Finding the Owner

[stewartlittle]

Done a search but did'nt find just what I was lookin for,or I did'nt look good enough.

There are two pieces of property with abandoned houses on it close to the me.One is off a small highway and subdivision is going up behind it,and the other is about a mile away.Both look like they would produce some good finds.The first one is overgrown a little but number 2 still has some wide open space.

How would be the best way to find the owner?
Would I go the local houses and just start asking?
What if I cant find an owner that way,what then?

 

[coinnut]

If you know the address or the address of the houses near by, take that to your town hall and look over the public records there. The town will know. They have maps with every square inch accounted for (for tax purposes). Hope this helps.Let us know if you find out.

 

[tabdog]

Hi Stewart,

Different states have a little different ways they keep records.

But most states have County Court Houses. There is a section

called County Tax Collector. That's where the name of the

Owner of Record is usually kept.You can usually get by with the

address if they are willing to help you. But it will be easier if you

know the name of the Subdivision and lot number of the lots you

want to research.

Some properties may not be platted in a subdivision. In that case

it will be helpfull to know the Township, Range, Section and 1/4

Section that the lot is located in.

Not all public lands in the United States were originally surveyed

by Township, Range and Section. In that case it may help to know

the method of location of the public lands.

I'm a retired land surveyor in the state of Arkansas. I hope I didn't

confuse you.

Usually there are nice ladies and/or gentlemen there. If you'er nice

to them, they may go out of their way to help you.

I hope that helps,

 

[rmptr]

There's probably few that know the lay of the land better than the Tabdog, but there are different situations, across the country.

Here in CA, we were once able to do the search online, in some counties.
It changed.

Just a few days ago I began a search of the plat maps, online, and was immediately stumped.

So I went to visit the nice ladies downtown...
(And they have ALWAYS been nice! I go in periodically asking questions about different things, and they always help.)

The ladies advised me that California has a newer state law that you may NOT access the names and addresses of property owners while online. You must go to the office.
Reason? She said, "Names and addresses of judges and enforcement personnel are not public record and we do not know who they are, so ALL property owner information is no longer available online."

In our county, you needed to search for the lot on the plat maps at one office, then go over to the one next door to get the name.

First time I heard of the new law thingy... suppose I could post it elsewhere, also...

Good luck!