Where to Look up Property Owner ?

Question

I am a newbie landlord and am going to list my property soon.

When i get all the applications,    I'll want to check up & screen 
previous landlords,   where do i verify that person is actually the landlord
and not a brother-in-law type thing ?

Is there a website that shows you who the property owner is ?

Thanks!

Account Closed · Answer

In my neck of the woods, you can look it up on-line from the clerk recorder's office.

Mike Franco · Answer

In los angeles, blockshopper.com is a fast way to find the owners' names

city-data.com also has some info.

Seth Williams · Answer

Hi Nick Frank - AgentPro247, is a paid service (I pay $18/mo for it)...  but as with anything, you get what you pay for.

It makes my research process very quick, I don't have to re-learn every county's database system, I can pull lists for my direct mail marketing, I can pull up parcel maps anywhere in the country, and a lot more.

Nick Frank · Answer

Hi Seth,   That tool you mention, Agent Pro 24/7 ,  Is that a free tool ?

Seth Williams · Answer

Here's a quick tutorial showing a "user friendly" way to find this information: http://youtu.be/7ZLHWOsIUJA

If you're looking for a free way to accomplish the same thing, I know that the method Thomas S. described above works just as well. It can be a tad more confusing (depending on the area), because every county has a different system and can require a bit of learning to get the hang of things - but if you stick to it, you can usually get the job done.

Steve Babiak · Answer

When you get back the credit report, it will (or at least it should) have the list of all addresses where the applicant resided when the applicant attempted to receive credit in the past.  You should do the research on EVERY such address ...

Thomas S. · Answer

I honestly just google "[COUNTY] property tax search" and am able to find the correct correct link for assessor's offices' property search features ~95% of the time. A few areas (NY, NJ) don't have it broken down to individual county websites but more often then not it's really just that simple.

Nick Frank · Answer

Is there a National Database of property owners like Property Shark ?

Aly W. · Answer

Most cities/states have the property tax records online. That's very wise to check on who the property owner is, and I've had it turn out that they are indeed the tenant's grandmother, brother in law, etc. The tenant did not volunteer that information on the application. Ask for proof of rent paid.

Kyle J. · Answer

Yep, contact your county recorder's office. They may have it online, or you may have to go view it in person (like I do in my county).