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How do you conduct a real estate title search at a county courthouse? directions in book/website?pls list book

I need to know how to search a real estate title at a county court house? Can anyone tell me if there is a written procedure or book on how to do this? Thanks

Public Comments

1. The county clerk or assistants can tell you how this is done. It involves a records search either on computer or microfisch, depending on how old the title is.
2. With the surveyors description of the property a book is located with entries for the past fifty years. Your survey description will appear in one column and the notes in another.
3. Get on line and go to the assessors web site - you can find the legal description and parcel number there. Some counties give a great deal of information, others do not. You will have to then hand search the records for the documents you want. Procedures vary by state, but in my state property transactions are handled by a Title Company - they may do a quick title search for you for free or they may get you going in the right direction. If you state uses attorneys for this work, then you might want to contact one and see if you can wrangle help or directions from the office person who answers the phone (secretaries are a great source of information).
4. Don't know of a book that explains the process, but there are real, genuine human beings who will be happy to help you at the courthouse. If it's a larger town, the information may be available on the County or State Website. Otherwise, call the tax assessment office and ask their advice about where the records are held and whether you need an appointment. To access the website, go to the Tax Assessment or Property Assessment page and follow the directions from there.