How to Find Owners of Properties
in Arizona

Finding a property owner in Arizona is straightforward. To find the owner of a property free of charge or at a minimal cost, tap government sources. The public has the right to access government records thanks to the Arizona Public Records Law. You can request copies of public records from state, county, or local agencies without explaining why.

Public records include all kinds of materials: books, papers, maps, photos, and other documents created or received by government offices while doing official work. Property owner search in Arizona is easy to do using these resources, and in many cases, you can find the owner of a property through online databases.

The law is clear: most public records should be available to everyone, with some exceptions for cases that might invade privacy or include sensitive information. Public officials are responsible for keeping these records, but they ultimately belong to the people.

Public records are available through local county websites, where you can search for the owner's name. If you prefer a quicker option, you can use online tools or seek professional services.

Visit Your County Recorder's Office

Every county in Arizona has a recorder's office that keeps track of real estate documents. If you want to find a property owner by address, you can find deeds, mortgages, and other property-related paperwork there.

Here's a quick list of some Arizona counties with links to their recorder's offices:

• Apache County Recorder
• Maricopa County Recorder
• Pima County Recorder
• Pinal County Recorder
• Yavapai County Recorder
• Coconino County Recorder
• Cochise County Recorder
• Mohave County Recorder
• Navajo County Recorder
• La Paz County Recorder

Check Land Records

When a property in Arizona changes hands, a legal document (such as a deed) shows the ownership transfer. It needs to follow Arizona's rules, including proper signatures and format. After it's done, the document goes to the county recorder's office for official filing.

Common land records include:

• Deeds: Show who owns the property.
• Mortgages: Show when a property is used as loan security.
• Affidavits of Property Value: Provide details on a property's value for certain deals.

These records are public and available at each county's recorder's office. Anyone can look them up to learn about property ownership or transaction history.

Go to Your City or Town Assessor's Office

The local city or town assessor's office in Arizona keeps important property records. If you're interested in an Arizona house owner lookup, the assessor's office stores various documents to help you determine who owns a property.

You can expect to find the following information:

• Property Info: Details such as ownership, property descriptions, and assessed values
• Valuation: Records of property values for tax purposes
• Tax Exemptions: Information on tax breaks for seniors, veterans, and disabled individuals
• Maps: Maps showing property boundaries and subdivisions
• Ownership History: A list of previous owners and past transactions

You can visit the assessor's office in person to request these records. Here's what you should do:

• Go to the office: Visit the office during business hours. But check ahead if you need an appointment.
• Bring info: Have the property address, owner's name, or parcel number with you.
• Ask for help: The staff can assist you in finding the records you need or guide you through how to find the owner of a property by address using any available online search options.

Here's a list of Arizona assessor's offices:

• Apache County Assessor
• Cochise County Assessor
• Coconino County Assessor
• Gila County Assessor
• Graham County Assessor
• Greenlee County Assessor
• La Paz County Assessor
• Maricopa County Assessor
• Mohave County Assessor
• Pima County Assessor
• Pinal County Assessor
• Santa Cruz County Assessor
• Yavapai County Assessor
• Yuma County Assessor

Review Property Tax Records

In Arizona, property tax records are kept by the local assessor's office. These records offer details about who owns the property, its assessed value, and the history of tax payments.

Here's what you can find in these records:

• Ownership Info: The name of the current property owner.
• Assessed Value: How much the property is valued for tax purposes, which affects how much tax is owed.
• Tax History: Information on past tax payments, including if any payments are overdue.
• Tax Rate: The specific tax rate applied to the property, including any extra charges that might affect future taxes.

To request property tax records:

• Find the right county: First, figure out which county the property is in. Each county in Arizona has its own property tax records.
• Use the county's website: Many counties let you search their records online. You'll need the address or parcel number to find the property.
• Visit in person: If online access isn't available, or you prefer to go in person, head to the Assessor's Office. Be sure to bring the property's details with you.
• Submit a request: Some counties may ask you to complete a form to get specific records.

Many Arizona counties make it easy to look up property tax records online through their websites. You can search from home without needing to visit the office in person.

Hire a Title Company

Title companies in Arizona help with real estate deals by making sure property titles are legal and clear. They handle title searches, offer title insurance, and help wrap up the sale. Their main job is to protect buyers and lenders from problems with ownership, such as liens or other issues that could affect the sale.

Title companies have access to county recorder's offices, which hold a lot of property records. They provide title search services, showing who owns the property and any liens, mortgages, or legal claims. This helps buyers ensure the property has a clean title before buying.

The cost for a title search depends on how detailed it needs to be. Each county or title company has different rates, which can cost up to $250.

Other Ways to Find Property Owners

• Ask the neighbors. They might know who owns the property, especially if they've lived there a while.
• Talk to local real estate agents or attorneys: These professionals often have access to more detailed records.
• Check real estate websites, as they can show ownership details.
• Visit the county assessor or recorder's office: You can go in person to find records on property ownership, taxes, and past sales.

Property ownership gives you the legal rights to a piece of real estate. In Arizona, ownership can belong to one person, you and your spouse, or multiple people. Choosing the right type of ownership matters because it determines risks, taxes, and property damage if the owner passes away.

Choosing the right ownership type can help you manage your property and plan for the future more effectively. If you're unsure, talking to a legal expert can help you find the best option based on your needs.

In Arizona, property isn't just owned by individuals. It can also belong to entities such as trusts, corporations, partnerships, and LLCs. Finding out who owns the properties held by these groups might take a bit of digging, but there are simple ways to do it. You can look up public records, search business databases, or even hire a real estate attorney or title company if needed.

Finding the Owner of a Trust in Arizona

• Look Up Public Records: Start with the county recorder's office where the property is located. You'll find deeds that might show the trust of the owner. Property tax records are another option. They list the person or entity assessed for taxes.
• Check for Other Documents: Trusts aren't usually registered with the state, so you'll need to look through property records or probate files if the trust is tied to an estate.
• Get Professional Help: A real estate attorney or a title company can search records more deeply and help you find the information you need.

Finding the Owner of an LLC in Arizona

• Use the Arizona Corporation Commission's Website: Go to their website and search for the LLC by name or ID. You'll get info such as who the statutory agent is and any filings linked to the company.
• Check Property Records: Look for deeds or mortgages at the county recorder's office to see if the LLC is listed as an owner.
• Consider a Title Search: A title company can provide a full ownership history and any liens or issues connected to the property.

Finding the Owner of a Corporation in Arizona

• Search on the Arizona Secretary of State's website: Similar to an LLC, you can search for corporations using their online tool. It will show you details such as the statutory agent and recent filings.
• Check public records: Use the recorder's office to see if the corporation is listed on any deeds or property documents.
• Ask for help if needed: If ownership is tricky to trace, a real estate attorney or title company can give you more insight and clear any confusion.

In Arizona, transferring property involves using deeds. These deeds officially move ownership from one person or entity to another. Each type of deed offers different protections, so knowing which one fits your situation is good.

How Property Transfers Work

To transfer property in Arizona, you need to sign and file a deed. The grantor (the seller) must sign the document stating their intent to transfer ownership. Once signed, you take the deed to the county recorder's office to make the transfer official.

Common Deeds in Arizona

Here are some common types of deeds you might encounter when dealing with property in Arizona:

• Grant Deeds: A grant deed transfers the property and guarantees that the seller hasn't sold it to anyone else and that there are no hidden liens. It offers some protection for the buyer but not as much as a warranty deed.
• Quitclaim Deeds: This deed passes on whatever ownership the seller has without making any promises about the title. It's often used between family members or for resolving ownership issues, but buyers take on any risks with this one.
• Warranty Deeds: A warranty deed offers the most protection. The seller guarantees clear ownership and promises to defend against any title claims. It gives buyers peace of mind since the seller must fix any title problems that come up later.

Other Deeds

• Deed of Trust: This is used when securing a loan, with a trustee holding the title as collateral.
• Bargain and Sale Deed: Often seen in foreclosure sales, it implies ownership but doesn't guarantee a clean title.
• Mortgage Deed: This places a lien on the property until the loan is repaid.

Knowing which deed to use can help make property transfers smoother. If you're unsure which one is right for your situation, reach out to a real estate attorney or professional for advice.

Transferring property in Arizona follows a clear process. Here's a simple guide to help you through it.

• Know What Kind of Transfer You're Doing: Determine the kind of transfer (sale, gift, or inheritance) and which deed you need to use. The type of deed (such as a grant deed, quitclaim deed, or warranty deed) depends on the situation.
• Check for Liens or Problems: Do a title search to ensure the property has no liens or legal issues. You can hire a title company or check records at the county Recorder's Office.
• Get the Deed Ready: Next, prepare the deed. Include the names of the person giving and receiving the property, a description of the property, and a clause that says the property is being transferred. The seller needs to sign the deed in front of a notary public.
• No State Transfer Tax: Arizona doesn't have a state transfer tax, but you may need to fill out an Affidavit of Property Value unless it's exempt.
• File the Deed: Take the signed and notarized deed to the county Recorder's Office. This step is necessary to make the transfer official and public. Fees can cost up to $30 per document.
• Document Review: The Recorder's Office will check the paperwork to ensure everything is correct before adding it to the public record.
• Get a Copy of the Recorded Deed: Once recorded, you'll get a stamped copy of the deed from the Recorder's Office, showing that the property transfer is complete.
• Update Other Records: Let your mortgage lender, homeowners' association, and insurance company know about the ownership change. Make sure any related paperwork gets updated.
• Consider Title Insurance: You might want to get title insurance to protect yourself from any future problems with ownership. The cost usually ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 for residential properties.