How Do I Find Out Who Owns a Commercial Property?
Finding the owner of a commercial property might seem daunting, but with the right resources and strategies, it's entirely achievable. This guide will walk you through several effective methods, answering common questions along the way.
1. Utilizing County Assessor's Websites:
This is often the most straightforward approach. County assessor websites maintain databases of property ownership information, including commercial properties. Simply search using the property's address or legal description (if you have it). The information typically includes the owner's name, mailing address, and sometimes even contact information. Each county's website differs slightly in navigation, so be prepared to explore a bit.
2. Employing Online Property Records Search Engines:
Several commercial real estate websites provide property record searches, often aggregating data from multiple counties. These sites often offer advanced search capabilities, allowing you to filter by property type, address, owner's name, etc. While some functionalities may be limited unless you subscribe, basic searches are often free.
3. Checking the Property's Tax Records:
Tax records are another excellent resource. You can typically access these records through the county treasurer's or tax assessor's office website. These records usually list the property owner's name and contact details, alongside tax assessment information.
4. Examining Public Records at the County Courthouse:
For a more comprehensive search, you could visit the county courthouse in person. County courthouses hold detailed property records, including deeds, ownership transfers, and other legal documents. This method is more time-consuming but might yield information unavailable online.
5. Hiring a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney:
If you're struggling to find the owner yourself, or if you need a high degree of certainty, hiring a professional is a reliable option. Title companies and real estate attorneys have access to extensive databases and expertise in property ownership verification.
What if the owner's name listed is a company or LLC?
Finding the individuals behind a business entity owning a commercial property requires additional steps. You will need to:
- Check the Secretary of State's website: The Secretary of State's office for the property's state maintains records of registered businesses, including LLCs. You can search for the company name to find registered agent information, which sometimes leads to the contact details of the owners or managing members.
- Review the company's annual reports: Annual reports filed with the Secretary of State often list officers, directors, and members of the LLC, providing you with more potential contact information.
How can I verify the accuracy of the information I find?
Always cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Information from different sources should match. If there are discrepancies, further investigation may be necessary.
What are some potential challenges in finding commercial property owners?
- Out-of-date records: Some databases might not reflect recent ownership changes.
- Privacy concerns: Some states have laws restricting access to certain property owner information.
- Complex ownership structures: Commercial properties can have intricate ownership structures involving multiple entities or individuals.
By using a combination of these methods and remaining diligent, you should be able to identify the owner of a commercial property successfully. Remember to respect privacy laws and only utilize publicly available information.
