to know who is staying near you, giving you a little more comfort and ease.

Additionally, there is the ability to watch up to ten different locations. This allows you to see real time residency changes. For those looking to monitor drastic changes, this is very valuable. Homebuyers especially benefit from this service.

PropertyScout.io

While the above is not available at PropertyScout.io, there is a reason for this lack of information. The inclusion of social media data increases the chances of misinformation being included. The same goes for sex offender registry data. Both of these sources are not updated often and often offer incorrect information.

PropertyScout.io (as well as most other data provider services) strives to provide accurate data to users. Updated residency data and additional valuable information is provided within a select pool that PropertyScout.io maintains. Because of the “pooled” choice of data, both maintenance and updates are continually being done to protect the “fresh” integrity of information.

Verdict

PropertyScout.io like all other data provider services obtains property data from public records. They are selective and careful about the information they display. This provides you with information that is as accurate as possible. It also ensures you get the right information, every time you need it.

Site Functionality

Site Functionality

Site functionality is especially important when it comes to user experience. This is especially true when making a long-term investment in choosing a platform.

NeighborWho

NeighborWho does have a slight lag with loading times. This is partially likely due to the volume of data brought up. The included secondary searches make load times longer than those at PropertyScout.io. This is something that can be frustrating for potential users. There are fewer functional dashboard tools and button options on the NeighborWho site.

PropertyScout.io

PropertyScout.io offers more options and allows you to manage your content options. This lets you tweak the content you are viewing. This helps you to easily get exactly what you need with your customized searches.

PropertyScout.io’s scroll bar is noticeably faster. This makes the experience at PropertyScout.io much smoother and luxe feel. For most people, this is often what you want when taking on a product that you pay for monthly.

Verdict

This information can be broken down as:

  • Both PropertyScout.io and NeighborWho have attractive sites and display product features well.
  • The coding is well done and the entire finished product is very appealing. This creates an end result that is aesthetically pleasing.
  • Both also have very easy to navigate interfaces.

Still, both companies are viable and have favorable features. This makes for a high-quality user experience.


PropertyScout.io does weigh in better due to the site maintenance level. The presentation of the data is a plus, as well. This is in part due to the helpful extra filtering options. This slight edging out is primarily caused by the site overall functionally, too. The lack of lag makes a massive difference in the overall usability of the site, too. All in all, the process is much smoother.

Pricing

PropertyScout Pricing

The importance behind the amount you pay for a service is a very sensitive area. It has to be valued in this important decision. Generally, the money you put into a product will give you an image of what you can expect to get out of it. That being said, sometimes you can get a real steal on the pricing. This is especially true if you join during a pricing promotion or other unique event. Let’s compare the pricing of PropertyScout.io and NeighborWho.

NeighborWho

With NeighborWho, both packages include the same things, just with different time spans. For one month, you will pay $26.89. This includes unlimited background reports, contact information, phone lookups, and email lookups. (Christian: this information is on NeighborWho’s website: https://www.neighborwho.com/lp/9572b6/4/loading#.)
Your Membership Benefits Include

  • Unlimited Background reports
  • Unlimited Contact information
  • Unlimited Phone lookups
  • Unlimited Email lookups
  • Unlimited Address lookups
  • Faster Searching in seconds
  • Four Ways to search & discover

You get these same features if you do the three-month option. The difference is that it costs $52.44 for the three-month total, paid upfront. This breaks down to $17.48 per month. This is a good deal if you like the interface. This can be a bit of a gamble due to the inaccuracies and functionality issues, though.

PropertyScout.io

When you break down the pricing for both, you will find that the value of PropertyScount.io is better as a whole. This is true on both the three day and monthly passes. Let’s break down each option from both companies fully to help you understand why this is true.

With PropertyScout.io, you are missing out on a few features that NeighborWho offers. This includes the sex offender registry listing and some additional social media data.

However, you are getting up to date, factual information that is up to date and easy to understand. With PropertyScout.io, you do not have unlimited searches. You do get access to high-quality features like owner names and current/past residents. You also gain access to information including previous owners. This paired with tax information and last sale data provides a good picture of the property.

If you go with the $59.95 Pro Pass that is a month-long membership, you get access to a lot more features. This includes deed, mortgage, and property details. This is in addition to current resident data and everything included with the three day pass.

This also includes the high-level property details. Think of this as things like the year built, house size, room amount, and lot size. There is also an additional weekly real estate newsletter included, too! This offers insight into the current market, as well as tips and tricks to help you out.

This higher-end monthly option is perfect for professionals. It works perfectly for those in the industrial side of the real estate industry. This includes jobs like mortgage brokers, lenders, and researchers. As a more inclusive delivery system, you get a lot more information. The typical homebuyer or researcher does not need this extra data most of the time. This gives you the ability to customize the amount you pay to what you need. Through this, you are saving money by not paying for features you do not want or need.

Verdict

On the surface, it appears that NeighborWho is cheaper. That does not, however, indicate a better value overall. This is especially true considering the option to pay just $9.95 for a three-day pass on PropertyScout.io.

With this pass, you have all of the access you need. If you are an individual looking to purchase a home, this is a great option. It is also good for those looking to settle an estate or otherwise research a property, too. In cases like these, you do not need a full monthly pass. The extensive, all-encompassing search is simply not necessary most of the time.

Privacy and Satisfaction

Propertyscout Privacy and Satisfaction

More than ever, people are concerned about their privacy on the internet. Don’t underestimate the value of working with a business that cares about your data and treats it fairly! It is important to work with a business that is totally committed to your satisfaction.

NeighborWho

With NeighborWho, all information and searches will be kept confidential. This is how they go about protecting your identity. You can be confident your information is protected while researching properties and homes.

Neighborwho has a satisfaction guarantee in place. This is designed to make sure that customers are satisfied with their purchase. This includes the information gained.

PropertyScout.io

PropertyScout.io has confidentiality notes in place as well. This works to ensure that all information and searches are confidential. This allows you to use the service privately and comfortably.

PropertyScout.io is serious about keeping their customers happy! They offer a similar comprehensive satisfaction guarantee, too!

Verdict

Both businesses have satisfaction guarantees. They both want to ensure you are happy with the services that they provide. This includes the information you gained. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, both will make an effort to make it right.

They both have excellent customer service. Both companies work hard to ensure your happiness. This is done through offering the option to give extensive feedback. You can easily provide information on your personal experience with the product. The team then uses this information to improve the process for other clients.

Both sites also provide lists of what you can and cannot do with the information that you find. This assists you in understanding what is within your legal right. It also prevents issues for both you and the company, making the process safer and easier.

This can help prevent disappointment in what can be done with the information. It also increases the clarity of what the services can provide. This dispels any questions or inaccuracies around the legality of searching. It is also valuable in helping clients understand what data is admissible in court. This understanding helps clients know how data can be used.


This section is a complete tie!

Final Verdict

Both services are viable and serve a purpose. However, it seems that PropertyScout.io has a more user-friendly interface. It is generally a smoother, more streamlined experience. Many note the shorter loading and wait times and a more easily navigated pricing system. With this, you can get the exact assistance you need and work to get the exact access to data and records you need.

PropertyScount.io provides a trustworthy site. It offers user-centric products to search for both individual and business property data. You can figure out exactly what you need to with no roadblocks or impediments. This allows you to get the answers you need faster than ever. As a brand that cares, PropertyScout.io is here to assist you in accessing property records. They guarantee their efforts to the highest of their abilities.

If you want to learn more about PropertyScout.io, consider the three-day pass. It is a great starting point to explore the product! Try a search and compare the features yourself!

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Maricopa County Property Search By Address
Property Records Search

Maricopa County: Property Search By Address

As professionals, we do not have the luxury of time to devote to hunting down information we need on a property here in Maricopa County. The numerous cities and towns that fall within the county boundary are separate entities of their own, leaving us unsure where to go first. Where do you begin when trying to find property data?

We will share a one-click, instant solution to get property data further down. First, let’s look at the process and places to go to find the information. 


Instant property records at your fingertips! Click HERE!

A Synopsis of Maricopa County

The vast open areas of the quiet Arizona desert fills most of Maricopa County. It may feel as if you drive yet never find civilization. However, the 9,224 square mile footprint of Phoenix quickly lets you know there is more to the desert than barren ground! Maricopa County proudly embraces Phoenix, the 5th largest city in the U.S. Surprisingly, over half of Arizona (population) lives in Maricopa County!

Maricopa County is rich in Native American history and culture. In fact, the county got its name from the Maricopa Indians. There are numerous reservations still thriving within the county today. Two of which are the largest reservations; Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Gila River Indian Reservation.

Just south of the Gila River reservation is the City of Maricopa. It sits outside of Maricopa County. It can be quite confusing to distinguish the difference by merely mentioning “Maricopa” with the locals. Some interpret that as the city, while some assume it’s the county.

You get the best of both worlds in rural/suburban living, all within driving distance of the city (Phoenix.) Unless you are in the heart of the city, you will find that everything feels rather spread out and expansive with a remote feel. Unlike many cities, Phoenix and the surrounding area don’t have vertical growth, but rather horizontal. There’s no skyscrapers and high-rise residential living here.

Owning or Renting Property in Maricopa County

Renting Property in Maricopa County

Maricopa County draws in prospective residents due to the rapid growth of the area and all that it has to offer. Those shopping for a home will be met with a wide range of styles, prices, and locations. Modest neighborhoods warmly welcome first-time homebuyers and families. It’s considered a very friendly area. For those seeking something a little more luxurious, there are mega-mansions situated in the foothills out away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Quick Facts About Maricopa County

  • Founded in 1871
  • Population (2018) 4.4 million
  • Hospitals: 22
  • Public School Districts: 58 (700,000 students)
  • Colleges/Universities: 13
  • Includes 25 cities/towns and a few communities that remain unincorporated
  • Tribal land includes Fort McDowell Yavapai, Gila River, Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Tohono O’odham
  • Phoenix is the county seat as well as the capital of Arizona
  • Received its name in the 1700s to honor the Maricopa Indians

Cities and Towns in Maricopa County

Cities and Towns in Maricopa County

There are 25 cities/towns that are within the boundaries of Maricopa County. A few unincorporated areas are also in the county but are not classified as a town or city.

  • Apache Junction
  • Avondale
  • Buckeye
  • Carefree
  • Cave Creek
  • Chandler
  • El Mirage
  • Fountain Hills
  • Gila Bend
  • Gilbert
  • Glendale
  • Goodyear
  • Guadalupe
  • Litchfield Park
  • Mesa
  • Paradise Valley
  • Peoria
  • Phoenix
  • Queen Creek
  • Scottsdale
  • Sun City
  • Sun City West
  • Surprise
  • Tempe
  • Tolleson
  • Wickenburg
  • Youngtown

Property and Economy Climate in Maricopa County

Home Value Appreciation for Maricopa County

Property and Economy Climate in Maricopa County

The median price of a home is $318,895. Home values in Maricopa County increased 11.7% over the past year and are forecasted to increase another 8.3% in the year coming.

Owner Occupancy Rate for Maricopa County

The owner-occupancy rate during 2014-1028 was at 61.4%.

Rental Property Data for Maricopa County

Median monthly rent during 2014-2018 was $1,079.00.

GDP Maricopa County

2018: $19,900,834
2017: $19,599,392

Major Employers in Maricopa County

Maricopa County’s economy depends on numerous employers who provide jobs for the residents.

  • State of Arizona (state government jobs: employs 37,655 people)
  • Banner Health (employs 36,213 people)
  • Wal-Mart Stores (employs 33,814 people)
  • Wells Fargo (employs 15,062 people)
  • Maricopa County (county government jobs: employs 14,427 people)
  • City of Phoenix (city government jobs: employs 13,894 people)
  • Arizona State University (employs 13,480 people)
  • Raytheon Missile Systems (employs 12,000 people)
  • HonorHealth System (employs 11,308 people)
  • Dignity Health Arizona (employs 11,2061 people)

Mortgages in Maricopa County

  • 69% of the population in Maricopa County has a mortgage.
  • $1,000 - $1,500 per month (24%)
  • $1,500 - $2,000 per month (16%)
  • 8% of those who live in Maricopa County have second mortgages or HELOCs.

Property Insurance and Risks in Maricopa County

There are no significant risks to properties in Maricopa County. The area is subject to wildfires, dust storms, extreme heat, drought, and monsoon storms. The price of insurance is lower when in a lower-risk area like Maricopa County.

Public Record Access in Maricopa County

Public Record Access in Maricopa County

Property records are available to the public. However, you must endure the process of getting what may turn out to be incomplete data and, quite possible, inaccurate information! Breaking through the barriers that are present in county government infrastructures poses a very time-consuming undertaking. How do you know where to start when trying to find Maricopa County real estate records?

Searching for property records for Maricopa County has two starting points. Unless you do some serious digging into the county’s website, you’ll never know where these starting points are. Maricopa County Property Appraiser does not “hold the key” to records like some counties do in other states.

We are about to break down both “gateways” to public records and provide you the end results. You may discover towards the end of this informative article that you come to truly appreciate the service of a data provider such as PropertyScout.io. Time is money, and if we leverage ways to be more productive with efficiency, the investment is worth every penny!

Most of us assume that going directly to the specific city or town where the property is located is a jumping-off point, not so because property records fall under the county jurisdiction rather than city or town. With that being said, we begin at the county level. This makes the searching process a breeze for our users.


Get to the property records data you need in SECONDS! Try Property Scout.io’s 3-DAY PASS! 

Gateway #1 to Maricopa County’s Property Records: Landing Page

  • The landing page of Maricopa County’s official government website.
  • There are several options that we would typically click on.

Option #1

Landing Page: Enter “property records” in the “search” bar.

  • This yields 7,300 results, which you must individually scour (relative to residents paying tax bills, sewage, etc.)

Option #2

Landing Page: Scroll down to “Parcel Information - Find” or “Property Taxes - Pay”

  • “Parcel Information - Find” takes you to the Assessor’s page where you must enter a known address, APN, or owner name. This sends you deeper into more pages.
  • “Property Taxes - Pay” is not a Maricopa County property tax search link, but rather a portal for residents with tax issues.

Option #3

Landing Page: Click on “Request a Public Record” (left side of the screen.)

  • “Public Records Request” page opens with a list of “By Subject” or “By Department.”
  • You must then scroll down to either “Property Tax” or “Property Value Information.”
  • Select either “Non-Commercial Purpose” or “Commercial Purpose.”
  • A form appears that you must print off, complete, and mail to the tiny address at the bottom (Assessor’s office.) There’s no information on how long it takes to get the data, and there may be additional costs incurred for requested records.

Those well-seasoned in property record searches know that when in doubt, go to either the tax assessor or appraiser department (online or in person.) However, for those of us who may not know this, your efforts were limited with one of the three options in “Gateway #1” above.

Let’s continue on to show you the process if you manage to get to the tax assessor’s landing page.

Gateway #2 to Maricopa County’s Property Records: Assessor’s Office

  • Option #1: Scroll down to buttons/links
  • “Property” (This is a Maricopa County property lookup designed for residents only.)
  • “Maps” (Takes you to a layered GIS map system that requires known parcel, subdivision, range, zip, or map info entered. Once entered, it takes you deeper into the GIS map system that fails to yield property info.)
  • “News” (n/a)
  • “Our Office” (n/a)
  • “Forms” (for residents only)
  • “Reports/Data” (annual budget reports for the county)
  • Option #2: Enter information in the “Search” bar (address, owner name, APN, etc.)
  • “Real Property” screen appears.
  • Click on one of the following (APN, Owner, Address, Subdivision, MCR, S/T/R, Property Type.)
  • Note that if you click on “Owner” with hopes of getting Maricopa County property records by name, you won’t. Clicking on the owner’s name merely does nothing.
  • Results appear on another page. HOWEVER, scroll to the bottom, and you will be greeted with a disclaimer.

    “CAUTION! USERS SHOULD INDEPENDENTLY RESEARCH AND VERIFY INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE BEFORE RELYING ON IT. The Assessor does not guarantee that any information provided on this website is accurate, complete, or current….Assessor has gathered information from independent sources and made it available on this site, and the original information may have contained errors and omissions. Errors and omissions may also have occurred in the process of gathering, interpreting, and reporting the information. Information on the website is not updated in "real-time”...Assessor has gathered information from independent sources and made it available on this site, and the original information may have contained errors and omissions. Errors and omissions may also have occurred in the process of gathering, interpreting, and reporting the information. Information on the website is not updated in "real-time." In addition, users are cautioned that the process used on this site to illustrate the boundaries of the adjacent parcels is not always consistent with the recorded documents for such parcels. The parcel boundaries depicted on this site are for illustrative purposes only, and the exact relationship of adjacent parcels should be independently researched and verified.”
  • Should you choose to go further into the results, you are met once again with the layered GIS map system that you must “agree” to before accessing it. Once in, you are met with a “Search By” box in a forward layer on the map. There are various icons you must click on, which takes you even deeper into the GIS map system.

The process of doing a search in Maricopa County’s system is similar to entering a cave. As you enter, you go further (deeper) into the system. The deeper you go, the more you find small tunnels on the side that take you off the main pathway. Luckily, we have the option of clicking our way out of the abyss!

There is a way to BYPASS the “deep caverns within the cave.”

All it takes is ONE CLICK to instant data!

Now, who has the time to go “caving” for property data; we surely don’t! Although obtaining property records in Maricopa County is capable of consuming time, there is a solution to get what you need instantly with one click of a button.

Maricopa County property records, along with millions of other U.S. property records, are accessible through PropertyScout.io. The data is organized, accurate, and user-friendly. Unlike other websites, you NEVER have to enter a “cave” to retrieve it!

  • Information is reliable, accurate, and real-time.
  • Plans are very affordable, with 24/7-365 support available.
  • State Farm, Farmers, and Remax are proud backers of PropertyScout.io.
  • You SAVE MONEY, TIME, and your sanity by having instant access to data.

We invite you to try us out with a 3-DAY PASS! Whether you are a lender, investor, or insurer, we have what you need to get your jobs done efficiently.

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How To Find Off-Market Deals Fast
Investment

The Evolution of Real Estate Investing: How To Find Off-Market Deals Fast

A lot has changed, but like you, we still believe real estate investing is the ultimate way to build wealth.

It may seem old fashioned, but we think you’d agree that real estate investing provides financial freedom in the long term.

Remember driving through a run-down property and thinking “If only someone would fix that up, they’d make a killing?” Wouldn’t it be great if you could spot these golden opportunities from the comfort of your chair?

Well,we can now. We’re in the technological evolution of real estate investing, and it’s quicker than ever to find opportunities, overcome your fears and succeed in real estate.

This Unconventional Path Will Make A Lot of Money

Investors spend countless hours digging out property information, analyzing the profitability, finding the right geographic location, finding accurate contact information, and verifying ownership.

Finding properties to buy at a price that provides a decent return is a full-time job.

But it doesn’t have to be like that.

Using PropertyScout.io will save you countless hours and money by giving you the right information you need, right from the comfort of your chair. Our core features for property investors are:

  • Search – The easiest way to find properties for your geographic area
  • Insights–How Missing Details Could Throw Your Investment Into Chaos
  • Connect – Start A Connection, Build Yourself An Empire

Let’s take a detailed look into each, shall we?

Search: The Central Pillar Of Real Estate Investing

That’s why we’re obsessed with helping real estate investors find opportunities so they can build wealth. Search is the gateway to everything else.

At PropertyScout.io, we provide the research for an investment property you haven’t found yet and ways to make money you haven’t discovered by approaching potential sellers before they list their properties.

Fast, Easy and Accurate Address Entry

Fast, Easy and Accurate Address Entry

Speed up your address entry with reduced keystrokes. Our autocomplete fills your address field city, state and zip code and works like an internet search engine.

Other property search providers use inaccurate data which provides addresses that are non-existent.

PropertyScout.io uses the United States Postal Service (USPS) database which means you address is existent saving shipping costs. That means you start your search the same way the town or county recorded the property so you can find the address.

Quick Search Results By Address

Have you ever lost time trying to figure out what county a property is in only to learn that property records are kept at the town level?

Or have you spent hours researching a property only to find that the information was incorrect?

Our up-to-date property database provides you property information in 2 seconds or less, saving you hours and even days. 

Laser-Targeted Unit Search

According the NAA, almost 1 in 8 Americans live in a condos or apartments. You might miss out on an opportunity if you can’t information about the condo or apartment unit.

Our search prompts you to choose the unit number you want instead of hitting a dead end if the property is not a single-family unit.

Search by Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN)

Does your opportunity list only include an Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APN)? Is it formatted correctly?

You can search by parcel number on PropertyScout.io and we’ll deliver you the property information fast. The APN can be converted to a street address that displays the owner’s name so you can be sure you have the right property.

And we’ll even format the APN for you.

Also, there’s no need to worry about Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) codes. If you know the state and county, we will figure it out for you.

Search History At Your Fingertips

Search History At Your Fingertips

Can’t remember what you searched?

Don’t worry.

Your search history is saved for 180 days so you can quickly go back to review properties you already researched in just one click.

Save Time With Favorites

Working on an application and need to return to the property again and again because of the distractions of a busy office?

Just mark it as a favorite and you’ll have an easy to manage shortlist of properties you can return to at your convenience.

Insights: How Missing Details Could Throw Your Investment Into Chaos

There are plenty of websites that provide property insights. But are they complete and accurate?

If the mortgage value is off by a $100,000 could that make a difference in your investment decision? What about $500,000?It would certainly affect the amount of equity an owner had in a property.

Having complete and accurate‘nitty-gritty’ property information is your investing edge. We here at PropertyScout.io take pride in the accuracy of the data we deliver. 

Review Property Details

Review Property Details

Need to know what’s on the property?

Property details can be inaccurate and hard to find. With a simple search, you can confirm the Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), zoning, lot size in acres and square feet, year built, and even if there’s parking on the property. There are more than 150 fields of possible information.

Verify Property Taxes

Don’t know what the taxes are on a property?

Know the last time the property was assessed, it’s assessed value, and the amount of tax assessed, all direct from county/municipal records.

View Property Images

Want to get eyes on the property?

Use satellite view to catch things like alternative uses or other structures on the property. Street view gives you another perspective of how the property is being used and what’s in the neighborhood.

Check Financial Transactions

Check Financial Transactions

Trying to figure out the market value?

Find how much the property sold for in the last transaction to get an idea of the last verifiable market value for that location.

Check Lien Information

Lien information is hard to come by.

With PropertyScout.io, we show you open mortgages on the property and their amounts. Find out the lenders are and their contact details.

Look at Property History

Property history information is not always available.

You can find previous owners after performing a search. See how much the previous owner paid for the property when they bought it.

Connect: Start A Connection, Build Yourself An Empire

Finding a property and analyzing it is only the beginning. The next step is to contact the owner.

At PropertyScout.io, we’ve got you covered with tools to help you connect with an owner. Once you got their attention, there’s no stopping you to building yourself a real estate empire.

Confirm Ownership

Need to be 100% sure who owns a property?

We list all current property owners and if they are an individual, company, or trust.

You can also see recent property owners in case there was a recent change of ownership. Our databases are updated at least monthly so you can depend on having the latest information.

Connect with Property Owners

Connect with Property Owners

Have you ever driven by a run-down property and thought, “Someone should fix that up. They’d make a killing.”

Or maybe you have a list of potential properties you want to research further.

One property or many, the first hurdle is figuring out who owns it and how to get in touch with them.

That’s where PropertyScout.io can help.We provide the owners recent phone number, age, previous addresses they lived in, current address and people they’re related to.

The Most Underrated Tool That Beats Your Competition, And Improves Your Real Estate Investing

When it comes to real estate investing, what’s your edge? Are you taking advantage of the technological evolution of real estate investing?

At PropertyScout.io, we give you the edge in search, insights and connection. Each powerful search you perform gives you the real estate data at your fingertips that you can use to connect with property owners. By doing so, you’ll create an empire of real estate that you can build out your wealth.

So what are you waiting for? Try out a 3-day pass today! 

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Bergen County Property Records Search
Property Ownership

Bergen County: Property Records Search

Are you looking for investment opportunities around the New York City/New Jersey region or just need some quick info on a property in Bergen County, NJ? Regardless of what drives you to seek out property information in this county, it helps to know where to start.As lenders, investors, or interested parties, we all know how challenging it can be to figure out who handles property information within a given county.

New Jersey is infamous for the multitudes of towns, townships, boroughs, or cities stuffed into a municipality. Municipalities are then categorized into a county. Bergen County has the highest population with a whopping 77 municipalities! The chasm between you and the information you need is wide because of the amount of hunting it takes to arrive at the info is exhausting! So, where do you start to do a Bergen County property owner search? But you know what? We have a way to bridge the gap between you and your Bergen County property records search.

A Synopsis of Bergen County

Bergen County covers about 246 square miles of New Jersey in the northeastern corner of the state. This county is heavily populated and accounts for a large populous that commutes to New York City to work. There are roughly 3,900 people per square mile in Bergen County. The county seat of Hackensack has a whopping 10,754 people per square mile. Although there are no major attractions in Bergen County, there are opportunities for urban living near New York City. Bergen County has around 360,816 properties which fund the 71 public school districts, 69 fire departments, law enforcement agencies, and county government.

The “Big Apple’s” Backyard

New Jersey goes without question that it’s literally outside the “backdoor” of New York City. Many who work in the city commute from neighboring New Jersey. Bergen County is situated just across the Hudson River from Upper Manhattan, Harlem, and Yonkers. Having the best in dining, theater, sports, shopping, and sightseeing at your fingertips makes Bergen County quite attractive for prospective residents.

Owning or Renting Property in Bergen County

Rentals in Bergen County are plentiful as well as properties for sale with an average of 1,530 homes per square mile. The wide range of communities gives you a choice of a nice charming neighborhood all the way up to luxurious estates.

The median monthly rent is around $1,454. Bergen County has a ratio of 36% renters to 64% owners.

A Few Affluent Communities in Bergen County

Saddle River Borough
  • Listed as #6 in the “20 Richest” towns in New Jersey.
  • You can rent an estate for a jaw-dropping $35,000 per month or own it for a few million!
Haworth Borough
  • Listed as #8 in the “20 Richest” towns in New Jersey
  • Ranks as the third-best suburb in the U.S.
Ho-Ho-Kus Borough
  • Listed as #10 in the “20 Richest” towns in New Jersey
  • Ranks as the best place to live in the state of New Jersey.
Chatham Borough
  • Listed as #10 in the “20 Richest” towns in New Jersey
  • CNN/Money’s List ranked it as one of the “100 Best Places to Live in America.”

Quick Facts About Bergen County

  • Covers 246 square miles
  • Population of 936,692
  • Municipalities – 77
  • Hospitals – 7
  • Public School Districts – 60
  • Public Safety
  • Combination Police/Sheriff Department
  • Fire Rescue and Emergency
  • Colleges & Universities – 41
Employment
  • Largest Employing Industries
  • Healthcare/Social Assistance: 73,030 employees
  • Educational: 52,740 employees
  • Retail/Trade: 51,841 employees
  • Largest Employers
  • Hackensack University Medical Center
  • Valley Health Systems
  • Bio-Reference Laboratories
  • Express Scripts
  • Quest Diagnostics
  • Englewood Hospital and Medical Center
  • Englewood Home Health Care Services
  • Unilever Best Foods
  • Stryker
  • Bergen Regional Medical Center
  • Highest Paying Industries
  • Finance/Insurance
  • Management
  • Utilities

Property Climate in Bergen County

Those doing a Bergen County, NJ property search for investment, lending, or insuring purposes may find the property climate of interest.

Home Value Appreciation for Bergen County

The Bergen County real estate sales records indicate a median value of a home in Bergen County is $459,200.

Property Climate in Bergen County

Owner Occupancy Rate for Bergen County

In 2018, the owner-occupancy rate for Bergen County was 64.8% compared to 2017’s rate of 63.8%.

Rental Property Data for Bergen County

Rental Property Data for Bergen County

Mortgage Facts for Bergen County

Bergen County’s mortgage records help us to gain insight into the county economy. Various employers contribute to that economy throughout the region. Healthcare is the leading pipeline of income for the county.

GDP Bergen County

  • 2018: $73,548,321
  • 2017: $70,394,970
  • 2016: 69,905,783
  • 2015: $68,877,694
  • 2014: $67,192,926

Bergen Co Median Mortgage

Property Insurance and Risks in Bergen County

When entertaining the idea of investing in a particular area, gaining valuable information is a necessity. It’s wise to do a Bergen County NJ property search for the discovery of pertinent property information. Bergen County is a semi-coastal county, and its vulnerability to hurricanes and flooding is high. Back in 1962, the county was struck by a tornado that left $250,000 behind in damage. Another tornado ravaged the county in 1970, causing $25,000 damage. 1991 rolled in with a nasty nor’ easter that slammed the northeast corridor causing New Jersey $75 million in damages. Hurricane Sandy (2012) not only left Long Island and New York in bad shape but also riddled Bergen County with significant flooding and damage that cost New Jersey $30 billion in debris cleanup and repairs.

Access to Property Records in Bergen County

Bergen County mortgage records and tax records should be easily accessible in one place. Unfortunately, there’s a process to work your way through that can be downright agonizing. With so many entities handling property records, where do you start in trying to look up property owner/ownership? How does an “outsider” do a Bergen County property search by “owner?” If you are like us and time is very precious, you can go straight to the information you need with Property Scout.io. However, for those who prefer a DIY mortgage search or a Bergen county property tax search, we’ll go into the various entities to hopefully get you where you need to be

Governing Entities Handling Property Taxes in Bergen County

To better understand where to go to get the info you need, it helps to know what the hierarchy of tax-related departments are so you can hopefully bypass them to the next step. In the State of New Jersey, there are a LOT of people that handle property taxes. First and foremost, the State of New Jersey Division of Taxation is at the top of the totem pole. They are the ones who administer and enforce taxation rates, laws, and regulations. The lower you go on that totem pole, the less enforceability of taxes there are.

Hierarchy of Property Tax Entities in Bergen County, New Jersey

  • State of New Jersey
  • Overseer of tax assessments, liens, exemptions, etc.
  • May work for multiple municipalities
  • Responsible for handling assessments.
  • Bergen County property appraiser
  • Responsible for accepting property tax payments only.
  • May work for multiple municipalities
Local Municipality Tax Assessors and Collectors

In Bergen County, there are 27 tax assessors. Some work in a shared municipality role. When it comes to getting valuations, exemptions, etc., how does one know who to go to? Trying to figure out what municipality and/or tax assessor handles tax records for Bergen County, NJ, is overwhelming, to say the least! To make matters worse, there are 56 tax collectors strewn about Bergen County. Some also worked in shared municipality roles.

Individual Municipalities and Bergen County NJ Property Tax Records

As you go into each of the below municipalities webpage, you’ll notice they are listed as a town, township, city, village, or borough. We have listed the Tax Assessor’s contact information because there’s no direct portal to property records online.Doing a Bergen County NJ property assessment search isn’t as easy as clicking on links to tax assessors or collectors webpages. Many times, you hit a dead end.

Bergen County Tax Rates

  • Bergen County’s median home value is $451,200
  • Median annual property tax is $10,561.60
  • The median tax rate for the county is 2.30%
  • The median amount of property tax paid is $12,030

Breakdown of Municipalities, Tax Rates and Median Taxes

Municipality

Tax Rate

Median Amt. Taxes Paid

Municipality

Tax Rate

Median Amt. Taxes Paid

Allendale

2.349

$15,538

Garfield

2.906

$8,222

Alpine

0.779

$21,468

Glen Rock

2.969

$16,864

Bergenfield

3.262

$10,678

Hackensack

3.357

$8,414

Bogota

4.018

$10,560

Harrington Park

2.885

$15.611

Carlstadt

1.835

$6,909

Hasbrouck Heights

2.845

$11,183

Cliffside Park

2.442

$8,824

Haworth

2.911

$18,120

Closier

2.217

$15,833

Hillsdale

2.901

$13,692

Cresskill

2.407

$16,909

Ho-Ho-Kus

2.155

$16,522

Demarest

2.626

$20,612

Leonia

2.982

$12,990

Dumont

3.669

$11,281

Little Ferry

3.26

$9,363

Elmwood Park

2.951

$9,742

Lodi

3.24

$10,304

E. Rutherford

1.832

$7,156

Lyndhurst

2.952

$9,260

Edgewater

1.896

$9,022

Mahwah

1.841

$8,788

Emerson

2.845

$12,565

Maywood

3.112

$9,966

Englewood

2.789

$12,977

Midland Park

3.042

$12,052

Englewood Cliffs

1.081

$14,156

Montvale

2.363

$12,345

Fair Lawn

3.31

$11,140

Moonachie

2.34

$7,796

Fort Lee

2.353

$10,986

New Milford

3.543

$11,615

Franklin Lakes

1.642

$17,479

N. Arlington

2.871

$9,812

Are you ready to skip through all of this and get the Bergen County real estate records you need?.

Municipality

Tax Rate

Median Amt. Taxes Paid

Municipality

Tax Rate

Median Amt. Taxes Paid

Northvale

2.925

$11,583

Saddle Brook

2.593

$8,891

Norwood

2.444

$13,472

Saddle River

0.921

$17,514

Oakland

2.894

$11,982

S. Hackensack

2.733

$9,619

Old Tappan

2.063

$17,024

Teaneck

3.197

$12,286

Oradell

2.786

$15,311

Saddle River

0.921

$17,514

Palisades Park

2.032

$9,975

S. Hackensack

2.733

$9,619

Paramus

1.856

$9,881

Teaneck

3.197

$12,286

Park Ridge

2.844

$13,499

Teterboro

1.104

$2,206

Ramsey

2.458

$12,855

Upper Saddle River

2.378

$18,519

Ridgefield

2.48

$9,723

Waldwick

2.766

$11,566

Ridgefield Park

3.939

$10,612

Wallington

2.987

$9,361

Ridgewood

2.597

$18,237

Washington Twp

2.429

$11,299

River Edge

3.468

$13,513

Westwood

2.52

$10,758

River Vale

2.553

$15,149

Woodcliff Lake

2.089

$15,859

Rochelle Park

2.527

$8,365

Wood Ridge

2.774

$9,738

Rockleigh

0.959

$15,224

Wyckoff

1.81

$14,304

Rutherford

2.739

$11,806

Cell

Bergen County Tax Exemptions, Abatements, and Deductions

If you do manage to get to Bergen County tax records that you’re looking for, keep in consideration that those records may not reflect exemptions, abatements, or deductions.

Other states that have unorganized territories include:
  • Senior Citizens
  • Disabled People
  • Veterans
  • Automatic Fire Suppression System
  • Historical Property
  • Environmental Opportunity Zone
  • Non-Profit Organization
  • Renewable Energy System

Don’t Waste Precious Time

As you can see, the red tape you have to cut your way through is as dense as the Amazon jungle! Doing a Bergen County New Jersey property search shouldn’t be so difficult. We have the solution to find property owner/ownership easily.Why waste time that could otherwise be used for more important things? Property Scout.io has what you’re looking for, and it’s just one click away!

  • Over 140 million records in one place.
  • Accurate, current, and reliable data
  • Resourceful for lenders, insurers, investors, and realtors

Property Scout.io is the way to go when you’re hunting for property information. Try our FREE 3-DAY PASS to get started!

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Property Records Search, Uncategorized

Suffolk County: Property Search By Address

Whether you are entertaining a prospective investment in Suffolk County or need data for lending purposes, you’ve come to the right place! Trying to maneuver your way through the various mazes of Suffolk County’s local government can be frustrating. Finding a starting point is challenging, and once you do, taking the next step can easily lead you in the wrong direction. Doing a Suffolk County property owner search yields very little information.

We’re going to show you how to get to the exact information you need on Suffolk County real estate records within seconds!

A Synopsis of Suffolk County

If you are a New Yorker, you are most likely acquainted with the prestige that dots the Long Island region known as the Hamptons. The elite escapes to their luxurious weekend enclaves in this area to find solace from the city’s turbulent atmosphere.

Suffolk County covers ¾ of Long Island. In fact, the county line goes directly across Long Island from the south shore at Amityville, NY, to the northerly village of Cold Harbor, NY. And yes, Amityville is where the infamous “Amityville Horror” was filmed in the 1970s. Suffolk County has around 600,000 properties that bring in tax revenue to fund school, fire protection, police, and other local governments and districts.

A City Dweller’s Playground with Hidden Gems of Investment Opportunities!

Suffolk County is one of four counties that spread across Long Island, NY. The diverse population includes the affluent Hamptons, where gorgeous estates are sprawled along the coastlines and inland areas. Tourists pour in from the Northeast to vacation on the island. Beach destinations and charming villages make Long Island attractive not only to visitors but to those seeking to put down roots. The wide range of property opportunities draws in the attention of investors.

Many residents living in Suffolk County commute to jobs in New York City by rail.

Eastern End of the Island

Vacation properties are scattered about where tourists, vacationers, and weekenders seek the healing environment of the ocean and beaches.

North Fork

A more rural area where the countryside hosts vineyards and wineries. Farm stands welcome those seeking fresh produce as small villages and hamlets warmly welcome visitors.

South Fork

Home of the Hamptons, where weekend homes await the arrival of their owners to enjoy an escape from the city.

Owning or Renting Property in Suffolk County

Suffolk County offers prospective homeowners a wide range of choices in location, price, and style. Whether you’re looking for a modest family home in a great neighborhood or a vacation home, there’s something for everyone!

Quick Facts About Suffolk County
  • Covers 2,737 square miles
  • Founded in 1683
  • Population over 1.4 million
  • 11 Hospitals
  • 71 Public School Districts
  • Public Safety
  • Suffolk County Police Department
  • Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office
  • Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service
  • 20 Colleges and University Opportunities
  • 7 Coast Guard Stations
Property Climate in Suffolk County

Home Value Appreciation for Suffolk County

Home values in Suffolk County increased 2.5% compared to 2019 (median value in 2019 was $536,922.) Currently, the median price of a home listed is $549,000.

Owner Occupancy Rate for Suffolk County

From 2014-2018, the owner occupancy rate for Suffolk County was at 81%. Weekend, vacation, and vacant properties accounted for the 19% unoccupied rate.

Mortgage Facts for Suffolk County

The economy of the area does, of course, impact one’s ability to prevent default of a mortgage and/or property taxes. The county populus is mainly sustained through incomes generated from employment in governmental sectors within the county.

  •  GDP Suffolk County 018: $92,983.255 (government)                                                                                                        017: $90.601,801 (government)                                                                                                     Note: private goods/services were not included in the report
  • Credit Stress in Suffolk County A stark 24% of homeowners in Suffolk County who have mortgages also have a second mortgage or and/or a home equity line of credit. Credit of any kind is beginning to weight down homeowners across our nation. However, 96.5% of Suffolk County’s adult population overwhelmingly tapped into credit in 2017. The Mastic Beach zip code in Suffolk County has high credit utilization.

Percentages of Credit Scores in Suffolk County

(Range 280-850: Equifax)

  • Prime (being very good)
  • (720+):58%
  • Near Prime (good)
  • (660-719): 18%
  • Subprime (low/poor)
  • (below 660): 24%
Property Insurance and Risks in Suffolk County

There are always going to be unexpected occurrences in the county that incur large-scale insurance claims. Whether natural or caused by humans, it’s valuable information to have when you are making inquiries into properties in the area.

Suffolk County is highly vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. When Hurricane Sandy hit back in 2012, it took 15 months to clear debris in Suffolk County. Flooding impacted over 31,000 homes. More than 750,000 homes were left with no power. FEMA filed claims for over $1.3 billion in individual aid and $160 million in public assistance.

Other disasters in the county include blizzards such as the 2007 Nor-easter and the Blizzard of 2013. Flooding is also a problem for coastal properties due to storm surges.

Public Record Access in Suffolk County

Property Records are publicly accessible. However, there’s a process to get those records. The infrastructure of entities responsible for handling property data may not be as clear cut as one would assume.

So, where do you go to do a Suffolk County lookup property “owner/ownership?”

In-Person Public Access Area

Suffolk County Clerk’s Office provides a starting point. But, that starting point requires you to go in person to the “public access area” where you’ll be required to sit at a library-like workstation.

The workstation is a computer that reaches into a database of over 2.5 million images stored digitally. Now, if you happen to be searching land records before 1987 or liens before 2004, that presents a challenge because you won’t find anything in the “public access area.” For such a case, you’ll need to request assistance. You will most likely be referred to microfiche that dates as far back as 1660.

We all know, perusing microfiche is time-consuming and requires diligence and attention to detail as you scan through thousands of records. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for on microfiche? You’ll need assistance again. The almighty, dingy “records room” is hopefully going to yield results for you. Books in the records room also contain property records. The task of going through hundreds of books won’t be quite as fast as microfiche. IF you do manage to find the information you are searching for, you will be charged a fee to print, copy, fax, or email it.

Get to the information you need in SECONDS! Try Property Scout.io’s FREE 3-DAY PASS!

Online Access

Upon arriving at the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office webpage, things may appear to be simple as a click of a button to start searching Suffolk County property records by name. However, you have to peel your way through, and at best, you end up hitting a dead end.

Liens

Doing a Suffolk County property tax search is traditionally the first step in digging up liens. To access any portion of lien records, your computer’s popup blocker must be disabled. You will then be required to accept various agreements to go further into the system. If you are lucky enough to get to the red bar at the top of your screen, you have gotten further than most others. To continue, you’ll need to do a “search 1” or “search 2.” In either case, you’ll need the owner’s name.

Land Records, Deeds, and Mortgages

Doing a Suffolk County property tax search is traditionally the first step in digging up liens. To access any portion of lien records, your computer’s popup blocker must be disabled. You will then be required to accept various agreements to go further into the system. If you are lucky enough to get to the red bar at the top of your screen, you have gotten further than most others. To continue, you’ll need to do a “search 1” or “search 2.” In either case, you’ll need the owner’s name.

AREIS System

Suffolk County offers AREIS(Advanced Real Estate Information System) for a stout licensing fee to access property records. This, however, is ideally not intended for individual use. AREIS merely gives a snapshot of ownership on parcels along with recorded sales. Further analysis of data is limited.

Governing Entities Handling Property Taxes in Suffolk County

Property taxes in the State of New York are administered by the Department of Taxation and Finance. Responsibility in managing, enforcing, and maintaining those taxes trickle all the way down to “Assessors” to “Receivers of Taxes” in each town, village, or municipality.

Local assessors are elected/appointed officials that handle property tax on a more local basis. Municipalities have either a shared assessor that works in more than one area, or they have a sole assessor (dedicated for that area.) These assessors are responsible for not only assessing a property’s value, but they also inspect properties and handle exemptions.

Hierarchy of Property Tax Entities
  • State of New York
  • Department of Taxation and Finance
  • County Real Property Director, Suffolk County
  • Overseer of all real property tax laws within a county
  • Local Assessor (Suffolk County property appraiser)
  • Works for one municipality or multiple
  • Inspects properties for accuracy and valuation
  • Receiver of Taxes
  • Local municipality office who accepts and processes property taxes only.
Local Municipality “Receivers of Taxes”

It can be daunting trying to figure out who handles property taxes throughout Suffolk County. Each municipality has a “Receiver of Taxes,” which is merely an administrative office that collects taxes. They have no responsibility in property tax policies, data, recordings, or records.

  1. 1Babylon
  2. 2Brookhaven
  3. 3East Hampton
  4. 4Huntington
  5. 5Islip
  6. 6Riverhead
  7. 7Shelter Island
  8. 8Smithtown
  9. 9Southampton
  10. 10Southold

Bypass All of the Above In ONE STEP!

As you can see, the maze of trying to find the right department to obtain property records within Suffolk County, New York, is overwhelming, to say the least!

You have all of the information you need in one place, just a click away. Property Scout.io digs through thousands of records in Suffolk County, organizes it, and instantly puts it at your fingertips in a matter of seconds. No more spending hours trying to find “Suffolk County property search by owner” trying to look up “property owner/ownership.”

  • You get information that’s accurate.
  • You save a LOT of time that’s otherwise spent digging through websites and pages online, calling different offices, and filling out request forms.
  • You save a potential in-person trip to get your information.

Property Scout.io is an information resource lenders, investors, and insurers are reaching for to get the info they need quickly. Try our 3-DAY PASS to get started!

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How To Find Property Tax Info For Free
Property Taxes

How To Find Property Tax Info For Free

Peeling Away The Layers Of An Onion Known As "Property Taxes"

Trying to gain insight into a specific property's taxes is like picking up an onion and peeling away layers to get to the information we need. At best, once you do get to the information, it can be outdated or inaccurate. It's very frustrating because the time you invest in extensive research could have been spent on other important priorities.

So, why is it so difficult to get property tax information that's current, correct, and reliable?

Property Tax Delinquency and Liens

When an owner fails to pay the required property taxes, the local government levies a tax lien on the property. That lien is then filed and recorded with the local governing office or agency. Jurisdictions have varying sets of regulations that govern liens. Liens are prioritized based on those regulations in the jurisdiction.

Lien Prioritization

Property tax liens are given priority over lenders (mortgages) or other liens on the property. When property taxes become delinquent, the governing body (national, state, country, or municipality) follows procedures prescribed by the state to sell the property to cover the delinquent taxes.

Although jurisdictions vary on regulations, they all remain consistent in commonly enforcing the same rules of lien prioritization.  

Tax Lien

Lien Priority

  • Superior
  • Superior has precedence over all Junior liens regardless of the date recorded.
  • Property tax liens
  • Assessment liens
  • Federal tax liens
  • State estate inheritance tax liens
  • Junior
  • Automatically considered inferior/subordinate to a Superior lien.
  • Junior liens are prioritized by date recorded
  • Federal income tax liens
  • State corporate income tax liens
  • State intangible tax liens
  • Judgment liens
  • Mortgage liens
  • Vendor's liens
  • Mechanic's liens

Where to Begin "Peeling" Away

When you need to find property tax information on a specific property, knowing where to start helps. There's an overwhelming amount of options that pops up after you do a search on a property. A Google search yields different places that are out in left field (not even close to what you need.)

There's no such thing as a single "repository" for property tax info. We all certainly wished there was! What you have to do is break things down into "bite-size" chunks to work on them one by one to get to the next step in your search.

Know Before You Go Searching

Before you even begin to locate places for the information you need, you must have a few things in hand to effectively have a starting point.

  • Property's address
  • Property owner's name
Property Tax Searching

Once you have those two things, you can move forward to learning more about the nuances of the county your property search is located in. Be prepared to interact with areas that don't handle "outside" inquiries very often. These areas are typically very rural in nature and may have the tendency to protect any information shared regardless of it being public or not. Patience and courtesy go a long way in cases like this.

Not every tax jurisdiction is going to have property tax information readily available online. You may be required to go in person to request the information. Be sure to have ample time to wait or peruse index cards or microfiche to find your information. Fees may be incurred to copy records.

Before visiting these jurisdictions, be sure to have the key person's contact information in that jurisdiction. That way, you aren’t caught off guard by speaking to the wrong person.

Key items you'll need to ask for from the right person in that jurisdiction.

Public Records of Mortgage Recordings

Mortgage records are publicly accessible, but to get the information will require a significant investment of your time. Most every county in the U.S. has an office and/or website where you can request those records. Smaller rural counties may not have a website, which, of course, would require you having to go in person. Larger counties that do have websites typically have a place on the site where you can request a mail-order of the records. There may be a fee to process your request to cover postage. 

Public Records of Mortgage Recordings

You can also access tax and assessment records on a property through a country registrar’s office. The information gained from these records won’t give you a definitive amount with regard to a mortgage on that property, but it will provide you with a range of what a seller’s mortgage balance is.

  • Exemptions and/or exclusions per the different classes of taxable properties.
  • Method by which property taxes are assessed.
  • Classification
  • Valuation
  • Equalization
  • Assessment
  • Tax Levy
  • Credits and abatements available
  • Due dates for tax

Variations of Jurisdictions When It Comes To Property Taxes

The beauty of our nation is the diversity of culture and ways of doing things. This attribute spills over into the way local government functions because of that diversity. One jurisdiction may not necessarily function the same way another does. So, we must work our way through the veil of those entities.

The language used regarding property taxes may be termed differently in a jurisdiction, so keep that in mind. Different states have different titles for governing bodies of property tax.

The Different Names of Property Taxes

  • Property tax
  • ad Valorem taxes
  • Real estate tax
  • Millage

Property Taxes May be Handled by:

  • County
  • Municipality
  • Township
  • Special District
  • Parish (Louisiana only)

Local Government Property Tax Entities

  • Tax Assessor
  • Tax Assessor-Collector
  • Tax Collector
  • Commissioner of Revenue
  • Appraisal District

States with "Unorganized Territories"

As if things aren't getting confusing enough, we also need to point out that some states have what's called "unorganized territories." These areas do not fall under the local or municipal government. Property taxes within these areas might be handled by another local governing body.

Maine, for example, is one of 10 states with unorganized territories. Property taxes in Maine are handled either under Municipal Services or Unorganized Territory.

Unorganized Territories

Other states that have unorganized territories include:

  • Arkansas
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Louisiana
  • Minnesota
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • South Dakota

Public Records

Property tax information is accessible by the public. When you do begin your search through public records, remember that the information you get may not be accurate or current.

Inaccuracy of Public Records

Variables that impact the accuracy and currency of property taxes include:

  • Tax rates going up or down.
  • Changes made to a property.
  • Data discrepancy (errors, exemptions, etc.)
  • Frequency of data updates by jurisdiction.
  • Payment of tax liens made that have not cleared the system
  • Abatements
  • Deferrals
  • Credit
Inaccuracy of Public Records

Property owners who are vigilant in ensuring their records are correct are a godsend for public records. But honestly, how many property owners do you know who audit their own records? Some owners don't because the process can be intimidating, and as a result, their escrow begins to falter, causing taxes to become delinquent with the possibility of a tax lien. Once the tax lien hits, they make a payment. However, if that payment has not cleared the system at the time you obtain property tax information on that property, you will get wonky information that's incorrect. You may see the arrears, but you won't know that it's been paid because it may take time to clear.

The frequency of data updates varies in jurisdictions. While most counties are quick to release pertinent data, others that are small or in rural areas take longer (up to a few months!) So, if you are searching for a property in the middle of nowhere, remember, you may not get current info.

Exemptions of property taxes may not be reflected accurately on a property. Some states have exemptions in place that you should be aware of when searching for property tax info. Again, if the jurisdiction doesn't have this correctly recorded on a property, you are left with inaccurate data.

  • Disabled veterans
  • Retired military
  • Disabled People
  • Seniors over 65 years of age
  • Homestead

The Mechanics of Jurisdictional Property Taxation

Jurisdiction officials responsible for property taxation follow a set of statutes in administering those taxes. State-level agencies are typically limited in playing a role with valuations of properties. Local officials are key players when it comes to appraising and assessing real property.

The Framework

Property taxes are administered and maintained through a network of officials. These people are required to have a full understanding of property tax statutes to responsibly carry out an assessment, valuation, exemption, cycles of reassessment/reappraisal, and taxation. Legislative policies to ensure local officials are aware of changes that affect the property tax system.

Property Data

Information regarding valuation, transfers, ownership, description, and relevant data to a property is maintained. Data collected is analyzed against the valuation of real property. Such data includes structure measurements, number of rooms, age, square footage, and type of construction. Further analysis takes into account zoning, prices of properties listed and sold. Appraised values reflect the data resulting from the analysis. Audits and compliance reviews are continually practiced to ensure all data aligns with state regulations.

Property Assessment

Property Assessment

Assessments are based on the current market value of a property. Annual recurring taxation of a property falls within the purported underlying value of the property. Doing so leverages maximization of fairness within a property tax system.

Property Appraisals

Appraisers perform field appraisals of properties that include calculations of structures while taking into account the property value, land valuations, and reconciliations of values.

State Level

State regulators monitor the performance of jurisdictions. They set the standards which those jurisdictions follow with regard to imposing property tax, assessing property values, appraising properties, and enforcing tax laws.

A Look at States With High and Low Property Taxes

If you are entertaining investments in another state, it helps to know what the property tax climate is!

[The writer created an infographic to be used right here. The link to the infographic can be found here. And this is the source of the information.]

Reduce Your Risk!

If you are doing some investigating on property tax information for a property of interest, all we can say is do your homework! The deeper and longer you dig for accurate tax information pays off by reducing potential risk; even then, there’s no guarantee the information you get is correct.

A Great Example:

  • The Jones' purchased a home in 2017 for $162,000
  • The lender filed the mortgage through the local governing office, where it was recorded.
  • In 2018, they took out a second mortgage for $25,000
  • The lender on the second mortgage filed the mortgage through the local governing office where it was recorded.
  • They defaulted on the second mortgage and were $1,000 in arrears for property taxes.
  • A property tax lien was placed on their property.
  • The local governing tax office filed the lien with the appropriate office where it was recorded.
  • The property went into foreclosure and sold in 2019 for $183,000

Proceeds from the sale of the home were distributed by "priority."

  1. 1
    Property tax ($1,000) - Superior
  2. 2
    1st Mortgage from 2017 ($150,00) - Junior
  3. 3
    2nd Mortgage from 2018 ($25,000) - Junior

The lender of the second mortgage was at a higher risk. For them to be paid off, the home had to sell for at least $179,000, which, even at that amount, was not a guarantee!

Get the RIGHT Stuff!

Do you honestly want to "ride the wave" hoping you get the right information on a property's taxes? Better yet, do you have the time it takes to peel away the numerous layers to get to what you're looking for?

PropertyScout.io "Pre-Peels" the Layers for You!

  • Access to 140 Million Property Tax Records in the U.S.
  • You get accurate data on a property's taxes—no more second-guessing what you get.
  • We do nationwide in-depth, multi-state record retrieval that's reliable!
  • Results are UBER-FAST saving you valuable time otherwise spent researching.

Added Features:

  • Confidential pre-screening of clients for underwriting or application approval.
  • Immediate Ownership Verification.
  • Property Details: square footage, year built, and more!

The days of working your way through the maze of jurisdictions, inaccurate or outdated data, tax liens, and delinquency are gone! Make informed decisions while reducing your risk. Get access to our premium software where you can have a major advantage in the industry with our 3-DAY PASS!

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Finding Mortgage Information on a Property
Property Ownership

Finding Mortgage Information on a Property

It’s Tough Being a “Mortgage Sleuth”

How do you get an idea of where to price a listing at or, better yet, gain from a sale? Gaining a snapshot of what’s owed on a mortgage against the equity will help you arrive at a number! But what do you do if there are “influences” working in the background that completely stir things up?Whether you are a realtor or investor, trying to uncover mortgage information on a property is a bit tricky. It would be great if things were as simple as asking a property owner what the balance is on their mortgage. Sometimes the opportunity doesn’t present itself for that conversation to happen.Instead, we have to rely on our own diligence to gain the insight we need when it comes to mortgage information.To effectively negotiate on property prices, it helps to have mortgage information. So, how do we find out mortgage details if we can’t ask the property owner directly? It takes a LOT of time to access public records on mortgages. You’ll make phone calls, send emails, do lengthy searches online, and perhaps visit your local county clerk’s office.Guess what? We’re going to tell you how to get the information you need and how you can save precious time that could otherwise be devoted to growing your business!

The Importance of Finding Mortgage Information on a Property

COVID-19 and Mortgages

Whether you are in the real estate industry or an investor, gaining insight into a property’s mortgage is essential. Debt burdens such as liens and liabilities on a

property co

me with risks. Realtors can leverage mortgage information to be more efficient in helping your clients. Investors, on the other hand, gain valuable intelligence on a property to be able to manage risks in their portfolio. Transparency of mortgage info from one end to the other prevents you from any unexpected surprises.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Mortgages

COVID-19 is responsible for spikes in unemployment. As a result, homeowners are paddling in drowning waters, trying to keep up with mortgage payments. Delinquency in payments doubled in comparison to pre-COVID. Property owners are reaching out for solutions to alleviate their situations through various loans and even putting their property up for sale to avoid foreclosure.

Past-due mortgages are the highest they’ve ever been. Delinquency statistics reflect just how serious COVID-19 is for property owners.30-59 days delinquent

  • 2019: 1.7%
  • 2020: 4.2%

60-89 days delinquent

  • 2019: 0.6%
  • 2020: 0.7%

Home prices reportedly are forecasted to drop in 2021. As a result, a homeowner’s equity no longer provides a cushion. The uncertainty of our economy and COVID-19 raises concerns across the nation for homeowners trying to avoid foreclosure.As a realtor or investor, knowing a property’s chain of mortgage events becomes crucial more than ever because of the impact of COVID-19.

Where to Begin

When it comes to “sleuthing,” you have to have a trail to follow. A paper trail is going to lead you to the information you want. Those paper trails begin at your local county clerk’s office. First, you have to have the owner’s name and the address of the property. To get the owner’s name, you may have to do some initial online searching. If that doesn’t yield results, you may have to call or go down to your county clerk’s office to find mortgage information on a property. And so the fun begins!

Public Records of Mortgage Recordings

Public Records of Mortgage Recordings

Mortgage records are publicly accessible, but to get the information will require a significant investment of your time. Most every county in the U.S. has an office and/or website where you can request those records. Smaller rural counties may not have a website, which, of course, would require you having to go in person. Larger counties that do have websites typically have a place on the site where you can request a mail-order of the records. There may be a fee to process your request to cover postage.

You can also access tax and assessment records on a property through a country registrar’s office. The information gained from these records won’t give you a definitive amount with regard to a mortgage on that property, but it will provide you with a range of what a seller’s mortgage balance is.

Why You Can’t Find Mortgage Info on a Property

If you go down to your local county office to get public records on a mortgage recording, be forewarned you may not get anything. If it wasn’t filed, there’s not going to be anything on record.

Unrecorded Mortgages

When it comes to mortgage recordings, it’s all about racing down to the county clerk’s office and filing it—failing to do within the state’s required timeframe results in putting a lender and the homeowner at risk. Not all mortgages are recorded. What does this mean for you?

Mortgage Note

Well, unfortunately, you aren’t going to get the information you need. The county office won’t have it, because it was never given to them to file. Mortgage documents create a traceable path on the ownership of a property. It’s this information you want.

Most states within the U.S. have a set of statutes for recording documents for properties. These statutes impose legal notices of intended ownership of a property. Mortgage security instruments (documents) are recorded in the appropriate jurisdiction to provide the public with constructive notice of a property interest. The practice of recording and providing constructive notice is designed to protect mortgage lenders against any claims on the property.

Jurisdiction Prioritization

Properties mortgaged multiple times, as well as properties with liens, are recorded based on a priority ranking system. Jurisdictions prioritize recordings by three rankings:

  • Race (who gets the recording done first – time)
  • Notice (see below scenario)
  • Race-Notice

Mortgages with previous recordings put all prior mortgage lenders on constructive notice. A property with an unrecorded mortgage abolishes prior interests in the property.

An Example Scenario of What Can Happen When a Lien Trumps Over a Delayed Mortgage Recording

The Jones’ got a loan from their bank to buy a home on August 15th. The mortgage wasn’t recorded until August 30. A hailstorm caused significant damage to the windows of the Jones’ house. A friend who happens to own a window replacement business offered to finance the $12,000 to replace the windows. Friend or no friend, to finance the windows, their friend asked for a form of collateral in case of default, and in this case, they put their home down as collateral. The friend filed the documents on August 28th, showing the agreement between all parties. This filing was done at the local county clerk’s office. Once “filed,” it becomes known as “recorded.”

Influencers of Mortgages

Who do you think has priority? The friend does because the lender failed to record the mortgage asap. This is what’s known as “race” priority. The one who records first gets priority when the jurisdiction happens to be a “notice” district.

So, what you have here is a lien that pops up in first place on a mortgage, In second place is the lender who failed to record the mortgage fast enough. The above scenario is one example of many that affect a mortgage.

Most states require lending agencies to record mortgages within a precise time frame. Failing to do so puts the lender at risk as well as the owner of the property. Lending agencies who give someone a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and fails to record it, can put a homeowner in a real pickle when that homeowner goes and tries to refinance and can’t because they can’t get the insubordination completed. It turns into a serious nightmare!

“Influencers” of Mortgages

Mortgages are like dominoes that all line up, one behind another. However, the one in front may be the only one you see. Mortgages that go unrecorded are those that go unseen. If you are searching for information on a mortgage that has a reverse mortgage, home equity loan, or a home equity line of credit makes it challenging to get an accurate picture of a mortgage itself.

For you, these “influencers” are a few things that can affect the accuracy of any mortgage information you do get.

Reverse Mortgages

Those over 62 years old borrow against their home equity, which is paid back when the owner dies or the home is sold. The homeowner is compensated by:

  • A lump sum
  • Monthly payment
  • A line of credit
  • Combination of all of the above

Home Equity Loan

  • Referred to as a “second mortgage.”
  • A lump sum paid back over a specified period of time through monthly payments.
  • The borrowed amount is dependent upon the amount of equity you have.

Home Equity Line of Credit

  • Homeowners obtain a loan with collateral of home equity.
  • The amount loaned is based on how much home equity the homeowner has.

Easements

  • Easements on a property can impact mortgage information. Pre-existing mortgages that don’t reflect an easement come with risks. When the current property owner defaults in their mortgage payment, the lender has the option to foreclose, thus extinguishing the easement. To avoid this, a property owner has the option of refinancing with a new mortgage that includes the easement. By doing this, the interest of the easement holder is prioritized ahead of the lender.

Economic Stability

  • The “ups and downs” of our economy influence the lending industry. Unemployment trends significantly impact property owners’ abilities to meet the terms of their mortgages. When this occurs, you begin to notice a layering of mortgages or liens on a property that results from a property owner’s attempts to keep their head above water.
  • Loss mitigation is a reality when a property owner is facing foreclosure. Most lenders try to help keep the owner in their home. When this occurs, a property owner may opt for one of several solutions.
  • Refinancing
  • Loan modification
  • Agreed upon plan of repayment
  • Short-sell
  • Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure

Bypass All of the Above!

Now we come to our promise that you can find out how much is owed on a mortgage.

  • No searching through your local county clerk’s office.
  • No digging up info through online searches.
  • No trying to figure out who has liens on what.
  • Your precious time is saved to do more important things.
  • No unexpected surprises that can seriously cost you money down the road.
  • You get accurate information.

The number of complexities that stand in the way of getting the information you need is removed! You can simply search on a property, and it pops up with everything you want to know. PropertyScout.io is one of the leading tools lenders, investors, and property/casualty insurers are taking advantage of to secure their interest. Give us a try with a 3-DAY PASS!

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Property History Search
Property Ownership

Property History Search: Every House has a Story

Why property history search? Are you curious about the history of your home? What kind of events may have occurred there? Did anyone famous ever live there? If only those walls could talk, right? Whether you’re a historian, an investor, or someone looking to buy a home, a property history search can offer a lot of insight. It all depends on how much you want to know, and how far back into history, you plan to search. Either way, you might uncover something you hadn’t expected.

Property History Search: The Recent Years

Some people want to learn about th e past of their home because it’s historical. On the other hand, people might want to know about the background of a home before they make an offer. Or they might need more information for a If you are looking for the recent history before you buy a home, then these next couple of methods will help.

Real Estate Websites: Your First Step

The easiest way to perform a property sales history search is by looking at sites like Zillow.com or Redfin.com. Plug in the address, and you’ll find the property’s tax history for at least a decade, if not more. Sometimes you’ll be able to find the price history if the home is on the market or sold recently.That’s one easy way to gain knowledge about the history of a home. Here is another method.

Ask the Neighbors

People in the area will undoubtedly know some of the gossip about your home. The term “nosy neighbors” isn’t unfounded, right? Go ask. You might be surprised at what kind of information they are holding on to! Want to know about the possible creep-factor of a house before you buy it? Keep reading.

Do you Believe in Bad Luck or Ghosts?

Are you curious to see if someone died in a home that you might want to purchase? Yes, that is a little morbid, but there is a website dedicated to it, so you aren’t the only person who is eager to know. Let’s face it; you may not want to live in a home where something terrible has occurred. Don’t buy that smudge stick to purify your home just yet. For $11.99, DiedInHouse.com will give you a full report on one address. You’ll find out:

  • Deaths that occurred in the home (murder, suicide, accidental, or natural)
  • If the house was used as a meth lab
  • Any fires that happened in the home
  • If a registered sex offender was living there

If you believe in bad juju or evil spirits, it’s worth every penny to find that info out before you move forward with a lease or purchase a home. Don’t care about ghosts? Just want the pertinent info? Believe it or not, a property history search using free public records will provide more details.

Public Records: The Details

Public Records Property History

There is a lot of juicy info to be found in a public records search. Public property history searches can be performed in a couple of ways: in-person or online websites and portals. If you choose the in-person method, start by going down to the county courthouse or tax assessors with the address of the property. If you want to search online, start by going to the county website. Some towns will have the information available on various county websites. In contrast, others will make you trudge down to the government offices.

What will you find out from searching public records?

Do you like jogging in the park? Do your kids play at the neighborhood playground? The maintenance of those parks is paid by your property taxes, as well.

  1.  1You’ll get the basic info, like who owns the property.
  2. You’ll also get the tax records so you can see the history of taxes per year. If you are planning to buy a home, knowing the amount of current taxes is essential. As a possible homeowner, it all goes into your bottom line.Is the current owner up to date? Or do they owe back taxes? If they do, you might be able to get a below-market deal.
  3. Has the owner filed for bankruptcy? If so, that gives you a heads up to their financial situation and why they are selling the home. A motivated seller is the best kind.
  4. Are there any lawsuits past or present? You could get that info too. Again, people might be willing to sell at a lower cost if they need the cash quickly.
  5. Is the home in foreclosure? If so, you might get the deal of a lifetime!
  6. The price or sale history of a house offers up good intel as well. If you were looking to buy a home and found out that it had been on and off the market for the last few years, wouldn’t that influence your offer?And last, but certainly not least…
  7. Is there a clear title? Before you buy a home, you need to know if there are any liens.

The Bad News About Public Records

No matter which method you prefer for a property sales history search, it could be laborious. Be prepared.

Bad News About Public Records

You will find a fair amount of info in the public records. Some of which could influence your decision to buy, as well as how much to offer. However, you might have to spend days poring over documents and websites that lead you nowhere. You might not be able to get all these details in one place, so get ready to get your hands dirty.You know government offices and websites can be maddening! Think about the post office or DMV! You get the point.

How to Search Property History Without Pulling Your Hair Out

Check out PropertyScout.io. The beauty of using this site is A). You can do a property sales history search from the comfort of your own home; you can even do it in your undies. And B). Even more importantly, it’s a one-stop-shop. Here’s what you’ll get:

  1. 1A list of all the owners in recent history
  2. 2How much they bought it for
  3. 3Who their lenders were
  4. 4If they had a second mortgage on it
  5. 5If there was a foreclosure sale
  6. 6The taxes
  7. 7The market value

Not bad for never leaving your house. Now let’s say, in all your research, you find out there is a lien on a home you want to purchase. The party’s not over, but you need to know what to do.Let’s get into that.But first – a few definitions.

Titles and Liens – What You Need to Know

Property Titles and Liens

What is a title? A title refers to who has legal ownership and the right to use a property. A defective title can cause complications with establishing ownership and therefore impact a sale. A lien is something like a mini-mortgage that gets put on your property by someone else. It will eventually force the homeowner to pay the debt. For example, a contractor puts in a new HVAC system, but the homeowner never fully pays the bill. The contractor will place a lien upon the home for the rest of that money. When the owner tries to sell the property, the lien must be paid off before the sale is complete, or it could come out of the proceeds of the sale.

How to Search a Property History for Titles, Liens, etc.

Luckily, this part is easy because your attorney or title company does it for you. Before you purchase anything, they will check the title for liens or anything that could affect the value of the property. You know, the essential information. Which is also why a property search history is important to an agent. Your agent wants to get you the best deal. The more you know about the current owner’s financial situation and why they are selling, the better at negotiating you’ll be. You’ll have the upper hand. Armed with knowing the reason behind the sale and if there are any encumbrances, you will be able to make an educated decision about how much to offer. Or not offer.

How About An Example?

Your title company performs a property history search in Santa Clara County, California, and finds out there is a mechanics lien on the property. You have to decide whether it is worth going forward with the purchase of this property. You plan to buy a home for $250,000 but find out through a title or deed search that the current owner has a first mortgage of $175,000. There is also a mechanics lien of $120,000. You can’t close on this sale unless the seller pays the difference. In most cases, this won’t happen, and without proof of the ability to pay off the liens, you should walk away. However, your stubborn husband wants the property despite the facts. Have your attorney make sure the owner can clear the title of all liens BEFORE you continue with the purchase. It is exactly what your agent will advise you to do. If the title isn’t clear, the owner will have to pay off the lien at the closing. If there is a $100,000 lien on the property and you are only going to offer $70,000, it won’t be accepted. The owner needs to make enough money to cover the lien. Buying a home requires a significant investment, so at a minimum, you should know any obstacles in the way. OK, so we’ve covered the basic property history search channels, but what if you want to go even deeper? Further back in history? With a little more digging, it’s possible to go even further back in time.

Property History Search: Let’s take a Peek into History

You know you live in a historical home, but you don’t know much more than that. You are dying to know the origins. What if someone important lived there? What if some scandal occurred in the home? Just like we can find the genealogy of humans, we can do similarly for a home with a complete property history search.

Let’s Map it Out

Historical maps of a city

Start by searching historical maps of the city. Certain cities have them available online. Just do a google search for “historical maps for X,” and quite a few sites will come up. Otherwise, there are sites like WhatWasThere.com to assist in the search as well.But what if your home is more than 100 years old and you think it might be historical? It might all be in the deeds.

Property Deed History Search: What You Can Learn

A deed is a written document that displays who owns a property. In a home sale transaction, both the seller and the buyer must sign the deed to transfer the property’s ownership rights. The courthouse or assessor must record the deed. Some of the earliest deeds recorded date back to the American Revolution! So doing a property deed history search can really come in handy when you want to know if Benjamin Franklin owned your home.

Start by searching for the deed with the current owner’s names. Then work your way backward from deed to deed. Each deed will provide info on who conveyed the property to whom. The succession of owners is called a chain of title. OK, so your homes not historical. Ben never stepped foot in it. But you still want to learn more about your home – enter building permits.

The Bigger Picture with Building Permits

Find out where the building permits for your town are kept on file. Typically, they can be found in the government, city planning, or county offices. If it is an older building, you might have to check the records at the local library archives or historical society.If you can locate the original permits for your home, you could find out who the architect and builders were. You may also learn the cost of construction, the original plan, and the first owner. Building permits will give you a more complete property history search if you live in or want to buy a historic home. Depending on how in-depth you want to go, you could then research the biographical info about every owner.

The Wrap Up

Performing a complete property history search to find out the genealogy of a home might be fascinating. Building permits, maps, and the first owners are fun to learn about if you live in or want to purchase a historic home. However, most of that info isn’t necessary if you are just planning to put in an offer on a property. In that case, a basic property history search will do. And it’s much easier.

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What Do Property Taxes Pay for
Property Taxes

7 Uses For Paying Property Taxes (And How You Can Benefit)

You just bought a home in the cutest section of town. Your kids love the new neighborhood, and there is a playground right across the street. A couple of fantastic schools are within walking distance. Overall, your town is like Mayberry, and it and has everything you need. Guess who pays for all of those wonderful amenities? You do with your property taxes. But how many times have you looked at your bill and thought, “I am paying too much! What do property taxes pay for anyway? “That’s a great question. Like most people, you’re paying property taxes but don’t know why other than that’s the law. You pay the bill, but don’t know where that money really goes.

Most, if not all, of your property tax money stays within your community. According to the Tax Foundation, property taxes make up more than 31% of the US state and local tax collection. More than any other source of revenue in the US. Your tax liability is based on which county you live in and the value of your home. But where do property taxes go? Why you should consider paying property taxes? They go to the county, which distributes them to the predetermined services. It’s not regulated by the federal government. When you receive your tax bill, it will be itemized; consequently, you will see exactly which amenities you are paying for. We all want to know where our hard earned tax dollars go; let’s get into the good stuff.

So, What Do Property Taxes Pay for?

If it aids the community in any way, your property taxes typically pay for it. How the money is allocated is up to each governing body. One town may use it for potholes while another may put it into snow removal or its library.

What Do Property Taxes Pay for

1. Public Schools

This is where the lion’s share of your property tax goes. Especially if you are in an area with a large student population or a city where providing premium education is on the forefront. Even though public schools get funding from federal and state governments, a majority of their funding comes from paying property taxes .Areas with higher-rated schools usually have higher housing costs, which in turn creates higher property taxes. People aren’t clamoring to move to neighborhoods with mediocre schools. High home prices = more property taxes = more money for local schools. The municipality decides what percentage goes towards each of the community services.

For example: If you bought a home in Garfield, NJ, almost 49% of your property taxes go to schools. Conversely, if you live in Avalon, NJ, only 7.42% goes toward schools. https://www.app.com/story/news/investigations/data/analysis/2018/03/19/nj-property-taxes-schools/432318002/

The top public schools are in municipalities with the highest property taxes. If you want your kids to go to the best school in New Jersey, be sure to find out if you can afford the levies. Especially in New Jersey because it has the highest property tax rate in the country.Any talk of property tax reduction often comes with serious resistance from schools and parents. But wait, I don’t have kids. Why should I pay so much into the school system?

That’s a great question and one that is often up for hot debate. On one side, the short and snarky answer is that you don’t want to live in a country full of birdbrains. As you get older, today’s students will be tomorrow’s future; they will be the leaders, inventors, business owners, the future of the world we live in. The better educated they are, the better off we will all be. And who other than the young and healthy will be there to support the old and retired? On the flip side of that is, people without kids are paying the same as those with five kids. Is that fair? Some seniors are downsizing or losing their homes due to property taxes, yet schools in those same districts have world-class state of the art facilities.

Why can’t the private sector pay for that?Could there be a better way? Maybe. What if you only paid for the services you want or might use, like the police or fire department? That is great if everyone chooses to pay for those departments too. But what if you choose to pay for it and your neighbor doesn’t. If there is a fire in your neighbor’s home, the fire department has to let it burn. Now your home is in danger. That system won’t work. What about paying more taxes when your kids are going to school? Or if families with kids paid more than those without? Is it plausible to stop paying so much into schools when you become a senior at a certain age? These questions are always up for dispute.

2. Public Roads and Bridges

You probably don’t even think about it, but every road you drive on and its streetlights, are all maintained by the costs raised from your property taxes. When those deep potholes get fixed, it’s because there is enough money in the coffers to fix them. Are you getting new sidewalks in your neighborhood? The revenue from property taxes is used to fund that too.In places like the Midwest and East Coast, the streets take a beating after freezing, thawing and baking every year. In those states, a higher portion of property taxes will be spent on fixing the roads every year.

3. Parks and Recreational Areas

Do you like jogging in the park? Do your kids play at the neighborhood playground? The maintenance of those parks is paid by your property taxes, as well. Recreational areas are not build it and forget it kind of places; they need constant maintenance and upkeep. Any public land that isn’t owned by the state is reliant on those taxes for preservation.

4. Police, Fire, and Public Safety

So, what do property taxes pay for? Your safety. Kind of important, right? Contrary to popular belief, police salaries aren’t financed by tickets. The revenue from property taxes is used to fund those too. It’s not just the salaries. Your property taxes typically pay for the benefits and pensions of the safety forces, as well. The same goes for police cars and the personnel who support the police like the people who answer the 911 calls. When the police department needs a new station, some of that financing will fall upon you, the taxpayer. Your taxes fund everything that keeps the safety departments running smoothly.

People want to move somewhere safe, which means you need a strong police force, which in turn means higher property values and taxes. It’s an intertwined circle, and you can’t have one without the other. Well-heeled residents expect high-quality services. The higher the quality of service, the more property taxes are needed to fund those services. It’s a symbiotic relationship. When the municipality needs more police, firefighters, and emergency response workers, property taxes often get raised. Sadly, bankrupt cities have fewer services like police and firefighters to take care of the people in the community.

5. Libraries

Although libraries aren’t a large portion of your bill, the revenue from property taxes is used to fund them. And everyone wants one in their community. When the median property values drop in a community, the politicians have to scramble to adjust the taxes to receive the same revenue. Many libraries, which receive a feeble amount of money from property taxes, are struggling to stay open.

6. Sanitation

Street cleaning, snow removal, sewers, and trash collection are all wrapped up in your property taxes. Some municipalities will bill them separately, but your tax dollars still fund them.

7. Government Administration

A small portion of your taxes goes for government administration costs. It covers the salaries and benefits of municipal admin staff and possibly even the government buildings as well. So, what is property tax used for? To keep your community in tip-top shape. But then why do so many people hate paying them? Let’s delve into that hot topic.

Paying Property Taxes: America’s Most Hated Tax

America’s Most Hated Tax

Many good things come from property taxes. But according to Motley Fool, 42% of Americans feel like property taxes are the least fair taxes overall. Partly because your property taxes may go up just because the municipality needs extra funds, whatever those might be. You might not have done anything to improve your property, but your bill keeps getting higher.

Unless homeowners can pay that tax increase, they might have to sell. Another reason for the resentment is that property taxes are regressive and everchanging. Since everyone pays the same tax rate, lower-salaried people are hit harder because they have to fork over the same percentage. And if you don’t pay these taxes, your home could be sold, even if you’ve paid the mortgage. Seniors, who have paid off their homes and may have a fixed income from social security, still have to pay property taxes as they rise. That is why a lot of seniors downsize even if their mortgage is paid off. What about renters? Do they pay property taxes? Let’s find out.

But wait, I’m just renting…

Surely, I don’t need to pay property taxes, right? Well, not so fast. That all depends on your landlord. You are probably paying them and not even knowing it. Most landlords will add the mortgage and taxes into the rent. So, in actuality, you are paying them, just not directly. Most landlords own property to make money, not lose it. If the taxes go up, the rent usually must, regardless of whether the renter can afford that raise. If the renters don’t pay the taxes, then it’s coming out of the landlord’s pocket. And it’s certainly not the best investment property for the owner.Common sense would say that moving to another state could lower your property tax liability. Well, that is true and false. Let’s delve into that.

You’ll Never Guess Which States have the Lowest Property Taxes

Which States have the Lowest Property Taxes

Surprisingly, it’s Hawaii at 0.18%. It makes you think, doesn’t it? Now don’t go moving there just yet. You must research its other tax obligations first. Hawaii’s property tax rates may be low, but it is a notoriously expensive state. The median home value is a rather pricey $620,400, which still means you could have a hefty tax bill. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/102015/7-best-states-property-taxes-and-why.asp#1-hawaiiPensions and social security are exempt from state income tax, but the taxes on some income can be as high as 8.25%. You need to delve further into the state and county before you plan to move. All 50 states, including Washington DC, collect property taxes in one way or another.

 

According to Forbes, property taxes rose an average of 4% in 2018, totaling $304.6 billion. Only four states weren’t included in that raise were New Mexico, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Iowa. New Jersey and New Hampshire have the highest property tax rates: 1.89% and 1.86%, respectively. In New Hampshire, almost 65% of the total tax collections of the state was from property taxes. Whereas in Hawaii, it was only 17%. The state relies upon the money from travelers and tourism so it can give its residents a break.

https://taxfoundation.org/state-and-local-property-tax-reliance-2019/If you are thinking about moving to lower your property taxes, keep in mind that the rate isn’t set solely at the state level. School boards, cities, and counties also influence the levies, so one area of a state may be higher than the next. Do your research by checking out the property tax records of a specific home at Propertytaxrecords.org and also by contacting the local county.

The Final Word

Of all the taxes in the United States, property taxes account for roughly one-third of all state and local collections. Your property taxes account for the largest source of state funding. It’s possible that your annual tax bill may be lower than one mortgage payment. However, in some areas, it could be three times your monthly mortgage. Areas with high property taxes often have the best amenities. Everyone wants to move into the most desirable neighborhood. You must consider more than just the affordability of the home; you’ll have to be able to pay the property taxes as well.

Before you buy a home, you should know how these taxes will affect your bottom line. They could make or break the deal. You can go to propertytaxrecords.org to find out the tax bill. Now you know what your property taxes typically pay for and why they are so crucial to the community. If you love the town you live in; there is probably a good reason for that. Your property is more valuable because the county’s infrastructure is well maintained, and the nearby schools are excellent. If you didn’t pay into property taxes, your community would suffer.

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Buy a Vacation Home
Investment

How to Find and Buy a Vacation Home (Tips You Never Knew)

What you’ll learn in this post:

  • How to Buy a Vacation Home
  • How to Save for a Vacation Home
  • Tips to Buy a Vacation Home
  • Owning a Vacation Home Pros and Cons

Do you dream of owning a vacation home on your favorite Florida beach? Somewhere where you can dig your toes in the sand, beer in hand as you chat with your friends? Or how about a little mountain chalet? A place where all your friends congregate and where the après ski is actually at your home? A future retirement Have you been trying to figure out how to buy a vacation home? The truth is, it’s not that dissimilar from buying your primary residence. However, you need to look at things from another angle. Read on for some valuable things to consider before you buy a vacation home.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. Where do you want your vacation home to be?

Where your vacation home to be

Before making any decisions, you should assess your needs and wants. Decipher between the two and delve deep into where you should buy. First, you must decide if you want to buy internationally or domestically. Many people purchase vacation homes in other countries, although that does add a lot more layers of red tape, it is possible.

If you choose to buy stateside, do you want to stay near your primary home, so it’s easy to access? Or would you prefer to buy in another state with a dramatically different climate? Are you a snowbird or a sunbird? Are you a city mouse living in a country house? Maybe it’s time to buy your perfect pied-a-terre in the big city. Make sure your vacation home fits your lifestyle. Don’t buy a condo with a pool if you hate swimming and want a garden.

2. How will you use the property?

The way you intend to use the property affects the down payment, as well as the mortgage rate. Will you use it as a true vacation home, only for your personal use? Or, are you thinking about buying a vacation home as an investment? You’ll retire there one day, but for now, you will rent it out and collect another stream of income. As an investment home, the down payment and mortgage rates are higher than if it was a second home.

3. What’s your bottom line?

Just like buying your primary home, you need to figure the bottom line. It’s not just about the final sale price and closing costs; there is more to it. Figure in the stuff that lenders don’t: furnishings, gas, electric, property maintenance, landscaping, pool upkeep, you get the point. All that comes out of your bottom line, and now you have two homes to pay the bills on. It doesn’t matter if you are buying condos in the city or summer homes on the beach; you’ll need to go through the same mortgage process as you did with your primary residence. To make sure you don’t buy more than your budget allows, here are a few ideas for saving money for that dream home.

How to Save for a Vacation Home

Buying a vacation home may seem like a fantasy for most people. Or only for the rich. But it doesn’t have to be. If you cut back on spending and stop squandering your money, you could hit a significant financial target. There are some significant factors as well as little daily habits, that if you pay attention to, could help you achieve your savings goals.

Major Factors

  • Take a close look at your banking. If your checking account is costing you money, find a new one. Are you paying ATM fees? Stop that! Ask your bank to waive the fees or find a new bank altogether. You can compare bank fees on sites like Nerd Wallet or Bank Rate.
  • Start a s
  • ide hustle. Work online to make extra cash. Check out sites like Fiverr or Freelancer and take advantage of the gig economy.
  • Watch your spending habits. Do you really need that big screen TV? Probably not. Take that money and toss it into a savings account instead.
  • Downsize. If you have a gas-guzzling SUV, can you downsize it? Trade it in for something smaller that uses less gas, or better yet, no gas.
  • Ask for lower rates. If you’ve been with the same car insurance company for a while, and are in good standing, ask them to lower your premiums. If you ask and they won’t budge, find another insurance provider.

Credit card companies can lower your APR if you have good credit and payment history. You just have to plead your case.

Little Daily Habits

  • Stop eating out every day. If you spend $10 a weekday for lunch, that’s $2600 you could save just by bringing last night’s leftovers.
  • Stop drinking Starbucks and bring your coffee to work.
  • Monitor sales and use coupons from CouponCause.com. They offer coupons for everything from online courses to instore purchases. They donate a portion of their commissions to charities so it is a win-win.

Most of those ideas are pretty practicable; that is how to save for a vacation home. It doesn’t have to be some daunting, impossible undertaking. Implement these ideas, and in no time, you’ll be able to start the search for your new cottage in the mountains.But before you buy, remember that a vacation home is not the same as a vacation. Keep reading for some good advice before you start your search.

Tips to Buy a Vacation Home

Vacation Home Buying Tips

Try before you buy

One of the most crucial tips to buy a vacation home is not to rush into it. It’s never advisable to buy a home in a place you’ve never been to. It’s not a vacation. It’s a home, an important purchase that should not be taken lightly. It’s not a liquid investment that you can sell within a few months and get your money back. So, don’t buy in a place you’ve never spent a considerable amount of time. Rent there first for as long as you possibly can before you even think about buying. See what it’s like in the peak season? You may hate it when it’s jam-packed full of tourists taking up every square inch of the beach. You’ll only know that by staying there are different times of the year.

Talk to the locals or other vacation home buyers

If you go every year at the same time, it would be good to learn what it’s like year-round. You may not live there all year, but it would be good to know that in the winter, everything shuts down. If you decide to rent it out in the high season, knowing what is like in the offseason is essential. The locals also know what changes the area is going through and who is moving into the community. Ask them what they like and don’t like about living there to get a better perspective on what your future could look like there.

Pretend you’re a local, not just there on vacation

Vacation home plan

On vacation, you probably go out to eat more, but if you were living there for a few months, you’d probably cook. Check out the grocery stores, get supplies, cook at home. What about a gym? Is there one for you to join? Is the area busy enough to keep you entertained, even in the offseason? Remember, going there for a week is very different than spending a few months there. And while you may not be able to do that now, when you retire, spending three months in your vacation home may be very appealing.

Know the rules around renting out your place

If you plan to rent out your vacation home, make sure you are allowed to do so. Some places ban weekly rentals and Airbnb. If that is your intention, keep that in mind when looking at summer homes. However, the opposite is true if you’re looking for a peaceful place to spend your downtime. Make sure the property you are looking at does NOT allow weekly rentals, or you could have an influx of people flowing in and out of your community. They could be partying the night away – and in effect destroying yours.

Keep in mind travel time and costs

If your fabulous new vacation home is a few hours away from your primary residence, it will be easy to pop over for a quick unscheduled weekend. But if it takes you eight hours to drive or fly there, you won’t be going very often.You want your vacation home to be accessible when you need a vacation, so while your dream is to own a second home in Paris, the chances of you getting there regularly are pretty slim. That’s ok, as long as you know that before buying a lake house in remote Utah.

Work with a local real estate agent

Find a seasoned agent in the area you want to purchase a home. Make sure they have at least a couple of years’ experience and know the ins and outs of the market there.

Owning a Vacation Home Pros and Cons

The very idea of owning a vacation home is exciting, but don’t let the eagerness cloud your judgment. There are advantages and disadvantages to buying any home. Summer homes are no different. You need to know the realities about owning a vacation home – pros and cons – before you making a decision. Let’s dive in.

The Pros

  1. It’s Your Dream Home in Dreamy Location Sometimes a vacation home is nicer than your primary residence. You bought your first home many years ago, you were younger and not as experienced. But when you buy a vacation home, you are older, wiser, and have more life under your belt. You have learned from your mistakes and know exactly what you want. Your vacation home, whether you are buying a lake house or a city pad, is your adult dream home.
  2. Familiarity Doesn’t Always Breed Contempt We are all creatures of habit to some degree. Returning to the same place for every vacation can be very comforting. You know where the shops are, your faVacation Home Pros and Consvorite restaurants, the best beaches. The familiarity means you can become part of a community over the years.
  3. The Convenience Factor It’s All Yours! You can use it whenever you want. No need to lug big suitcases of clothes, or toys, or ski gear. If everything you need for the weekend is already there, you can pop over without planning a month in advance. If you live in Arizona and buy a vacation home in Aspen, Colorado, you could store all of your ski gear and winter clothes at your vacation home. What could be worse than packing for a weekend ski trip only to land and find that your skis never left the airport in Arizona?
  4. Rental Income Opportunities If the area is seasonal, renting it out could be a way to make money. However, that means you are taking your vacation during the shoulder or off-season.
  5. Tax Deductions for the Win If you don’t rent it out, the interest on your mortgage and the property taxes are deductible from your gross income. Just as they are on your primary mortgage.
  6. You’re Getting a Head Start on Your Retirement When you retire and no longer want to live in that tundra you’ve called home for the last 30 years, you’ve already found and established a second home in a place you love. You can finally be a snowbird.

The Cons

  1. High-Cost Mortgages The down payment and interest rates associated with a vacation home are usually higher than for a primary residence.
  2. Maintenance From a Distance Isn’t Easy If you are not there when a pipe bursts, you may not even know about it for a month. You may have to travel to your vacation home to assess the damage and sort out the problem. If it is something that can be fixed later, you might spend your entire vacation dealing with construction. It’s not much of a vacation.
  3. Variety is the Spice of Life, Right? You are paying a lot of money to own that home. If you need a vacation, will you feel guilty going elsewhere when your home is sitting empty?

You’ll probably feel the need to travel exclusively to your vacation home rather than explore other places. Since you just learned everything you need to know about owning a vacation home (pros and cons), there is only one thing left to ask yourself…

Should I buy a Vacation Home?

Let’s be real. Purchasing a vacation home is more than just picking a place to go when you need a vacation. If you keep returning to the same vacation spot year after year, and you fall in love with it each time, buying a vacation home is probably right for you. It will help cut down your accommodation costs and vacation expenses and could provide you an “on-call” vacation.

It could also be a fantastic investment for your future. Or a method to bring in an extra stream of income until you plan to stay there more often. However, if you are an explorer, and want to travel the world, maybe buying isn’t for you. We’ve just given you a lot of tips to buy a vacation home – the how-tos, the pros, and the cons. You are armed with all the knowledge you require to make the right decision.

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Find Out Who Owns Land
Property Ownership

How to Find Out Who Owns Land (Quickly and Easily)

Have you ever wondered who owns that vacant lot in your neighborhood? It's been there for decades.


Sitting empty. Growing weeds and collecting garbage. It's really an eyesore.

It would make an incredible community garden. If only you knew who owned it. But since it's vacant, the chances of you finding out who owns that land is impossible. Right?

Well, maybe not.

The challenge is how to find out who owns land when you've never seen another human on the property.

These days you can find out almost anything on the internet. Some things just take a little extra digging. Impossible? No. Challenging? Possibly.

There are two routes for finding out this data. There are searches for free or searches for a fee. We’re going to go into detail about both.

Speaking of digging, let's dig into how to find out who owns land around you so you can make that community garden come true.

Don't Know How to Find Out Who Owns Land (Fee Search)

Not to worry, you are in the right place.

PropertyScout.io can help you find out all the goods. In just a few steps, you can get all the data you want (and more). Forgoing the need to unearth county records and saving you the mind-numbing job of deciphering government paperwork.

It's a one-stop-shop to find out who the property owners are on that vacant lot or any real estate for that matter.

To figure out who owns this property, you are going to need to put on your private investigator hat.

Don't have one?

Maybe not yet, but you will! Because you are about to solve the mystery of how to find out who owns land.

Don't Know the Exact Address?

Don't worry.

I bet your thinking, How to find out who owns the land next to me if I don't even have an address?

It sounds laughable, but keep reading.

All you need to know is the neighborhood or cross street, and you are in luck. Use the Search By Map function on PropertyScout.io. Scroll the map and zoom in until you find the area that you are looking for. Double click on the parcel of land and wait for the info below to populate.

Once it populates, you'll get all sorts of detailed information. Besides the correct address and the owner's name, you'll get the market value, lot size, mortgage, and purchase price.

With all that new data, you can enter the address or owner's name into the Search By Address or Search By Owner tabs. And lo and behold, you've got what you came for!

This is only one option for a property owner lookup on the site.

Don't Know the Owners Full Name

Don't Know the Owners Full Name

That's ok, too.

What if you can't remember the first name of the owner of the property. You heard the full name in passing, but for the life of you, you can't remember it.

Don't fret. PropertyScout.io can help. As long as you know the last name, pop it into the Search by Owner tab along with the city and state, and you'll get a list of everyone who owns property there.

However, it could be a very long list.

If you only know the last name is Smith, and they live in Chicago, prepare to sift through a lot of Smiths. Let's just hope their first name is something more uncommon like Zeus or Winona, or you might be computer bound for a while.

However, if you know the address, you are on easy street (see what I did there?). This is one of the simplest and quickest methods to get the goods on the landowner.

How to Find Out Who Owns Land in Alabama, or Illinois, or California, or…

Ok, you get the picture.

  1. 1
    Let's assume you did the map search, and you know the correct address.

    Well done! You're on fire!
  2. 2
    Now, search by the exact address. Within a few seconds, you'll have a wealth of info at your fingertips. You'll get a property overview with the market value, the year it was built, the mortgage, the purchase price, and the APN or PIN number.

    You'll see pictures of the property, who the previous owners were, and the tax info.
  3. 3
    Locate the owner's name in the Property Ownership section of the report. Click view details. That will take you to another page with the name of the owner at the top of the list.
  4. 4
    Click the green Full Profile button and voila; the property owner's age, phone number, and current address will come up.

So now you know exactly how to find out who owns a parcel of land using PropertyScout.io.

Sometimes it worth paying a small fee to get everything you need in one place. Peace of mind over pieces of mind, right?

But what if you don't want to spend the money just yet? You want to search for free first.

No problem, here is how:

Let's Begin at the Beginning: What's the Addy? (Free Search)

It's a vacant property, so it's not like you can look at the mailbox for the exact address. But first things first, let's get you the address.

It's Time to Consult Google Maps

Consult Google Maps

You know where the parcel of land is located, so open up Google Maps and get to that location. When you click on the plot of land, the address will pop up at the bottom of the screen.

Now pop that address into a plain old google search and see what comes up. You'll probably find out if it's for sale, or has been recently, but you won't find out who the property owners are.

If that doesn't work, there is another way. 

Parcel Maps

Parcel Maps

Some states have parcel maps that make it easy to gather info on any parcel of land.

For example, if you want to know how to find out who owns land in Texas, google Texas parcel viewer, or Texas parcel map. There will be pages of search results, so if you know the county, enter that instead of the word Texas. It will narrow down the search.

Once you find the right map, you should be able to click on the parcel of land and get some basic info. Depending on the state, and how much info they put on the site, you may find out who owns the property.

You can do that for any state, not just Texas. However, some states make it more complicated than others. Some counties have offices where you can go and physically pull parcel maps to get the address. Others have uploaded all of their maps to online portals.

The basic info is out there if you have the time and patience to search it out.
So let's assume you've found the exact location, but still don't know the owner's name.

This is your next step. 

How About a (Free) Property Owner Lookup

You've got the address; now you need to find out who owns that property.

In your quest to learn how to find out who owns land, you've got to get the basics first. Start with a public records search at the local county recorder's office or the tax assessor.

The recorder's office keeps all the permanent public records that have to do with real property. The clerk will do the property owner lookup for you with the address you've given them. Their records will show who owns this property, and who was the previous owner was.

If you decide to go to the tax assessor's office instead, they will look up the address and find out where they mail the tax bills. Obviously, if it's vacant land, the property owners don't live there, but they still have to pay taxes on the parcel. You can assume whoever is getting the bill is the owner of the land.

The documents found by either of these offices will have more info than just the owner on record. You'll get tax records and if there are any current liens or encumbrances.

The county you are looking within might have all of these records online. Finding it out is just a matter of figuring out which portal has access to the specific data you need. 

Not Vacant Land? Who Lives at This Address (Free Search)

Property Address (Free Search)

These methods also come in handy if you want to buy a house that's not on the market.

For example, you've been keeping an eye on this home for years, and it's falling into disrepair. There is so much potential, and you could see yourself growing old in that house. You'd love to buy it, but you have no idea who owns this property. Head down to the tax assessor or county recorder's office and find out who lives at this address with a free search of public records.

As with most bureaucratic processes, finding the answers might not come so easily or be so straight forward. But you've got to try, right?

Or go to PropertyScout.io and get all the info you need.

Ask the Neighbors (Free Search)

If you know the area well, asking the neighbors is an easy option. But be sure to explain what you are trying to achieve. People may be hesitant to talk if they think you are a debt collector. However, once they know you are there to help out the community, they will more than likely be willing to spill the beans.

How to Find Out Who Owns Land (Online): Free Deed Search

For every real estate sale, be it a home or land, there is a deed. Both the buyer and seller need to sign the deed to transfer over the property's ownership rights.

To do a deed search online, you can google search the registry of deeds website for your county. Enter the property's address and select the most recent deed. You'll see the current owner and who they bought it from.

Fun fact: The oldest deeds in America date back to the American Revolution. 

Still No Luck? Hire a Pro (Fee Search)

Hire a Pro Property Search

Sometimes you just can't find what you need. It could be complicated ownership histories, or records getting lost over the years, or even human error.

If you are friends with a real estate professional, ask them first. They have all sorts of connections. And if you are looking to buy the property, it's a win-win for you both.

While this certainly isn't a free option, it may be your last chance to gain the knowledge that you require. 

So Now What? Reaching Out

You've done your due diligence. You've tracked down who owns that parcel of land.

Nice work!

So now, what do you do with the info?

You reach out via snail mail or a phone call. Whichever you feel is more comfortable.

If you go the written route, address the envelope by hand. It's an added touch, and since no one, and I mean no one, gets handwritten letters anymore, it will catch their eye.

Another option is a postcard.

Either way, write something short and sweet – no need for loads of details. Just let them know you are interested, what your thoughts are for the property, and how to reach you. 

The Wrap Up

Whatever the reason you want to know who owns a property, these methods will guide you in the right direction. It could be as easy as knocking on a few doors or as convoluted as bureaucratic red tape could possibly be. But go into the project with time and patience, and you will get what you need.

Now that you know how to find out who owns a piece of land, it's up to you to make that community garden happen.

Now start planting!

Don't Hesitate, 

Get Started With PropertyScout.io

 Today!

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Effects of Covid-19 on Real Estate
Property Ownership

Effects of Covid-19 on Real Estate

With close to 3 Billion people living under some level of lockdown, most of whom are located in primary economic markets,  the covid-19 pandemic has seen a sudden and drastic economic effect throughout the global economy. The actual initial date of covid-19’s entrance into Asia as well as the United States are up for debate, however it is clear the world seemed to come to a screeching halt in mid-March 2020. Up to that point, the threat of the pandemic seemed to many to only be that, a threat.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) chose to completely shut down

National Basketball Association

When the National Basketball Association (NBA) chose to completely shut down its athletic enterprise bringing in $8 Billion in annual revenue, the world seemed to snap into reality that this virus would be treated like nothing we had seen in a century. Following the initial domino fall of the NBA, businesses large and small followed suit, triggering an abrupt halt to the global economy as Q1 2020 came to an end.

While the economic effects will be mostly blamed on the virus, we cannot ignore the trickle-down effect the suspension of business globally has brought to the world. With people working from home and many businesses shut down, the cyclical economic routine has stopped.

A lot of non-essential workers are no longer commuting to work during the pandemic, companies have requested to those who can work from home to do so. Therefore they are not driving to work, this means they are not pumping gas, nor repairing their cars or giving them maintenance as  if they would when they use their vehicles daily, it all went to a sudden pause.  Restaurants and eateries took a big hit too. Many of them had to shut down temporarily without the employees lunch break no longer existing and people working from home.  Retailers were also much affected in such a sudden shut down.

The actual cost is yet to be known and difficult to quantify

As of early summer 2020, the actual cost is yet to be known and difficult to quantify, however by one expert calculation, the world has seen a cost in excess of $85 Billion in GDP, with this number looking to continue to increase. Governments have done their best to bail out economies as they can, however this cost will have to be dealt with for generations, in particular in the United States where the $2.2 Trillion dollar tab rung up by the federal government is only continuing to increase.

The cost has been significant

Effects of Covid-19 unemployment

From the perspective of the real estate industry, the cost has been significant. The current times have caused significant uncertainty. 14.7% of the United States economy has claimed unemployment, a drastic change from the pre-covid historically low unemployment rates of 3.5%. Companies are laying off people left and right, while others have furloughed employees or held onto them only for the short period of time in which the government will cover their employee costs through the Paycheck Protection Program, and other short term bail out policies. This period has been a wakeup call to businesses who were previously operating heavy on expenses and employees. A silver lining to business owners will be an effect of efficiency creation and “trimming the fat” by relieving inefficient and unneeded workforces as well as expenses.

Unfortunately, this new efficiency focus has resulted in companies taking a new look at the greater picture of their staff needs and real estate needs

Companies are asking themselves: How many people do we need? How many locations do we need? This has created action in terms of consolidation into smaller spaces, halts or complete shutdown of expansion plans, and in some cases shutdowns of locations. Commercially this has hurt activity in many sectors. Residentially the higher end and larger space sales markets have shrunk drastically and the market as a whole has been hurt. Recently furloughed or laid off employees have hesitated to move forward with large financial transactions in their personal lives. Those still employed have seen more conservative spending across the board, hurting the upper tier market but continuing to move the lower and middle markets.

There is a tendency for those outside the industry to basketthe entirety of the real estate world into one segment

However the effects of the virus vary drastically by asset type as well as geography. All industries at a macro level have negatively been affected however retail and hospitality have been hurt the most. Some niche sectors within asset types have thrived and succeeded during these times.

Retail

Effects of Covid-19 RetailsIn recent years, shopping has shifted significantly to online settings due to the so called “Amazon Effect”. Apparel stores and other past shopping locations are few and far between as retail trends had shifted to services, fitness, and experience – oriented tenancies. Now that large and multiple person public gatherings have been banned, these locations have been operating on a small portion of sales through takeout orders or shuttered altogether.

There is a large unknown as to how consumers will react (or be permitted to react due to re-opening rules) to these settings when business resumes. Malls, who were already hurting nationally, have been further pushed to the bottom of the market as mall operators only collected 15% of rent in April. That has begun to recover as numbers are now 20%-30% however these numbers are still unsustainable for almost any length of time. This particular sector will likely hurt in the future as the enclosed environments only feed on the fears of virus spreading.

Operating expenses will be higher due to increased cleaning measures but rents will be lower as they have already fallen as high as 13% in malls according to some estimates. Grocers have been some of the few retailers to thrive as they see a 50 year high in performance nationally. Now that we look towards the future, there are signs of light at the end of the tunnel if retailers can make it there. Retailers who have reopened are generally recovering to close to pre-covid numbers fairly quickly, however the key factors to their future success being how they managed the past few months, their past ability to obtain government bailout funding, and their pre-covid cash reserves.

Hospitality

Effects of Covid-19 HospitalityJust after retail, the hospitality sector has been extremely hurt as business travel has halted as well as vacations. Prior occupancy rates hovering at 70% are now 0% up through 15% at best for many locations. Labor costs may be lower, however business expenses for operating a hotel are very expensive for real estate carrying costs, employee costs, utility, and hvac. As a result, performance has been $0 or less than $0 revenue. Industry experts see this recovery taking as long as 3 years to reach pre-covid 19 numbers. On a positive note, extended stay locations have proved resilient as they are still generally profitable during these times.

Industrial/Logistics

The industrial and logistics sector have exhibited resilience during the outbreak as many of these occupants have been deemed essential and thus continue to operate. E-Commerce became a staple of tenancy in recent years and has only benefitted from this situation as people stay at home and increase their consumption of online goods ranging from clothes to groceries to small household items. As grocery online ordering has increased, refrigerated buildings have increased in demand with a limited supply.

Office

Effects of Covid-19 OfficeSo far, office has been ok however the effects in the future will likely be strongly negative as companies realize they can effectively have employees work from home and /or operate their locations with a reduced staff – meaning a requirement for less or even no office space occupancy. Landlords have not been hurt just yet, however industry sentiment is that they will. This said, trends have certainly led to activity in previously undesired office product. The past few years have seen an attraction to multi-story office buildings with high levels of human interaction and amenities.

The downside to this was an extreme lack of interest in single story office as many of the tenant spaces saw little to no human interaction among tenants, who often had their own isolated entrances. Covid-19 has completely flipped the narrative on this.

With companies concerned with liability and decision makers personally concerned for the wellbeing of their staff – they prefer to minimize human interaction to avoid virus spreading, therefor single story office is suddenly in favor while multi-story office building with shared entrances are suddenly out of favor.

Institutional capital has reacted quickly to this trend by flocking to single story suburban product. In addition to this general trend, there have been predictions of urban flight for both businesses and residents as people look to avoid crowded spaces, high taxes (suddenly higher due to virus strains on the city), and public protesting. Urban office has a dire near-term outlook while suburban office has the opposite – again a complete opposite narrative to that of only a few months ago.

Investment Sales

Investment sales have continued however much of this can be attributed to an extension of 1031 tax deferred exchange deadlines, which have fueled sales in the near term. Many investment grade assets, such as restaurant pad sites, will likely not be as sought after in the future as many predict investors will be more conservative in their investments, possibly shifting to non-real estate ownership of bonds, etc. Some sectors have increased in demand, particularly in e-commerce and grocery locations, which has thrived during the pandemic.

For those deals that have been fortunate to continue to move forward

Closing on a transaction has been extremely difficult, particularly in April and May. With people working from home and court houses closes, laws had to be changed and systems reorganized to permit title transfer online, electronic notarization, and other elements digitally. Some transactions have been unable to move forward at all as building walk through for appraisals or inspections have been unable to perform due to state or county regulations. June proved a pivotal month as states eased closing measures and new streamlining laws went into effect, however some of the initial problems do persist.

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Find Out Who Owns a Property
Property Ownership

How to Find Out Who Owns a Property (Easily and Quickly)

Have you ever wanted to find out who owns a property by address?

Imagine this.

You are an investor looking for opportunities. You've driven passed this boarded up delinquent house in an up and coming neighborhood, and you see all sorts of potential. Most investors wouldn't take on this project because it needs major TLC. But this is just the kind of project you've been looking for.

You have a vision: fix it up and use it as a rental property.

But before you can even begin to start the real work, you need to know who owns this house so you can take the next steps. You want to find the property owner by address.

One of the first questions investors have to solve is how to find out who owns a property?

Since the house is in disrepair and no one is living in it, there is no one to talk to.

It's unlikely that you're going to find the property owner sitting on the front steps waiting for someone to offer them money.

What do you do?

Don't worry. You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes or hire a private eye to figure that out. That information is readily available and not as challenging to find as you might think.

There are a few different methods that are relatively easy, and a few that take a little more devotion, let's get into them.

But first, let's go over a few of the essentials.

Public Records: The Basics

When you're trying to find out who owns this house, public record property ownership documents are the first order of business. It's probably the most common way to find property owner information.

Public records are pretty informative. If you know the address of the property, you can perform a property owner lookup and find out:

  1. 1
    Name of the current owner
  2. 2
    Name of the previous owner
  3. 3
    The date it was sold
  4. 4
    The sale amount (unless it's in a non-disclosure state)
  5. 5
    If there are any liens on the property
  6. 6
    The original mortgage amount

Now that you know what you can find out, here's how to find out who owns a property?

We are going to start with the simplest methods and work our way down to the most challenging.

Don't sweat it; you'll be a pro when you're finished reading this article. 

Method #1: Ask a Realtor

If you have a realtor friend, you are in luck.


Ask them to help you out by looking into the address of the mystery property. Hopefully, they will be able to assist.

Realtors want you to buy property. Asking them for help could benefit you both.

Ask a Realtor

Method #2: Knock Knock Knockin' on Your Dream Home's Door

Want to know how to find out who owns a house?

Try knocking.

You know that Victorian dream home, the one with the turret, that you've been eyeing for years? The one that's NOT for sale. 

Knockin on Your Dream Home

Well, just because you can't see a For Sale sign on a property, doesn't mean the owner isn't willing to sell, especially at the right price. 

But first things first, who is the house owner? 

You don't know if the owner lives there or is renting it out. So you'll just have to knock, see who answers, and hope they are friendly. No matter who answers, they will probably be surprised by your visit. 

This method works if you are interested in purchasing the home, and it's not on the market. It's easy to do if you're looking in a good neighborhood. But do not knock on doors in an area you wouldn't live in! 

Not everyone takes kindly to strangers on their doorstep. 

OK, so you've just learned a couple of pretty simple methods to find out who owns a property.

The next few methods take a little more investigation. 

Method #3: Go to the Local Tax Assessor

Local Tax Assessor

Start by doing a little local sleuthing. The tax assessor generally has records of where they mail the tax bills and to whom. For the most part, the recipient of the bill will be the owner.

You might be able to go online to the county's portal and search for the records. Otherwise, you might have to go to the local tax assessor's office to search through paper files.

The tax records will provide you with the name and contact information of the owner. You'll also learn if there are any liens or current disputes.

Some states don’t publish the name of the house owner without their permission. So if you want to find out their name and contact information, you will have to go in person.

On the other hand, if you want to know how to find out who owns a property in PA, check out Courthousedirect.com. For a whopping $3.00, you can look up an address online. 

Method #4: Go to the County Recorder's Office

This is another easy way to find out who owns this property.

The sole purpose of the County Recorder's office is to maintain permanent public records having to do with real property.

Ask the clerk to look up the address for you and see what they come up with. Their records will show who is the current property owner. You'll also learn who the previous owner was and if there is an existing lien.

If a business owns the property, the clerk can check if there is a DBA (doing business as) certificate for that address.

The good news is that some counties have online portals so you can find property owner information online. However, each county is different.

Whether it is online or in-person, there might be a fee for the search.

Method #5: Do a Property Deed Search

A deed is a signed legal document used to transfer ownership of a property from the old to the new house owner.

First, you need to know the county that the property is in. Once you figure that out, go to the county's recorder or registrar of deeds website, and do a deed search using the mystery property's address. 

Property Deed Search

However, it's not always possible to search online. You might have to do this in person. If so, the office might be called the county clerk or registrar's offices. It will probably be in the county courthouse or city hall. 

If you know the address, you should be able to access the deed easily. Not only will you find out who owns this house, but you'll also learn who they purchased it from and if there are any liens on the property. 

So, let's say you want to know how to find out who owns a property in California? The method you use will differ depending on the county. 

For example, if you are in Los Angeles County, you have to go in person to find any information. On the other hand, if you are looking in San Diego, you can do it all online. 

Searching through the county public records can be a time-consuming chore that leads you down the rabbit hole of internet madness.

The next method quickens the process. 

Method #6:  PropertyScout.io

Search - Find The Property Owner By Address

Why go with PropertyTaxRecords.org?

There are several reasons:

  1. 1
    You are an investor. You want to buy properties in a county or state you don't live in. And remember, not every county has online records. Instead of trying to call county offices to get all the info you need, which could be soul-sucking, you simply do it all online with a third party service.
  2. 2
    It's easy. For a few dollars, you could search every nook and cranny of America and get all the info you need with a couple of clicks.
  3. 3
    It gives you options. You can pay a nominal fee for a one-time property tax report on a specific home/parcel of land. Or you purchase a monthly subscription to use the site as much as you'd like.
  4. 4
    It's a one-stop-shop. You go to one website and get it all in minutes.
  5. 5
    Last but certainly not least, you can do it all from home in the comfort of your undies.

No matter what, you'll have all the answers you need in a few minutes.

Let's show you how.

Here is how to find out who owns a property in 2-3 steps:

find out who owns a property

Step 1. Let's say you want to know how to find out who owns a property in Florida? Start by searching for an exact address.

Once you get the report, you will find an abundance of information, not just who owns this property. You'll also get the market value, the year it was built, and the mortgage amount.

Want to know how to find out who owns the mortgage on a property? It's in there too. You'll get it all.

Step 2. Once you locate the owner's name on the report, click on the view details link next to their name. That will open another page with the owner's name at the top.

Step 3. Click on the green Full Profile button next to the owner's name. This is where you'll find the good stuff. It will show their phone number and current address.

Now you can call or send a letter to the owner with your thoughts or an offer.

Voila! You've just finished your first property owner lookup.

So easy, right?

All of the above methods work well if you know the address of the property. But what happens when you don't?

It's a speed bump but not a dead end. 

How to find out who owns a property without an address?

Let's say you were at a party, and you met a woman who mentioned that she wanted to sell off a few of her properties. You got her business card, but not any of the property addresses.

What then?

No address = no problem.

That's one scenario, but what if you don't know the owner? You know the neighborhood and one of the cross streets, but that's it. Just because you know where a parcel of land is, doesn't mean you know the correct address. Maybe it is a vacant piece of land, so there is no mailbox or number on it.

Or you were given the wrong address from the beginning.

No owner name = no problem.

So, where does your research start? First things first, think about what you do know about the property.

Do you know the owner? What about the city, county, street name, or neighborhood?

With PropertyTaxRecords.org PropertyScout.io, you can use their Search by Map or Search by Owner functions to nail down the exact address you are looking for.

So many options!

The next method is for when you hit a couple of roadblocks. 

Method #7: Check with the Department of State Who Owns A Property

What if you carry out a property owner lookup only to find that it isn't owned by an individual, it is owned by a corporation?

Now, what do you do?

Don't panic.

You go to the Secretary of State or Department of State's website and search for registered business entities. Look up the corporation name, and you'll find out who the individual owners and directors are.

It's not complicated to do this; it's just another layer of websites or city offices to visit.

Corporations aren't the only entity that can make you work a little harder to find out who owns this property. LLC's take it one step further. 

LLC Owners – You Can't Hide (For the Most Part)

LLC operating agreement

If your research runs you right into an LLC, it definitely adds another layer of complexity to your investigation pile.

Many real estate investors will not buy properties in their names. They will create an LLC for each property.

One of the significant benefits of owning a property in an LLC is that it protects the owner's personal assets and other real estate investments from liability. And it offers a deeper level of anonymity (unless you are a pro at sleuthing – which you will be after reading this article).

For example, if you want to know how to find out who owns a property in Indiana, you start your research with the basics – public record property ownership documents.

You do your due diligence only to find out that XYZZ LLC owns the property.

Now, to find property owner information, you'll have to dig a little deeper. Public record property ownership documents can only show you so much. They'll give you the name of the LLC but not the principals or owners.

However, the kind folks of Indiana are very thoughtful, and they want to make your search an easy one. The Indiana Secretary of State has a specific site for free business searches.

When you look up XYZZ LLC, you'll get a plethora of information:

  1. 1
    Name of the principal
  2. 2
    Address of the principal
  3. 3
    Business ID Number
  4. 4
    Creation date of the LLC
  5. 5
    If it is active or inactive
  6. 6
    If it was dissolved, who dissolved it

With all that info, you are golden!

Not in Indiana? No problem, we've got you covered.

It's SOS Time!

No, that's not a distress code. We are referring to the Secretary of State.

Go to the Secretary of State website and look up the LLC's name in the business entity or corporation database. There you'll find more info about the owners of the company.

However, some states allow the owners to remain anonymous or private in public records.

Your research just went from easy to mind-melting pretty quickly, right?

But don’t wave the white flag yet.

Even if someone is trying to keep their LLC owners anonymous, they still have to record the LLC with the state. Instead of displaying the actual owner's information, they use an agent of record, which is often an attorney.

If you can't find the actual owner's contact information, you'll at least have the agent of record's details to contact.

The Finish Line

Now you know a bunch of methods to figure out who owns a property. Armed with all of your new knowledge, it's time for you to contact the owner of that dilapidated home or your Victorian dream house.

Go for it! 

So, still have questions on how to find out who owns a property?

No problem, contact us here, and we can walk you through our site.

Have you ever wanted to find out who owns a property by address?Imagine this. You are an investor looking for opportunities. You’ve driven passed this boarded up delinquent house in an up and coming neighborhood, and you see all sorts of potential. Most investors wouldn’t take on this project because it needs major TLC. But this is just the kind of project you’ve been looking for. You have a vision: fix it up and use it as a rental property. But before you can even begin to start the real work, you need to know who owns this house so you can take the next steps. You want to find the property owner by address.One of the first questions investors have to solve is how to find out who owns a property?Since the house is in disrepair and no one is living in it, there is no one to talk to. It’s unlikely that you’re going to find the property owner sitting on the front steps waiting for someone to offer them money. What do you do?Don’t worry. You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes or hire a private eye to figure that out. That information is readily available and not as challenging to find as you might think. There are a few different methods that are relatively easy, and a few that take a little more devotion, let’s get into them.But first, let’s go over a few of the essentials.

Public Records: The Basics

When you’re trying to find out who owns this house, public record property ownership documents are the first order of business. It’s probably the most common way to find property owner information. Public records are pretty informative. If you know the address of the property, you can perform a property owner lookup and find out:

  1. 1Name of the current owner
  2. 2Name of the previous owner
  3. 3The date it was sold
  4. 4The sale amount (unless it’s in a non-disclosure state)
  5. 5If there are any liens on the property
  6. 6The original mortgage amount

Now that you know what you can find out, here’s how to find out who owns a property? We are going to start with the simplest methods and work our way down to the most challenging. Don’t sweat it; you’ll be a pro when you’re finished reading this article. 

Method #1: Ask a Realtor

If you have a realtor friend, you are in luck.

Ask them to help you out by looking into the address of the mystery property. Hopefully, they will be able to assist.Realtors want you to buy property. Asking them for help could benefit you both.

Ask a Realtor

Method #2: Knock Knock Knockin’ on Your Dream Home’s Door

Want to know how to find out who owns a house? Try knocking. You know that Victorian dream home, the one with the turret, that you’ve been eyeing for years? The one that’s NOT for sale. 

Knockin on Your Dream Home

Well, just because you can’t see a For Sale sign on a property, doesn’t mean the owner isn’t willing to sell, especially at the right price. But first things first, who is the house owner? You don’t know if the owner lives there or is renting it out. So you’ll just have to knock, see who answers, and hope they are friendly. No matter who answers, they will probably be surprised by your visit. This method works if you are interested in purchasing the home, and it’s not on the market. It’s easy to do if you’re looking in a good neighborhood. But do not knock on doors in an area you wouldn’t live in! Not everyone takes kindly to strangers on their doorstep. OK, so you’ve just learned a couple of pretty simple methods to find out who owns a property.The next few methods take a little more investigation. 

Method #3: Go to the Local Tax Assessor

Local Tax Assessor

Start by doing a little local sleuthing. The tax assessor generally has records of where they mail the tax bills and to whom. For the most part, the recipient of the bill will be the owner.You might be able to go online to the county’s portal and search for the records. Otherwise, you might have to go to the local tax assessor’s office to search through paper files. The tax records will provide you with the name and contact information of the owner. You’ll also learn if there are any liens or current disputes.Some states don’t publish the name of the house owner without their permission. So if you want to find out their name and contact information, you will have to go in person. On the other hand, if you want to know how to find out who owns a property in PA, check out Courthousedirect.com. For a whopping $3.00, you can look up an address online. 

Method #4: Go to the County Recorder’s Office

This is another easy way to find out who owns this property.The sole purpose of the County Recorder’s office is to maintain permanent public records having to do with real property. Ask the clerk to look up the address for you and see what they come up with. Their records will show who is the current property owner. You’ll also learn who the previous owner was and if there is an existing lien.If a business owns the property, the clerk can check if there is a DBA (doing business as) certificate for that address.The good news is that some counties have online portals so you can find property owner information online. However, each county is different. Whether it is online or in-person, there might be a fee for the search.

Method #5: Do a Property Deed Search

A deed is a signed legal document used to transfer ownership of a property from the old to the new house owner. First, you need to know the county that the property is in. Once you figure that out, go to the county’s recorder or registrar of deeds website, and do a deed search using the mystery property’s address. 

Property Deed Search

However, it’s not always possible to search online. You might have to do this in person. If so, the office might be called the county clerk or registrar’s offices. It will probably be in the county courthouse or city hall. If you know the address, you should be able to access the deed easily. Not only will you find out who owns this house, but you’ll also learn who they purchased it from and if there are any liens on the property. So, let’s say you want to know how to find out who owns a property in California? The method you use will differ depending on the county. For example, if you are in Los Angeles County, you have to go in person to find any information. On the other hand, if you are looking in San Diego, you can do it all online. Searching through the county public records can be a time-consuming chore that leads you down the rabbit hole of internet madness.The next method quickens the process. 

Method #6:  PropertyScout.io

Search – Find The Property Owner By Address

Why go with PropertyTaxRecords.org? There are several reasons:

  1. 1You are an investor. You want to buy properties in a county or state you don’t live in. And remember, not every county has online records. Instead of trying to call county offices to get all the info you need, which could be soul-sucking, you simply do it all online with a third party service.
  2. 2It’s easy. For a few dollars, you could search every nook and cranny of America and get all the info you need with a couple of clicks.
  3. 3It gives you options. You can pay a nominal fee for a one-time property tax report on a specific home/parcel of land. Or you purchase a monthly subscription to use the site as much as you’d like.
  4. 4It’s a one-stop-shop. You go to one website and get it all in minutes.
  5. 5Last but certainly not least, you can do it all from home in the comfort of your undies.

No matter what, you’ll have all the answers you need in a few minutes. Let’s show you how.

Here is how to find out who owns a property in 2-3 steps:

find out who owns a property

Step 1. Let’s say you want to know how to find out who owns a property in Florida? Start by searching for an exact address. Once you get the report, you will find an abundance of information, not just who owns this property. You’ll also get the market value, the year it was built, and the mortgage amount. Want to know how to find out who owns the mortgage on a property? It’s in there too. You’ll get it all.Step 2. Once you locate the owner’s name on the report, click on the view details link next to their name. That will open another page with the owner’s name at the top. Step 3. Click on the green Full Profile button next to the owner’s name. This is where you’ll find the good stuff. It will show their phone number and current address. Now you can call or send a letter to the owner with your thoughts or an offer. Voila! You’ve just finished your first property owner lookup. So easy, right?All of the above methods work well if you know the address of the property. But what happens when you don’t? It’s a speed bump but not a dead end. 

How to find out who owns a property without an address?

Let’s say you were at a party, and you met a woman who mentioned that she wanted to sell off a few of her properties. You got her business card, but not any of the property addresses. What then?No address = no problem.That’s one scenario, but what if you don’t know the owner? You know the neighborhood and one of the cross streets, but that’s it. Just because you know where a parcel of land is, doesn’t mean you know the correct address. Maybe it is a vacant piece of land, so there is no mailbox or number on it. Or you were given the wrong address from the beginning. No owner name = no problem.So, where does your research start? First things first, think about what you do know about the property.Do you know the owner? What about the city, county, street name, or neighborhood? With PropertyTaxRecords.org PropertyScout.io, you can use their Search by Map or Search by Owner functions to nail down the exact address you are looking for. So many options!The next method is for when you hit a couple of roadblocks. 

Method #7: Check with the Department of State Who Owns A Property

What if you carry out a property owner lookup only to find that it isn’t owned by an individual, it is owned by a corporation?Now, what do you do? Don’t panic.You go to the Secretary of State or Department of State’s website and search for registered business entities. Look up the corporation name, and you’ll find out who the individual owners and directors are. It’s not complicated to do this; it’s just another layer of websites or city offices to visit. Corporations aren’t the only entity that can make you work a little harder to find out who owns this property. LLC’s take it one step further. 

LLC Owners – You Can’t Hide (For the Most Part)

LLC operating agreement

If your research runs you right into an LLC, it definitely adds another layer of complexity to your investigation pile. Many real estate investors will not buy properties in their names. They will create an LLC for each property. One of the significant benefits of owning a property in an LLC is that it protects the owner’s personal assets and other real estate investments from liability. And it offers a deeper level of anonymity (unless you are a pro at sleuthing – which you will be after reading this article).For example, if you want to know how to find out who owns a property in Indiana, you start your research with the basics – public record property ownership documents.You do your due diligence only to find out that XYZZ LLC owns the property. Now, to find property owner information, you’ll have to dig a little deeper. Public record property ownership documents can only show you so much. They’ll give you the name of the LLC but not the principals or owners. However, the kind folks of Indiana are very thoughtful, and they want to make your search an easy one. The Indiana Secretary of State has a specific site for free business searches. When you look up XYZZ LLC, you’ll get a plethora of information:

  1. 1Name of the principal
  2. 2Address of the principal
  3. 3Business ID Number
  4. 4Creation date of the LLC
  5. 5If it is active or inactive
  6. 6If it was dissolved, who dissolved it

With all that info, you are golden!Not in Indiana? No problem, we’ve got you covered.

It’s SOS Time!

No, that’s not a distress code. We are referring to the Secretary of State. Go to the Secretary of State website and look up the LLC’s name in the business entity or corporation database. There you’ll find more info about the owners of the company. However, some states allow the owners to remain anonymous or private in public records. Your research just went from easy to mind-melting pretty quickly, right?But don’t wave the white flag yet.Even if someone is trying to keep their LLC owners anonymous, they still have to record the LLC with the state. Instead of displaying the actual owner’s information, they use an agent of record, which is often an attorney. If you can’t find the actual owner’s contact information, you’ll at least have the agent of record’s details to contact.

The Finish Line

Now you know a bunch of methods to figure out who owns a property. Armed with all of your new knowledge, it’s time for you to contact the owner of that dilapidated home or your Victorian dream house.Go for it! 

So, still have questions on how to find out who owns a property?

No problem, contact us here, and we can walk you through our site.

Read More
delinquent tax lists propertyscout
Property Taxes

Delinquent Tax List Properties: How to Find (and Buy) in 2021

These days it can be hard to find quality real estate deals. A lot of investors don’t use the MLS or standard sales channels anymore because those markets get easily flooded.

So how can you, the investor, find solid deals in 2021?

Let’s say you’re an investor, and you are looking for condos in Baltimore. As a Delinquent Tax Lists shrewd investor, you aren’t planning to buy a regular on the market or MLS property. You don’t want to pay that much.

It just so happens that Jack owns a lovely two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland. He paid $175,000 for it a couple of years ago. The taxes are $2013 per year and have steadily increased, but he was laid off and has been unable to find adequate work to cover his tax bills.

You may be in luck.

What if we told you that you might be able to buy Jack’s property for a song? It could get Jack out from under the mounds of bills that are stacking up. And get you the investment you were looking for. Win-win, right?

Are you curious?

Read on for the secret sauce about delinquent tax lists and sales.

So, What is this Mysterious Delinquent Tax List, Anyway?

The tax collector or treasurer of the county creates a list of everyone who has delinquent property taxes. Hence the name, delinquent tax list.

Depending on the county, it is also known as:

  • Tax forfeiture list
  • Delinquent tax roll
  • Tax delinquent list
  • Tax assessor’s roll

In our example, Jack in Baltimore has been on this list since the day after he was delinquent on his property taxes.

In Jack’s case, Baltimore County isn’t very lenient. The tax bill is issued on July 1st every year. If the bill isn’t paid in full by Sept 30th, the account will be considered delinquent and added to the list.

Is it possible to get off the delinquent tax list?

Yes. To get off the list, the homeowner must pay off all the delinquent property taxes, interest, and any fees that have accumulated over the years.

To summarize, this list is a compilation of people who have delinquent property taxes, but their property hasn’t been seized yet by the county. It is kind of a secret list that a lot of people don’t know about. So, if you get your hands on it, you could be adding to your pocket and real estate portfolio very affordably.

We will get into those details in a minute. First, let’s go over a timeline.

Property Tax Records

Timeline for a Delinquent Tax Sale and a Tax Lien Sale in Baltimore

  • July 1: Jack is sent a tax bill
  • September 30: Jack can’t pay that bill.
  • October 1: Jack is considered delinquent and put on the delinquent tax list. Smart investors try to buy Jack out of his debt and buy his condo. It would be a private transaction between Jack and the investor, and the county wouldn’t get involved.

BUT, if Jack doesn’t pay his taxes or sell, the county steps in.

  • March 1: A Final Tax Sale notice is mailed to him. During that same time, Baltimore County publishes a complete list of properties eligible for tax sale twice, in two newspapers. Read the paper, and you'll find out what is for sale.
  • Early April: The city sends Jack another notice about the impending tax sale.
  • May: The annual tax sale is held.

What is a tax sale, you ask? The quick answer is a sale of real estate as a result of delinquent taxes. It doesn’t matter if they are one mortgage payment away from their very last one, or they still owe the full monty. If they don’t pay those taxes, they could lose their home.

Now, let’s get back to that list.

So, how do You Get the Tax Delinquent List?

The first thing to do is contact your city or the county treasurer to see if they will give you the list for free. Some counties will, and others charge a fee. The fee is per parcel and can range anywhere from $.01-$1.50. But the most common price is $.25 per property.

If your county doesn’t sell the information, you will have to do a little digging. Most cities have list provider companies that compile all the info and sell it. Often you can find someone at a local title company that will offer this list for sale.

Now that you know how to find tax delinquent properties in your area let’s dive into what to do with all the juicy information.

What's so Great About Delinquent Tax Sales?

This is where the delinquent tax list comes in handy. You are sitting on a possible goldmine because everyone on that list is a motivated seller. As an investor, sellers that are under pressure to sell, for whatever reason, will usually accept a lower purchase price. Good news for investors!

There are two types of property lists that someone late on their taxes should be aware of. First, the delinquent tax list that occurs the day after you are late on your property taxes. And the second is the tax lien property list, which happens down the road.

The homeowner hasn’t been delinquent long enough for the county to put them on the tax lien property list. So, once you have the delinquent list, you have insider knowledge.

Some investors either haven’t discovered the beauty of this property list or don’t even know it exists. That means you have less competition when you are trying to buy these properties. Less competition means more opportunities for you.

So basically, you are trying to buy this property before it’s offered to the masses and is part of a tax lien sale.

Ready for more? Let’s get into it.

late house list

How to Buy Property with a Delinquent Tax List?

Let’s go back to Jack. He is in a bad position; he can’t pay the taxes and is on the delinquent tax list. You bought the list from the county and learned about Jack’s situation. He is a motivated seller because if he doesn’t sell, he will be foreclosed upon, his credit will be ruined, and could possibly still have a massive debt owed to the mortgage lender.

If you, the investor, contacts Jack before the tax lien sale and offers to buy his home, even at a lower price than it’s worth, Jack’s credit won’t be ruined by foreclosure. He will be able to move on. He gets out from under his burden, hopefully, clears all the debt, and you buy a property for less than market value.

It’s the best possible outcome for both parties.

So how do you go about reaching out to Jack?

You got the property list, which has the addresses and the names of the owners. However, the owner may not live there. So, the first thing you must do is follow the tax record of the property to find the owner's correct mailing address.

You can do that here on www.propertytaxrecords.org.

Once you know the mailing address, it’s time to start writing a simple and straightforward letter. The owner is under pressure to sell and has been getting copious amounts of notices from the city and county. They are generally super stressed and may have even stopped opening any bills or notices at all.

It’s possible that if you come in with an offer that will make the homeowner a little bit of money, they will reach out to you. At this point, they have nothing to lose. They are at the end of their rope financially.

There are a couple of ways to go about this letter:

# 1 is a postcard.

Hi Jack, I’m Nancy. I see that you own the property on 456 N. State Street in Baltimore. I’m looking to buy properties in that zip code. I’m prepared to pay cash within the next 30 days, and my funds are limited. Please call me as soon as you can before I decide to purchase another property. I look forward to hearing from you soon: (555)-132-4356.”

#2 is a more basic letter.

“Hi Jack, My name is Nancy, and I am looking to buy property in your area. Please call me (555)-132-4356.

Both of these options could work; it depends on the mindset of the seller. The postcard sets up a sense of urgency, which might give the seller that extra incentive to call you. It also doesn’t take any effort to open and is more likely to be read than a letter from an unknown person.

What do you do when Jack calls?

Most importantly, you listen.

Ask a question about the situation that Jack is in and then let Jack spill his guts.

We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason, so be quiet and listen to what Jack tells you. As he unfolds his story, pay attention to the clues about how motivated he is.

You may have to prompt him with questions like, “What is the desired price that you hope to get for your home?” And, “What do you think your home is worth?” Whatever the response is, also ask, “How did you come up with that figure?”

Jack’s answers will help determine his level of motivation. If he tells you his home is worth $175,000 and is hoping to get $150,000, he isn’t that motivated. But if his ask price is reasonable, go check out Jack’s condo.

Is there a significant difference between what the owner thinks it is worth and what he is willing to take? If yes, that’s a good sign that the seller is motivated, and it is worth pursuing.

Don’t write it, mail it, and then forget it.

Follow up and patience are key. People in this situation are being inundated with letters, so yours might have gone into the garbage before they ever read it. If you don’t hear back after a month, send another postcard. Remind them of your original note and that you are still interested in their property.

If you don’t get a call, mail them again. You can’t afford to be shy. And you must be persistent but in a friendly and kind way or you will never get a response. Write that one gracious letter in a sea of angry ones. You always attract more bees with honey than with vinegar.

Now let’s say that Jack never responds. After a certain amount of time decided by the county, his property goes up for a tax lien sale.

Now is your chance to start investing in tax liens. Here is how…

Tax lien

What’s a Tax Lien?

Let’s start at the beginning by defining a tax lien. When the homeowner fails to pay their taxes, the county puts a legal claim against the property for the unpaid amount. That legal claim is a tax lien. The property can’t be sold until the taxes and fees are paid in full.

According to Investopedia, tax lien sales are only legal in 29 states. But as an investor, you can buy the tax liens in any state where they are available.

Not all states are as brutal as Maryland. Some states will give you five years of not paying your taxes before placing a lien on the property, but it will happen eventually.

Even though they may not put a tax lien on the property right away, it will still be accruing penalties and fees on top of the regular tax bills.

Now you know what a tax lien is, let’s keep going.

So, How Does a Tax Lien Sale Work?

Once a homeowner is on the delinquent list, the county has the right to sell those taxes. But not right away! The amount of time varies by state and could be anywhere from 1-5 years.

When the time is up, and the taxes still aren’t paid, that property will be added to the tax lien properties list and eligible for a tax lien sale.

When a lien is issued, a tax lien certificate is generated, and those are auctioned off to the highest bidder like bonds. Usually, whoever is investing in tax liens is doing it as a means to earn capital or to buy discounted real estate.

Sound interesting?

Where do you Find all this Tantalizing Info?

Your first source of information is the local newspapers. The county will publish the tax lien properties list twice before the sale. Once you see the list, you can do your homework on each property that interests you.

The taxing authorities put the properties up for sale, mostly by auction. Some hold online auctions, and others are live at the county courthouse. Online auctions make investing from anywhere possible, which means more competition for each property.

Two Ways to Benefit from Investing in Tax Liens:

Scenario 1: Passive Returns

The investor buys the tax liens and waits until the owner pays them back. The good news for the investor is that they also earn interest on their money. It could be anywhere from 5% to 36% per year, but rates are generally in the 10-12% range.

But wait, there is more! The investor is also paid any penalties that the homeowner has accrued.

All the county cares about is getting its taxes paid, which the investor does when they buy the lien. So, you buy the tax lien, and Jack still owns his condo. You wait, and hopefully, he will pay. Although you never know when that might happen, it may be a couple of days, or it could be years.

But if your patient, it is a guarantee on your money and then some.

Scenario 2: The Road to a Larger Real Estate Portfolio

Let’s get back to Jack.

You buy the tax lien, and he never pays off his back taxes. You have the authority to start tax foreclosure proceedings. During the foreclosure, you can buy the property like anyone else who is interested. At the very least, you’ll be paid back your initial investment. Plus, you have the choice to buy the property at a discounted rate.

However, there is never a guarantee there will be equity in the property.

To learn more about tax liens, head over to the National Tax Lien Association site. There is a wealth of information to be found there.

Does it sound too good to be true?

Well, it does come with a steep learning curve and some risk. The investor MUST be familiar with the property they intend to buy the lien on. If it is a dilapidated home in a terrible neighborhood, walk away! The owner may never pay the taxes, and who is buying run-down houses in dangerous areas? No one, so you will probably never make your money back.

Purchasing tax liens can be worthwhile and profitable. But it’s best done by experienced investors who know the market and will take the time to do the research.

The Bottom Line

No matter what investing path you choose to take, you have to do the research and put in the legwork. No investment strategy is without risk.

Whether you choose to invest in delinquent tax sales or tax lien sales, do your proper due diligence to mitigate any disasters.

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paying your property taxes propertyscout
Property Taxes

Property Tax Definition: How to Pay and Save in 2020

Property Tax Records

I love paying property taxes! Said no one. Ever!

We know we have to pay them, yet most of the time, we don’t know why or where that money goes.

Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned pro, property taxes are a part of your bottom line.

And guess what, they’re inevitable. Like them or not, they are a part of home ownership (#adulting).

If you ever think to yourself, “What are property taxes, and why do I have to pay them?” Keep reading. You are about to learn the essentials, the ins and outs, and even some of the nitty-gritty about real estate taxes.

Let’s get started with the property tax definition

In layman’s terms, a tax levied on real estate and sometimes other property that you own is the property tax definition. It is calculated by the local government, based on the value of the property, and paid by the homeowner. The amount of tax you’ll pay is based on the location of the property and how much it’s worth.

That is the basic definition, but there’s a lot more. So, let’s look deeper.

Real estate tax vs. property tax: what’s the difference? 

The terms real estate taxes and property taxes are generally interchangeable. However, sometimes property taxes can include personal property, like furniture and cars–movable elements. Whereas real estate taxes only refer to homes, rental, and vacation properties– immobile objects.

In short real estate tax vs. property tax can be broken down to what is fixed to the land is real estate and property tax can be tangible goods like vehicles and boats.

To fully understand real estate taxes, you should know which category of taxes they fall under. Let’s take a look.

What type of tax is property tax? Let’s break it down.

Taxes divide into three main categories: regressive, proportional, and progressive.

Regressive taxes

Property tax is a regressive tax. Everyone pays the same percentage regardless of their income. Low-income individuals are hit much harder than those with higher salaries because they pay the same amount.

For instance, if the property tax rate in your town is 2%, then you and your friend across town both pay the same percentage, regardless of the amount you earn.

Examples:

  • property taxes
  • sales tax
  • excise taxes
  • sin taxes

Proportional taxes

Also known as a flat tax. Everyone is charged the same percentage rate regardless of income. It doesn’t change if your income increases.

For example, if the income tax is 10%, then a person making $50,000 a year pays 10% ($5000). If their neighbor is earning $600,000, they also pay 10%, which is $60,000.

Currently, there are nine states which have adopted this income tax system: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Utah.

Examples:

  • per capita taxes
  • gross receipts taxes
  • occupational taxes
  • payroll taxes

Progressive taxes

With this system, your tax liability rises as your income increases. Wealthy individuals pay more taxes than those in the middle or lower income brackets. It is based on the taxable amount of your income.

Currently, the federal income tax is progressive. The percentage gets progressively higher as your income increases. Someone earning $50,000 will pay a lower percentage rate than someone earning $600,000.

Example:

  • Estate taxes

Now that you know the property tax definition, we can get into the nitty-gritty of how they are calculated.

How are property taxes calculated? Are you curious?

If you are a new homeowner, estimating these taxes is crucial to your bottom line. It’s a good idea to calculate them before buying a house, so you aren’t blindsided. You can research the previous tax records of a home here.

If you are a current homeowner, you have probably been sent a real property tax statement detailing the tax amount. Either way, it’s vital to understand the basics of how they are determined.

To calculate your real property taxes, you need to know two things: the value of the property and the local tax rate.

value of the property X local tax rate = property tax

Value of the Property

The value of the property isn’t based on what you think it is worth or even what you paid for it. County property assessors regularly appraise the value of your home based on their knowledge of other similar homes near yours. Usually, their valuation is a little lower than the actual market value, but don’t stress, that’s ok! The amount of taxes you pay is based on that assessed lower value.

The value is only half the equation. Let’s delve into the other half of the equation – the local tax rate.

Local Tax Rate or Mill Levy

The regional government sets the property tax rates, so the amount you pay is in direct correlation with where you live. The figure varies based on the public amenities available and the revenue required by the local government.

For instance, if you live in a condo in down Manhattan, the New York City property tax rate will be higher than the bill from the Buffalo assessor for a house in the suburbs of Buffalo, in upstate New York.

Most of the time, your tax rate is shown in percentages, and other times it is based on a mill rate. One mill is one-thousandth of a dollar. If the local property mill rate is 18 mils, you will pay $18 for every $1000 in assessed value. If your home is valued at $200,000, then the tax bill would be $3600.

You can find your area’s tax rate on your local assessor or municipality website.

So, how does your county come up with these rates? Let’s take a closer look.

How does your municipality come up with a tax rate? 

The local government takes a look at the expected annual revenue from various sources, including sales tax and state aid. It compares it to the yearly budget. The deficit is where the tax rate comes into play and fills that gap.

For example, let’s say Livonia, Michigan, has a $2.5 million budget. It receives $1 million in revenue. That $1.5 million gap is what Livonia’s property taxes needs to cover.

If you are planning to buy a home, you can plug the address into realtor.com and get a ballpark figure of your property. Thankfully you won’t have to calculate your property taxes yourself. However, it is still important to educate yourself on how it is determined.

It is also essential to recognize that your property taxes can change. If you build an addition to your home, the assessed value may go up, and so might your taxes. As your city’s deficit grows, so may your tax bill.

Now you know how real property taxes are determined. The next step is to learn how to pay them. Let’s keep going.

How to pay your property taxes

Although each county tax bill is paid differently, there are several options:

1. Pay online when you get the bill

Depending on where you live, you may pay quarterly, bi-annually, or annually.

You can pay 24/7 with a checking account or credit card. To access your account info, you will need your assessor’s identification number (AIN), which is also called an assessor’s parcel number (APN) or parcel identification number (PIN), which is printed on your tax bill.

2. Pay monthly with your mortgage

When you pay the mortgage, you can set it up so that you are also paying the taxes. Instead of getting one large bill annually, which might cause a heart attack, you can pay it off monthly. Your lender does the calculation and makes the payment on your behalf, making it an easier pill to swallow. Many lenders require this because they want to be sure property taxes are paid on properties for which they are lending money.

You pay the lender, and they put it into an escrow account for you. They will pay the taxes for you when they are due.

However, you are only paying an estimate of the tax bill, so you might have to pay a little more or receive a refund at the end of the day.

In some counties, you can pay in person at a bank or municipality, pay by mail, pay by phone, or auto-pay. To find out which options are available to you, contact your county tax collector.

You’ve paid off your mortgage…now what?

After you pay off your mortgage, you’ll still have to pay your property taxes. However, you’ll have to switch up your payment method.

Most likely, you will pay it online. But if the idea of forking over a lump sum all at once makes a pit in your stomach, do what your lender did. Divide the yearly payment into 12 and put it into a savings account or just set it aside monthly. That way, you won’t be scrambling for the money when you get the bill.

If you fail to pay your taxes, the government can place a tax lien on your home. When you go to sell it, they will take their cut first, before you get any of the proceeds. The worst-case scenario is that they seize your home.

Great, so you’ve paid your bill. But where exactly does this money go? Let’s find out.

 

What do property taxes pay for?

Anything that betters a community is paid for with your tax dollars.

If you have public schools in desirable districts, playgrounds and parks, a large police force, and a full-time fire department, your property tax assessment will be higher than an area without those amenities. When you see someone finally fixing that pothole that you’ve sunk your tire into countless times, it’s probably your tax dollars at work.

Without the money raised from these property taxes, the local government wouldn’t be able to fund programs and public services.

How that money is used is up to the individual governing body. One town may use it to fix the potholes after a brutal winter. Another may use it to hire more police officers to fight a gang problem.

 

You’ve made it through the basics and the nitty-gritty. Now we can move on to what you’ve been waiting for… how to lower property taxes?

Let’s dive into how to get a property tax reduction.

Just because the county hands over a bill, doesn’t mean you have to accept what’s on it. There are ways to reduce the amount you pay, and some of them are relatively painless.

Tax Card Verification 

The assessed value of your home is one of the primary factors in calculating your tax bill. So, the first step is to get a hold of your tax card and verify everything. Your tax card has all the stats about your home like the lot size, home size, mortgage info, and what year it was built.

Assessors can’t visit the inside of every home every year, so they base the value on these records. Once you have your tax card in hand, verify that all the information is correct. If it says you have three bathrooms, but you only have two, tell the assessor. If any info is incorrect, that will affect the value of your home.

The tax card can be found here or at the local assessor’s office.

Exemptions

One of the easiest ways to get a property tax reduction is to apply for exemptions. They vary from state to state, but a quick google search will explain which ones are available. One of the most overlooked tax breaks is the veteran tax exemption.

Below are the most common ones in most states:

  • The senior tax exemption is based on age but also varies from state to state.
  • The veteran tax exemption is generally for anyone who has served in the military, or their families. To see if you qualify for the veteran tax exemption go here.
  • The exemption for people with specific disabilities is for people who can’t work because of a mental or physical condition. You will have to show proof of the disability. If you are receiving disability benefits, that should suffice.
  • The agriculture exemption is for land that can be classified as farmland.
  • The homestead exemption is probably the easiest one to achieve. In most states, if your home is your primary residence, you will qualify.

There are more prerequisites for each exemption, and they also vary from state to state. Be sure to find out what the rules are where you live.

Why are my property taxes higher than my neighbor’s?

It’s time to check out your neighbor’s tax bill. No, this isn’t to be nosy. But if your neighbor’s house is the same as yours, but he’s paying $1000 less, something isn’t right. If you both have a 2000 square foot, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home on the same size lot, with a two-car garage, you should be paying the same.

But pay attention to the details, be sure you are comparing apples to apples.

If you don’t want to ask your neighbor, you can find their tax info here or at the county tax office.

If you are paying more, find a few other similar homes in the neighborhood to compare. If you still think you’re overpaying, head to the assessor’s office with all of your research and file a claim for a property tax reduction.

You can also use real estate websites like Redfin, Trulia, and Zillow to find a tax estimate.

Reassess your property

Only do this if you are sure your property is overvalued. Otherwise, it could backfire, and you might end up paying more.

When the assessor comes, walk through your home with them. Show them all the flaws and details that you know about. You know your home better than anyone. Share those little details with the assessor so it can be appropriately valued.

Hopefully, this will result in the value of your home being lowered, which, in turn, will reduce your tax bill.

Dispute your tax bill

If you’ve gone through all the steps and still feel like your bill is too high, it is time to dispute it. But first, check the assessor’s procedure for filing an appeal. There may be a limited time frame to enter your paperwork.

To start that process, you’ll need to contact a real estate tax attorney.

Well done! You’ve made it through the essentials, the ins and outs, and the nitty-gritty!

The Final Word 

Now you’re a pro and should have a better handle on property taxes.

No one likes paying them, but at least now, you’ll know where that money goes and how to lower your bill.

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