How to Search for Gilbert Property Records

Buying property is always risky if you don't do your homework first. Thankfully, you can find dozens of public property records to fill in all the blanks and purchase property confidently. Most property records are public and relatively easy to find. Searching for Gilbert property records, you can find things like ownership history, property values, taxes, liens, amenities, house type, foreclosures, and zoning. The trick is knowing where to find Gilbert, Arizona, property records and how to access them. Below are several of the best available resources to help you locate specific property records for your needs.

Maricopa County Recorder's Office

The Maricopa County Recorder's Office maintains detailed property records, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. To find property records through the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, you can use their document search by document title, business or person's name, property address, document code, and date range. You can search their maps by book and page numbers. You can also conduct a general search using the search box located at the top of the website. They offer several other resources and tools for finding property information. If you want to visit them in person, you can do so at 301 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003.

Maricopa County Assessor's Office

Maricopa County's Assessor's Office is another excellent resource for Gilbert property records. The office annually assesses all real property within the county (1.8 million parcels), valued at over $1 trillion. Directly on the home page of their website, they have a search feature. You can search by parcel number, address, or owner's name. The search results will display assessed values, tax amounts, and any overdue balances, liens, or foreclosures associated with the property.

Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court

Maricopa County courts are another resource where you can find property records. Specifically, the Superior Court handles cases involving civil matters, criminal cases, family law, and other types of filings. Here you can search for liens, foreclosures, bankruptcies (that involve property), probate cases, and more. You can search for cases using the person's name, a business name, or a case number.

Maricopa County Treasurer's Office

While the Maricopa County Assessor's Office assesses all property to determine the value for tax purposes, the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office bills for taxes and collects the payments. This office offers a Parcel Search Tool that the public can use to find assessed values, property taxes for each year, any overdue tax payments, liens, and foreclosures. When searching, you can use the parcel number, person's name, business name, address, account number, or VIN.

Gilbert's property taxes fund city expenses like local government budgets, schools, community colleges, special taxing districts, healthcare, transportation, road maintenance, and many other city services. Property values are assessed annually by Maricopa County or the state of Arizona. They use comparable sales within the past two to three years to determine the value of Gilbert property. Although the Maricopa County Tax Assessor and Treasurer's Office work together to value the property and bill for taxes, both are governed by the Arizona Department of Revenue. The first property tax payment is due October 1st, and the second tax payment is due March 1st. If the Treasurer's Office does not receive them by May 1st, the property is considered delinquent, and the property owner will be charged interest. If they remain unpaid for an extended period, the county may place a lien on the property and initiate foreclosure proceedings. Maricopa County offers several ways to pay property taxes including online, (E-Check via Bill Pay using your bank), E-Check via the website, credit card payments (JP Digital Bill Payments), in person at any one of the branch offices, or by mail by sending your payment to Maricopa County Treasurer, PO Box 52133, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2133.

Assessments

Arizona has two types of property taxes, primary and secondary. The city of Gilbert does not collect a primary tax; however, it does collect secondary taxes. Gilbert property taxes are billed and paid to the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office. Secondary taxes primarily fund public works projects like parks, recreation, libraries, public safety, and transportation. Maricopa County assesses property once annually, and the new amounts are billed the following year.

Appraisals

The city of Gilbert uses an appraisal-type approach to valuing property. The county or state determines the fair market value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold within the last two to three years. In cases involving unusual structures or new construction, the county may consult with an appraiser to assist in determining the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also utilize appraisals to determine the value of real property.

Tax Rates

Gilbert, Arizona, has a primary tax rate of 0.51%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.02% and slightly lower than Arizona's median rate of 0.56%. The average tax bill in Gilbert, AZ, is $2,153, which is $247 lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Gilbert property taxes are based on a percentage of the home's value. The city's tax rate is comparatively lower than that of other cities/counties, as sales tax pays many of the primary city expenses rather than property taxes. Gilbert's property tax rates compare to other counties in Arizona as follows:

• Apache County 0.84%
• Cochise County 0.72%
• Gila County 0.61%
• Graham County 0.60%
• Greelee County 0.37%
• La Paz County 0.65%
• Mohave County 0.51%
• Navajo County 0.65%
• Pima County 0.84%
• Pinal County 0.58%
• Santa Cruz County 0.67%
• Yavapai County 0.47%
• Yuma County 0.73%

Exemptions

Although Gilbert's property taxes are relatively affordable, some residents need help paying their taxes. Maricopa County offers qualified individuals the exemptions below to reduce the assessed value of the home and the tax bill. The Maricopa County Tax Assessor's office is responsible for approving and allowing exemptions to assist qualified individuals. The available exemptions in Gilbert, Arizona, include the following:

• Senior Tax Deferral: If you qualify, you can defer payment of your propety taxes until the property is sold, you pass away, or the property becomes income-producing.
• Person with Total and Permanent Disability: To qualify for this exemption, you must be certified as totally and permanently disabled by a licensed professional. The disability may be physical or mental.
• Widow or Widower: This exemption can provide a $3,000 reduction in the assessed value of the property, thus reducing the tax burden. It is also based on household income, and you must provide documentation to prove your total annual income.
• Honorably Discharged Veteran with a Service or Nonservice Connected Disability: To qualify for this exemption, you must be certified as totally and permanently disabled by the VA (Veterans Administration). Based on their VA rating, the veteran may be eligible for a portion of the maximum exemption.

Contact the local Maricopa County Tax Assessor's office to apply for any of these exemptions.

Before building any new homes, renovating, or demolishing buildings, you need a building permit. Building permits are issued at the municipal level. Gilbert, Arizona, offers a One-Stop Shop online portal as the primary method for obtaining a building permit. Here, you can register for an account, submit applications, pay fees, schedule inspections, and review the results. The website/portal also features dozens of helpful training guides and videos, providing instruction on how to use the portal and apply for specific permits. If you wish to apply for a permit in person, you can visit this office at 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296.

The available permits in Gilbert are:

Commercial

• All Commercial Except Fire

Engineering

• Utility Permits
• Construction Permits
• Out of Town Water Service
• Wireless Facilities in the Right of Way

Fire

• Alarm/Sprinkler
• Fire Access/Hazard Material
• Compressed Gas System
• Emergency/Backup Power
• Flammable Spray/Finish

Residential

• All Residential Except Fire

Signs

• Permanent Signs (Wall Signs, Freeway, Monument)
• Non-Permanent (Temporary Residential Subdivision / Offsite temporary sign on private property/banners)

Other Permits

• Plan Changes
• Deferred Submittals
• Swimming Pools and Spas

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are a part of the permit process, ensuring that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection by calling the office, visiting in person, or using the online portal.

Gilbert, Arizona, has a reputation for being a family-friendly environment with a thriving economy and a strong sense of community. The city also boasts excellent schools, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and a rich agricultural heritage. Gilbert has a population of 275,411 residents. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the city has 93,230 housing units. That figure is up 24.5% from previous years. Gilbert offers a diverse range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums. Many neighborhoods feature master-planned communities with amenities like parks, pools, and walking paths. Gilbert also has luxury neighborhoods with custom-built homes, and some areas offer equestrian properties.

The average price of a home in Gilbert is $593,500, a 2.1% decrease from the previous year. Houses stay on the market for an average of 52 days in Gilbert. This can vary depending on the area, property condition, and price. House prices in Gilbert differ considerably depending on the neighborhood. Although there are no specific prices available at this time, the higher-end neighborhoods, such as those listed below, command higher prices than the other neighborhoods further down.

High-End Neighborhoods

• Whitewing at Germaine
• Estados in Seville
• Belmont at Somerset
• Weston Ranch
• Legacy at Freeman Farms

Other Neighborhoods

• Val Vista Lakes
• Power Ranch
• Ashland Ranch
• The Islands
• Finley Farms
• Coronado Ranch

The Gilbert real estate market is a seller's market, characterized by a surplus of buyers over sellers, which leads to rising prices and homes selling more quickly.