How to Research Real Estate Property for Liens

An important part of buying real estate property is searching for property liens. This is something that many people do not realize that they need to do. They should not always trust the seller's word. Doing a property lien search should be a top priority when you are buying property. You do not want to unknowingly buy a house that has liens. As a buyer, you may be responsible for paying off those unpaid debts. Also, if the land has a lien on it, it can be forced into sale by a lender to pay part of the debt.

For the most part, liens are a matter of public record. To find if there are any liens on a piece of real estate property, you can use three main options.

The Internet
The internet has become a great resource if you are looking for information on a piece of land. Much of the data about property liens are available on government websites. Search your county recorder, clerk or assessor's website for information. All you need is the name of the property owner or the address.

Local Government Offices
If your county does not have the data available online, then visit the county recorder, clerk or assessor's office in person. If you visit the offices is person, you have the staff there to help you find the information you need. The staff may also give you advice on what other information you a need to find out about a piece of property.

Title Company
If you do not have the time to do the research, you can hire a title company. A title company will search through public records and verify the owner of the land. The company will also search for any property liens or back taxes owed on the property.

When researching a piece of property for information, make sure the basic information is correct. It is very easy to misspell the street address or the owner's name. If you do discover liens on a property and have not purchased the property, then ask for advice from a real estate agent or a lawyer who has experience in this area.

Researching a piece of property for liens is a way to protect yourself and your investment. You do not want to be responsible for someone else's debt. Taking time to do all the necessary research on real estate property will save you from a lot of trouble down the road.