Public information not Public?

Question

Hey all,

I am wondering how I could obtain lists on evictions, NODs, Tax Delinquents, divorce, probates, code violations, liens, etc... through my county. You know, since it's public information.

Where the problem lies is that our small county doesn't have the information online( I reached out to the county clerk-recorder) and the kicker, they aren't open in-person anymore because of Covid. From here, what other public service could I use to get this information? I heard I could go to the courthouse...

Any suggestions help a lot!

Thanks

Mark Pedroza · Answer

If you do obtain that divorce list @Isaias Velasquez and when you meet with the sellers, besides what the asking price is for the house, everything will be based on the marriage balance sheet.

Isaias Velasquez · Answer

@Kyle J.

Thanks for the response.

It would be nice if that was the case hahah well I appreciate you for letting me know the reality of the situation!

Kyle J. · Answer

@Isaias Velasquez Realistically, you’re not going to get what you’re looking for from a county/public agency. At least not one in our state (California).

Often times people assume they should be able to get lists like these from county departments because the underlying information is “public information”. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really work like that. They do make the information public. For example, there are ways to look up a person and find out if they’re party to an unlawful detainer action (eviction), or look up a property and find out if there are any past due property taxes or code enforcement liens. However, the government isn’t required to create lists for us investors just so we can market to certain segments of people.

It’d be nice if that was the case though.