Accessing property records is a crucial step when purchasing real estate in Los Angeles. These records provide comprehensive information about a property’s history, legal status, and physical characteristics, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Here’s how property records can assist you:
1. Verify Ownership and Title: Property records confirm the current owner and reveal any previous ownership changes. This verification ensures that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and helps identify any potential title issues.
2. Assess Property Value: By reviewing past sale prices and tax assessments, you can gauge the property’s appreciation over time. This information aids in determining whether the asking price aligns with market trends.
3. Identify Liens and Encumbrances: Property records disclose any existing liens, such as mortgages, tax obligations, or judgments, that could affect the property’s transfer. Identifying these encumbrances is essential to avoid unforeseen financial liabilities.
4. Review Permit and Zoning Information: Accessing building permits and zoning records reveals any renovations or additions made to the property and ensures they were completed legally. Understanding zoning classifications also informs you of permissible property uses and potential development restrictions.
5. Evaluate Property Taxes: Property records provide details on current and past property taxes, helping you anticipate future tax obligations and assess affordability.
6. Understand Property Boundaries and Size: Records include detailed descriptions of property boundaries and dimensions, ensuring the physical property matches legal descriptions and preventing boundary disputes.
Accessing Property Records in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles County, property records are maintained by the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office and the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. While some information is accessible online, certain records may require in-person visits or formal requests.
- Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office: Provides property assessment and ownership information.
- Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk: Offers access to official records, including deeds and liens.
Please note that California law prohibits the online posting of home addresses of elected or appointed officials without their written permission. Therefore, some records may not be available online.
Utilizing Property Records Effectively
While property records are invaluable, interpreting them can be complex. It’s advisable to consult with real estate professionals, such as agents, attorneys, or title companies, who can assist in analyzing these records and identifying any issues that may impact your purchase.
By thoroughly examining property records, you can uncover critical information that influences your buying decision, ensuring a transparent and secure real estate transaction in Los Angeles.
Permit Place Offers Assistance With Property Records
For those located in Los Angeles not comfortable with completing the research on their own, Permit Place provides a service to research building permits and provide copies of these permits for you or your broker.
The service to starting in the City and County of Los Angeles costs $60.00 plus the costs of copies, gives those selling properties a chance to find out what permits and certificates of occupancy have been issued on the property or will verify which additions on the property have been permitted.
Permit Place has been providing property research for commercial and residential property since 2001.