Nevada Property Records
![Property Records in Nevada](/img/states/nevada/property_records_01.jpg)
The Silver State is home to Las Vegas and has the largest and most productive gold mines. The land is rich in silver, copper, and black opal. Tennis pro, Andre Agassi and former first lady Patricia Ryan Nixon come from Nevada. More than 42 million people visit Nevada each year, and most go to enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas. It's also a hot spot of UFO activity, and so many people claim to have seen extraterrestrials that in 1966, the state named State Route 375 "Extraterrestrial Highway." The population of Nevada is 3.178 million, meaning millions of property records.
Property records in Nevada impact homeowners, government agencies, private companies, real estate professionals, and others who use them daily to do their jobs. These essential documents contain valuable information and can be used in many different situations.
Use this guide to learn all about Nevada property records, what they are, how they are used, where they are kept and maintained, and how to find them and change them when life events occur.
What Are Property Records in Nevada?
Nevada property records are official documents that contain information about real property and its owners. They are created by government agencies, the courts, individuals, realtors and title companies, attorneys, and others. There are various types of property records, and some are only informational, but others do things like a deed transfers property, and an appraisal determines value.
Property History Search Can Include
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:
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Property Address
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Detailed Legal Property Description
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Current Owner's Name and Address
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Historical Owners
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Property Inspections
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Appraisals / Property Value
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Deeds
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Liens
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Tax Records
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Mortgage Records
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Bankruptcies
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Foreclosures
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Plat Maps
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Surveys
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Easements / Conveyances
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Property Details
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Lot Size
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Zoning
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Boundary Lines
Sources of Property Records in Nevada
It would be nice if all property records were stored with the same agency, but they are not. Instead, different organizations record, file, and maintain them. For example, you will visit the county recorder's office if you need to file a deed in Nevada. Clark County makes filing a new document from its website easy. In terms of Nevada property taxes, county assessors value the land for taxation, and the county treasurer handles mailing out tax bills, collecting payments, and initiating liens when someone does not pay. If you are considering adding an addition to your house, you first need a building permit. These are handled at the town/city level. You can contact the local building inspector's office or public works division. If you need a permit in Reno, the city makes it easy to apply online.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
The Nevada Bureau of Land Management has a website of land records that contains surveys and maps. You can search for information using this tool. Land records typically refer to maps, plats, surveys, and government-owned land records. Property records are more diverse and cover a lot more topics.
The Role of the County Recorder
![The Role of the County Recorder](img/states/nevada/property_records_02.jpg)
According to Clark County, the county recorder "records and indexes documents deposited in her office that are authorized, entitled or required by law to be recorded". They are prohibited from offering legal advice. They may, however, collect reasonable fees for filing documents and providing copies. The county recorder is responsible for property records filed in their jurisdiction.
How Property Records are Maintained in Nevada
The local county recorder has a system for maintaining records. When a new document comes in, they stamp it with the date, time, and a unique identifier. Although they keep paper records, they also scan everything into the computer, and many countries keep their records online to make them easier to access.
Accessing Records at the County Recorder in Nevada
Nevada property records are public, and therefore, anyone can access them. You must check the regular office hours if you want to see them in person or request copies. You may have to wait, and they can charge you a fee per page. Otherwise, check the county recorder's website. Many of them post the records there for easy searching and finding. Contacting the proper county is crucial in your search. To get you started, here are a few county websites:
County Recorder Locations in Nevada
Finding the right county recorder can be tricky. The Nevada Secretary of State has compiled this handy list of all county recorders to make things easier.
Types of Property Records
Property records come in many different flavors. Some are informational only, and others serve a purpose. You will come across many different types when searching for property records. The most common types in Iowa are as follows:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are some of the most common types of property records. They transfer ownership of property regardless of how it transfers. Deeds showcase the entire chain of title since the first owner.
All parties must sign deeds, and a notary must witness them. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:
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Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
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A detailed description of the property.
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Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
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Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
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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:
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Property Identification - The record may contain the property's unique identification number, known as the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
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Ownership Information - Property tax records include information about the property's current owner(s), such as their names and mailing addresses.
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Assessment Information - Property tax records contain information regarding the property's assessed value, which is used to calculate the owed taxes.
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Property Description - The documents give a legal description of the property, including its boundaries, size, and location.
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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:
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Property Identification - The assessor identifies properties within the county using the Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) or other unique identifiers.
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Property Inspection - The assessor may undertake physical inspections of properties to evaluate their condition and attributes.
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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.
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Market Analysis - To calculate a property's assessed value, the assessor examines market data such as recent sales of comparable properties. They analyze location, market trends, and property attributes during this examination.
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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.
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Assessment Calculation - The assessor applies the county's assessment ratio or tax rate to compute the property's assessed value, which serves as the basis for property taxes.
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Notification - The assessor sends a notice to the owner indicating their assessed value and any information on how to appeal the assessment.
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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.
Easements and Covenants
You will also see easements and covenants that affect property. Easements and covenants appear on deeds dictating certain situations. Easements are rights of way allowing 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 asking first. 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:
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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.
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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 actual size of the property and its connection to nearby properties.
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Monuments and Markers - The survey may identify existing monuments, markers, or points used to define the boundaries.
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Easements and Encroachments - Property surveys may reveal any easements or encroachments on the property. Easements denote property areas subject to shared access or usage by others.
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Surveyor's Certificate - A certificate or statement from the professional surveyor who conducted the survey will be included with the survey. It confirms the survey's accuracy as well as the surveyor's qualifications.
Historical Property Records
The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office has older, archived property records that you can review. Current records will be held at the local county recorder's office.
Building Permits and Regulations in Nevada
Towns and cities handle building permits. Contact the local building inspectors or land development office if you need one in your area. Some towns and cities have online application forms where you can begin the process.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/nevada/property_records_03.jpg)
There are many reasons why you might embark on a property history search. The good news is you have a bunch of options available to you when searching. Try the methods below to find one that works for you.
Online Property Record Search
Start with a basic online property record search. Enter the full property address into a search bar and see what comes up. Chances are you will find small bits of information but not necessarily what you seek. You may have to go further.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can visit any local county recorder's office during regular business hours to ask for records. You may need to wait if they are busy, and they will charge you a small fee per page for copies.
Using Property Record Indexes
You can also try property record indexes. There are dozens of these sites online, but you never know how updated, current, or accurate the data is. Be careful; always verify.
Utilizing Commercial Services
The best and fastest way to find what you need is using a professional property records service like PropertyChecker. Gain access to unlimited searches of millions of nationwide property records. Everything is all in one place at your fingertips. It couldn't be any easier.
How to Search Property Records by Address
It's much easier to find property records when you search using the property address. Type in the full address, including city, state, and zip, and review the results.
How to Search Property Records by Name
Sometimes, you can also search using the owner's name. This type of search is not always available and may yield unexpected results. You may see records from a historical owner rather than the current one.
Understanding Property Ownership in Nevada
Property ownership comes with some joys and also some responsibilities. You must pay your mortgage and taxes on time if you want to keep your home. When you purchase property in Nevada, your name and address will appear in public property records as the owner.
Identifying Property Owners
If you need to find the owner of a specific property, don't worry; it's very easy. All you need to do is contact the county recorder where the property is located and ask for the most recent deed. There, you will find the current owner's name and address.
Chain of Title
The chain of title refers to the public record of everyone who has ever owned the property. This trail is made up of deeds from the first one. The chain must remain unbroken at all times.
Ownership History and Transfers
Tracing back ownership history can be interesting. Remember that homes do not always change hands through real estate deals. Sometimes, the property is willed or gifted to others. Regardless of how it transfers, the new deed must be recorded with the county recorder's office to be legal.
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 and Land Measurements
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.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
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.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Nevada
Liens are encumbrances that reflect negatively on a property and its owners. Too many can indicate financial problems, and these 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 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:
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Details About the Property - The record may contain details on the mortgaged property, such as the legal description, address, and any relevant identifying information.
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Terms of the Loan - The document should include the principal amount, interest rate, repayment plan, and any special restrictions or circumstances affecting the mortgage.
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Penalties - Mortgages in Nevada may include provisions for late payment penalties, prepayment options, and the foreclosure process in the event of default.
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Names of Parties - Mortgage documents in Nevada typically include the borrower's (mortgagor's) and lender's (mortgagee's) names.
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:
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The first step is giving the property owner a notice of the right to lien. Some parties are exempted from giving notice depending on Nevada Revised Statutes. Claimants must send the notices in person or by certified mail.
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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.
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The third step is filing the lien form at the Clerk Recorder's office. Filing the lien is a crucial step that claimants must follow correctly. Claimants must have the right recording fees and requirements. Offices accept mail, e-recording, and filing in person. However, it is safer to go in person.
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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.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Nevada
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Nevada](img/states/nevada/property_records_04.jpg)
Property records really come into play before, during, and after real estate transactions. Before the sale, many of the players consult property records to collect information. Others, like appraisals, assessments, and deeds, are created during the process. After the sale, some documents will be recorded and replace older ones.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
You should always find out as much as possible about a property before buying it. Property records can provide all the intricate details you need to make an informed purchase.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
When selling property in Nevada, you must disclose any material defects about the property that you know of. Usually, these things are related to asbestos and lead paint, but they could be something as simple as a bad roof or a crumbling foundation.
Title Searches and Insurance
A property title search is designed to uncover any title issues or defects that could derail the sale. Your title company or attorney will perform one before the closing. If you borrow money to buy the house, your lender will require you to purchase title insurance, which protects you and them from any legal claims on the property after the sale.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Nevada
Foreclosures show up in property records, which can be embarrassing for the owner who is losing their home. Foreclosure homes are more difficult 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-Foreclosures in Nevada
Pre-foreclosure homes are those in the process of foreclosure but haven't yet been auctioned off. Investors and savvy buyers look for these types of homes to pick up cheap and sell for a profit. If the house is in a good location and in decent shape, it can be a great deal.
When was the House Built?
Some people embark on a property history search to find out when the house was built. It's easy to find out. Contact the county recorder's office where the property is located and ask to see the oldest building permit - the one that approved building the house and you will find out when it was built.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values are very important information that shows how much a property is worth at a given time. These values can change quickly due to inflation, the economy, and the local real estate market. They also help buyers and investors make decisions about purchasing real estate. Property values show up in property records, making it easy to track their increase or decrease over time.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are both tools used to determine a property's value. They work slightly differently. Tax assessors use assessments to calculate a property's value to set tax rates. Everyone must pay their fair share. Appraisers use various systems to determine the fair market value (FMV) and produce an appraisal report. Lenders use them to ensure the value of the home supports the loan. Estate planners may also use them.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Nevada
Several factors explain higher property values in some areas of Nevada, such as Las Vegas, Gardnerville Ranchos, and Reno. They include:
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Gaming and Entertainment Industry - Nevada is well-known for its casino and entertainment industries, especially in Las Vegas and Reno. The tourist and entertainment industries may impact the value of properties near casinos, resorts, or other entertainment venues.
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Water Rights - Given Nevada's arid climate, water rights are critical. Due to the importance of water, properties with water rights or access to water sources, such as wells or irrigation water, may have greater values.
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Outdoor Recreational Opportunities - Hiking, biking, boating, and skiing are just a few of the outdoor activities available in Nevada. Because of their proximity to recreational possibilities, properties near national parks, forests, lakes, or ski slopes may see increased demand and higher valuations.
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Solar Energy Potential - Nevada gets a lot of sunshine, making it ideal for generating solar energy. Due to the potential for energy savings and environmental considerations, properties with existing solar panels or those eligible for solar installations may have enhanced value.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/nevada/property_records_05.jpg)
Privacy is at the forefront of most people's minds these days. However, property records are public records, and they contain owner information such as name and address. Sometimes, they include additional details about the owner. Since they are public records, anyone can access property records anytime, in person or online. You do not need a reason.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public for two reasons. First, they document the public chain of title of a property, showing every owner since the first. Second, they help to prohibit any one government agency from having too much power over the people.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
Although you cannot remove all your personal information from public property records, you can remove some. Contact all the agencies and companies that hold your records and ask them to remove anything beyond your name and address. You don't want your phone and email address to be visible to the world.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
Throughout life, there are times when you should update your property records to keep them current. As life changes, so should your records. Some things to keep in mind are:
Correcting Errors on Property Records
As careful as you can be, sometimes property records contain errors. Contact the agency that holds them and ask them to fix the problem. You may need to provide source documentation showing the error.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
Legal changes also require updates. For example, you should update property records when someone dies. To do this, take the death certificate, will, and the person who now owns the property to the county recorder's office and ask them to draft a new deed.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Nevada
You will want to update your records if you get married or divorced. To do this, bring your divorce decree or marriage certificate to the recorder's office where the property is located and ask them to update the records. They will create a new deed for you to sign with the new name.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
Before buying property in Nevada, you need to consider many factors, including the value, taxes, insurance, and any liens. You can find out a lot more by consulting property records to make an informed decision. Use PropertyChecker as your go-to source for property records and find millions of nationwide records in minutes.
Nevada County Property Records
Nevada Property Records Search
Nevada Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Nevada
- What Are Property Records in Nevada?
- The Role of the County Recorder
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Nevada Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Nevada
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Nevada
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Nevada
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Nevada
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Nevada County Property Records