Louisiana Property Records
![Property Records in Louisiana](/img/states/louisiana/property_records_01.jpg)
Louisiana is the only state in the nation with parishes instead of counties. It was named after King Louis XIV of France. Louisiana is home to the world-famous annual Mardi Gras event in New Orleans. It also has the largest population of Cajun people. With its swampy bayous and mystical history, Louisiana makes for a great place to work and live. More than 4.5 million people call Louisiana home, which means lots and lots of property records.
Louisiana property records are important for the state and for its residents. They perform functions like transferring property ownership and provide valuable information such as the fair market value and taxes of a piece of real property. People in government, realty, and law use property records every day.
If you are interested in Louisiana property records, keep reading to learn what they are, what types exist, how they are used, where to find them, and how to change them when life changes occur.
What Are Property Records in Louisiana?
Louisiana's property records are official documents containing helpful information about real property. Some perform important functions such as deeds that transfer property ownership. Others provide an opinion about the value of the property (appraisals and assessments), and others are licenses to make changes to the property (building permits).
Property History Search Can Include
Since property records are public records, you can perform a property history search anytime, looking for whatever you need. Using one of the search methods listed on this page, you can find out a lot about a property and its owners.
Some of the things that a property history search may reveal include:
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Property Address
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Detailed Legal Property Description
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Current Owner's Name and Address
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Historical Owners
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Property Inspections
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Appraisals / Property Value
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Deeds
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Liens
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Tax Records
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Mortgage Records
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Bankruptcies
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Foreclosures
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Plat Maps
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Surveys
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Easements / Conveyances
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Property Details
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Lot Size
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Zoning
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Boundary Lines
Sources of Property Records in Louisiana
You might think that one single government agency would hold all property records, but that is not the case. Because property records are so many different things, no one repository has them all. You can find them with private companies (realtors/title companies), attorneys, government offices, the courts, and private libraries.
If you need to file a deed in Louisiana, you must visit the clerk of court's office in the parish where the property resides. Some parishes also call this the "Recording Department" of the court. You can read more about how to do that in Lafayette Parish. The local parish tax assessor performs assessments and sends out tax bills to all residents. The Louisiana Tax Commission oversees all these local tax assessors and handles state-level tax issues. The local parish Department of Safety & Permits issues building permits for new construction and renovations.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
Land records in Louisiana refer to surveys, boundaries, and plats. The state has set up a search portal where you can find old land records, but you must sign up for a free account first. Property records refer to many different things that go well beyond coordinates and boundaries. They contain all different types of information.
What Are Property Records Clerk of Court's Recording Department
![What Are Property Records Clerk of Court's Recording Department](img/states/louisiana/property_records_02.jpg)
Each parish has a clerk of court recording department responsible for filing all conveyance records, mortgages, and UCC documents. When this office receives a new document, it stamps it with the date and exact time of filing along with a unique identifier. As soon as the document is filed, it becomes a public record and is available online. These offices file approximately 300 documents per day.
How Property Records are Maintained in Louisiana
Documents filed with the clerk of court are not returned to the owner. Instead, these records become part of the parish's archives, and the filing party must obtain certified copies for official purposes. These offices also handle changes, cancellations, and error corrections.
Accessing Records at the Clerk of Court's Recording Department in Louisiana
Property records are public records, and Louisiana makes it easy to access public records through its parish court websites. For example, Lafayette Parish has a land records portal and a court and land records search tool. Based on your needs, you can choose the best search area for you. To help get you started finding the right parish website, use the links below:
Clerk of Court's Locations in Louisiana
Finding the records you need during a property history search is crucial. The key is knowing which parish to search. This listof all the Louisiana parishes will help you find the one you need.
Types of Property Records
Louisiana has a plethora of different types of property records. When reviewing them, you may come across much more information than you anticipated. The most common types you will find are listed below:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
A large number of property records will be deeds. They not only transfer ownership of property but also verify ownership. If you have the deed to your house, you can prove you own the building(s) and land. Deeds may or may not contain a warranty guaranteeing the authenticity of ownership.
All parties must sign deeds, and a notary must witness them. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:
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Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
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A detailed description of the property.
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Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
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Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
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Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.
Much of the language contained in deeds refers to the warranty implied or specified and the conveyance of the land from one or more parties to another.
Property Tax Records
Property taxes are an essential component of the local economy in Louisiana. They pay for things like road maintenance, schools, police, fire, and other local services. Everyone who owns property in Louisiana must pay annual taxes on it.
Louisiana property taxes vary from 0.18% to 2.90%, with an average effective property tax rate of 0.51%. Although taxes vary widely from parish to parish, the average homeowner pays around $681, which is very low taxes.
The following information usually appears in a Louisiana property tax record:
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Exemptions - The document will show any exemptions applying to the property and how they are deducted from tax calculations, a popular exemption is the Homestead Exemption.
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Assessments - A property tax bill should show the assessed or taxable value of the property as it is the basis of calculating property taxes.
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Millage Rate - The millage rate applies to the calculations of property taxes. It differs according to the parish or local area, so it should appear on the document.
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Payment History - The document will show the history of payments made toward the tax bill. It will also show pending amounts and deadlines.
How Often is Property Tax in Louisiana Assessed?
Assessors must reassess real property every four years. Assessors have their way of conducting the assessment but must follow guidelines stipulated by state laws. The standard process goes as follows:
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Valuation - The assessor has to determine the value of the piece of property. Assessors usually find the value by first finding the selling price of similar properties, the cost of replacing it in the present day, the amount it takes to operate and keep the property in repair, the amount of rent the property may earn, factors affecting property value, and other economic factors.
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Assessment Value - After determining the market value, the assessor determines the assessment value used in tax calculations.
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Assessment Notice - The assessor then sends a notice to the property owner, including the applicable exemptions of the property.
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Review and Appeal - Property owners can appeal their assessed value if they think it is unfair. Owners appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission by filling out a 'Notice of Appeal Request For Board of Review' form at the assessor's office.
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Finalizing - The tax collector prepares and sends the owner's tax bill after finalization.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants often accompany deeds and other property records. These dictate specifics about the use of the property. Easements are rights-of-way giving someone or a company the right to access the land without the owner's permission. For example, if someone sells access rights to a drilling company to drill oil, if someone new buys that land, that right to access is grandfathered in so the company can continue to work on it regardless of who owns it.
Covenants are rules about how you can use the property. You see these often with condos and fancy gated communities. An example would be common area use, where no one person living in the development could host a party in a shared area.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps regarding the property. Plats show the boundaries of all the properties surrounding the target property, and surveys show only the boundaries of the target property.
The following information may be included and available for public viewing:
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Landmarks and Monuments - Survey records often describe and identify the physical monuments and landmarks establishing the property boundaries.
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Rights of Way - Any recorded rights of way or easements affecting the property may be documented in the surveys.
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Encroachments - Surveys may indicate overlaps with neighboring properties or improvements such as fences.
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Legal Description - Property surveys, like other property records, may include a legal description with a detailed description of the location and boundaries.
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Property Boundary Lines - Surveys may show the property's boundaries, such as the measurement and dimensions of each boundary line.
Historical Property Records
Over time, property records can accumulate to unmanageable quantities. Many states, like Louisiana, move older records into archives and keep current ones on hand for lookup.
Louisiana has created a website devoted to historical land records. You can access it and search for historical property records 24/7.
Building Permits and Regulations in Louisiana
Before building something new or adding an addition to an existing structure, you must obtain a building permit. They are also required for renovations and demolition of buildings.
The state of Louisiana has partnered with a third-party service to make obtaining building permits quick and easy. The process can be completed online through the MyGovernmentOnline website. The city of Baton Rouge has more information about building permits.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/louisiana/property_records_03.jpg)
Many people perform property history searches every day. There are dozens of reasons why you need property records. Deeds come in very handy when pinpointing a property's owner. You may have other things you need. You can find property records easily by following the methods below.
Online Property Record Search
Begin your property history search with a simple online property search. Type the property address into a search bar and see what comes up. You might be surprised at the results.
In-Person Property Record Search
You may choose to visit the clerk of the court's recording department or tax office to ask for records. They are required by law to provide you with records. However, you must visit during regular business hours, and they can charge you a fee per copy.
Using Property Record Indexes
You can try online or physical property record indexes for records. However, these are not often updated regularly, so be careful about their accuracy. Always verify the information you find.
Utilizing Commercial Services
One of the best ways to get property records is through a service like PropertyChecker, where you can search millions of records instantly and find things like liens, foreclosures, mortgages, building permits, deeds, and much more. You have access to unlimited searches nationwide.
How to Search Property Records by Address
The most effective search method is using the proper address. Type in the full address in any search bar and view the results.
How to Search Property Records by Name
Sometimes, you can also search using the owner's name. However, this method may or may not yield good results.
Understanding Property Ownership in Louisiana
It's a wonderful feeling to own your own home. However, home ownership comes with some very serious responsibilities, like paying your mortgage, interest, and taxes on time. Plus, you should maintain your house well to retain its value.
Identifying Property Owners
Because property records are public records, you can find owners pretty easily. If you search all the deeds going back to the beginning, you should see a trail of every owner, including the current one.
Chain of Title
The chain of title refers to the list of all owners of the property since the first one. The chain of title is documented through deeds kept at the clerk of court's recording department.
Ownership History and Transfers
Regardless of how property changes hands, it must be legally recorded and entered into the chain of title. Although most property transfers through real estate sales, sometimes people give land away or will it to someone. Occasionally, they even transfer ownership of their property to pay off a debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Louisiana
Another essential piece of property information is the property description. Most people don't even think about that. The legal property description includes map coordinates, plats, surveys, and a written description including natural landmarks so anyone can identify the parcel of land.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys measure the land and provide pinpoint map coordinates to separate each property by accurate boundaries. Surveys are performed with new construction, utilities placement, and sometimes in boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Boundary disputes occur when someone thinks another person is unlawfully using or trespassing on their land. These usually end up in court, where a judge decides the fate of both parties. The court often relies on the testimony of professional surveyors.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Louisiana
Encumbrances like liens negatively affect a property and show up in property records. A single mortgage and lien aren't bad, but multiple involuntary liens paint an ugly picture. Liens can affect the sale and value of a property. There are two main types: voluntary liens and involuntary liens.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those that you enter into voluntarily. If you take out a loan, you allow the lender to place a lien on the property in return for lending you the money.
Mortgage Liens
Mortgage liens are when you take out a mortgage, and the bank places a lien on the home until you pay off the loan. The lien gives the lender the right to foreclose and sell your home if you default on the loan.
The following information is usually present in a standard mortgage document:
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Names of Those Involved - The document will show the lender and the borrower's details, rights, and responsibilities.
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Property Description - A mortgage document has to identify the property being put up as collateral in case of default.
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Loan Amount and Terms - The document will show the initial borrowed amount, the applying interest rate, and, thus, the amount to be repaid. The composition may also detail the repayment terms, such as minimum contributions, frequency, and the loan's duration.
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Default Penalties - The document should show the consequences of default or late payments.
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Priority and Subordination - If there are multiple liens or mortgages on the property, the document will outline the priority of the mortgage.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are not within your control. They are imposed by government offices, the courts, vendors, and creditors to whom you own money and refuse to pay. Involuntary liens almost always result in foreclosure and the loss of your home.
Mechanic's Liens
When a contractor, material supplier, or laborer works on your property and you don't pay them for the work, they can place a mechanic's lien on your property. They must follow strict rules and a tight timeline, but once placed there, they will be paid from the proceeds if the house is sold.
Tax Liens
Everyone must pay property taxes. If you fail to pay your annual taxes, the tax assessor can put a lien on your property and eventually foreclose and sell the house at auction to pay off the back taxes.
Judgment Liens
Judgment liens work like mechanic's liens, but they are for creditors to whom you owe money. Once the lien is in place, the creditors can sue you in court, foreclose, and sell the property to get their money back.
The Process of Property Liens in Louisiana
There are different ways of putting a lien on a property depending on the type of lien. However, the standard process is as follows:
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The first step is sending a notice. Louisiana has unique notice requirements where the creditor must file a notice under four scenarios. First, if the lender is contracted with the owner on any project type over $25,000 in value, they must file a 'Notice Of Contract' before the work starts. Secondly, if the lender is contracted with an owner-occupant, they must deliver a 'Notice of Lien Rights' to the owner before the work begins. Thirdly, if the lender is a material supplier, they must provide a 'Notice of Non-Payment' at least ten days before filing the mechanic's lien. Finally, if the lender is renting equipment, they must provide a copy of the lease plus a 'Notice of Lease' to the property owner a maximum of 10 days after supply.
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Next, the lender must fill in a mechanic's lien form with the correct details, including their information, the owner's information, hiring party, lien amount, property description, and the labor or materials provided.
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The next part is filing the lien. The general deadline is within two months or 60 days from the project's completion date. However, since deadlines depend on the role played, checking lien regulations or with the clerk's office for the exact deadline is important. Liens must be filed with the correct fees and paper sizes at the Clerk's office.
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After filing, the lender must send a copy to the property owner. If the lender does not have direct contact with the owner, they may serve the form to the general contractor.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Louisiana
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Louisiana](img/states/louisiana/property_records_04.jpg)
Real estate deals are where you'll see more property records than anywhere else. Before the sale, the buyer, title company, realtor, appraiser, and inspector may consult property records to gather details about it. New records will be created during the process, and older ones will be replaced, like a new deed.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
When buying property, you will want to learn as much as you can. The easy way to do that is through property records. You can check the value, taxes, insurance, and any renovations through building permits and look for liens or foreclosures.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
When you sell property, it's your responsibility to provide any potential buyers with information about material defects (like a leaky roof) that you know about. If you don't know the answers, you can look them up in property records.
Title Searches and Insurance
If you need a mortgage to buy the property, the lender will require you to get title insurance. It protects you and them from any legal claims on the property after the sale. Your title company will perform a property title search before closing, looking for any title defects or breaks in the chain of title.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Louisiana
Foreclosure is when the homeowner hasn't paid the mortgage or taxes, and the lienholder has executed their rights to seize and sell the house to get their money back. Foreclosure homes are more complicated to sell, and many buyers may shy away from going down that road.
Pre-Foreclosures in Louisiana
Pre-foreclosure homes are in the process of foreclosure, but it is not yet complete. Investors look for pre-foreclosure homes to buy cheaply and sell for a profit. You can find them easily by checking county/parish and realty websites.
When was the House Built?
You may perform a property history search to find out when the house was built. Check building permits: they will show the original license to build and any renovations afterward.
Property Records and Property Values
A property's value is essential, especially if you are buying or selling real estate. Most often, when you hear the term property value, it refers to the fair market value (FMV). The FMV does not always match the value stated in all property records and can change drastically over time. Poor real estate markets, interest rates, and inflation can affect property values.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are tools used to determine a property's value. Tax officials use assessments to determine the property's tax rate. Assessment values may not match the fair market value.
Lenders and individuals hire appraisers to determine the fair market value of a home during real estate sales and estate planning.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Louisiana
Some of the factors that can explain high property values in the state include:
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Location and Geography - Geographic areas play a role in determining a property's value. For example, proximity to the Mississippi River, lakes, and bayous can value higher as they are more desirable.
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Cultural and Historical Significance - Louisiana has a rich cultural and historical heritage with unique architectural styles. Properties that have historical and cultural significance may value higher.
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Natural Disasters - Louisiana is prone to natural disasters like flooding and hurricanes. Therefore, properties susceptible to these events may experience lower property values due to the associated risks and insurance costs.
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Oil and Gas Industry - Louisiana has a significant oil and gas industry in places like Lake Charles and Lafayette. Depending on the impact, properties close to these operations may experience high or fluctuating property values.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/louisiana/property_records_05.jpg)
Property records are public, and anyone can access them at any time. If you lost your deed, you may need to perform a property history search to find it. You'll be glad property records are public so you can find them easily. However, remember your information is contained in public property records.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public to preserve the chain of title and to keep government offices from taking too much power and controlling citizens.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
You cannot remove all your personal information from property records, but you can try to minimize it. Contact the government offices and online sources that have your property records and ask them to remove everything except your name and address to help protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
There are times when you need to correct or amend your property records. Whoever holds them won't know to do it automatically; it's up to you to keep yours current.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Some property records contain errors. To correct them, visit the proper government office, bring paperwork confirming the error, and ask them to fix it.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
There is so much to consider when buying a property in Louisiana. There's the fun stuff like where to live, the house you want to buy, and the neighborhood. But you'll also want to investigate the taxes and value and look for any liens or foreclosures. Property records can answer all those questions and more. Rely on PropertyChecker as your go-to source for property records no matter what state you live in. You'll save a lot of time and find what you need instantly.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You might also need to update property records when someone dies. Usually, the person will leave their property to another in the will. Take the death certificate and the will to the clerk of court's recording department and ask them to draft a new deed with the beneficiary's name.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Louisiana
If you marry or divorce, you may want to update your name on property records. You can do so easily by bringing your marriage certificate or divorce decree to the government office and asking them to update your name.
Louisiana County Property Records
- Acadia County
- Allen County
- Ascension County
- Assumption County
- Avoyelles County
- Beauregard County
- Bienville County
- Bossier County
- Caddo County
- Calcasieu County
- Caldwell County
- Catahoula County
- Claiborne County
- Concordia County
- De Soto County
- East Baton Rouge County
- East Carroll County
- Evangeline County
- Franklin County
- Grant County
- Iberia County
- Iberville County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Jefferson Davis County
- La Salle County
- Lafayette County
- Lafourche County
- Lincoln County
- Livingston County
- Madison County
- Morehouse County
- Natchitoches County
- Orleans County
- Ouachita County
- Plaquemines County
- Pointe Coupee County
- Rapides County
- Red River County
- Richland County
- Sabine County
- St. Bernard County
- St. Charles County
- St. Helena County
- St. James County
- St. John the Baptist County
- St. Landry County
- St. Martin County
- St. Mary County
- St. Tammany County
- Tangipahoa County
- Terrebonne County
- Union County
- Vermilion County
- Vernon County
- Washington County
- Webster County
- West Baton Rouge County
- West Carroll County
- West Feliciana County
- Winn County
Louisiana Property Records Search
Louisiana Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Louisiana
- What Are Property Records in Louisiana?
- What Are Property Records Clerk of Court's Recording Department
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Louisiana Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Louisiana
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Louisiana
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Louisiana
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Louisiana
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Louisiana County Property Records