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Free, private-by-default buyer utility

Find the official records to check before buying a home

Identify the likely property jurisdiction, prioritize the records that fit the home, and build a traceable research plan for taxes, deeds, permits, hazards, utilities, HOA documents, condition, and more.

Published July 10, 2026 51 state/DC routes 11 reviewed national sources No login required Nothing saved unless you opt in locally

The short answer

No single website clears a property for purchase.

Start by confirming the county, city, parcel, unit, and property type. Then ask the office responsible for each record—not a generic aggregator—to supply its current evidence. Keep assessment, deed, permit, hazard, utility, private-document, and professional findings separate until conflicts are resolved.

This Pathfinder routes the work. It does not decide title, value, condition, insurability, legal use, contract rights, or whether you should buy.

  1. Match the subject. Address, unit, parcel, jurisdiction, and legal identity first.
  2. Route by responsibility. Ask the assessor, recorder, permit office, provider, association, or professional responsible for the fact.
  3. Preserve dates and gaps. Record what was found, as-of dates, missing/offline records, and conflicts.
  4. Escalate by scope. Use qualified title, survey, inspection, engineering, insurance, lending, tax, or legal help when required.
Build your plan

Start with jurisdiction, then add the property's features.

The address lookup is optional. You can skip it and use the state/DC directory manually. Feature choices only prioritize tasks; they never hide the complete evidence plan.

Optional Census jurisdiction match

Use the US Census Bureau's address-range geocoder to find a likely state, county, and place. Confirm the result with local parcel and transaction records.

Privacy: only after you choose “Identify jurisdiction,” your browser sends the address directly to the US Census Bureau over HTTPS. Twellie does not put it in this page's URL, analytics, or local storage. A local export can include the returned match only when you explicitly create that file.

Skip to state/DC directory

Likely Census match — locator only

Matched address
County
Place
State
County FIPS
Benchmark
Public_AR_Current / Current_Current

Limit: coordinates may be interpolated from an address range. This is not parcel, unit, ownership, boundary, structure-existence, accuracy-distance, or title proof.

What describes the property or your plans?

Select every relevant feature. Core tasks stay prioritized for every home; conditional tasks move into focus when selected.

Core evidence tasks are highlighted. Choose property features to prioritize additional work.

0 of 12 tasks marked checked Entries remain only in this open page.
Complete evidence plan

Twelve record paths, each with a source limit and handoff.

“Not found,” “not online,” “unknown,” and “not applicable” are different states. Mark a task checked only after recording the actual source, date, result, and unresolved questions.

01

Confirm the jurisdiction and exact property

Do not transfer a record, map result, permit, sale, or conclusion to the wrong address, unit, parcel, or property type.

Start hereCore

Responsible office or reviewer

Local assessor or parcel authority; recorder or clerk; title or closing professional

  • Street address and unit
  • Parcel/APN if known
  • Legal description if available
  • Listing identifier

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Send unresolved parcel, unit, legal-description, boundary, vesting, or title questions to the responsible public office and appropriate title, survey, or legal professional.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Use the optional Census match only to identify a likely state, county, and place.
  2. Open the jurisdiction route and locate the responsible assessor or parcel office.
  3. Compare address, unit, parcel/APN, property type, and legal description across sources.
  4. Preserve every conflict until the responsible office or professional resolves it.

What this path supports

A traceable subject identity for later tax, deed, permit, hazard, comparable-sale, and transaction evidence.

What it cannot prove

An address or map pin alone does not prove parcel boundaries, unit identity, legal ownership, permitted use, or title.

Copyable office request

I am researching [property address and unit]. Which office record is authoritative for the parcel/APN and legal property identity? Please provide the record's as-of date and explain how I can obtain the current official document or certified copy if needed.

Read the Property-report guide →
02

Build a property-tax and assessment timeline

Separate assessed value, taxable value, tax billed, payment status, exemptions, special assessments, and future reassessment questions.

Before an offerCore

Responsible office or reviewer

Local assessor, property appraiser, auditor, treasurer, or tax collector as jurisdiction assigns them

  • Parcel/APN
  • Tax year
  • Assessment year
  • Bill or account number

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Route property-specific tax, exemption, lien, proration, and post-transfer questions to the responsible office, lender, settlement provider, or tax professional.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Identify which office values property and which office bills or collects tax.
  2. Record each tax and assessment year rather than copying one current-looking number.
  3. Ask whether exemptions, caps, arrears, supplemental bills, or reassessment may change after transfer.
  4. Reconcile the public timeline with lender estimates and final transaction documents.

What this path supports

The office's published assessment, bill, payment, exemption, or special-assessment facts within its stated year and scope.

What it cannot prove

Past tax does not prove the buyer's future bill, complete ownership cost, legal title, market value, or that every charge is shown online.

Reviewed starting pointsLocal Governments directory

Copyable office request

For parcel [APN] at [property address], which records show assessed value, taxable value, billed tax, payment status, exemptions, and special assessments by year? What could change after a sale, and what record controls that answer?

Read the Property-tax history guide →
03

Locate recorded deeds and preserve title questions

Public indexes can identify recorded instruments, but a buyer still needs the transaction's title work and qualified interpretation.

Before and during contractCore

Responsible office or reviewer

County recorder, register of deeds, land records office, clerk, title company, settlement agent, or attorney

  • Owner or grantor/grantee names
  • Parcel/APN
  • Legal description
  • Book/page or instrument number

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use the transaction's title or legal professional for examination, interpretation, curative work, coverage, and jurisdiction-specific advice.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Identify the jurisdiction's recorder or land-record custodian and its search rules.
  2. Save instrument identifiers and document dates; do not rely only on an index summary.
  3. Compare the subject identity and legal description with the title commitment and survey when available.
  4. Send exceptions, requirements, liens, easements, covenants, access, and vesting questions for qualified review.

What this path supports

Locating recorded instruments and building a traceable list of title, access, covenant, lien, or legal-description questions.

What it cannot prove

An online index is not a complete title search, legal opinion, title commitment, policy, survey, or proof that an issue is cleared.

Copyable office request

For [property address / parcel / legal description], how can I obtain the recorded deed and referenced instruments? Does the online result omit document images or records, and what identifier should my title or legal professional use to request official copies?

Read the Title-commitment guide →
04

Check zoning, legal use, and intended changes

Confirm which jurisdiction controls land use and ask whether the current and intended use require additional records or approvals.

Before an offerCore

Responsible office or reviewer

Local planning, zoning, land-use, building, code-enforcement, or development-services office

  • Parcel/APN
  • Zoning district
  • Current use
  • Specific proposed use or project

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use the planning/building authority and qualified land-use, design, engineering, survey, or legal professionals for property-specific feasibility.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Find the current official zoning map and ordinance for the correct jurisdiction.
  2. Record the zoning district, overlay districts, and map or ordinance effective date.
  3. Ask about lawful use, setbacks, density, parking, short-term rental, home business, accessory unit, and project-specific approvals only as relevant.
  4. Obtain written or professional confirmation before treating a planned use as feasible.

What this path supports

Identifying the published zoning classification, relevant rules, and questions that the responsible office should answer.

What it cannot prove

A map label or general ordinance reading does not prove a lawful existing use, vested right, buildability, permit eligibility, or approval of a proposed project.

Reviewed starting pointsLocal Governments directory

Copyable office request

For parcel [APN] at [property address], which zoning district and overlays currently apply, and what is their effective date? Is the current use documented as lawful, and what property-specific approvals or records would be required for [describe intended change]?

Read the Permit-history guide →
05

Reconcile permits, inspections, and occupancy

Match visible or advertised improvements with the responsible jurisdiction's permits, inspection outcomes, certificates, and open cases.

Before and during contractCore

Responsible office or reviewer

Local building, development services, code enforcement, fire marshal, planning, or permit-issuing office

  • Property address
  • Parcel/APN
  • Permit number
  • Improvement type and approximate date

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use the responsible office plus qualified inspectors, contractors, design professionals, insurer, lender, title or legal professional as the issue requires.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Identify every jurisdiction that may have issued permits for the property and time period.
  2. Compare additions, conversions, pools, solar, electrical, plumbing, roofs, and seller repairs with the record.
  3. Record status precisely: issued, finaled, expired, cancelled, open, unavailable, or not found.
  4. Ask what older or offline records exist and what a buyer should request to resolve a gap.

What this path supports

A permit-to-feature ledger and a list of open, incomplete, conflicting, missing, or offline record questions.

What it cannot prove

No online result does not prove that no permit was required or that work was safe, code-compliant, complete, properly inspected, or legal for occupancy.

Reviewed starting pointsLocal Governments directory

Copyable office request

Please provide the permit, inspection, certificate-of-occupancy, and open code-case history available for [property address / parcel]. I am specifically reconciling [addition, conversion, pool, solar, repair, or other feature]. Which older or offline records may not appear online?

Read the Permit-history guide →
06

Resolve boundaries, easements, and legal access

Keep parcel maps, recorded instruments, physical occupation, and a current survey separate until a qualified professional reconciles them.

During contractCore

Responsible office or reviewer

Recorder or land-record office; assessor/GIS; licensed surveyor; title or legal professional

  • Legal description
  • Parcel/APN
  • Recorded plat
  • Easement or instrument references

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use a licensed surveyor and the appropriate title or legal professional; involve public offices or engineers where roads, utilities, or approvals are disputed.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Collect the deed legal description, recorded plat, parcel map, and referenced easement instruments.
  2. Record visible fences, drives, encroachments, shared improvements, utilities, and access questions without declaring boundaries.
  3. Compare the sources and preserve discrepancies in names, dimensions, monuments, acreage, and access.
  4. Obtain the survey and title/legal review appropriate to the transaction and intended use.

What this path supports

A boundary-evidence reconciliation ledger and a focused list of survey, easement, encroachment, and access questions.

What it cannot prove

A tax parcel map, aerial image, fence, listing line, or geocoder point is not a boundary survey or legal interpretation of access and easements.

Reviewed starting pointsLocal Governments directory

Copyable office request

For [property address / parcel / legal description], where can I obtain the recorded plat and every referenced easement or access instrument? Which map is for assessment or GIS reference only, and which recorded documents should a surveyor or title professional review?

Read the Property-survey guide →
07

Layer flood maps, local drainage, and insurance evidence

Use FEMA evidence as one layer, then add local records, physical observations, lender requirements, and an insurer's property-specific terms.

Before an offerCore

Responsible office or reviewer

FEMA; local floodplain, stormwater, drainage, public works, or planning office; lender; insurer

  • Matched address and coordinates
  • Parcel/APN
  • FIRM panel
  • Map effective date and LOMC identifiers

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use the local floodplain authority, survey/elevation or engineering professionals, lender, and insurer for property-specific decisions.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Search the FEMA Map Service Center and save the effective map, panel, date, and related change documents.
  2. Ask the local authority about more detailed, newer, drainage, dam, levee, coastal, or historical evidence.
  3. Inspect site drainage and obtain qualified elevation, survey, engineering, or inspection evidence where needed.
  4. Get the lender's requirements and a bindable insurance quote for this buyer and property.

What this path supports

A four-layer flood evidence record that distinguishes national maps, local information, physical evidence, and financial/insurance terms.

What it cannot prove

Being outside a mapped special flood hazard area does not prove no flood risk, no insurance need, or acceptable drainage and elevation.

Copyable office request

For [property address / parcel], what effective floodplain, drainage, stormwater, dam/levee, coastal, or historical flood records does your office maintain? Are any newer or more detailed than the current FEMA map, and how can I obtain them?

Read the Flood-risk guide →
08

Screen wildfire and geologic hazards without calling a parcel clear

National maps identify questions. State/local maps, site conditions, mitigation, structure details, access, and insurance determine the practical follow-up.

Before an offerCore

Responsible office or reviewer

State/local emergency, forestry, fire, geological, planning, or building authority; insurer; qualified site or structural professional

  • Property coordinates
  • Parcel/APN
  • Map/version date
  • Construction and mitigation details

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use the relevant local authority and qualified fire, site, structural, geotechnical, insurance, or legal professionals.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Review national wildfire and relevant USGS hazard products at their intended scale.
  2. Find the current state and local hazard, fire-zone, landslide, seismic, coastal, or other applicable maps.
  3. Record defensible space, roof/siding, access, water supply, slope, drainage, and mitigation questions for qualified review.
  4. Obtain a property-specific insurance quote and understand exclusions, deductibles, inspections, and mitigation conditions.

What this path supports

A layered hazard screen and a transparent list of local, physical, mitigation, access, and insurance questions.

What it cannot prove

National community or susceptibility data are not parcel-scale predictions, engineering opinions, structure inspections, code determinations, or underwriting decisions.

Copyable office request

For [property address / parcel], which current local wildfire, fire-hazard, landslide, seismic, slope, or related overlays apply? What inspection, mitigation, access, water-supply, construction, or disclosure records can a buyer obtain?

Read the Wildfire-risk guide →
09

Trace private well, septic, soil, and water evidence

Treat well and septic as separate property systems with distinct records, tests, capacity, condition, and local requirements.

Before and during contractConditional

Responsible office or reviewer

Local/state health or environmental office; well and onsite-wastewater authority; qualified inspector, contractor, engineer, or laboratory

  • Property address and parcel
  • Well or septic permit number
  • System design/capacity
  • Sample and service dates

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use the responsible health/environmental office and qualified well, wastewater, laboratory, site, engineering, or legal professionals.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Request construction, permit, design, repair, abandonment, inspection, and transfer records for each system.
  2. Review USDA soil context without treating a map as a perc test or approval.
  3. Obtain property-specific well yield/condition and current laboratory testing appropriate to the source and jurisdiction.
  4. Obtain septic condition, capacity, location, service, and compliance review appropriate to the property and planned occupancy/use.

What this path supports

A dual-system ledger separating source records, physical condition, laboratory evidence, capacity, maintenance, and approvals.

What it cannot prove

A soil map, seller statement, old permit, waterway map, or absence of a complaint does not prove potable water or a functional, compliant, adequately sized system.

Copyable office request

For [property address / parcel], please provide available well and onsite-wastewater permits, designs, construction, repair, inspection, abandonment, and transfer records. Which required records or tests are property-specific, and which older files may be offline?

Read the Septic and private-well guide →
10

Verify utilities and service at the exact structure

Distinguish mapped or provider-reported availability from an actual connection, capacity, installation cost, easement, account, and service date.

Before an offerCore

Responsible office or reviewer

Utility provider; local public works or utility authority; FCC broadband map; title/survey professional for easements

  • Exact service address and unit
  • Meter or account identifiers if provided
  • Provider location ID
  • Planned load or use

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use written provider confirmation plus utility, title, survey, engineering, contractor, lender, or legal review when connection or rights are material.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Identify electricity, gas, water, sewer, waste, and communications providers for the exact address.
  2. Ask providers to confirm existing connection, capacity, serviceability, installation work, timing, deposits, and recurring charges.
  3. Use the FCC map as provider-reported broadband evidence and challenge guidance, not a service promise.
  4. Review shared systems, private lines, easements, road crossings, and maintenance obligations where relevant.

What this path supports

A provider-by-provider service ledger distinguishing reported availability from verified connection and terms.

What it cannot prove

A nearby line, map point, seller statement, or provider marketing page does not guarantee connection, capacity, price, performance, timing, or rights across land.

Copyable office request

Please confirm whether [exact property address and unit] is an existing serviceable location, whether service is active or only available nearby, and any installation, capacity, equipment, timing, deposit, easement, or recurring-cost requirements for a new buyer.

Read the Buyer due-diligence checklist →
11

Collect HOA or condo records from the responsible parties

Public records rarely contain the complete current financial, insurance, governance, maintenance, litigation, and restriction picture.

During contractConditional

Responsible office or reviewer

Association, manager, seller, statutory disclosure provider, master insurer, title or legal professional

  • Association legal name
  • Property/unit
  • Document date
  • Assessment/account status

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use association/manager responses and appropriate inspector, engineer, insurer, lender, title, accounting, or legal review.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Identify every association or shared-interest entity affecting the property.
  2. Request current declarations, bylaws, rules, budget, financials, reserve information, minutes, assessments, insurance, litigation, inspections, and repair plans as applicable.
  3. Record document dates and missing periods; do not merge seller, manager, association, and public statements.
  4. Route financial, structural, insurance, lending, restriction, litigation, and legal questions to the responsible professionals.

What this path supports

A dated association-document inventory and a visible list of missing, conflicting, stale, or decision-critical items.

What it cannot prove

A public corporate filing, listing field, dues figure, resale certificate, or partial document package does not prove current reserves, restrictions, assessments, condition, litigation, insurance, or lender eligibility.

Reviewed starting pointsLocal Governments directory

Copyable office request

For [association and property/unit], please identify the current governing, financial, reserve, meeting, assessment, insurance, litigation, inspection, critical-repair, and resale-disclosure documents available to a buyer, including each document's effective date and any missing period.

Read the HOA and condo documents guide →
12

Verify condition, repairs, and insurability with property-specific evidence

Public records and seller documents organize questions; independent inspection, repair evidence, final verification, and a bindable quote address the exact property.

During contract and before closingCore

Responsible office or reviewer

Independent inspector and specialists; permit office; seller/contractor; insurer; lender; title or legal professional as relevant

  • Inspection scope/date
  • Repair scope and contract term
  • Permit/invoice/warranty
  • Insurance quote and assumptions

Professional or controlling-source handoff

Use qualified inspectors and specialists, the contract's responsible parties, insurer, lender, and legal/title professionals for the exact issue and deadline.

Open the lookup sequence and evidence boundary

Lookup sequence

  1. Schedule independent inspection promptly under the signed contract and identify needed specialists.
  2. For seller repairs, preserve the written scope, responsible party, permits, invoices, warranties, photos, and inspection or final verification.
  3. Compare condition findings with disclosures, permits, insurer questions, lender requirements, and the final walkthrough.
  4. Obtain a bindable insurance quote for this buyer/property and review coverage, exclusions, deductibles, inspections, and mitigation conditions.

What this path supports

A dated evidence chain connecting observed condition, professional findings, repair promises, completion evidence, and insurance terms.

What it cannot prove

A permit, invoice, seller statement, photo, warranty, appraisal, or public record does not by itself prove complete workmanship, hidden condition, contract performance, future reliability, or insurance coverage.

Copyable office request

For the work described as [repair or improvement] at [property address], please provide the written scope, responsible contractor, license where applicable, permit and inspection records, invoices, warranties, completion date, and the evidence the contract requires before closing.

Read the Seller-repair verification guide →
Reviewed national sources

Use each source only for the question it can answer.

These links go to federal publishers. Their map scale, update date, coverage, and stated limitations travel with the evidence. A national screen does not replace a local record or property-specific professional work.

Property identity · Official federal locator

Census Geocoder

United States Census Bureau

Open official source ↗
Coverage
US addresses, Puerto Rico, and US Island Areas supported by the service
Supports
A standardized address-range match, approximate coordinates, and requested Census geographies such as state and county.
Does not establish
A match may be interpolated from an address range. It does not prove that a structure exists, identify a legal parcel or unit, or establish ownership, boundaries, condition, or title.
Next handoff
Confirm parcel and legal identity with the responsible local record office and transaction professionals.

Stable source key: census_geocoder · Reviewed

Local government routing · Official federal directory

Local Governments directory

USA.gov

Open official source ↗
Coverage
States, District of Columbia, and US territories listed by USA.gov
Supports
Finding a state-level starting point for county, city, town, borough, parish, or other local-government websites.
Does not establish
Some destinations are associations or general directories. The directory is not a parcel, tax, permit, deed, zoning, health, or court record.
Next handoff
Confirm the final record custodian, official domain, jurisdiction, record date, and request procedure.

Stable source key: usa_gov_local · Reviewed

Flood · Official federal hazard source

Flood Map Service Center

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Open official source ↗
Coverage
National Flood Insurance Program flood maps and related products
Supports
Finding effective FEMA flood maps, panels, studies, and Letters of Map Change for an area.
Does not establish
A map screen does not prove that flooding cannot occur, replace local drainage evidence, bind insurance, set a premium, or resolve every property boundary or elevation question.
Next handoff
Use the effective map with local floodplain records, insurer and lender requirements, inspection, survey or elevation evidence as applicable.

Stable source key: fema_flood · Reviewed

Wildfire · Official federal community-risk source

Wildfire Risk to Communities

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service

Open official source ↗
Coverage
National community-scale wildfire risk context
Supports
Comparing wildfire risk and vulnerability at community scales and finding mitigation resources.
Does not establish
The publisher states that the data are not locally calibrated or designed for individual-home decisions; they are not a current fire-danger forecast or an insurance decision.
Next handoff
Check state and local maps, defensible-space requirements, site access, fire response, inspection, and a property-specific insurance quote.

Stable source key: usfs_wildfire · Reviewed

Soils and land · Official federal soil source

Web Soil Survey

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Open official source ↗
Coverage
Published National Cooperative Soil Survey coverage
Supports
Reviewing mapped soil units, properties, and published suitability or limitation interpretations for a defined area of interest.
Does not establish
Mapped soil information is not a boundary survey, site investigation, perc test, septic approval, engineering opinion, wetland determination, or permit.
Next handoff
Use local environmental and planning records plus qualified onsite, survey, engineering, or wastewater review when the decision requires it.

Stable source key: usda_soils · Reviewed

Water context · Official federal environmental source

How's My Waterway

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Open official source ↗
Coverage
Community, state, and national water information reported to EPA
Supports
Finding watershed, assessed-water, permitted-discharge, and selected drinking-water context reported to EPA.
Does not establish
More recent or detailed local information may exist. The tool does not test a private well, household tap, septic system, or the exact property's water quality.
Next handoff
Obtain current local records and property-specific laboratory testing or system inspection where relevant.

Stable source key: epa_waterway · Reviewed

Private wells · Official federal educational source

Private Drinking Water Wells

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Open official source ↗
Coverage
General private-well information and state program routing
Supports
Understanding private-well owner responsibilities, testing topics, and routes to state or local programs.
Does not establish
General guidance does not establish a well's construction, yield, permit status, source protection, potability, or current lab result.
Next handoff
Request local well records and use qualified inspection and certified laboratory testing appropriate to the property and jurisdiction.

Stable source key: epa_private_wells · Reviewed

Geologic hazards · Official federal hazard source

National Hazards Exposure resources

United States Geological Survey

Open official source ↗
Coverage
National earthquake, landslide, sinkhole, volcano, tsunami, and related exposure products where available
Supports
Screening national hazard and susceptibility products and identifying where more local or site-specific review may be useful.
Does not establish
National products are not a parcel clearance, prediction, structural inspection, engineering report, land-use approval, or insurance decision.
Next handoff
Use the relevant state/local hazard authority and qualified site, structural, geotechnical, or insurance review.

Stable source key: usgs_hazards · Reviewed

Broadband · Official federal availability source

National Broadband Map

Federal Communications Commission

Open official source ↗
Coverage
Provider-reported fixed and mobile broadband availability in the United States
Supports
Finding providers and technologies reported as available at mapped serviceable locations and reviewing challenge information.
Does not establish
Reported availability does not guarantee installation, price, indoor mobile coverage, speed at the home, service quality, or an accurate location point.
Next handoff
Confirm the exact address, installation terms, capacity, price, equipment, and timing directly with providers before relying on service.

Stable source key: fcc_broadband · Reviewed

Condition · Official federal consumer guidance

Schedule a home inspection

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Open official source ↗
Coverage
General US mortgage-closing education
Supports
Understanding why an independent inspection differs from an appraisal and why prompt scheduling can matter.
Does not establish
The page is not an inspection, contract interpretation, inspector credential check, repair estimate, appraisal, or decision about a home's condition.
Next handoff
Use the signed contract and qualified inspectors or specialists for the exact property, scope, deadlines, and findings.

Stable source key: cfpb_inspection · Reviewed

Title and closing · Official federal consumer guidance

Shop for title insurance and closing services

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Open official source ↗
Coverage
General US mortgage-closing education
Supports
Understanding title-service shopping and the distinct role of title-related services in a financed purchase.
Does not establish
General guidance cannot examine title, interpret an exception or easement, clear a lien, issue a policy, or provide state-specific legal advice.
Next handoff
Use the appropriate title company, settlement agent, or attorney for the transaction and jurisdiction.

Stable source key: cfpb_title · Reviewed

50 states + District of Columbia

Find the local government before searching for the record.

Property records are decentralized. Every card below is a verified state-government or USA.gov-curated routing source—not a claim of statewide parcel, deed, permit, or tax coverage.

State-government directory

A state-owned directory or agency page that helps identify a local government or record office. It is still a route, not the property record.

USA.gov-curated locator

USA.gov currently routes visitors here. Some destinations are public-sector associations rather than record custodians, so confirm the final office and domain.

51 routes shown

Alabama

AL

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Alaska

AK

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Arizona

AZ

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Arkansas

AR

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

California

CA

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Colorado

CO

USA.gov-curated locator · USA.gov directory fallback; state destination unavailable at review

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Connecticut

CT

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Delaware

DE

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

District of Columbia

DC

USA.gov-curated locator · USA.gov directory fallback; state destination unavailable at review

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Florida

FL

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Georgia

GA

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Hawaii

HI

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Idaho

ID

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Illinois

IL

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Indiana

IN

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Iowa

IA

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Kansas

KS

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Kentucky

KY

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Louisiana

LA

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Maine

ME

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Maryland

MD

USA.gov-curated locator · USA.gov directory fallback; state destination unavailable at review

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Massachusetts

MA

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Michigan

MI

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Minnesota

MN

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Mississippi

MS

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Missouri

MO

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Montana

MT

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Nebraska

NE

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Nevada

NV

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

New Hampshire

NH

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

New Jersey

NJ

USA.gov-curated locator · USA.gov directory fallback; state destination unavailable at review

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

New Mexico

NM

State-government directory · Official state route reviewed directly

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

New York

NY

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

North Carolina

NC

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

North Dakota

ND

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Ohio

OH

USA.gov-curated locator · USA.gov directory fallback; state destination unavailable at review

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Oklahoma

OK

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Oregon

OR

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Pennsylvania

PA

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Rhode Island

RI

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

South Carolina

SC

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

South Dakota

SD

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Tennessee

TN

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Texas

TX

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Utah

UT

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Vermont

VT

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Virginia

VA

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Washington

WA

State-government directory · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

West Virginia

WV

USA.gov-curated locator · USA.gov directory fallback; state destination unavailable at review

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Wisconsin

WI

USA.gov-curated locator · Destination listed by USA.gov Local Governments

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗

Wyoming

WY

USA.gov-curated locator · USA.gov directory fallback; state destination unavailable at review

Local office required

Use the directory to identify the property jurisdiction. Then find its assessor or tax office, recorder or clerk, planning/building office, and health or environmental office as the question requires.

Open reviewed directory route ↗
Evidence boundary

A directory route is a beginning, not a clearance.

Online sources help buyers identify questions and preserve evidence. They do not replace transaction documents, physical investigation, or professional responsibility.

Public-record silence

“No result” may mean no record, a different office, older/offline files, a failed search, or unavailable access. It does not mean permitted, clear, safe, or not applicable.

Map boundaries

Geocoder points, parcel GIS, hazard screens, soil maps, and aerial images have different purposes. None is automatically a legal survey or site-specific decision.

Property condition

Photos, permits, disclosures, and invoices cannot reveal every concealed defect or prove the scope and quality of completed work.

Title and legal use

A deed index, assessor record, or zoning label is not a title opinion, survey, policy, easement interpretation, or written approval of current or intended use.

Insurance and lending

Hazard and provider maps do not bind coverage, set deductibles or premiums, approve a loan, establish property eligibility, or fix cash to close.

Deadlines and remedies

The signed contract and applicable law—not this tool—control notice, contingency, inspection, document-review, termination, repair, and closing rights.

Take the source plan into a property evidence ledger.

Use the free worksheet to keep source URLs, dates, findings, conflicts, owners, and exact contract deadlines together. Use the Evidence Source Register to review Twellie's source roles and limits.

Published by the Twellie product team as general educational information. No licensed appraiser, inspector, surveyor, attorney, title professional, lender, insurer, tax professional, engineer, or other professional reviewer is claimed unless that reviewer is specifically named with their scope, relevant credential or jurisdiction, and review date. See the editorial policy and methodology. Report broken routes or material corrections to editorial@twellie.com. A deployment alone does not change the substantive review date.

Twellie Homebuyer Public Records Pathfinder · Printed from twellie.com/tools/homebuyer-public-records-pathfinder · Source review July 10, 2026 · Verify live records and transaction deadlines before relying on this copy.