San Benito County CA. California PROPERTY RECORDS

  • May 21, 2025
  • Posted by: admin
  • Categories: Foreclosure, Lien And Title Search, Property Records, Property Records Search, Property Title Search, Public Property Records, Real Estate, Recorder of deeds, Title Companies, Title Reports
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How to Access San Benito County California Property Records and Deeds, Lien and Title Search

BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

an Benito County maintains comprehensive property records dating back to 1874, making it essential for property owners, buyers, and real estate professionals to understand how to access these vital documents. This guide provides complete information on accessing property records, deeds, liens, and conducting title searches in San Benito County, California.

San Benito County Recorder’s Office – Primary Property Records Repository

The Recorder Department is the official archive, preserving documents related to legally recordable transactions of events. The department provides a public record of ownership and chain of title for all land transactions from 1874-present. Located at 1601 Lana Way, Hollister, CA 95023, the Recorder’s office maintains all official property documents including deeds, liens, mortgages, and other real estate records.

Contact Information:

  • Address: 1601 Lana Way, Hollister, CA 95023
  • Phone: (831) 636-4046
  • Fax: (831) 636-2939
  • Email: cclerk@sanbenitocountyca.gov
  • Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Recording Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:00pm (8:30-8:45am reserved for Title Companies)

Official Website: https://www.sanbenitocounty-ca-cre.gov/recorder

Online Property Records Access Through Self-Service Portal

To access the property records online, individuals can use the Self-Service Web. This system provides users with three search options: Document Search for documents from 1989 onwards, Map Search for maps available since 1890, and requests for official records that are not public online.

The San Benito County Self-Service Web portal allows you to:

  • Search recorded documents from 1989 to present
  • Access recorded maps from 1890 onwards
  • Request copies of official records
  • View property ownership chains
  • Search by various criteria including names, document numbers, and dates

Online Portal Access: https://sanbenitocountyca-web.tylerhost.net/web/

San Benito County Assessor’s Office for Property Valuations

The Assessor’s primary task is to determine the taxable value (assessment) of all real and personal property within the county and for preparing the regular and supplemental property tax rolls with integrity and fairness. The Assessor’s office provides property tax assessments, parcel information, and property valuations.

Assessor Contact Information:

  • Phone: (831) 636-4030
  • Business Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Email: Available through main county website

Official Website: https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/departments/assessor

Property Assessment Search and Tax Records

In the “Value” field at the left, enter your assessment number (i.e. 123456789000). To search a range of assessments, you may enter any of the following: the book (i.e. 123), the book-page (i.e. 12345), the book-page-page block (i.e.123456), the book-page-page block-parcel (i.e. 123456789).

The county provides online access to current property assessments and tax information through their assessment search portal.

Assessment Search Portal: https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/departments/assessor/view-your-2019-2020-values

Types of Property Records Available in San Benito County

Official Records are important documents that have been recorded and made public record and in most cases are related to real estate. Examples of Official Records include deeds, liens, mortgages, contracts, judgments, affidavits, certificates of military discharge and maps.

Available records include:

  • Deeds: Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, warranty deeds, transfer on death deeds
  • Liens: Mechanics liens, tax liens, judgment liens
  • Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Loan documents and reconveyances
  • Property Maps: Recorded subdivision maps and parcel maps
  • Court Documents: Judgments, affidavits, and contracts
  • Easements: Right-of-way and utility easements

Lien Search and Recording in San Benito County

You can file your mechanic liens in person at the San Benito County Recorder’s office located at: 40 Fifth Street Second Floor Room 206 Hollister, CA 95023. The Recorder’s office handles all lien recordings and searches, including mechanics liens, property liens, and judgment liens.

Lien Recording Requirements:

  • Documents must be printed on 8.5″ x 11″ paper
  • Use 0.5″ margins (2.5″ margin on top of first page)
  • Include proper legal descriptions
  • Pay required recording fees

Property Title Search Process

Property records in San Benito County, CA, are preserved by the Recorder Department. This department is the authoritative repository for property documents, including deeds, plats, liens, reconveyances, leases, and mortgages dating back to 1874.

For comprehensive title searches:

  1. Online Search: Use the Self-Service Web portal for documents from 1989 forward
  2. Historical Records: Visit the Recorder’s office for pre-1989 documents
  3. Chain of Title: Research ownership history through recorded deeds
  4. Lien Search: Check for any recorded liens or encumbrances

Recording Fees and Costs for San Benito County

Recording Fee per Title & First Page $15.00 (2 Titles $30, 3 Titles $45 for 1st Page) $3.00 – Each additional page

Current Fee Structure:

  • Recording Fees: $15.00 first page, $3.00 each additional page
  • Copy Fees: The first page of regular copies costs $5, with $2 for each succeeding page, while the first page of certified copies costs $20, with $3 for each additional page.
  • Documentary Transfer Tax: $0.55 per $500 of property value
  • Indexing Fees: $1.00 per group of 10 names after first 10
  • Non-conforming Page Fee: $3.00 per page if not 8.5″ x 11″

Public Records Request Process

San Benito County (County) provides access to public records, except those exempt from disclosure by law. Under the Act, the public is entitled to copies of identifiable, non-exempt public records.

For general public records requests:

  • Online Requests: Use NextRequest system
  • Response Time: County has 10 days to respond
  • In-Person Requests: Visit County Counsel office at 481 Fourth Street, 2nd Floor, Hollister

Public Records Portal: Available through main county website at https://www.cosb.us/services/public-records-request

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Mapping

San Benito County provides GIS mapping services for property identification and parcel viewing. These tools help locate properties and understand boundaries and zoning.

GIS Resources: https://www.cosb.us/departments/geographic-information-systems-gis

Planning and Zoning Information

To verify property zoning information in San Benito County, CA, contact the Resource Management Agency Planning Division.

Planning Division Contacts:

Important Requirements and Considerations

Per San Benito County Ordinance Code 5.03.001 a Documentary Transfer Tax affidavit must accompany any document that requires or may require Documentary Transfer Tax.

Key Requirements:

  • Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR): Required for all property transfers
  • Transfer Tax Affidavit: Required for all recorded deeds
  • Original Documents: All documents must be originals with wet signatures
  • Legal Descriptions: Must include accurate property legal descriptions

Third-Party Property Search Resources

Several third-party services provide access to San Benito County property records:

  • NETR Online: Public records database
  • PropertyChecker.com: Property research platform
  • CourthouseDirect.com: Document search services

Alternative Record Access Methods

In-Person Research:

  • Visit the Recorder’s office during business hours
  • Use public terminals for document searches
  • Request assistance from office staff
  • Obtain certified copies when needed

Professional Services:

  • Title companies provide comprehensive title searches
  • Real estate attorneys offer legal document review
  • Professional abstractors conduct detailed research

Contact Information Summary

Main County Website: https://www.sanbenitocountyca.gov/

Key Department Contacts:

  • Recorder’s Office: (831) 636-4046
  • Assessor’s Office: (831) 636-4030
  • Tax Collector: (831) 636-4034
  • Planning Division: Contact via email (vtafoya@cosb.us, jolivas@cosb.us)

Best Practices for Property Record Searches

When conducting property record searches in San Benito County:

  1. Start with Online Portal: Use Self-Service Web for recent records
  2. Verify Information: Cross-reference multiple sources
  3. Check for Updates: Property records change frequently
  4. Understand Limitations: Online records may not include all historical documents
  5. Seek Professional Help: Consider professional services for complex searches
  6. Keep Records: Maintain copies of important documents
  7. Verify Legal Descriptions: Ensure accuracy for legal purposes

San Benito County provides comprehensive access to property records through both digital and traditional methods, making it possible for property owners, buyers, and professionals to conduct thorough research on real estate transactions and ownership history.