How to Access Property Records in Nevada

What Information Can You Find in Nevada Property Records?

A property history search can reveal a lot about a property. While some information may overlap, most will have very different details. Sometimes, you can also find related information.

Some of the things that a property history search may reveal include:

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Deeds are among the most common types of property records. They transfer ownership of property regardless of how it is transferred and showcase the entire chain of title from the first owner.

All parties must sign deeds, and a notary must witness them. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:

• Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
• A detailed description of the property.
• Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
• Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
• 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 pay for schools, road maintenance, police, fire, and local government salaries. Everyone who owns property in Nevada must pay annual property taxes. The average effective property tax rate is 0.64% of the property's value. Property taxes vary by county, but the average property owner in Washoe County pays $2,014 in property taxes annually.

Local county tax assessors set tax rates, and the treasurer sends out bills, collects taxes, and imposes liens on unpaid taxes.

Nevada tax records contain the following information:

• Property Identification - The record may contain the property's unique identification number, known as the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
• Ownership Information - Property tax records include information about the property's current owner(s), such as their names and mailing addresses.
• Assessment Information - Property tax records contain information regarding the property's assessed value, which is used to calculate the owed taxes.
• Property Description - The documents give a legal description of the property, including its boundaries, size, and location.
• Exemptions - Property tax records may also include information on any exemptions or deductions applied to the property. For example, the Nevada Wartime Veterans Tax Exemption is for those who served in the armed forces.

How Often is Property Tax in Nevada Assessed?

Nevada law requires the assessor to assess all property once a year. The process varies because local county, town, and city assessors conduct the assessments. However, the basic process of conducting property tax assessment in Nevada goes as follows:

• Property Identification - The assessor identifies properties within the county using the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) or other unique identifiers.
• Property Inspection - The assessor may undertake physical inspections of properties to evaluate their condition and attributes.
• Data Collection - The assessor gathers information about the property, such as its location, size, building characteristics, amenities, and other relevant aspects that may influence its value.
• Market Analysis - To calculate a property's assessed value, the assessor examines market data, such as recent sales of comparable properties. They also analyze location, market trends, and property attributes.
• Valuation - To estimate the value of a property, the assessor often employs one or more valuation methods, such as the sales comparison approach, income approach, or cost approach.
• Assessment Calculation - The assessor applies the county's assessment ratio or tax rate to compute the property's assessed value, which is the basis for property taxes.
• Notification - The assessor sends a notice to the owner indicating their assessed value and providing information on how to appeal the assessment.
• Appeals Process - Property owners can appeal their assessed value if they believe it is incorrect or unfair. The process typically involves submitting a formal appeal to the county's Board of Equalization.

Building Permits and Regulations in Nevada

Towns and cities handle building permits. Contact the local building inspector or land development office if you need one in your area. Some towns and cities also have online application forms where you can begin the process.

Property Liens and Encumbrances in Nevada

Liens are encumbrances that negatively affect a property and its owners. Too many can indicate financial problems, and the records are public for anyone to see. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Liens

You voluntarily enter into agreements with lenders and agree to allow them to place a lien on your property. This way, you can secure funding by using your house as collateral. The payoff is a lien, which could lead to the loss of your home if you don't pay off the loan.

• Mortgage Liens - Mortgage liens are very common. Anyone who borrows money to buy a house in Nevada, will have a mortgage lien. The lender gives you the money to buy the home, and they place a lien on it to protect themselves. If you default on the loan, that lien gives the bank the right to foreclose and sell it to get their money back.

  Mortgage documents include the following types of information:

  • Details About the Property - The record may contain details about the mortgaged property, such as its legal description, address, and any relevant identifying information.
  • Terms of the Loan - The document should include the principal amount, interest rate, repayment plan, and any special restrictions or circumstances affecting the mortgage.
  • Penalties - Mortgages in Nevada may include provisions for late payment penalties, prepayment options, and the foreclosure process in the event of default.
  • Names of Parties - Nevada mortgage documents typically include the names of the borrower (mortgagor) and lender (mortgagee).

Involuntary Liens

You may face involuntary liens whenever you owe money and refuse to pay it back. These almost always result in foreclosure and the loss of your home. When the house is sold, all the liens will be paid off first; if there is anything left, you will get it.

• Mechanic's Liens - Contractors, landscapers, architects, and others use mechanic's liens to get paid for work they completed. If, for whatever reason, you do not pay someone after they work on your property, they can put a lien on it. Then, when the house is sold, they will be paid from the proceeds before you see a dime.
• Tax Liens - Everyone who owns property must pay annual taxes on it. If you fail to pay your property taxes, the county can impose a tax lien on the property. After a short time, they will foreclose and sell your house at auction to pay off the taxes, usually well below fair market value.
• Judgment Liens - Creditors use judgment liens to recoup the money you owe them. For example, a credit card company could use a lien to try to get you to pay a large debt. First, they place the lien, and then they sue you in court. If they win, they can foreclose on the property and sell it to get their money back.

The Process of Property Liens in Nevada

The processes differ since there are different liens claimants may put on a property. The standard process for putting a mechanics lien on a property in Nevada is as follows:

• The first step is to notify the property owner of the right to lien. Some parties are exempt from giving notice depending on Nevada Revised Statutes. Claimants must send the notices in person or by certified mail.
• The second stage is filling out the lien form. Lien forms demand information such as property details, owner's names, the amount owed, dates of the work and supply, and the claimant's information. Some counties may also need additional documents, such as licenses, to prove the right to lien.
• The third step is filing the lien form at the Clerk Recorder's office. This is a crucial step that claimants must follow correctly. They must also have the right recording fees and requirements. Offices accept mail, e-recording, and in-person filing. However, it is safer to go in person.
• Once the filing is complete, claimants must notify the owner within 30 days of recording the lien. Claimants may send a copy by certified mail.

Easements and Covenants

You will also see easements and covenants that affect property. Easements and covenants appear on deeds and dictate certain situations. Easements are rights of way that allow someone other than the owner to access the land for a specific purpose. A good example is a cellular company with towers installed on private land. The company can enter the land and maintain its towers without first asking. Any new owners must honor this agreement.

Covenants are strict rules about how the property can be used. You see these often in condo developments and gated communities. Some places don't allow pets, so you must adhere to that covenant when living there.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are both types of maps. They differ in that plats include boundaries of neighboring properties, whereas surveys show only a single property and its boundaries.

The following information may appear on a property survey depending on the type:

• Legal Description - The survey may contain a legal description of the property, including a complete and precise description of the property's boundaries and measurements. It may comprise dimensions, angles, and reference points to identify the property precisely.
• Boundary Lines - The survey may show the property's boundary lines and the lengths and directions of each component. This data assists in determining the property's actual size and its connection to nearby properties.
• Monuments and Markers - The survey may identify existing monuments, markers, or points used to define the boundaries.
• Easements and Encroachments - Property surveys may reveal easements or encroachments on the property. Easements denote areas subject to shared access or usage by others.
• Surveyor's Certificate - The survey will include a certificate or statement from the professional surveyor who conducted it. This confirms the survey's accuracy and the surveyor's qualifications.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Nevada

Another important aspect of property records is the legal property descriptions. Every piece of real property has a unique description, including the exact coordinates of its location and a written description of the land and landmarks to make it easy to identify.

Surveys measure the land and derive proper coordinates so that every piece of land is parceled out and legally designated. Surveys are also involved in new construction, utility placement, and boundary disputes.

A boundary dispute occurs when someone believes another person is encroaching upon their land unlawfully. The dispute usually ends up in court, where a judge decides the outcome. The courts often rely on expert testimony from professional surveyors to help make an informed decision.

Foreclosures

Foreclosures appear in property records, which can be embarrassing for the owner who is losing their home. Foreclosure homes are more challenging to sell because all liens must be satisfied before the sale. There is also more paperwork and complexity. Therefore, many regular buyers may shy away from buying a foreclosure home.

Pre-foreclosure homes are those that are in the process of foreclosure but haven't yet been auctioned off. Investors and savvy buyers look for these types of homes to buy cheaply and sell for a profit. If the house is in a good location and in decent shape, it can be a great deal.