As your short-term rental business grows, knowing how to find out who owns a property becomes an invaluable skill for expansion. Whether you’re actively scouting new properties or simply starting to test the waters, we’ll cover the ethical ways of finding out who owns a property.
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Why does knowing who owns a property matter?
For one, it’s more than a formality. For hosts and property managers, it gives you a few distinct advantages. For one, it helps you verify consent. For example, if a co-host wants to manage a home for you out of an apartment building, knowing who owns the building can help you verify consent. Additionally, if there are any conflicts with neighbors, you can connect with them directly. This is particularly important if you’re managing your rental remotely. Lastly, it’s helpful for understanding zoning laws or HOA restrictions.
Traditional ways to find out who owns a property
1. County property records
The local county offices maintain property records. Here, you’ll find information such as deeds, property tax records, zoning requirements, and any transfers of ownership. You can access some information online, but you may also need to visit in person for more detailed information.
2. Title companies
You’ll usually have to pay a fee, but title companies are a pretty foolproof method.
3. Tap into the neighbors
Sometimes, it’s just word of mouth. Connecting with community members and neighbors may just do the trick. However, this method might require a bit of charm!
Online options
Flash forward to the present day, and the internet is at our disposal. Below are a few online options for trying to find out who owns a home.
1. County or city websites
As mentioned, many local governments have these types of records. Some offer a library of information online. Others require an in-person visit, as we mentioned above.
2. Online property search tools
Platforms like PropertyShark, Forewarn, and Reonomy provide property details, including ownership information. While some tools require subscriptions, they are known for their speed and accuracy.
3. Reverse address lookup
Using free or paid tools like Whitepages Premium, you can search for property ownership based on its address. However, these services often provide less detail compared to specialized property databases.
4. Real estate listings and platforms
Websites like Zillow or Realtor.com occasionally display who owned or owns the property.
5. Contact a real estate attorney
If all else fails, reach out to a real estate attorney for professional help.
Tips for verifying property ownership
Always cross-reference ownership details with multiple sources. Additionally, verify any recent transactions. Lastly, reach out to the property owner directly to confirm these details.
What is legal?
When finding out who owns a property, you want to make sure it’s within legal and ethical parameters. For one, accessing public records is legal in most jurisdictions. Just be sure you’re using this information in an ethical way. Additionally, there are some privacy laws to pay attention to. Be cautious about overstepping boundaries when reaching out to owners. Lastly, many real estate tools have strict terms of service. Be sure you’re staying compliant in how you use those.
Final thoughts
Finding out who owns a property no longer needs to be an intense task that if often handed out to professionals. In this digital age, it’s easier than ever to secure this information. As a host, this type of accessibility will help you make the most informed business decisions possible.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
