(Stupid?) Question about property ownership records

**Revenna Fox** · 06-16-2011, 12:00 AM

I do apologize if I've posted this in the wrong place, but I have what may sound like a pretty stupid question.

Here goes; I've found a piece of real estate that I'd like to offer to buy, but I have no clue who owns it. The property has a house on it, but it's been abandoned for some time now, and since it's a rural route there's no address. I've marked the location and GPS coords on a map of the area. I'd like to know how I can find out who owns it. Do they keep public records of that, and if so, where would I go to access them? Once again I'm rather sorry for asking such a dumb question, but bear with me, as I have a few more.

**Greg** · 06-16-2011, 07:04 AM

Whoever owns the property pays property taxes on it, so go to that county office and they will know who owns it. If the county tax office is not on line then you will have to make a personal visit.

**Sabir** · 06-17-2011, 05:14 AM

Better is to ask from people living nearby those areas.. Through those tax payers you will come to know exact department.. And from department you will know owner of the land.. Simple

I hope this helpful

**realestategirl** · 06-19-2011, 09:18 PM

This is not a stupid question. There are a lot of abandoned properties in the country that have been languishing unoccupied for years that is why it is oftentimes difficult to know who owns them or if it is for sale. If you are going to check with the local civil registry, you might also want to ask if the property has any existing issues( like property disputes, anomalies with the land, like is the area is prone to flooding or if there are hazardous structures built on it). If the place has no address, that must have been sitting out there for a long time that either people overlook it or there is an added responsibility in owning it.

**E.Schmidty** · 06-21-2011, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by realestategirl

If you are going to check with the local civil registry, you might also want to ask if the property has any existing issues( like property disputes, anomalies with the land, like is the area is prone to flooding or if there are hazardous structures built on it).

This is a definite possibility, and a crucial thing to ask! If the property has no address, it must have been sitting there for a long time, unoccupied. There must be a reason behind it. Investigate.

Good luck!