Search MISSOURI MO. Property Records | Lien and Title search – Mortgage and Deed copy

Searching Missouri Property Records

Here’s how to search for property records in Missouri:

County Level Search

Most property records in Missouri are maintained at the county level. Each county has a Recorder of Deeds office that maintains these records. BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

1. Visit your county’s Recorder of Deeds website
   • Find your specific county’s website (e.g., “St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds”)
   • Most counties offer online search systems
2. In-person search option
   • Visit the county courthouse or administrative building
   • Ask for assistance at the Recorder of Deeds office

State-Level Resources

• Missouri Secretary of State: https://www.sos.mo.gov/ offers some property-related records
• Missouri Department of Revenue: For tax liens and related information

Types of Records You Can Find

• Property deeds
• Mortgage documents
• Tax liens
• Mechanic’s liens
• Easements
• Title information
• Property tax records

Online Third-Party Services

Several services offer Missouri property records searches for a fee:

• US TITLE RECORDS
• NETR Online
• County Records Information

 

Complete Guide to Missouri Real Estate Records

Missouri maintains various official real estate records that are essential for property transactions, ownership verification, and legal compliance. This guide covers the most important records you’ll encounter in the Missouri real estate landscape.

1. Property Deeds

Property deeds are the fundamental documents that transfer real estate ownership from one party to another. In Missouri, common types include:

• Warranty Deeds: Provide the greatest protection to buyers by guaranteeing the seller has clear title to the property
• Quitclaim Deeds: Transfer whatever interest the grantor has in the property without warranties
• Special Warranty Deeds: Offer limited warranties that only cover the period when the seller owned the property

Missouri deeds are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Most counties now offer online access to these records.

2. Mortgages and Deeds of Trust

Missouri primarily uses Deeds of Trust rather than traditional mortgages. Key differences include:

• Deeds of Trust involve three parties: borrower, lender, and trustee
• They often allow for non-judicial foreclosure, which can be faster than judicial foreclosure
• They’re recorded in the same county office as deeds

These documents contain the loan terms, interest rates, payment schedules, and conditions for default.

3. Property Tax Records

Missouri property tax records include:

• Annual property tax statements
• Tax assessment values
• Payment history
• Tax rates by jurisdiction

These records are maintained by the county assessor’s office and the county collector. Many Missouri counties offer online access to tax records through their websites.

4. Property Liens

Liens are claims against property for unpaid debts. Common types in Missouri include:

• Tax Liens: Filed by government entities for unpaid property or income taxes
• Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid construction work
• Judgment Liens: Result from court judgments against the property owner

Missouri liens are usually recorded with the county recorder’s office and appear in title searches.

5. Plat Maps and Surveys

Plat maps show how land is divided into lots, blocks, or parcels. They typically include:

• Property boundaries
• Roads and easements
• Dimensions
• Adjacent properties

Missouri plat maps are filed with the county recorder’s office. Survey documents provide more detailed boundary information and are usually created by licensed surveyors.

6. Easements and Right-of-Way Agreements

These documents grant specific access or usage rights to someone other than the property owner:

• Utility easements allow companies to maintain infrastructure
• Access easements provide passage through property
• Conservation easements restrict development for environmental purposes

In Missouri, easements are recorded with the county recorder’s office and remain with the property when ownership changes.

7. Title Insurance Policies

Title insurance protects against financial loss from defects in title. Missouri title insurance documents include:

• Title insurance policies
• Title commitments
• Title search reports
• Chain of title documentation

These documents are typically prepared by title companies and retained by property owners and lenders.

8. Restrictive Covenants and HOA Documents

These documents restrict how property can be used and are common in planned communities:

• Deed restrictions
• Homeowners association (HOA) bylaws
• Architectural guidelines
• Community rules and regulations

These documents are recorded with the county recorder and are legally binding on all property owners in the affected area.

9. Zoning Records

Zoning records determine how property can be used and include:

• Zoning maps
• Land use permits
• Variance requests
• Zoning compliance certificates

Missouri zoning records are maintained by city or county planning and zoning departments.

10. Certificates of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) verifies that a building meets all building codes and is safe for occupancy. In Missouri, these certificates:

• Are issued by local building departments
• Are required before a new building can be legally occupied
• May be required when a building’s use changes
• Verify compliance with safety codes

Where to Find Missouri Real Estate Records

Most real estate records in Missouri can be accessed through:

1. County Recorder of Deeds offices
2. County Assessor’s offices
3. City or County Planning and Zoning departments
4. Online county record portals (availability varies by county)
5. Missouri Land Survey Repository for survey information
6. Title companies that maintain private databases

 

Types of Real Estate Records in Missouri

Real estate records in Missouri provide essential information about property ownership, transfers, liens, and other legal matters affecting real property. These documents are crucial for buyers, sellers, real estate professionals, and researchers. Below is a comprehensive guide to the various types of real estate records available in Missouri.

 

Deed Records

Deeds are the most fundamental real estate documents that transfer ownership of property from one party to another.

Types of Deeds in Missouri:

1. Warranty Deeds – Provide the greatest protection to the buyer, with the seller guaranteeing they have clear title to the property and defending against all claims.
2. Special Warranty Deeds – The seller guarantees only against issues that arose during their ownership.
3. Quitclaim Deeds – Transfer whatever interest the grantor has in the property without warranties or guarantees.
4. Beneficiary Deeds – Allow property to transfer upon death without going through probate.

 

Mortgage Records

Mortgage records document loans secured by real property and the lender’s security interest.

Common Mortgage Documents:

1. Mortgage Notes – The borrower’s promise to repay the loan.
2. Deeds of Trust – Missouri primarily uses deeds of trust rather than mortgages. These documents create a security interest in the property.
3. Assignments of Mortgage – Record the transfer of a mortgage from one lender to another.
4. Releases/Satisfactions – Document that a mortgage has been paid in full

Liens and Judgments

These records indicate claims against property that must typically be resolved before a property can be sold with clear title.

Types of Liens:

1. Tax Liens – Filed by government entities for unpaid property or income taxes.
2. Mechanic’s Liens – Filed by contractors or suppliers who provided services or materials for property improvements but weren’t paid.
3. Judgment Liens – Result from court judgments against the property owner.
4. Child Support or Alimony Liens – Filed for unpaid family support obligations.

 

Plats and Surveys

These documents show the boundaries and divisions of land parcels.

Survey Documents:

1. Plat Maps – Show how a larger parcel has been divided into lots, including streets and common areas.
2. ALTA/ACSM Surveys – Detailed surveys meeting national standards.
3. Boundary Surveys – Define property lines and corners.
4. Improvement Location Surveys – Show structures in relation to property boundaries.

 

Easements and Covenants

These records document rights to use property or restrictions on its use.

Types of Recorded Rights and Restrictions:

1. Right of Way Easements – Give someone the right to cross property.
2. Utility Easements – Allow utility companies access to their lines and equipment.
3. Conservation Easements – Restrict development to preserve natural resources.
4. Restrictive Covenants – Limit how property can be used, often found in homeowners’ association documents.

 

Foreclosure Records

Documents related to the process when a lender takes possession of property due to default.

1. Notice of Default – Initial notification of loan default.
2. Notice of Trustee’s Sale – Announces the auction of the foreclosed property.
3. Trustee’s Deed – Transfers ownership after a foreclosure sale.

 

Property Tax Records

These records document the taxation of real property.

1. Tax Assessment Records – Show the assessed value of the property.
2. Tax Payment Records – Document payment history of property taxes.
3. Tax Sale Certificates – Issued when property is sold for unpaid taxes.

 

Probate Real Estate Records

Documents related to the transfer of property after death.

1. Letters Testamentary/Administration – Authorize executors/administrators to handle estate property.
2. Personal Representative’s Deed – Transfers property from an estate to heirs or buyers.

 

Where to Find Missouri Real Estate Records

Real estate records in Missouri are primarily maintained at the county level:

1. County Recorder of Deeds Office – The primary repository for most real estate documents.
2. County Assessor’s Office – Maintains property tax and assessment records.
3. Circuit Court Clerk – Houses court judgments that may affect real property.
4. Missouri Land Survey Repository – Contains historical survey information.

Many Missouri counties now offer online access to at least some of their real estate records.

 

Accessing Records in Missouri

Missouri real estate records can be accessed through:

1. In-Person Visits – Going to the appropriate county office.
2. Online Portals – Many counties have digital records available online.
3. Title Companies – Can perform searches for a fee.
4. Missouri Land Survey System – For accessing survey records.
5. Missouri Secretary of State’s Office – For some business-related property records.

 

Importance for Property Research

These records are invaluable for:

• Title Research – Determining clear ownership.
• Investment Due Diligence – Assessing property history before purchase.
• Legal Proceedings – Evidence in property disputes.
• Historical Research – Tracing property ownership through time.
• Property Development – Understanding restrictions and requirements.

 

Missouri-Specific Considerations

Missouri has some unique aspects to its real estate records system:

1. Torrens System Not Used – Unlike some states, Missouri does not use the Torrens property registration system.
2. Deeds of Trust vs. Mortgages – Missouri primarily uses deeds of trust rather than mortgages.
3. County-Based System – Records are maintained at the county level rather than centralized.
4. Doctrine of Merger – In Missouri law, when a person holds both a greater and lesser interest in property, the lesser interest merges into the greater.
5. Recording Statute – Missouri is a “notice” state, meaning later purchasers are protected if they had no notice of earlier unrecorded interests.

Summary:

By understanding the various types of real estate records available in Missouri and how to access them, property owners, buyers, sellers, and professionals can make more informed decisions and ensure proper documentation of their real estate transactions.

Many Missouri counties now offer online access to property records, though the depth of available information varies significantly between urban and rural counties.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contacting your specific county’s Recorder of Deeds office directly is recommended.