You Got a Case of the Who-Owns-This-Place? How to Find Property Owners in New York State
Ever walk by a fancy brownstone in Brooklyn and wonder, "Who lives there? Are they hosting a secret Beyoncé concert? Can I be their best friend?" Or maybe you're a real estate shark (or guppy) trying to sniff out your next big investment. Whatever your reason, there you are, with a burning desire to uncover the mysterious owner of a New York property.
Fear not, fellow curious cat! Unveiling the owner of a New York property isn't about sneaking around in a trench coat (although, that sounds fun). Here's your guide to becoming a property Sherlock Holmes, minus the deerstalker hat (though, again, totally optional).
Digging Up the Dirt: Online Resources
- ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) is your best friend for New York City properties (except Staten Island). Think of it as Facebook for property deeds. Just punch in the address and voila! Owner information (hopefully not including their favorite ice cream flavor) might be revealed. [Staten Island peeps, check out the Richmond County Clerk's website instead].
- County Records: Head to your specific county's website. Most counties will have a treasure trove of property information, including tax records that often list the owner's name.
- Real Estate Websites: Zillow and Trulia might have some owner info listed, but it's not guaranteed. Think of it as a maybe pile, not a for-sure situation.
Remember: Online info isn't always up-to-date. For the latest and greatest, consider heading down the in-person route.
Brick and Mortar Mission: In-Person Options
- County Clerk's Office: These folks are the official record keepers of property ownership. You can visit their office and search for deeds or other documents that name the owner.
- Town/City Hall: Sometimes these local offices might also have property ownership information on hand. Worth a shot, especially if you're feeling social and want to chat with someone about the cutest dog on the block (who also might live in the property you're curious about).
Bonus Tip: Befriend your local mail carrier. They know everything about everyone on their route (including who gets the most cat food deliveries). Just saying.
Disclaimer: Don't stalk anyone. But hey, a little friendly curiosity never hurt anyone (except maybe that private investigator you stole the trench coat from).
Frequently Asked Questions by Aspiring Property Sleuths
How to find out who owns a property in New York City? Use ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) for all boroughs except Staten Island. Staten Island? Check the Richmond County Clerk's website.
How to find property ownership information online? County websites often have property records, and real estate websites might have some owner info listed. But online info isn't always guaranteed to be up-to-date.
How to find out who owns a property in person? Visit your county clerk's office or town/city hall to search for deeds or other documents that name the owner.
How to find the cutest dog on the block (who also might live in the property you're curious about)? Befriend your mail carrier. They're walking repositories of neighborhood knowledge.
How to avoid looking like a creepy trespasser while trying to find the owner of a property? Ditch the trench coat and binoculars. A friendly smile and a "Hello, neighbor!" go a long way.
