You Wanna Be a New York Building Sherlock? Here's How to Crack the Case (Without the Deerstalker)
Ever looked up at a towering titan of steel and glass in the concrete jungle and thought, "Man, I wonder who owns that?" Well, my friend, your nosy nature is about to be unleashed! Forget Batman, you're about to become the Big Apple's very own Building Bloodhound.
Step 1: Become a Borough Block Buster
First things first, you gotta get your hands on the Building Block Lot (BBL). This ten-digit code is basically the building's social security number, and it's the key to unlocking a treasure trove of info.
There are two ways to snag this magical code:
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NYCityMap ([search NYC property by BBL or address]): This website is like Google Maps, but with a real estate obsession. Pop in the address of your mystery building, and voila! Your BBL should appear like a tiny Batman signal in the digital sky.
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Building Itself (Sometimes): Keep your eyes peeled for a plaque or a fancy sign near the building's entrance. Occasionally, the BBL might be displayed there, saving you a digital detour.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling like a total detective rookie, don't worry! Even NYCityMap will show you the BBL if you just type in the address. No BBL-hunting ninja skills required.
Step 2: Enter the ACRISian Empire (ACRIs = Automated City Register Information System, for those keeping score)
Now that you're armed with the BBL, it's time to meet ACRIs, your gateway to property record paradise. This city-run system is basically a digital filing cabinet overflowing with deeds, mortgages, and all sorts of juicy details about who owns what and for how much.
Here's the thing, ACRIs isn't exactly Tinder. It's not the most user-friendly interface, but hey, with a little perseverance, you'll be Indiana Jones-ing your way through those records in no time.
Finding the Owner: The Name is Bond, Property Bond
Once you're in ACRIS and have your BBL handy, you should be able to find the current owner's name. Now, this owner might be a person, a company with a name as exciting as "Brick and Mortar Inc.," or it could get a little more cloak-and-dagger.
LLCs Ahoy! Sometimes, the owner might be hiding behind a Limited Liability Company (LLC), which can be frustrating if you were hoping to unearth some eccentric billionaire. But fear not, intrepid detective! There are paid services (we'll get to those later) that can sometimes pierce the LLC veil and reveal the true owner.
Step 3: Deep Dive into Deeds and Doings (Optional, but Fun for History Buffs)
If you're the kind of person who gets giddy over historical documents, ACRIS can be your oyster. You can use the BBL to dig up old deeds and see how the ownership of the building has changed hands over time. It's like a mini property soap opera, with plot twists and all!
So, You Wanna Hire a Property Sherlock Assistant?
Let's face it, some days you just don't feel like wading through digital filing cabinets. If you'd rather have a real-life (well, sort of) bloodhound do the legwork, there are a few options:
- PropertyShark: This website offers a paid service that can help you find property ownership information, including the owner's name and sometimes even their contact details.
- Real Estate Agents: These folks have access to a wealth of property information, and they might be willing to help you out for a fee (or maybe a slice of pizza? Just a suggestion).
There you have it, my friend! With a little know-how and maybe a sprinkle of detective enthusiasm, you can become a building ownership bloodhound extraordinaire. Now get out there and uncover the secrets of the Big Apple, one BBL at a time!
