When looking to buy real estate in California, one of the common questions that arises is how to find information about property owners. The process may seem straightforward, given the availability of public records. However, certain laws and regulations limit the online disclosure of identifying information about property owners without their consent. In this article, we will explore various methods to find California property owners' information.
Local California Tax Assessor Research
Every city and county in California that assesses property taxes maintains records of property ownership within its jurisdiction. The general public has the right to access these records for free. In addition to property ownership, you can also search for property tax exemptions, tax rates, tax liens, and property assessment values.
California Property Deed Searches
The local Recorder's Office, also known as the County Clerk's Office, records all property deeds, transfers, and related legal documents. These offices keep up-to-date property records, including the names of the current property owners. You can find a recorder's office in the county courthouse or other county buildings. Some offices, like the San Francisco Deed Recorder, may be located in city halls. Visit these offices and use their public computer terminals to conduct research. Their staff will assist you, and for a small fee, you can obtain copies of registered documents.
Private Online Record Search in California
Numerous real estate websites collect public ownership data from various sources. Some of these websites offer free access to property information. For example, platforms like Realtor, Trulia, and Zillow allow you to search for listed properties in specific areas. SearchSystems, a family-owned business since 1990, provides access to over 70,000 databases that contain public records. You can search for mortgages, deeds, licenses, business registrations, criminal records, divorce records, marriage records, death records, corporate records, and more. While their free service is limited to one search at a time, you can opt for their premium databases for a small fee, allowing you to conduct faster and more extensive searches.
Tricks to Track Down California Commercial Property Owners
Finding the owners of commercial properties in California can be more challenging compared to residential properties. Commercial real estate owners often hold the titles under legal entities such as corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and trusts. With 58 counties in California, each having its own system of property deeds and records, the research can become complex. Not all Registrar or Recorder offices provide online search platforms, and some may require in-person visits. However, some counties, like San Diego, allow online searches.
California Secretary of State
The greatest challenge when researching commercial property owners occurs when you come across a legal entity. For example, corporations, LLCs, or trusts can remain anonymous. To find information about an LLC, you can start by visiting the California Secretary of State's office. However, the information available may be limited. The Secretary of State's website provides access to public information about business entities registered in California. By using their Business Search feature, you can find available information and free PDF copies of imaged business entity documents. This search can be performed using the LLC's name or entity number.
Use a California CRE Brokerage
If the above steps become burdensome, you can work with a California commercial real estate (CRE) brokerage. These professionals have expertise in locating commercial property owners and can assist you in your search. Some well-known associations include Commercial Brokerage International (CBI), the Commercial Brokers Association (CBA), the California Business Properties Association (CBPA), the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB), and the California Association of Realtors.
Hire a Property Intelligence Company
Property intelligence companies maintain extensive databases of property owners, including non-listed "off-market" properties. Reonomy, for example, boasts a database of over 3 million California commercial assets, providing contact information for property owners, including those under legal entities. LoopNet offers resources for selling, buying, and leasing commercial properties, as well as valuable data for analysis. PropertyShark provides real estate data, including ownership records, sales history, property tax records, permits data, and more. Netroline offers public records, property information, and environmental data. Parcel Quest allows you to locate property owners and view property records in all 58 California counties. Courthouse Direct provides property searches with document images for every county in California.
Conclusion
Finding information about property owners in California requires some effort and knowledge of the available resources. While not all records are accessible online, visiting local offices allows you to access valuable information about property ownership. Adhering to legal requirements, such as obtaining written permission from property owners, is essential. Public records, tax assessor's offices, real estate websites, commercial real estate brokerages, and property intelligence companies can all assist in the search for property owners' information.
Remember, if you decide to purchase commercial or multi-residential properties in California, it is advisable to consider hiring a professional property management company. These experts can help you navigate the complexities of property ownership and save you time and money.
Steven Rich, MBA - Guest Blogger
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Let us know! We'd love to help.
Call: (619) 618-9115
Click: www.WeLeaseUsa.com/contact
WeLease Property Management Company
