Guides

Plain explanations of how property records work, for people who have never had to look one up.

• A parcel map is not a surveyCounty parcel maps are drawn to send tax bills, not to mark property lines. Where your boundary really comes from, and when you need a licensed land surveyor.
• How to find who owns a piece of landFind the parcel, read the assessor record, then check the recorded deed. Why the owner name can be out of date, and when you need a title search.
• How deeds are recorded in each stateMost states record deeds at a county office, but New England towns, Hawaii, Alaska and the territories do it differently. A table of the recording office in every state and territory.
• How property taxes work: who assesses, who collectsOne office values your property, local governments set the rate, and another office sends the bill. Who does each job in every state and territory, and how to question a value.