- Is it possible to obtain information about previous owners and the history of my home?
- What information can I obtain by telephoning the register of deeds’ office?
- How can I record my document?
- What are the requirements for recording a document?
- How do I make changes to the title of my property?
- What are the most common types of deeds?
- When is a Form 521 (transfer statement) required?
- How is my document identified in the register of deeds’ office?
- What if I lose my deed?
- How can I obtain copies of documents?
- Can I obtain a copy of my property survey?
- I have paid off my mortgage. What do I need to do? Where do I get my deed?
- For questions regarding property taxes, please call the county treasurer’s office at 444-7272, or click on the link below.
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For questions regarding property valuation information or homestead exemption, please call the county assessor’s office at 444-7060, or click on the link below.
- For questions regarding marriage licenses or military DD-214, please call the county clerk’s office at 444-6080.
1. Is it possible to obtain information about previous owners and the history of my home?
The history of a piece of real estate is comprised of information from the records in several offices. The register of deeds’ records, dating back to 1854 and containing more than 15,000,000 document pages, constitute only a portion of that history. Therefore, you may wish to contact a title company in our area to search this information for you. If you choose not to use a title company, you may visit our office, and we will direct you to the necessary books. Everything recorded here is available to the public.
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2. What information am I able to obtain by telephoning the register of deeds’ office?
If you have the exact address of the property, we can give current taxpayer information, from the county clerk’s parcel screen, to you.
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3. How can I record my document?
You can mail your document to our office, along with a check for recording fees made payable to the Douglas County Register of Deeds, or you can bring the document into our office. Refer to the “recording fees” link on our homepage.
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4. What are the requirements for recording a document?
It must be an original document with original signatures, properly signed and notarized. It also must contain a legal description of the property. Type or print must be legible, with a recommended font size no smaller than 10 point. Recording fees will be collected at the time of filing. On the lower left corner of the first page of your document write the name and address of the person to whom you want the recorded document returned.
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5. How do I make changes to the title of my property?
We are a recording office, and do not give legal advice. If you have questions, please contact a real estate attorney or a title company.
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6. What are the most common types of deeds?
There are various types of deeds that are recorded in the register of deeds’ office. Please seek the advice of a real estate attorney or title company for the type that pertains to your individual situation.
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7. When is a Form 521 (transfer statement) required?
We must have a single, original Form 521 with every deed, land contract, and assignment of land contract recorded in our office. (The multiple-color carbon form no longer is required.)
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8. How is my document identified in the register of deeds’ office?
Prior to May 26, 2003, we identified documents using a book and page number. As of May 26, 2003, we implemented the use of a 10-digit instrument number.
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9. What if I lose my deed?
If your deed was recorded in the register of deeds’ office, you can always obtain a copy or certified copy of your document. A certified copy is as good as an original. Refer to our homepage link, “reports/copies” for forms and fees.
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10. How can I obtain copies of documents?
You can obtain a copy of any document recorded in our office by coming into the office, sending in a request for a copy along with your payment, or telephoning to request a copy and pay with your credit card. We require payment in advance for all copies. Refer to our homepage under “reports/copies” for forms and fees.
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11. Can I obtain a copy of my recorded property survey?
Very few surveys are recorded in the register of deeds’ office. If you need a survey, please contact a private surveyor.
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12. I have paid off my mortgage. What do I need to do? Where do I get my deed?
Once your mortgage or deed of trust is paid in full, the bank will record a release or deed of reconveyance to release the lien. Sometimes the bank will send the release or deed of reconveyance to you to record. To release the lien, it is very important to record the release or deed of reconveyance in our office. Your deed, which is your ownership record, was recorded when you originally purchased your property. This filing placed it on public record whether or not you obtained financing. It should have been returned to you at that time. If you have misplaced your deed, and would like a copy, please refer to question #9.
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