Access Cherokee County ALABAMA, AL. Property records, mortgage and deeds – Lien and Title search

May 11, 2025
Posted by: admin
Categories: Lien And Title Search, Posts, Recorder of deeds

Cherokee County, Alabama Property Records: Access Deeds, Liens, and Title Searches

BEGIN RECORDS SEARCH NOW:

Understanding Cherokee County Property Records System

Property records in Cherokee County, Alabama serve as the foundation of real estate transactions and ownership verification. The Cherokee County Probate Office maintains all official real property records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, and releases. These documents are carefully indexed by grantor/grantee names, instrument types, recording dates, and legal descriptions to ensure comprehensive property research capabilities.

Whether you’re buying a home, refinancing, or researching property history, understanding how to access these records is essential for any real estate transaction in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Probate Office: Your Primary Resource

Office Location and Hours

The Cherokee County Probate Office serves as the central hub for all property documentation needs:

Address: 260 Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 101, Centre, AL 35960

Business Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Contact Information:

Phone: (256) 927-3668
Fax: (256) 927-9218
Email: probateoffice@cherokeecounty-al.gov

The knowledgeable staff can assist with locating records, answering questions about recording requirements, and processing document requests.

How to Access Property Deeds in Cherokee County

In-Person Access

Currently, Cherokee County does not offer online access to property records through the Probate Office’s official website. To obtain deed information, you have two primary options:

Visit in person during regular business hours
Submit a written request by mail or email

When requesting records, be prepared to provide:

Property address or legal description
Owner names (current or previous)
Approximate date of transaction (if known)
Payment for applicable fees

The staff will help locate your requested documents and provide certified copies when needed.

Working with Title Companies

For comprehensive research, consider partnering with professional title search companies in Alabama. These experts can efficiently navigate county records and provide detailed reports, saving you time and ensuring accuracy.

Recording a Deed in Cherokee County: Requirements and Process

Essential Documentation Requirements

When recording a deed in Cherokee County, Alabama law requires specific elements to ensure validity:

Signature Requirements:

All instruments must be in writing
Attestation by two witnesses required
Signature of the contracting party or authorized agent

Property Description:

Legal description by metes and bounds
Attached plat or reference to recorded plat book location
Clear identification of property boundaries

Additional Information:

Name and address of document preparer
Grantor’s marital status
Proper notarization

Ensuring your deed meets these requirements prevents recording delays and potential legal complications. For more information on Alabama real estate law, consult with a qualified real estate attorney.

Conducting a Title Search in Cherokee County

What a Title Search Reveals

A title search examines the complete ownership history of a property and identifies:

Chain of ownership transfers
Outstanding liens and encumbrances
Easements and restrictions
Potential title defects
Judgments against previous owners

Your Title Search Options

Option 1: Self-Research Visit the Probate Office in person to review records. This approach requires time and familiarity with property records systems, but involves only minimal research fees.

Option 2: Professional Title Services Companies specializing in Alabama title searches can provide:

Complete title abstracts
Comprehensive lien searches
Current owner verification
Chain of title reports
Title insurance options

Professional services are particularly valuable for complex property histories or time-sensitive transactions.

For additional guidance on title searches, the American Land Title Association provides extensive consumer resources.

Understanding Liens in Cherokee County

Types of Property Liens

Several types of liens may be recorded against Cherokee County properties:

Tax Liens: Claims by government entities for unpaid property taxes Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors for unpaid construction work Judgment Liens: Result from court judgments against property owners Mortgage Liens: Recorded by lenders to secure loan repayment

Importance of Lien Searches

Conducting a thorough lien search protects buyers from inheriting previous owners’ debts. Any undiscovered liens can become your financial responsibility after closing, making this research critical before purchasing property.

The Probate Office maintains all lien records, which can be searched in person or through professional title companies.

Cherokee County Tax Liens and Auctions

Property Tax Timeline

Understanding the property tax schedule helps avoid delinquency:

October 1: Property taxes become due
December 31: Taxes become delinquent
After delinquency: Interest, penalties, and fees accrue

Tax Lien Priority

Tax liens in Cherokee County represent a perpetual first-priority lien on property. This means they take precedence over other creditor claims and must be satisfied before clear title can transfer.

Tax Lien Auctions

Cherokee County conducts tax lien auctions to recover delinquent property taxes. For information about upcoming auctions and redemption procedures, contact:

Cherokee County Revenue Commissioner 260 Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 102 Centre, AL 35960 Phone: (256) 927-5527 Fax: (256) 927-5528

For more information about Alabama tax lien sales, visit the Alabama Department of Revenue website.

Online Property Tax Resources

Digital Tax Information Access

While deed records aren’t available online, Cherokee County provides convenient digital access to property tax information:

Cherokee County Revenue Commissioner Website https://cherokeepropertytax.com/

Features include:

Online tax payment processing
Tax record research
Payment history access
Current balance inquiries

Cherokee County Property Maps and Appraisal Data https://isv.kcsgis.com/al.cherokee_revenue/

Search capabilities:

Owner name searches
Parcel number lookups
Address-based searches
Interactive property maps
Detailed appraisal information

These online tools provide valuable property data without requiring an office visit.

Professional Title Search Services: When to Hire Experts

Benefits of Professional Services

Professional title search companies offer significant advantages:

Efficiency: Experienced researchers complete searches faster than individuals unfamiliar with the system

Thoroughness: Professionals know what to look for and where to find it

Expertise: Title experts interpret complex documents and identify potential issues

Title Insurance: Many companies can facilitate title insurance policies to protect your investment

What to Expect

Professional searches typically include:

Complete property abstracts
Comprehensive title reports
Full lien searches
Deed copies from official records
Research of tax records and assessor data
Chain of title documentation

The process can take several days to weeks depending on property history complexity, but provides peace of mind for significant real estate investments.

Essential Contact Information

Cherokee County Property Record Offices

Cherokee County Probate Office 260 Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 101 Centre, AL 35960 Phone: (256) 927-3668 Fax: (256) 927-9218 Email: probateoffice@cherokeecounty-al.gov Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Cherokee County Revenue Commissioner 260 Cedar Bluff Road, Suite 102 Centre, AL 35960 Phone: (256) 927-5527 Fax: (256) 927-5528

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I access Cherokee County property records online? A: Currently, deed records are not available online. However, property tax information and maps can be accessed through the Revenue Commissioner’s website.

Q: How much does it cost to obtain a deed copy? A: Fees vary by document type and service. Contact the Probate Office at (256) 927-3668 for current fee schedules.

Q: How long does a title search take? A: Simple searches may take a few days, while complex property histories can require several weeks of research.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to record a deed? A: While not legally required, consulting a real estate attorney ensures your deed meets all legal requirements and protects your interests.

Conclusion: Navigating Cherokee County Property Records

Whether you’re purchasing property, refinancing, or conducting due diligence, understanding Cherokee County’s property record system is essential. While the lack of online deed access requires in-person visits or professional assistance, the county provides excellent staff support and some digital tax resources to facilitate your research.

For complex transactions or time-sensitive needs, professional title services offer valuable expertise. For straightforward inquiries, the Cherokee County Probate Office staff stands ready to assist with your property record needs.

Ready to begin your property search? Contact the Cherokee County Probate Office today or explore online tax resources to start your real estate research journey.

Related Resources: