Searching and Obtaining Property Records in New York

To search and obtain property records in New York for title searches, lien searches, mortgage information, and ownership details, you have several options: PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH

County Clerk/Recorder Offices

• Each county in New York maintains property records
• Visit the county clerk’s office in the county where the property is located
• Most counties provide both in-person and online access to records
• Fees vary by county and service requested

New York City Resources (for the 5 boroughs)

• ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System): https://www.nyc.gov/acris
  • Searchable database for property records in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx
• Richmond County (Staten Island) has its own system

Online County Resources

Most New York counties now offer online property record searches:

• Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
• Some services are free for basic searches
• Detailed documents often require payment per document

State-Level Resources

• New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
• Property tax records can provide ownership information
• Assessment records often contain property details

Third-Party Services

• Title companies offer comprehensive title and lien searches
• Attorneys specializing in real estate can perform title searches
• Commercial services like U.. Title Records, LexisNexis, etc.

What You Can Find

• Deeds and ownership history
• Mortgages and mortgage assignments
• Tax liens and judgments
• Mechanic’s liens
• Easements and encumbrances
• UCC filings

For the most comprehensive results, combining county records with supplementary searches through the New York State court system for judgments and liens is recommended.

 

Complete Guide to New York Real Estate Records

Property Deeds

Property deeds are the fundamental legal documents that transfer real estate ownership from one party to another. In New York, these documents must be properly executed, acknowledged, and recorded with the appropriate county clerk’s office.

Types of deeds in New York include:

• Warranty Deed: Provides the highest level of protection to the buyer
• Bargain and Sale Deed: Offers fewer guarantees than a warranty deed
• Quitclaim Deed: Transfers whatever interest the grantor has, without warranties
• Executor’s Deed: Used when property is transferred from an estate
• Referee’s Deed: Used in foreclosure sales

Mortgages and Mortgage Satisfaction Records

Mortgage documents record loans secured by real property. When a mortgage is paid off, a satisfaction of mortgage document is filed to clear the lien from the property’s title.

Key mortgage records include:

• Mortgage Agreements: Original loan documents
• Mortgage Assignments: Transfers of mortgage rights between lenders
• Mortgage Satisfactions: Documents proving a mortgage has been paid in full
• Home Equity Loans: Secondary mortgages against property equity

Liens and Judgments

Liens represent claims against property for unpaid debts or obligations. These can significantly affect property transfers and ownership rights.

Common liens in New York real estate:

• Tax Liens: For unpaid property or income taxes
• Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors for unpaid work
• Judgment Liens: Resulting from court judgments
• HOA Liens: For unpaid homeowners association fees

Easements and Right-of-Ways

Easements grant specific rights to use another’s property for particular purposes. These are common in urban and rural settings throughout New York.

Examples include:

• Utility Easements: For power, water, or telecommunication lines
• Right-of-Way Easements: For access across property
• Conservation Easements: To protect natural resources
• Party Wall Agreements: In attached housing structures

Covenants, Restrictions, and Zoning Records

These documents control how properties can be used and developed, often varying significantly between New York City and upstate regions.

Important records include:

• Deed Restrictions: Limitations placed by previous owners
• HOA Covenants: Rules established by homeowners associations
• Zoning Ordinances: Municipal regulations on property use
• Variances and Special Permits: Exceptions to zoning rules

Condominium and Cooperative Documents

New York, especially NYC, has unique ownership structures that require specialized documentation.

Key documents include:

• Condo Declarations: Establishing condominium properties
• Offering Plans: Detailed information for potential buyers
• Proprietary Leases: For cooperative apartments
• House Rules: Specific regulations for building residents
• Board Minutes: Records of decisions by condo or co-op boards

Property Tax Records

Tax records provide ownership information, property value assessments, and payment histories.

These include:

• Tax Assessment Rolls: Official property valuations
• Tax Bills and Payment Records: History of tax payments
• STAR Exemption Records: School tax relief program documentation
• Other Exemption Records: Senior, veteran, or other special status exemptions

Building Department Records

These documents track the construction and modification history of properties.

Important records include:

• Building Permits: Authorizations for construction or renovation
• Certificates of Occupancy: Verifying a building is safe for use
• Inspection Reports: Documentation of official inspections
• Violation Notices: Records of building code violations
• Plans and Specifications: Architectural and engineering documents

Title Insurance and Abstract Records

These documents verify ownership history and identify potential claims against a property.

Key records include:

• Title Insurance Policies: Protecting against ownership disputes
• Title Abstracts: Histories of all recorded documents affecting a property
• Chain of Title Reports: Chronological ownership histories
• Title Exceptions: Issues identified during title searches

Historical Property Records

New York’s rich history is reflected in specialized property records that may date back centuries.

These include:

• Original Land Grants: Some dating to Dutch and British colonial periods
• Historical Maps and Surveys: Showing property boundaries over time
• Landmark Designation Records: For historically significant properties
• Archaeological Site Records: Documenting cultural resources

Real Estate Contracts and Closing Documents

These documents record the agreements and processes of property transactions.

Key records include:

• Purchase Agreements: Contracts between buyers and sellers
• HUD-1 Statements: Detailed accounting of closing transactions
• Transfer Tax Forms: Documentation of taxes paid on property transfers
• Closing Statements: Summarizing all financial aspects of a transaction

Foreclosure and Distressed Property Records

These documents track properties in financial distress or going through foreclosure.

Important records include:

• Lis Pendens: Notice of pending foreclosure lawsuit
• Foreclosure Judgments: Court orders authorizing foreclosure sales
• REO (Real Estate Owned) Documentation: For bank-owned properties
• Short Sale Agreements: Allowing sales for less than mortgage balance

How to Access New York Real Estate Records

Real estate records in New York are primarily maintained at the county level, with each county having slightly different systems and procedures.

Access methods include:

• County Clerk’s Offices: Physical locations where records are stored
• ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System): For NYC property records
• County-Specific Online Portals: Digital access systems varying by location
• Title Companies: Professional services for comprehensive searches
• New York State Archives: For historical property documentation

Importance for Property Investors and Homeowners

Understanding these records is crucial for anyone involved in New York real estate transactions or ownership.

Benefits include:

• Due Diligence Protection: Identifying potential issues before purchase
• Legal Compliance: Ensuring proper documentation of ownership rights
• Investment Analysis: Researching property histories and values
• Dispute Resolution: Documenting legal rights and responsibilities
• Historical Research: Understanding property development over time

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Note: This guide provides general information about New York real estate records. For specific legal advice or assistance with property transactions, consult with a qualified real estate attorney or title professional licensed in New York State.

 

OBTAIN A COPY OF YOUR PROPERTY DEED HERE

 

 

 

U.S. Title Records provides national property records and document retrieval for all recorded documents and land records. Obtain full chain of title, sale, lien and release records directly from the county for all 50 states and U.S. territories. Gain access to the latest and most current technology available for digitized real estate data, images, property records, and mortgage payoffs. Abstractor services are available for the retrieval of records on microfilm and microfiche. Using a proprietary network of county title plants and local abstractors, U.S. Title is able to deliver a single, comprehensive, and complete service for preliminary title reports, document images and property data.

Our staff is comprised of real estate professionals who are experts in the field, and our reputation is based on customer service excellence.

 

New York counties and boroughs covered.

• Bronx  
• Brooklyn
• Manhattan
• Queens
• Staten Island
• Richmond

 

https://www.ustitlerecords.com