It’s a funny thing how difficult – and how easy – it can be to learn who actually owns a property – critical information for a real estate investor! Perhaps you’ve picked this property out on a drive-by and don’t want to knock on the door; or the property is vacant; or you are avoiding talking to a resident tenant. How do you find out how to contact the owner – and even some background information about them?

In the United States, the County Tax Assessor’s office where the property resides has public records of who owns each property, along with the taxes assessed. In some counties you can look this information up by the address; in others you first need to find out the APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number). The APN is usually available (with a bit of research) at the County Recorder’s office – or they can tell you where and how to find it.

Or, you may be able to do it the easy way online, and simply check out Zillow.com.

Don’t forget that with the owner’s name, you can now do a records search to learn what other property they own – this can be quite instructive!

And, now you can learn much more about the individual through internet search services (sometimes a shocking amount). Phone number, age, marital status, spouse and often former spouses as well, past addresses, even the names of grown children and other family members are easily obtained on a vast number of people.

Most of these services are available for about $25 for an unlimited number of searches, providing addresses, phone numbers (usually landline numbers only, cell phone numbers are more rare), “possible relatives”, and various other tidbits.

Peoplefinders.com is generous with information about addresses and relatives. Pipl.com even more clearly identifies other residents at the same address. Instantcheckmate.com, a source service for several of the other online services, for an extra fee gives access to automobile ownership, home ownership, email addresses, and social media connections such as Facebook. There are many other paid online services that access the same or similar information, in different formats.

The exception to paying for searches are occasional good free hits on Whitepages.com.

Why would you research a property owner so thoroughly? Personal information can help you prepare a more relevant message for your first contact, be it a letter or a conversation. But of course, such intimate information should be treated respectfully, and it is probably better not to share how much you already know.

Information is part of your preparation, and is a powerful tool in the real estate investing business! Use it judiciously, wisely and respectfully, and let it help both you and the other party to a successful journey in this transaction.

What are your fastest and most up-to-date sources of home owner information?

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