California Property Records
Table of Contents
What are California Property Records?
California property records are the official records of the county recorder's office. They contain information on all property in the county, including homes, businesses, and vacant land. The records include deeds, mortgages, liens, and other essential documents. They are a valuable resource for anyone buying or selling property in California.
Property records are also called real estate records or land records. These are maintained by the county recorder's office in each county. Buyers looking for specific information on a property can find it in the records. They are also helpful in tracking changes in ownership, assessing taxes, and researching the history of a property.
Where to Find California Property Records
The county recorder's office is the best place to find California property records. Each county has its own website, and most of them have an online searchable database. Some require a personal visit, so it's best to call ahead and determine the requirements.
You can check each county's website for specific instructions. Or you can use an online searchable database like InfoTracer, which has compiled property records from all over the state.
What Information Can You Find in California Property Records?
Just about everything you need to know about a property is contained in California Property records.
- Property Value
- Property Taxes
- Deed History
- Mortgage History
- Liens and Judgments
- Zoning and Land Use
- Contact Information
- Current and previous owners
- Address
- Property boundaries
The information in California Property Records usually contains the current owner's name, the address, the property value, the square footage, and the year the property was built. It may also include information on previous owners, mortgages, liens, and other vital documents.
California Property Tax Records
California property tax records show how much a property owner has paid in taxes. The records are maintained by the county assessor's office and are available to the public. They can be used to track a property's tax history, research the property's market value, or calculate how much taxes are owed on a property.
The current average county tax rate in California is 0.720%, one of the lowest in the country. The tax rate varies from county to county, and it is based on the property's assessed value.
Atherton, Hillsborough, Newport Coast, and Los Altos Hills have the highest property tax rates in the state, from $26,000 - $35,000 as the median property tax. These are high-end neighborhoods where the home prices are significantly higher than average.
Counties with the lowest property tax rates are La Jolla, Corona Del Mar, and San Marino, with a median rate of $15,000 - $14,700.
California Registry of Deeds Offices
The Registry of Deeds is the office that handles all the paperwork for property transactions in a county. These are public offices, and their records are available to the public. Here are the addresses and contact information for the Registry of Deeds offices in California:
Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds
12400 Imperial Highway
Norwalk, California, 90650
Phone: 800-201-8999
Fax: 562-864-1250
Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds
San Francisco County Recorder of Deeds
1 Doctor Carlton B Goodlett Place
San Francisco, California, 94102
Phone: 415-554-5596
Fax: 415-554-7915
https://www.sfassessor.org/recorder-information/obtain-copies-recorded-documents/records-search
Sacramento County Recorder of Deeds
PO Box 839
Sacramento, California, 95812
Phone: 916-874-6334
Fax: 916-874-8012
https://www.saccounty.gov/services/Pages/Deeds-Liens-Deeds-of-Trust-and-Reconveyances-Search.aspx
San Diego County Recorder of Deeds
1600 Pacific Highway, 260
San Diego, California, 92101
Phone: 619-237-0502
Fax: 619-557-4155
https://arcc.sdcounty.ca.gov/Pages/document-general.aspx
Alameda County Recorder of Deeds
1106 Madison Street
Oakland, California, 94607
Phone: 510-272-6362
Fax: 510-208-9957
https://www.acgov.org/auditor/clerk/
Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department
211 West Santa Ana Boulevard
Santa Ana, California, 92701
Phone: 714-834-2500
Fax: 714-834-2575
https://www.ocrecorder.com/
Ventura County Recorder of Deeds
800 South Victoria Avenue
Ventura, California, 93009
Phone: 805-654-3665
Fax: 805-654-2392
https://recorder.countyofventura.org/county-recorder/county-recorder/
San Mateo County Recorder of Deeds
555 County Center
Redwood, California, 94063
Phone: 650-363-4500
Fax: 650-363-4843
https://www.smcacre.org/county-clerk-recorder
Santa Clara County Recorder of Deeds
70 West Hedding Street
San Jose, California, 95110
Phone: 408-299-5688
Fax: 408-280-1768
Solano County Recorder of Deeds
675 Texas Street
Fairfield, California, 94533
Phone: 707-784-6290
Fax: 707-784-6911
Riverside Recorder of Deeds
2724 Gateway Drive
Riverside, California, 92507
Phone: 951-955-6200
Fax: 951-486-7050
https://www.asrclkrec.com/maps/location/RiversideGatewayMainOffice
San Bernardino County Recorder of Deeds
222 West Hospitality Lane
San Bernardino, California, 92415
Phone: 855-732-2575
Fax: 909-386-9050
https://sbcounty.gov/Main/Default.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions About California Property Records
How Do I Find Out Who Owns a Property in California?
The assessor's office in the county where the property is located will record who owns the property. These records are public, and anyone can access them. You may visit each office in person, or you can search for documents online. You may also use InfoTracer's convenient and easy-to-use public records search to find out who owns a property.
How Do I Find Property Details Online?
Property details are available online or in-person from the assessor's office in the county where the property is located. You may also use InfoTracer's public records search to find property details quickly and conveniently. It includes a wide range of public records, such as property ownership, building permit, and property tax.
Where are Deeds Recorded in California?
The registry of deeds is usually located in the county courthouse. The records are kept on file in the office. The registry of deeds also keeps a copy of all deeds, mortgages, and other documents related to real estate transactions. This office ensures that all real estate documents are properly filed and recorded. The registry of deeds also provides information to the public about property ownership and transfers.
Each county has a website where you can search for recorded documents. Ventura County requires an appointment before you can search for records in person. InfoTracer also offers a public records search that includes a wide range of information, such as deeds, mortgages, and property tax records across all counties in California.
How Do I Find Out if There are Liens on a Property in California?
A lien is a legal claim against a property. Liens can be placed on properties for unpaid taxes, outstanding mortgages, or other debts. The county recorder's office will have records of all liens placed on properties. You may visit the office in person or search for records online. You may also use InfoTracer's public records search to find liens easily and hassle-free.
How Do I Find Out About California Unclaimed Property?
The California State Controller's Office is responsible for managing the state's unclaimed property program. This office provides a database where you can search for unclaimed property. You may also download the details of an unclaimed property claim form from the website. Claim status can also be easily checked online. If you have any questions about unclaimed property, you can contact the office by phone or email. You can also visit InfoTracer to find public records and unclaimed property records.