Property Records Search
Every real estate decision starts with knowing what the records say. Who owns the property? What liens are attached? Has the title changed hands recently? Are there easements, delinquent taxes, or pending lawsuits? A property records search answers these questions by examining the documents recorded at county recorder offices, assessor databases, and court systems across the United States. U.S. Title Records provides professional property records search services for all 50 states. Our experienced abstractors search county recorder databases, title plants, and courthouse records in 3,250+ counties to deliver the specific data you need. Reports start at $29 for a basic ownership and tax snapshot, $95 for a full lien search, and $295 for a preliminary title report covering everything. PDF by email. No subscription. No account required. BBB A+ rated since 2009.
BBB A+ rated since 2009. All 50 states. 3,250+ counties. Reports from $29. No subscription required.
What Are Property Records?
Property records are official documents maintained by county and state government offices that document everything about real estate: who owns it, what debts are attached to it, how ownership has changed over time, what restrictions apply, and how it is valued for tax purposes. These records are created each time a deed is recorded, a mortgage is filed, a lien is placed, a tax assessment is made, or a court order affects property rights.
In the United States, property records are maintained at the county level. Each of the 3,250+ counties has its own recorder, assessor, and tax collector. The documents they maintain include deeds (ownership transfers), mortgages and deeds of trust (loan security), liens (claims against the property for unpaid debts), easements (rights others have to use the property), lis pendens (pending lawsuits affecting the property), tax assessments and payment history, and plat maps showing property boundaries.
Most property records are public records, meaning anyone can access them. However, "accessible" does not mean "easy." Records are spread across thousands of county offices, each with different online systems, search interfaces, fee structures, and levels of digitization. Some counties have records online going back 50 years. Others have limited digital records and require in-person searches. A professional property records search service like U.S. Title Records bridges this gap by searching all relevant databases for a specific property and compiling the results into a single, clear report.
Property records are official government documents that track real estate ownership, liens, taxes, and legal restrictions. They include deeds (ownership transfers), mortgages (loan security), liens (claims for unpaid debts), easements (usage rights), lis pendens (pending lawsuits), tax records, and plat maps. Maintained at the county level across 3,250+ U.S. counties. Public records but often difficult to access across multiple jurisdictions. U.S. Title Records provides professional property records search services starting at $29 for all 50 states.
For a deeper explanation of how title searches examine these records, see what is a title search. For information about specific types of liens that may appear in property records, see property lien search.
Types of Property Records You Can Search
Ownership Records (Deeds)
Deeds document who owns the property and how ownership has changed over time. The most recent deed shows the current legal owner. Prior deeds show previous owners. The type of deed (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, grant deed, special warranty deed) indicates the level of title warranty the seller provided. Our Deed Copy ($45) provides the actual recorded deed document. Our Chain of Title ($275) traces every ownership transfer with copies of all vesting deeds. For more on deeds, see deed search property.
Need to verify who owns a property? $29 Property Detail shows the current owner. $45 Deed Copy provides the recorded deed document.
Lien Records
Liens are legal claims against a property for unpaid debts. They include mortgage liens (the loan used to buy or refinance the property), judgment liens (court-ordered debts), tax liens (unpaid property taxes, IRS liens, state tax liens), mechanic liens (unpaid construction or repair work), and HOA liens (unpaid homeowners association dues). Liens must typically be satisfied before a property can transfer with clear title. Our Property Lien Report ($95) identifies all recorded liens on a property. Our Full Property/Owner Lien Report ($195) also catches personal liens against the owner by name. For the full lien guide, see property lien search.
Checking for liens before buying? The $95 Lien Report lists every recorded lien with amounts and recording dates.
Tax Records
Property tax records show assessed value, tax rate, annual tax amount, payment status, and any delinquencies. Delinquent property taxes create automatic first-priority liens that must be paid before any other lien. Prolonged delinquency can lead to tax sale, where the county sells the property to recover unpaid taxes. Tax status is included in every property records search from U.S. Title Records, starting with the Property Detail ($29).
Quick tax and ownership check? The $29 Property Detail shows assessed value, tax status, and current owner in one report.
Mortgage Records
Mortgage records document the loans secured by the property. They include the lender name, loan amount, recording date, and whether a satisfaction or release has been recorded (indicating the loan was paid off). Open mortgages must be paid from closing proceeds when the property sells. Our lien reports identify all open mortgages with the lender information needed for payoff requests.
Ownership by Name (Title Search by Name)
Instead of searching a specific property, you can search by a person or entity name to find all property they own. Our Title Search by Name searches every county in a state ($75) or nationwide ($535) to find all properties where the subject appears as a current owner. Used for divorce, estate settlement, judgment collection, and investor due diligence. See title search by name for the full guide.
Need to find all property someone owns? $75 statewide or $535 nationwide. Flat rate regardless of how many properties are found.
Chain of Title (Ownership History)
The chain of title documents every ownership transfer for a property over a period of 10 to 30 years, depending on the county records available. It includes copies of all vesting deeds, showing who sold to whom, when, and for how much. Breaks in the chain (missing transfers, unrecorded deeds, probate gaps) indicate title defects that may require legal action to resolve. Our Chain of Title ($275) provides this documented ownership history. For the full guide, see chain of title search.
Easements and Restrictions
Easements grant others the right to use a portion of the property for specific purposes: utility lines, drainage, access roads, or conservation. Deed restrictions limit how the property can be used (no commercial activity, minimum setbacks, architectural standards). These are recorded in the county records and affect the property permanently. Our Preliminary Title Report ($295) includes easement and restriction data. For easement search pricing on specific properties, contact office@ustitlerecords.com.
Court Records Affecting Property
Lis pendens (pending lawsuits), bankruptcy filings, divorce decrees, and probate proceedings can all affect property rights. A lis pendens clouds the title and typically prevents sale until the lawsuit is resolved. Bankruptcy creates an automatic stay on property transfers. Divorce decrees often divide property between spouses. Probate transfers property from a deceased owner to heirs. Our reports identify these recorded actions when they appear in the property index.
Personal Lien Records (Background Reports)
In addition to property-based records, you can search for liens and legal filings recorded against a person's name. Our Background Report ($95) finds judgment liens, federal and state tax liens, UCC filings, bankruptcies, court records, and contact information for any individual or entity. See background report lien search for the full guide.
Searching a person, not a property? $95 Background Report finds liens, bankruptcies, and court records by name.
Ownership (deeds): who owns the property. Liens: mortgages, judgments, taxes, mechanic liens, HOA liens. Tax records: assessed value, payment status, delinquencies. Chain of title: complete ownership history with deed copies. Easements: utility, access, drainage, conservation rights. Court records: lis pendens, bankruptcy, divorce, probate. Name-based: all property owned by a person ($75/$535). Personal liens: judgment liens, UCC filings, bankruptcies by name ($95). All searchable through U.S. Title Records for any property or person in all 50 states.
Which Report Do You Need?
U.S. Title Records offers property records searches at every depth and price point. Here is what each report covers and who it is designed for.
| Report | Price | What It Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Detail | $29 | Owner, APN, legal description, assessed value, tax status, property characteristics | Quick ownership check, pre-offer research |
| Deed Copy | $45 | Most recent recorded vesting deed with legal description | Deed verification, legal filings, settlement prep |
| Title Search by Name | $75 / $535 | All property owned by a person or entity (statewide or nationwide) | Divorce, estate, judgment collection, investor due diligence |
| Property Lien Report | $95 | All recorded liens: mortgages, judgments, tax liens, mechanic liens, HOA | Pre-purchase due diligence, refinance verification |
| Background Report | $95 | Judgment liens, UCC, bankruptcies, court records, contacts by person name | Pre-litigation, business due diligence, creditor screening |
| Full Property/Owner Lien Report | $195 | Property liens + personal liens against the owner by name | Auction purchase, distressed seller, cash transactions |
| Chain of Title | $275 | Complete ownership history (10-30 years) with copies of all deeds | Quiet title, estate sale, title disputes, attorney work product |
| Preliminary Title Report | $295 | Everything: ownership, liens, chain of title, easements, valuation, owner profile | Full due diligence, attorney closings, commercial transactions |
For the full pricing breakdown and cost comparison, see our title search cost page. For a general explanation of how title searches work, see what is a title search.
Just need the owner name: Property Detail ($29). Need the recorded deed: Deed Copy ($45). Need to find what someone owns: Title Search by Name ($75/$535). Need to check liens before buying: Property Lien Report ($95). Need the person's financial obligations: Background Report ($95). Need property + personal liens combined: Full Property/Owner Lien Report ($195). Need full ownership history: Chain of Title ($275). Need everything for due diligence: Preliminary Title Report ($295).
Property Records Search by Situation
The right search depends on your specific situation. Here is what to order based on what you are trying to accomplish.
Buying a Home
Before making an offer, run a Property Detail ($29) to confirm the seller is the owner and check the tax status. Before closing, your closing attorney should order a Preliminary Title Report ($295) for full due diligence. For standard purchases, a Property Lien Report ($95) confirms no hidden liens. See title search for real estate closings for the full attorney workflow.
Buying property? Start with a $29 Property Detail for a quick ownership check. Upgrade to $95 Lien Report before closing.
Selling Your Home (FSBO)
Before listing, order a Property Lien Report ($95) to confirm no surprise liens exist. A clean lien report gives buyers confidence and prevents deal-killing discoveries during escrow. Add a Deed Copy ($45) to have the recorded deed ready for the buyer's attorney.
Selling FSBO? A $95 lien check before listing prevents surprises at closing.
Buying at Foreclosure Auction
Auction purchases carry the highest risk because they are sold without title warranty. Liens that survive the foreclosure become the buyer's responsibility. The Full Property/Owner Lien Report ($195) identifies which liens survive the sale. For complex auctions, order the Preliminary Title Report ($295). See our investor resources page for the full auction due diligence guide.
Bidding at auction? Do not bid without the $195 Full Lien Report. It shows which liens survive the sale.
Refinancing a Mortgage
Lenders require a title search confirming no new liens since the original mortgage. A Chain of Title ($275) documents the clean ownership history your lender requires. Some lenders accept a Property Lien Report ($95). Ask your loan officer which report they need before ordering.
Refinancing? Ask your lender which report they need, then order at ustitlerecords.com.
Going Through a Divorce
Order a Title Search by Name ($75) on each spouse to find all property they own. Add Background Reports ($95) on each spouse to find undisclosed debts. All searches are anonymous and confidential. See title search for divorce for the full workflow.
Divorce? $75 per spouse finds all property. Anonymous. Neither spouse is notified.
Settling an Estate
Order a nationwide Title Search by Name ($535) on the deceased to find all property in all states. Add Lien Reports ($95) on each property found to identify debts the estate must satisfy. See title search for probate for the full workflow.
Estate settlement? $535 nationwide name search finds properties the family may not know about.
Collecting on a Judgment
Order a Title Search by Name ($75) to find what the debtor owns. Add a Background Report ($95) to see competing liens and bankruptcy status. Then order Lien Reports ($95) on each property found to estimate equity. See title search for judgment collection for the full workflow.
Won a judgment? $75 name search + $95 background report = $170 tells you if the debtor has attachable assets.
Quiet Title Action
Order a Chain of Title ($275) to document the ownership chain and identify the title defect. Add a Lien Report ($95) to identify lienholder defendants. See title search for quiet title for the full workflow.
Filing quiet title? Chain of Title ($275) is your primary exhibit.
Checking Your Own Property
Want to know what is on record for a property you already own? The $29 Property Detail gives a quick ownership and tax snapshot. The $95 Lien Report shows every recorded lien, including liens you may not know about (unreleased mortgages, old judgment liens, HOA liens).
Just curious? The $29 Property Detail is the fastest way to see what is on record.
Finding Out Who Owns a Property
If you want to know who owns a specific property (off-market purchase, neighbor dispute, abandoned property investigation), order a Property Detail ($29) which includes the current owner name and taxpayer mailing address. See how to find property owner for the full guide.
Who owns that property? $29 gives you the answer. Same-day delivery.
Buying a home: start with $29 Property Detail, upgrade to $95 Lien Report or $295 Preliminary Title before closing. Selling FSBO: $95 Lien Report before listing. Auction purchase: $195 Full Lien Report (shows surviving liens). Refinance: $95-$275 depending on lender requirements. Divorce: $75 per spouse name search + $95 per spouse background report. Estate: $535 nationwide name search + $95 lien reports on each property. Judgment collection: $75 name search + $95 background report. Quiet title: $275 Chain of Title + $95 Lien Report. Just checking: $29 Property Detail. Finding the owner: $29 Property Detail.
Search Property Records by Name
Most property records searches start with a property address. But sometimes you need to start with a person's name and find all property they own. The Title Search by Name searches every county in a state ($75) or nationwide ($535) to find all properties where the subject appears as a current owner.
This name-based search is different from an address-based search in three important ways. First, it covers every county in the state or nation with one order rather than searching one property at a time. Second, it reveals properties the subject may not have disclosed: investment properties, vacant land, out-of-state holdings, and property held under variations of their name. Third, it is the only way to discover how many properties someone owns without already knowing the addresses.
For each property found, the report includes the address, county, owner name and vesting type, assessed value, tax status, and mortgage information. To then check liens on a specific property found through the name search, order a Property Lien Report ($95) on that property. To check the person's personal financial obligations (judgment liens, UCC filings, bankruptcies), order a Background Report ($95). See title search by name for the complete guide.
Title Search by Name: $75 statewide (every county in one state) or $535 nationwide (all 50 states). Finds all properties where the subject is a current owner. Results include address, county, owner name, vesting type, assessed value, tax status, and mortgage info. Used for divorce, estate settlement, judgment collection, and investor due diligence. Anonymous and confidential. The subject is never notified. Flat rate regardless of how many properties are found. Delivery: 24-48 hours statewide, 48-72 hours nationwide.
Professional Property Records Search vs. DIY County Search
County recorder websites are free. So why would you pay for a professional property records search? Here is what the free county search gives you versus what a professional search delivers.
Coverage
A county website searches one county. A professional search from U.S. Title Records accesses 3,250+ counties across all 50 states from one order. If the property owner has liens in a different county than where the property is located (common for judgment liens and tax liens), the county website will not show them. Our reports search across jurisdictions.
Interpretation
County websites display raw index data: document numbers, recording dates, and grantor/grantee names. Our experienced abstractors interpret this data and compile it into a clear, organized report that identifies issues, flags concerns, and provides the context needed to make decisions. The difference between raw data and an abstractor-reviewed report is the difference between a pile of medical test results and a doctor's diagnosis.
Completeness
A thorough property records search requires checking multiple databases: the county recorder (deeds, mortgages, liens), the county assessor (ownership, values, taxes), the county tax collector (delinquencies, tax sales), and sometimes the court system (lis pendens, judgments). Most county websites only cover one of these databases. A professional search covers all of them.
Time
Searching a county website yourself takes 30 minutes to several hours per property, and that assumes the county has a functional online system. Our reports deliver by email in PDF format: 24 hours for basic reports, 1-3 business days for chain of title and preliminary reports. For professionals searching multiple properties, the time savings alone justify the cost. A real estate attorney handling 20 closings per month would spend 40+ hours per month searching county websites individually. The same 20 searches from U.S. Title Records are ordered in minutes, delivered by email, and arrive in a consistent format that is ready for the closing file.
Accuracy and Liability
When you search a county website yourself, you are responsible for interpreting the results correctly. If you miss a lien because you searched the wrong index, used the wrong name variation, or overlooked a document, the consequences fall on you or your client. Our experienced abstractors have searched millions of property records across every county type in the country. They know where to look, what to look for, and how to identify issues that non-specialists routinely miss. The difference between a DIY county search and a professional abstractor-reviewed search is the difference between reading your own X-ray and having a radiologist read it. Both use the same image. One is far more likely to catch the problem.
Documentation
A county website gives you screen displays and printouts. Our reports give you a formatted, professional-grade PDF with recording references for every document found. This PDF is suitable for court filings, closing packages, client correspondence, and title insurance documentation. The recording references (instrument numbers, book/page) allow any attorney or title professional to verify each finding independently with the county recorder.
Out-of-State Properties
If you need to search a property in another state, finding the right county website, understanding their search interface, and interpreting their records takes significant effort. U.S. Title Records handles all of this regardless of where the property is located. One order, one format, any state.
DIY county search: free, single county only, raw index data, you interpret results, limited to what that county has online. Professional search (U.S. Title Records): $29-$295, all 50 states, 3,250+ counties, abstractor-reviewed reports, multiple databases searched, clear organized PDF. Professional advantage: cross-jurisdictional coverage, expert interpretation, complete database access, time savings, consistent format. For a quick personal check, the county website may suffice. For any transaction, legal matter, or investment decision, professional search provides the accuracy and completeness the situation requires.
What Property Records Reveal (and What They Do Not)
What Property Records DO Show
Legal ownership and vesting type. Recorded liens, mortgages, and encumbrances. Transfer history (chain of title). Assessed value and property tax status. Legal description and parcel number. Recorded easements and deed restrictions. Lis pendens and pending lawsuits. Bankruptcy filings affecting the property. HOA liens when recorded. UCC filings against the owner (in owner-based searches).
What Property Records Do NOT Show
Physical condition of the property (needs inspection). Environmental contamination (needs Phase I assessment). Zoning compliance (check with local planning department). Building code violations (check with code enforcement). Unrecorded liens or claims (title insurance covers this risk). Future tax assessments or reassessments. Boundary accuracy (needs a survey). Market value (needs an appraisal, though our Preliminary Title Report includes valuation by comparable sales). Title insurance is always recommended alongside a title search because it protects against defects that recorded property records cannot reveal: forgery, undisclosed heirs, recording errors, and other hidden risks. Our preferred title insurance partner is First American Title Insurance Company.
Property records show what is RECORDED in public databases. They do not show physical condition, environmental issues, zoning violations, building code problems, or unrecorded claims. Always combine a property records search with a physical inspection, and consider title insurance for protection against hidden defects. County recorder databases may have lag times between recording and indexing. Our reports include a disclaimer noting that counties cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of their databases. No title search can certify that a title is free of all defects. Title insurance is always recommended.
How to Order a Property Records Search
Step 1: Decide What You Need
Use the report selection table above to match your situation to the right report. If you are not sure, the $29 Property Detail is always a safe starting point. You can order additional reports based on what the initial results show.
Step 2: Go to ustitlerecords.com
Visit ustitlerecords.com/search-property-records/ and select the report type. For property-based searches, enter the property address. For name-based searches, enter the person or entity name.
Step 3: Pay Securely Online
No account creation required. No subscription. No hidden fees. All transactions are secure and all orders are anonymous and confidential.
Step 4: Receive Your Report by Email
PDF report delivered to the email address you provide. Property Detail ($29): often same day. Deed Copy ($45): 24 hours. Title Search by Name ($75/$535): 24-48 hours statewide, 48-72 hours nationwide. Lien Reports ($95/$195): 24-48 hours. Chain of Title ($275): 1-3 business days. Preliminary Title Report ($295): 1-3 business days.
For expedited service, call 1-800-750-0932. For volume pricing on 10+ orders per month, contact office@ustitlerecords.com. For questions about which report to order, email office@ustitlerecords.com or call 1-800-750-0932. We operate 7 days a week including holidays.
What You Receive
Every report is delivered by email as a PDF. Here is exactly what each report type contains.
Complete Report Menu
Property Detail Report ($29): Property address, APN, legal description, current owner and vesting type, assessed value, tax status, recent transfer history, and property characteristics (lot size, building size, year built).
Deed Copy ($45): Actual copy of the most recent recorded vesting deed with full legal description, grantor/grantee names, recording date, instrument number, and book/page references.
Title Search by Name ($75/$535): List of every property where the subject appears as a current owner. For each property: address, county, owner name, vesting type, assessed value, tax status, and mortgage information.
Property Lien Report ($95): Current owner, all active liens (mortgage, judgment, tax, mechanic, HOA) with lienholder name, recording date, instrument number, and amount. Tax status with delinquency amounts.
Background Report ($95): Judgment liens, federal/state tax liens, UCC filings, bankruptcies, court records, contact information, and associated relatives. Searched by person or entity name.
Full Property/Owner Lien Report ($195): Everything in the $95 report plus personal liens recorded against the owner by name: judgment liens, federal and state tax liens, and bankruptcy filings not indexed by property address.
Chain of Title ($275): Chronological ownership timeline (10-30 years), copies of all vesting deeds, grantor/grantee index for each transfer, mortgage and lien history, recording references for every document.
Preliminary Title Report ($295): Everything in the Chain of Title plus all recorded liens and encumbrances, easements, property valuation by comparable sales, and an owner profile. The most thorough report available.
Search Property Records or call 1-800-750-0932 for help choosing
All reports include recording references (instrument numbers, book/page) that allow attorneys and title professionals to verify findings directly with the county recorder.
What Clients Say
"The chain of title report was thorough and delivered in 2 days. Exactly what I needed for my quiet title action."
Robert M., Real Estate Attorney, California
"I use U.S. Title Records for all my investor property records searches. Fast, accurate, and the support team actually answers the phone."
Jennifer K., Real Estate Investor, Texas
"The Full Property/Owner Lien Report saved me from buying a property at auction with hidden liens. Worth every penny."
Michael T., Auction Buyer, Florida
Reviews sourced from ustitlerecords.com. See more client feedback.
What to Do After You Receive Your Report
If the Property Is Clear
Save the report in your transaction file. If you are buying, proceed with confidence. If you are selling, share the clean report with prospective buyers. If you are refinancing, forward the report to your lender. A clear property records search is the green light for any real estate transaction.
If the Report Shows Issues
Review each finding and determine the next step. Liens must be paid or negotiated before closing. Breaks in the chain may require a corrective deed or quiet title action. Missing probate transfers need a recorded executor deed (see title search for probate). Delinquent taxes must be paid from closing proceeds. Easements should be reviewed by an attorney to understand their impact. For any issue, consult with a real estate attorney before proceeding.
If You Need Deeper Research
Start basic, then go deeper based on what you find. A $29 Property Detail that reveals complex ownership may warrant a $275 Chain of Title. A $95 Lien Report that shows personal judgment liens may warrant the $195 Full Owner Lien Report. A name search that finds multiple properties may warrant individual lien reports on each one. Use each report to decide whether the next level of research is worth the cost.
For Attorneys and Professionals
Our reports are designed for professional use. PDF format is suitable for closing files, court filings, and client correspondence. Recording references allow independent verification with county recorders. For practice-specific workflows, see: title search for attorneys, real estate closings, divorce, judgment collection, probate, quiet title, background reports, asset search services.