Arizona Property Records

Arizona has 22 national parks and 35 state parks, preserving the natural land and resources. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and is the only one located in the U.S. Home to the iconic saguaro cactus, Arizona offers a warm, arid climate for its 7.359 million residents.

Property records in Arizona affect residents and the government agencies that create, maintain, and hold them. There are many different types, and they contain information about the properties and the owners. Realtors, title companies, attorneys, the courts, and other professionals use property records in many different situations.

Arizona property records pertain specifically to Arizona properties, and they impact real estate deals, estate planning, taxes, foreclosures, and other property-related issues.

Use this guide to learn more about Arizona property records, what they are, what information they contain, how they are used, the agencies where you can find them, and how to change them.

What Are Property Records in Arizona?

Arizona property records are documents (both legal and non-legal) that contain information about real property and its owner(s). Some property records perform functions such as appraisals, which assess value, or deeds, which transfer ownership.

Components of Property Records in Arizona

You can find a lot of details about properties all over Arizona state when searching through property records. Although they may come from different places, you can learn a lot about a specific property or its owner when compiled into a single resource. Some of the information contained in Arizona property records include:

Property Address
Detailed Legal Property Description
Current Owner's Name and Address
Historical Owners
Property Inspections
Appraisals / Property Value
Deeds
Liens
Tax Records
Mortgage Records
Bankruptcies
Foreclosures
Plat Maps
Surveys
Easements / Conveyances
Property Details
Lot Size
Zoning
Boundary Lines

Sources of Property Records in Arizona

Different offices hold and maintain property records in Arizona. For example, the county recorder's office is where you would file a deed, mortgage certificate, liens, surveys, etc. A good example would be the Pinal County recorder. You would contact the county treasurer's office if you were searching for property tax information or assessments. Appraisals can be found with appraisers, real estate agents, or closing companies. The Arizona Department of Revenue oversees all county treasurer's offices.

What Are Property Records County Recorder's Office

Every county has a recorder's office, and they are responsible for filing certain property records, maintaining them, storing them, and making them available upon request because they are public records.

How Property Records are Maintained in Arizona

One of the most common types of property records county recorders manage is deeds. After creating a new deed, the parties involved file them with the county recorder's office. The county recorder stamps it with a code and date and files it. Once that happens, the deed becomes public records and may be accessed by anyone.

How to Access Records at the County Recorder's Office in Arizona

If you want to access public property records with the county recorder's office in Arizona, you can easily do so. You can look up the county recorder's office address and show up during office hours. You can request copies, but you may have to wait and pay a fee if you want copies. You may also be able to search the county recorder's office website for the same records. Viewing them is free, but printing copies is not. For example, Pinal County has a portal where you can search for dozens of different types of public property records. Some other county recorder websites include:

County Recorder Locations in Arizona

The Arizona Secretary of State has created a list of all the county recorders in the state. You can use this list to find the office you need, access the county website, email the recorder with any questions, or call their office.

Types of Property Records

As you delve into Arizona property records, you will find many different types. Some serve a purpose, and others are simply informational. The most common you will come across are listed below with additional information.

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Arizona deeds transfer property ownership and also verify who legally owns a property. Deeds are used most often in real estate transactions, but they also come into play after someone dies, in foreclosures, and when liens are placed on the property. Some of the information contained within deeds are:

Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
A detailed description of the property.
Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.

Conveyance records accompany deeds by specifically stating who is giving up the property and who will take it over. This applies to gifting real property and sales.

Property Tax Records

Anyone who owns property in Arizona must pay annual property taxes. These taxes fund local government budgets, schools, community colleges, and special taxing districts. Fifteen county assessors and treasurers work closely with the Arizona Department of Revenue to administer the state's property tax system.

Although each county sets its own tax rate, Arizona's median property tax rate is 0.51%, much lower than the national average of 0.99%. An average homeowner in Arizona pays only $1,707 per year for property taxes.

A typical property tax record in Arizona contains the following information:

Property Information - A tax record contains basic information about the property, for example, the address, parcel number, and legal description.
Assessment Details - The records show the property's assessed value and other relevant assessment information.
Tax Payment History - The document includes a history of tax payments made by the owner. Details include the amounts paid, dates of payment, and any outstanding penalties or balances.
Exemptions and Deductions - The records may also note exemptions or deductions applying to the property.
Owner Information - The record shows the property owner's name with their contact information.
Liens - Property tax records often show any delinquencies and outstanding taxes owed. In the case of unpaid property taxes, the record will show liens placed on the property.
Tax Rates - Tax records may indicate applicable tax rates for the area or county.

How Often is Property Tax in Arizona Assessed?

Property tax assessment in Arizona is under the Arizona Department of Revenue. Each year, real property gets assessed and valued (making that year the valuation year), then the taxes get assessed the following year (during the tax year). On the other hand, personal property is valued and assessed within the same year. The specific time differs by county. In addition, local assessors conduct property tax assessments using specified processes. However, each process shares a basic similarity that goes as follows:

Data Collection - The assessor collects information about the property. The assessor will note the size, location, changes, and condition of the property.
Valuation - The local assessor determines the property's assessed value to find the basis for calculating property taxes.
Notice of Value - The assessor then sends a notice of value to the property owners. The notice provides information about the assessed value and due tax.
Appealing - If the property owner does not agree with the assessment value and tax, they may appeal to the city's assessors. The board reviews and decides whether to re-assess or favor the assessment.

Easements and Covenants

Easements often appear in property records, such as deeds outlining certain rights of way and giving someone other than the property owner access to the land. A good example might be a government agency that uses part of someone's land for a parking lot or storing materials. Any government officer can enter the land to maintain their property without asking the owner first.

Covenants are rules dictating how the land may be used. You will see these in condo developments and private gated communities with shared common grounds. The rules will specify how an owner can or cannot use the land. For example, most want to maintain the look and value of each property so that they may prohibit boats, motorcycles, or broken-down cars on the property.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are both types of maps. Plats show boundaries from neighboring properties along with the specific one, while surveys only show the boundaries of a single property. Arizona uses a rectangular surveying system called the Public Land Survey System (PLSS).

Property surveys contain information such as:

Property Description - The survey provides a legal description of the property, including the boundaries, dimensions, and other relevant information.
Boundary Lines - The document depicts the exact location and shape of the property through boundary lines.
Markers - Surveys show markers and monuments on or near the property.
Topographic Features - Surveys may include natural features, elevations, and contours present on the property.

Historical Property Records

Property records have been around for a long, long time. Government offices may be overrun with too many historical records. Some governments move their historical property records into physical or online archives so you can still find them, but you have to access them from a different location. Some libraries take on archiving of historical property records.

How Can I Search for Property Records?

Property records are public records, and you can search for them in a variety of ways. Try each of the methods below to see what works best for you.

Online Property Record Search

The first thing you could try is an online property records search. Enter the property address into Google and see what comes up. You might also try other types of targeted searches. It will be a hit-or-miss endeavor.

In-Person Property Record Search

You always have the option of visiting the property records office in person. However, you must visit during the specified hours and may have to pay a fee per page if you want to take copies with you.

Using Property Record Indexes

You can also try searching property records indexes like county websites, realty and title company services, and other third-party resources. However, be careful when searching this way. There is no guarantee that the records will be current or accurate.

Utilizing Commercial Services

One of the most effective and fruitful ways to search is using a commercial service like PropertyChecker. You can run unlimited searches of nationwide property records 24/7, and you will find millions of records pertaining to property and its owners.

How to Search Property Records by Address

Enter the property address into a search bar on one of the portals and see what comes up.

How to Search Property Records by Name

Sometimes, you have the option to search by name. Enter the property owner's name in the search box and see if it shows them as the current owner.

Understanding Property Ownership in Arizona

Arizona has much to offer residents, and millions call the warm, dry state home. Public property records link owners with houses and land. You cannot keep your property ownership a secret; it is public.

Identifying Property Owners

Anyone can look up a property owner online. You can use one of the search methods above to see who the current and historical owners are. You may only find their names or addresses, though. If you have the property address, you should be able to view the most recent deed to find out who owns it.

Chain of Title

Chain of title refers to the list of everyone who has ever owned the property. There can be no break in the chain; someone always owns it, even if the legal documentation contains a gap.

Ownership History and Transfers

One way property changes hands is through real estate sales. Another is through transfers, where a parent gives the land to their children or another party. Sometimes, people offer up the deed to their house to pay off a loan.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Arizona

Property descriptions and boundaries are two more essential pieces of information found in property records.

Legal Property Descriptions

Legal property descriptions describe the property using landmarks, other crossways, and details so that anyone reading it can identify the correct property.

Surveys and Land Measurements

Surveys and land measurements display the proper boundaries of a property. They are used in new construction, when installing underground utilities, and in boundary disputes. Surveys can be found with deeds and other records.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Boundary disputes erupt when someone believes another person is encroaching upon their land. They often end up in court, where a judge must decide the outcome. Surveyors are used as expert witnesses to help determine the proper boundaries of a specific piece of land.

Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Arizona

Encumbrances like liens can drastically affect a property. There are two basic types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Liens

Voluntary liens are those that you choose and allow. Examples are mortgages, lines of credit, and home equity loans, where you use your home's value as collateral for a loan.

Mortgage Liens

Mortgage liens are very common. Whenever you cannot afford to pay cash for a house, you can take out a mortgage. The lender will give you the money to pay for the home as long as you make monthly payments, pay interest, and allow them to place a lien on the house. If you default, however, they can seize and sell your home to pay off the loan.

Mortgage documents in Arizona contain information such as:

Property Description - The mortgage specifies the details of the property under the loan. The description includes the address, legal description, and other identifying information.
Prepayment Penalty - Some mortgages may include a prepayment penalty clause which imposes a fee on the borrower if they pay off the loan before the specified time.
Escrow Accounts - The mortgage may stipulate the requirement of an escrow account to hold funds collected from the borrower to cover expenses such as homeowners insurance and property taxes.
Loan Amount - The document shows the principal loan amount and what the borrower must pay.
Parties Involved - The mortgage identifies the lender and the borrower and their specific duties.
Repayment Terms - A mortgage document establishes the repayment terms, including details such as loan duration, frequency of payments, and due dates.
Default and Foreclosure - The document will specify the conditions under which the loan is considered in default. It also outlines the process of foreclosure the lender may take.

Involuntary Liens

Involuntary liens are those which you do not choose or allow. You could lose your house through an involuntary lien if you owe a debt.

Mechanic's Liens

If a contractor, material supplier, or landscaper works on your property and you do not pay them, they can place a lien on your property to collect their money.

Tax Liens

Tax liens are really serious. If you fail to pay your annual property taxes, the local government will put a tax lien on your property and eventually seize and sell your property at auction to pay off the taxes. This is a great deal for investors looking to buy cheap properties, but very bad for you.

Judgment Liens

Judgment liens are court-based. If you owe a debt to a creditor, they can sue you in court. If they win, they will be granted the right to put a lien on the property, eventually foreclose, and sell the home to pay off the debt.

The Process of Property Liens in Arizona

The following is the standard process for putting a lien on a property in Arizona:

The creditor must provide the homeowner with a Notice of Intent before obtaining the lien. It serves as a warning to the defaulter.
The creditor prepares the lien form. The form should include property details, the owner's name, the claim amount, and relevant default or project completion dates.
The creditor then files the lien at the County Recorder's Office.
After filing, the creditor can take legal action to enforce the lien if the borrower does not pay or fail to reach an agreement.

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Arizona

Property records are used most often during real estate transactions. Some are created, some are used, and others are changed during property sales.

Buying Property: Due Diligence

When you buy property in Arizona, you must find out all you can about it beforehand. You can do this by consulting public property records to look for any skeletons in the closet.

Selling Property: Providing Disclosure

When selling property, you must disclose to the buyer any material defects you know about. If there are gaps in your knowledge, you can consult online records to determine what is what.

Title Searches and Insurance

Whenever you take out a mortgage, you must purchase title insurance to protect yourself and the lender. The closing company or attorney handling the sale will perform a property title search, looking for any title defects or gaps in the chain of title.

Foreclosure and Property Records in Arizona

Foreclosure records are also essential. Sometimes, investors look for distressed properties in foreclosure to buy cheaply and sell for a profit. Some regular buyers, however, may want to avoid dealing with a foreclosure house.

Property Records and Property Values

One of the most essential aspects of buying or selling property is knowing its fair market value. Property records can show this. You can consult appraisals and tax assessments to get an accurate accounting of the value, and you can also compare neighboring properties.

The average value of a home in Arizona is approximately $417,708. The home value has dropped by 3% over the past year (2022). Cities like Pine, Star Valley, and Camp Verde have the highest home values of over $370,000. Home prices in Arizona have been decreasing, with houses spending much longer on the market.

Assessments and Appraisals

Assessments are used by tax professionals to value property and set the tax rate. They are also used in estate planning and when you take out a mortgage. The lender requires an appraisal to ensure the home's value supports the loan.

Factors that Determine Property Values in Arizona

The following factors influence higher home values in some cities of Arizona:

Proximity to Convenience - Areas closer to conveniences such as restaurants, shopping centers, transportation networks, grocery stores, and gas stations fetch higher values as they are important amenities potential home buyers need.
School Districts - Good school systems significantly increase a home's value, especially in neighborhoods dominated by families.
Neighborhood - The neighborhood also significantly impacts the value of a home. Neighborhoods with low crime rates, positive development projects, job opportunities, and visually appealing features often have a higher value.
Size - Homes that are bigger or have more exterior space often command a higher price or value.
Zoning and Regulations - Zoning laws and other regulations that affect the property can determine the value of the home or land.

Privacy and Property Records

It's perfectly legal to access public property records without a reason. You don't need permission. You can access them in person, online, or another method. The government dictates that certain information must remain public.

Why are Property Records Public?

Property records are public so that no one government agency can control the people. In an effort to be transparent, property records make it easy to identify who owns what land.

How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?

You cannot remove all your information from public property records. Your name and address will remain. You can, however, contact the offices that hold your records and have them remove any additional details, such as your email address and phone number. You may also have to contact online resources.

Maintaining and Amending Property Records

Part of maintaining property records is amending them when there is an error or a change in life situation. The office that holds property records has a process for making changes.

Correcting Errors on Property Records

If your property records have errors on them, you can fix them by contacting the office and requesting a change. You may have to complete paperwork and show source documentation proving the error.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?

You must consider many factors before buying a property in Arizona, and you should inform yourself well before spending any money. You can use PropertyChecker to find out all about the house, including property taxes, valuation, building permits (renovations), appraisals, mortgages, deeds, liens, and foreclosures, to make an informed decision.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

Another situation is when you need to update property records when someone dies. You can take the death certificate and new deed (transferring the property to someone else) and file it with the county recorder's office.

How to Change the Name on Property Records in Arizona

You may want to change the name on your property records if you get married or divorced. You can do so by visiting the county recorder's office and bringing your marriage certificate or divorce decree. You may have to pay a small fee to amend records.

Arizona County Property Records