Search Wisconsin WI. Property Records | Lien, Deed, mortgage and Title Search

  • February 19, 2014
  • Posted by: admin
  • Categories: Posts, Property Records, Property Records Search, Property Title Search, Public Property Records, Real Estate, Title Reports, Wisconsin
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Wisconsin Property Record Search Options

County Register of Deeds

The most reliable source for property records in Wisconsin is through each county’s Register of Deeds office: BEGIN PROPERTY RECORDS SEARCH HERE

  1. Identify the county where the property is located
  2. Visit the county’s Register of Deeds website – most Wisconsin counties now offer online search portals
  3. Use their search tools – typically searchable by:
    • Property owner name
    • Property address
    • Parcel ID number
    • Document number

Wisconsin Statewide Resources

Wisconsin Land Records Portal: Some counties participate in a statewide land information system at https://www.wlrp.org/ which provides a unified search interface.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue: For property tax assessment information at https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/home.aspx

What Records You Can Find

  • Deeds: Documents transferring ownership
  • Mortgages: Loans secured by property
  • Liens: Claims against property (tax liens, mechanic’s liens, etc.)
  • Easements: Rights to use property
  • Title documents: Chain of ownership history

Free vs. Paid Searches

Most counties offer:

  • Basic property information searches for free
  • Small fees for viewing or downloading official documents (typically $2-$7 per document)
  • Subscription options for frequent searchers

In-Person Searches

You can also visit county offices in person to conduct searches if you prefer not to use online systems or need assistance.

 

Types of Real Estate Records in Wisconsin

Wisconsin maintains various real estate records that are essential for property transactions, ownership verification, and legal compliance. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the real estate records you’ll find in Wisconsin:

1. Deeds and Transfer Documents

Deeds are the most fundamental real estate records in Wisconsin, transferring property ownership from one party to another. Types include:

  • Warranty Deeds: Provide the strongest guarantees about property title
  • Quitclaim Deeds: Transfer ownership without warranties
  • Special Warranty Deeds: Offer limited title guarantees
  • Sheriff’s Deeds: Issued after foreclosure sales
  • Transfer Return: Document recording the property value and transfer tax

These documents are filed with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located.

. Plat Maps and Surveys

Plat maps divide land into lots and blocks, serving as the foundation for property descriptions in Wisconsin. They include:

  • Subdivision Plats: Detailed maps showing how larger parcels are divided into lots
  • Certified Survey Maps (CSMs): Used for simpler land divisions (typically 4 or fewer lots)
  • Condominium Plats: Showing individual units within a condominium development
  • Assessor’s Plats: Created by local governments to clarify property boundaries

These maps are crucial for determining precise property boundaries and are maintained by county governments.

3. Mortgages and Liens

Financial encumbrances on Wisconsin properties are recorded to establish priority and provide public notice:

  • Mortgages: Documents securing property loans
  • Construction Liens: Filed by contractors for unpaid work
  • Tax Liens: Claims by government entities for unpaid taxes
  • Mechanic’s Liens: Similar to construction liens but for smaller projects
  • Judgment Liens: Court-ordered claims against property
  • Satisfaction of Mortgage/Lien: Documents showing debts have been paid

These documents are tracked by the Register of Deeds and are critical during title searches.

4. Title Records

Title documents establish legal ownership and disclose encumbrances on Wisconsin properties:

  • Title Insurance Policies: Protect against ownership disputes
  • Title Commitments: Preliminary reports before issuing title insurance
  • Abstracts of Title: Historical summaries of all recorded documents
  • Chain of Title: Chronological history of property ownership
  • Title Opinions: Legal analyses of property title status

These records are crucial during property transactions to ensure clear title transfer.

5. Easements and Restrictive Covenants

These documents establish rights and restrictions that run with the land:

  • Utility Easements: Grant access for power, water, or other utilities
  • Access Easements: Allow passage through a property
  • Conservation Easements: Restrict development to preserve natural features
  • Restrictive Covenants: Limit how property can be used or developed
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) Documents: Rules governing properties within developments

These restrictions are typically found during title searches and remain with the property regardless of ownership changes.

6. Government Records

Various government agencies maintain important real estate records:

  • Property Tax Records: Assessment values and tax payment history
  • Zoning Records: Land use designations and restrictions
  • Building Permits: History of authorized construction
  • Code Violations: Records of property non-compliance
  • Environmental Records: Information about contamination, wetlands, or floodplains

These records are maintained by county tax assessors, municipal building departments, and state agencies.

7. Foreclosure Records

Documents related to property foreclosure proceedings include:

  • Lis Pendens: Notice of pending foreclosure lawsuit
  • Notice of Default: Formal declaration of loan default
  • Sheriff’s Sale Documents: Records of foreclosure auctions
  • Redemption Certificates: Proof that owners reclaimed property before foreclosure finalized

These records are filed with county courts and the Register of Deeds.

8. Special Real Estate Records

Wisconsin also maintains several specialized real estate documents:

  • Land Contracts: Alternative financing arrangements where sellers act as lenders
  • Timeshare Agreements: Records for vacation property partial ownership
  • Condominium Declarations: Establishing condominium property structures
  • Cooperative Housing Documents: For shared ownership buildings
  • Water Rights Documents: Particularly important for lakefront properties

These specialized records reflect Wisconsin’s diverse property usage patterns and varied landscapes.

Accessing Wisconsin Real Estate Records

Most Wisconsin real estate records can be accessed through:

  1. County Register of Deeds offices (in-person or online)
  2. Wisconsin Land Information Program
  3. County GIS (Geographic Information System) web portals
  4. Tax assessor websites
  5. Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (for foreclosures and legal proceedings)

Many counties now offer searchable online databases, making property research more accessible to the public.