How do I confirm who owns a property before I make an offer?
Start With Public Records
Most counties keep property records online through the assessor, recorder, or clerk. You can usually search by address to find the owner of record, the parcel number, and past sales. Write down exactly what the record says, including the spelling of the owner name. Save screenshots or printouts of what you find, since online records can change.
Public records can be out of date or incomplete, especially after a recent inheritance or divorce. The name on the tax roll is not always the person who can legally sell. Treat the search as a first step, not proof.
- Search the county recorder or assessor website
- Note the parcel number and legal description
- Check recent deeds and liens
- Compare the owner name with the tax bill
Get a Title Search
A title search looks deeper into the chain of ownership and reveals liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, and easements. A title company or attorney usually orders it. It is often the step that shows whether the seller can deliver clear ownership.
If the search finds problems, you can ask the seller to resolve them before closing. Some issues are small, while others can stop a sale entirely. Ask for the title report before you commit to a purchase price. Ask the title company to explain any exceptions in plain language before you rely on the report.
Common mistakes
- Trusting a name on a tax record without a title search.
- Paying a deposit before anyone confirms the seller has legal authority to sell.
