Searching North Carolina Property Records
To search for property records, liens, titles, mortgages, and deeds in North Carolina, you have several options: BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE
County Register of Deeds
Each county in North Carolina maintains property records through the Register of Deeds office. This is typically the most direct source for:
- Property deeds
- Mortgages
- Liens
- Property title history
Most NC counties now have online search portals. To access:
- Find your specific county’s Register of Deeds website
- Look for “Land Records” or “Property Search” options
- You can typically search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
NC Secretary of State
For UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings and some liens:
- Visit the NC Secretary of State website
- Navigate to the UCC search section
- This is particularly useful for personal property liens
Tax Assessor’s Office
County tax assessors maintain:
- Property ownership records
- Property tax information
- Assessed values
- Some property characteristics
Online Aggregators
Several third-party services compile NC property records:
- ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System)
- Zillow (for basic property information)
- U.S. Title Records
- County Records Research
In-Person Searches
For more complex searches or older records:
- Visit the county courthouse in person
- Some historical records may not be digitized
- Staff can assist with navigating physical records
Complete Guide to North Carolina Real Estate Records
Real estate records in North Carolina provide crucial information about property ownership, transfers, and legal status. This guide covers the essential records you’ll encounter when buying, selling, or researching property in the Tar Heel State.
1. Property Deeds
Property deeds are the fundamental documents that transfer real estate ownership from one party to another. In North Carolina, common types include:
- General Warranty Deeds: Provides the highest level of protection for buyers, with guarantees against all claims on the title.
- Special Warranty Deeds: Guarantees only against claims that arose during the seller’s ownership.
- Quitclaim Deeds: Transfers whatever interest the grantor may have without any warranties.
- Trustees’ Deeds: Used when property is transferred from a trust.
North Carolina requires all deeds to be recorded at the Register of Deeds office in the county where the property is located.
2. Deeds of Trust/Mortgages
Unlike many states that use mortgages, North Carolina primarily uses Deeds of Trust as security instruments for real estate loans. Key features include:
- Involves three parties: the borrower (trustor), the lender (beneficiary), and a neutral third party (trustee)
- Recorded in the county Register of Deeds office
- Contains the loan terms, property description, and conditions for foreclosure
3. Liens
Liens are claims against property for unpaid debts. Common types in North Carolina include:
- Tax Liens: Filed by government entities for unpaid property taxes
- Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid work or materials
- Judgment Liens: Result from court judgments against the property owner
- HOA Liens: Filed by homeowners associations for unpaid dues or assessments
Liens generally remain with the property until satisfied, even if ownership changes.
4. Plat Maps and Surveys
Plat maps and surveys provide detailed property information:
- Plat Maps: Official drawings showing property boundaries, dimensions, easements, and subdivision information
- Boundary Surveys: Professional measurements of property boundaries
- ALTA/ACSM Surveys: Detailed surveys that meet American Land Title Association standards
In North Carolina, plats must be recorded with the county Register of Deeds, while surveys may be recorded but aren’t always required to be.
5. Restrictive Covenants and HOA Documents
These documents restrict how property can be used:
- Restrictive Covenants: Limitations on property use, often in subdivisions
- HOA Bylaws and Rules: Governance documents for homeowners associations
- Declarations of Condominium: Establish condominium ownership rules
These documents are recorded with the Register of Deeds and run with the land, binding future owners.
6. Property Tax Records
In North Carolina, property tax records include:
- Tax Assessments: Official property valuations by county tax assessors
- Tax Bills: Annual bills based on assessed value and tax rate
- Tax Payment History: Record of paid property taxes
- Special Assessment Records: For additional taxes for specific improvements
These records are maintained by county tax offices and are typically searchable online.
7. Zoning Records
Zoning records dictate allowed property uses:
- Zoning Maps: Visual representations of zoning districts
- Zoning Ordinances: Legal texts describing permitted land uses
- Variances and Special Use Permits: Records of exceptions to zoning rules
- Rezoning History: Documentation of zoning changes over time
These records are maintained by county or municipal planning departments.
8. Title Insurance Policies
Title insurance protects against defects in title:
- Owner’s Policies: Protect property owners
- Lender’s Policies: Protect mortgage lenders
- Title Commitments: Preliminary reports before issuing policies
- Title Exceptions: Listed issues not covered by the policy
Title companies maintain these records, with copies provided to insured parties.
9. Foreclosure Documents
When properties face foreclosure in North Carolina, relevant documents include:
- Notice of Default: Formal notification of loan default
- Notice of Foreclosure Sale: Public announcement of upcoming auction
- Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale: Transfers ownership after foreclosure sale
North Carolina uses a primarily non-judicial foreclosure process through the Deed of Trust system.
10. Easements
Easements grant specific rights to non-owners:
- Utility Easements: Allow utility companies access to infrastructure
- Access Easements: Provide legal right to cross another’s property
- Conservation Easements: Restrict development for environmental purposes
- Prescriptive Easements: Created through long-term use
Easements are recorded with the Register of Deeds and generally remain with the property indefinitely.
11. Building Permits and Certificates
Construction records include:
- Building Permits: Required authorizations for construction
- Certificates of Occupancy: Certify buildings as safe for occupancy
- Inspection Reports: Document compliance with building codes
- Code Violation Notices: Record of non-compliance issues
These records are maintained by county or municipal building departments.
12. Well and Septic Records
For properties not connected to municipal services:
- Well Permits and Tests: Document water well installation and water quality
- Septic System Permits: Authorize on-site wastewater systems
- Inspection Reports: Verify system compliance and condition
These records are typically maintained by county health departments.
How to Access Real Estate Records in North Carolina
Most real estate records in North Carolina are public and can be accessed through:
- County Register of Deeds Offices: Primary source for recorded documents
- County Tax Offices: For property tax information
- County GIS Systems: Many counties offer online Geographic Information Systems with property data
- North Carolina Court System: For legal proceedings related to real estate
- County Health Departments: For well and septic records
Many counties now offer online search portals that allow remote access to these important documents.
Importance for Property Transactions
Thorough examination of these records is essential during real estate transactions to:
- Verify clear title to the property
- Identify any liens, encumbrances, or restrictions
- Confirm property boundaries and features
- Ensure compliance with zoning and building regulations
- Determine accurate property tax obligations
Professional title searches typically review many of these documents before closing to protect buyers and lenders.
Most basic searches can be conducted online at no cost, though downloading documents often requires a fee. For complex title searches, you may want to consider hiring a title company or attorney.
NORTH CAROLINA PROPERTY RECORDS – LIEN AND TITLE SEARCH – Deed Copy