Searching Vermont Property Records: A Guide

To search for property deeds, mortgages, liens, and other title records in Vermont, you’ll need to follow these steps: BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

1. Determine the County/Town

Vermont’s property records are maintained at the town/city level rather than by county. Each of Vermont’s 246 towns and cities has its own land records office, typically within the Town Clerk’s office.

2. Access Options

You have several ways to search Vermont property records:

In Person:

• Visit the Town Clerk’s office in the municipality where the property is located
• Most offices are open during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
• Bring property information like address, owner name, or parcel ID if available

Online:

• Many Vermont towns now offer online access to land records
• The Vermont Secretary of State maintains a directory of town websites: https://sos.vermont.gov/municipal/
• Some towns use third-party services like:
  • PropertyInfo/Tapestry: https://tapestry.fidlar.com/
  • cott Systems: https://cotthosting.com/
  • Patriot Properties: https://www.patriotproperties.com/

3. Information Needed for Searching

• Property address
• Owner name (current or previous)
• Parcel ID or SPAN number (if available)
• Approximate date of transactions (helpful but not required)

4. Types of Records Available

• Warranty Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds
• Mortgage documents
• Satisfaction/Discharge of Mortgage
• Tax liens (local, state, federal)
• Judgment liens
• Mechanic’s liens
• Easements
• Subdivision plans
• Boundary surveys

5. Fees

• In-person searches: Most towns charge a fee for copies (typically $1-$2 per page)
• Online searches: Fees vary by town and system (some offer free searching with paid downloads)

6. Professional Title Search

For comprehensive title searches, consider hiring:

• A title company
• A real estate attorney
• A professional title examiner

They can provide a complete title history and identify any encumbrances, liens, or defects.

Tips

• Title searches typically go back at least 40 years
• Vermont has a 15-year statute of limitations on most real estate matters
• Call ahead to confirm hours and any specific procedures for the town you’re researching

 

Types of Real Estate Records in Vermont

Vermont has a comprehensive system of real estate records that are primarily maintained at the town level. Here’s an overview of the main types of real estate records you’ll find in Vermont:

Property Deeds

Property deeds are the most fundamental real estate records in Vermont. These legal documents transfer ownership from one party to another and are recorded at the town clerk’s office in the municipality where the property is located.

Land Records

Land records in Vermont include all documents related to real property transactions. These records are maintained by town clerks and typically include:

• Warranty deeds
• Quitclaim deeds
• Executor’s deeds
• Administrator’s deeds
• Trustee’s deeds
• Tax collector’s deeds

Property Tax Records

Vermont maintains detailed property tax records at the municipal level. These records include:

• Grand List (comprehensive inventory of all taxable property)
• Property assessment records
• Tax bills and payment history
• Tax maps showing property boundaries
• Current Use Program enrollments

Mortgage Records

Mortgage-related documents are an important component of Vermont real estate records:

• Mortgage deeds
• Mortgage assignments
• Mortgage discharges
• Mortgage modifications
• Subordination agreements

Lien Records

Various types of liens against real property are recorded in Vermont:

• Tax liens
• Mechanic’s liens
• Judgment liens
• Child support liens
• Federal tax liens
• Homeowner’s association liens

Easements and Right-of-Way Documents

These records document access rights and restrictions on property:

• Conservation easements (common in Vermont to preserve natural areas)
• Utility easements
• Road and driveway easements
• Right-of-way agreements
• Railroad rights-of-way

Survey and Plat Maps

Vermont maintains detailed land survey records:

• Boundary surveys
• Subdivision plats
• Plot plans
• ALTA/NSPS surveys
• Flood zone determinations

Zoning and Land Use Records

These documents show how properties may be used:

• Zoning permits
• Conditional use permits
• Variance approvals
• Act 250 land use permits
• Local development review board decisions
• Certificates of occupancy

 

Vermont Counties covered by this service: 
Addison County – Middlebury
Bennington County – Bennington, Manchester
Caledonia County – St. Johnsbury
Chittenden County – Burlington
Essex County – Guildhall
Franklin County – St. Albans
Grand Isle County – North Hero Lamoille County – Hyde Park
Orange County – Chelsea
Orleans County – Newport
Rutland County – Rutland
Washington County – Montpelier
Windham County – Newfane
Windsor County – Woodstock

 

https://www.UsTitleRecords.com

 

VERMONT VT. Property Deed Copy Records – LIEN AND TITLE SEARCH