Indiana Property Records
![Property Records in Indiana](/img/states/indiana/property_records_01.jpg)
Home of the Indie 500 race, The Hoosier State, Indiana has a population of 6.8 million residents. The state bird is the cardinal, and Indiana was the first state to have a chapel in its state capitol. So many racing fans mean a lot of property and tons of property records.
Property records in Indiana impact residents, government agencies, the courts, and even private businesses. Lawyers, real estate agents, title companies, home buyers and sellers, researchers, investors, and others use property records to learn about properties and their owners.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Indiana property records: what they are, how they are used, the different types, where to find them, and how to correct and maintain them.
What Are Property Records in Indiana?
Property records in Indiana contain information about a property and its current and historical owners. Some property records, like deeds, perform functions like transferring ownership. Others, like appraisals and assessments, provide an opinion of the property's value. Building permits give homeowners the right to expand and renovate.
Components of Property Records in Indiana
There are various types of property records in Indiana. They all contain different information. Some of the information you can find in property records includes:
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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 Indiana
Indiana does not have a single repository for all property records. Instead, records are kept with different government offices and private companies. You must file deeds with the county assessor or recorder. For example, with Marion County, you would file deeds with the Marion County Assessor. The local county assessor also handles property taxes. You can use this resource to locate your specific county tax assessor. You may find other property records with real estate agents, lawyers, title companies, and land records with the court. The Area Planning office of the local government handles building permits.
What Are Property Records Recorder's Office
![What Are Property Records Recorder's Office](img/states/indiana/property_records_02.jpg)
Each local county in Indiana has a recorder's office where you can file and review public property records. You must visit during open hours, and if you request copies of records, depending on how busy they are, you may have to wait and pay a fee per page. The recorder's office makes the document legal. Once you file it, the paperwork becomes a public record.
How Property Records are Maintained in Indiana
To file a deed with the recorder's office, you must bring the notarized original, signed by all parties. The recorder's office will stamp, date, and file the original. They keep them according to their own system. If you need to change or correct records, you would need to contact the same office in the same county. The county may also scan the records and maintain them online for easy access.
Accessing Records at the Recorder's Office in Indiana
Property records are public records, and anyone has the right to access them. You can access them in person at the local county office or online. Many of the counties scan and keep records online. To get you started, here are some of the offices:
Recorder's Office Locations in Indiana
You must consult the local county where the property is located. Another county will not have the proper records. Therefore, you need the address of the correct recorder's office location. You can use this resource to find the correct recorder's office.
Types of Property Records
Indiana uses various types of property records to collect, disseminate, and make public information about the property and its owners. Each type serves a different purpose and is used by groups, individuals, companies, and government offices. The most common types used in Indiana are:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are one of the most common types of property records, and they often take center stage in real estate deals. These documents transfer ownership of a property and validate title to the land. Deeds contain a lot of information, including language that conveys the transfer from one person to another. They may also include restrictions, easements, and covenants.
Some of the information contained in a deed 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.
Property Tax Records
Indiana has one of the country's lowest property tax rates (0.75 of the property's value). The average Indiana resident pays about $1,371, which is far less than the national average of $2,795. Each county sets its own tax rate and uses the money for emergency services, police, schools, road maintenance, and other local services.
To learn more about the state's property tax data, you can use this stats tool.
The following information usually appears in a standard property tax record:
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Property Values - The document will show the various assessed values necessary for calculating property taxes.
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Tax Calculations - The record will show a summary of the calculations leading up to the final owed amount.
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Deductions - The report may show all applicable deductions.
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Local Tax Rate - Each property is taxed based on the local tax rate. The rate should, therefore, appear in the document.
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Owner Information - The document will show details about the owner, such as their name (s), address, and contact information.
Property taxes in Indiana are calculated by multiplying the property's assessed value after deductions by the local tax rate. However, there are a few other processes that can lengthen the calculations. For example, if a land or house is assessed at $200,000, it is the gross assessed value. If it is the owner's primary residence, the property is eligible for Homestead Standard Deduction ($45,000 OR 60% of the gross assessed value, whichever is less). The property is also eligible for the Supplemental Homestead Deduction(35% of the remaining value to $600,000; 25% above $600,000).
After applying the deductions, the resulting value is the assessed value, which is used to calculate the tax bill. In this example, the assessed value would be $100,750. The value is then calculated per $100; the property is charged 70.9 cents for every $100. The resulting tax bill would, therefore, amount to $714.32. In addition, the total tax bill can be reduced further by subtracting property tax credits. For example, for homestead properties, the property tax caps prevent the owner from paying over 1% of the grossed assessed value in taxes. But in this example, the owner would not receive an additional credit for the tax caps.
How Often is Property Tax in Indiana Assessed?
Before 2002, assessors assessed Indiana properties every 5 to 10 years. Unfortunately, the timespan led to a significant change in property tax bills, resulting in a sudden value increase. Today, assessors assess property taxes annually. The standard process is as follows:
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Valuation - The assessor values the property using mass appraisal techniques. The techniques involve examining the property in conjunction with similar properties in the area. The assessor will consider the property's age, condition, and grade.
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Annual Adjustment - The annual adjustment is also known as "trending". It is when the assessor examines each year's property sales data to determine if the property values in the area should change to match the market values from recent property sales.
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Tax Calculations - With the grossed assessed value, the assessor makes tax calculations based on the local tax rate and by applying all valid deductions. The assessor may then send a notice of assessment of Form 11, showing the taxes owed. Alternatively, homeowners may access their tax bill or TS-1 tax comparison statement.
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Appeals - If the homeowners feel the assessment does not reflect the property's market value-in-use, they may appeal by contacting the local assessor by June 15th after receiving Form 11.
Easements and Covenants
Easements are legal rights to enter property without the owner's consent. A good example is a power company with telephone poles on someone's private land. The company can enter the property and maintain its lines without first asking.
Covenants are slightly different. These are rules about how you can use the land. Most often, you see them in condo developments and other gated communities. Another example would be land near a wildlife preserve with rules about not developing or disturbing the animals.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps showing the boundaries of a specific property. Plats, however, show the boundaries of other neighboring properties, while surveys do not.
The information in survey documents differs, but the general information includes the following:
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Property Description - The property survey document will show a legal description of the property with details such as the lot size and dimensions.
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Boundary Lines - The record will show the property's boundaries indicating each boundary's exact locations and lengths.
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Improvements and Structures - The document will identify existing structures like fences, utility lines, and buildings in their exact locations.
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Topographic Features - Topographic features such as elevation points and contours may appear in the document.
Historical Property Records
Most counties will have mountains of property records. After a specific time, they retire them to the archives, leaving more current records easily accessible. You can find state archives with the Indiana Archives and Records Administration.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/indiana/property_records_03.jpg)
Searching for property records is much easier than in the past. You have a few options available to you depending on what you are looking for and for what purpose. You might try online resources if you just need to look something up. If you need a printed certified copy, you might want to visit the county recorder's office in person. Your options for searching for property records are as follows:
Online Property Record Search
Your first step should be to try an online search. Enter the property's address or the owner's name into a Google search and see what comes up for results. You may get lucky or may strike out.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can visit any county recorder's office in person during regular business hours. The office may have a process for requesting records, and you may also be charged a small fee per page.
Using Property Record Indexes
You can also search using property records indexes. Realty sites, businesses, and title companies may offer these services. But be careful, as the information may not be up-to-date or correct.
Utilizing Commercial Services
Another great option is to use a professional property records service like PropertyChecker. This service allows you to run unlimited nationwide searches for property records 24/7. It's one of the fastest and most effective ways to find what you are looking for.
How to Search Property Records by Address
The best way to search is by using the property address. To find out all about it, simply enter the full address, including city, state, and zip.
How to Search Property Records by Name
You can sometimes search using the current or historical owner's name. This is less effective but may work.
Understanding Property Ownership in Indiana
It's wonderful to own your own home, but it also comes with certain responsibilities like paying taxes and keeping your property records up to date. Property records are public records, and the owner's information is clearly shown to anyone reviewing them.
Identifying Property Owners
There are many instances where you might need to find the owner of a property. You can do so easily by looking the property up online or visiting the county recorder's office in person.
What is the Chain of Title?
A chain of title is a complete list of all owners of a property, going back to the first person who ever owned it. It must remain unbroken. Someone will have always owned it.
Ownership History and Transfers
Property most often changes hands through real estate sales, but there are also other ways. For example, a parent might leave property to a child in their will, or someone might sign over their deed to a debtor to pay off a loan.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Indiana
Most people don't think about the property's legal description, which can be found on many different documents, such as deeds, appraisals, mortgages, liens, property taxes, and more.
Legal Property Descriptions
A legal property description uses words and landmarks to clearly identify the property so anyone can find it. These may vary in format and style depending on who first wrote it.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys measure land and define the property's boundaries. They include maps and figures. Surveyors use specialized equipment to measure boundaries.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Whenever someone encroaches onto another person's land, a boundary dispute could ensue. These often end up in court. The judge must decide who owns what and where the boundaries lie. They sometimes enlist the help of professional surveyors to provide expert testimony.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Indiana
Encumbrances like liens can soil a property's reputation and make it very hard to sell. There are two main types of liens: voluntary liens and involuntary liens.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are imposed on your deed with your approval. This occurs when you borrow money and use your house as the collateral. You do so voluntarily.
Mortgage Liens
Whenever you cannot pay cash for your home, you must take out a mortgage. Lenders will give you the money to buy the house as long as you agree to make monthly payments with interest and allow them to place a lien on the property. If you default on the loan, they can use the lien to foreclose and sell the property at auction to get back their money.
The following information is outlined in a standard mortgage record in Indiana:
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Names of the Parties - The document will identify the parties in the transaction as mortgagor and mortgagee.
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Property Description - The document will show a detailed description of the property being mortgaged.
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Loan Terms - The record will show the loan terms, including how long it will be in effect.
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Payment Obligations - The payment obligation section shows the deadline for each payment and how often they should be, plus the minimum amount.
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Penalties - The loan should cover the penalties applied to the borrower in case of late or missed payments.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are those which you do not choose. When you owe a debt and do not pay, the party that you owe can place a lien on your property and eventually foreclose.
Mechanic's Liens
Contractors, subcontractors, laborers, and material suppliers can place a lien on a property if they do work and the homeowner does not pay them. The contractor must follow strict rules and a tight deadline (60 days from completion and non-payment), and mechanic's liens do not last forever.
Tax Liens
If you do not pay your property taxes on time, the county assessor can impose a tax lien on your property. That means they can foreclose and sell your house at auction if you do not resolve the issue quickly.
Judgment Liens
Creditors have the right to impose judgment liens on your property if you owe a debt and refuse to pay. They must first sue you in court, and then if the judge rules in their favor (the judgment), they can place a lien, foreclose, and sell your home to get their money back.
The Process of Property Liens in Indiana
The following is the process of placing a mechanic's lien in the state:
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The first step is filling out the lien form. The form should include information such as the amount claimed, the owner's details, the legal description of the land, name, and address of the claimant. The lien must be a sworn statement but may be verified by an attorney on behalf of the claimant. Indiana laws are specific about the property owner's identity, so claimants must find the actual property owner, not just the reputed owner.
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Next, the claimant must prepare duplicates of the form and sign them in the presence of a notary. The claimants must file both notarized copies to the recorder's office at the county level. The office usually charges a fee for the recording.
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The county recorder may serve the property owner with a notice in three days. The lien will then stay in effect for one year.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Indiana
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Indiana](img/states/indiana/property_records_04.jpg)
Real estate transactions are where you will see various types of property records. Before the sale, the buyer, real estate agent, and title company consult property records to get information. During the sale, more records will be created, and after, the new deed will be filed with the county assessor.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying property, you should learn as much as you can about it. Consulting property records can fill in many blanks and give you peace of mind before buying.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
When selling a property in Indiana, you must offer the buyer certain disclosures, such as whether the property has ever had lead paint or asbestos in it. If you do not know the answers, you can consult property records to find out.
Title Searches and Insurance
Usually, an attorney or title company handles real estate closings. Before that, they run a full property title search looking for any defects in the title (legal claims against the property). If you borrow money to buy the house, your lender will require you to purchase title insurance, which protects you and the lender from legal claims after the sale.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Indiana
When someone has a lien on their property and fails to pay the debt, the debtor has the right to foreclose and sell the property. Foreclosure homes are called "distressed properties". Investors often look for foreclosure homes to buy cheap and sell at a profit.
Property Records and Property Values
One of the most impactful pieces of information from property records is the property's value. It can tell you how much it is worth, and you can find surrounding property values to assess the neighborhood as a whole. However, the value may differ based on what document you seek.
Assessments and Appraisals
County tax assessors use assessments to value property records and set tax rates. Lenders, the courts, and individuals use appraisals to value the property for mortgages and estate planning. The value of an assessment may not match the value of an appraisal on the same property.
Property Records and Market Value
Typically, appraisals aim to find a home's fair market value (FMV) so that if the homeowner defaults on the mortgage, the lender can seize and sell the house to get their money back. Property assessments don't always match fair market value.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/indiana/property_records_05.jpg)
Whenever the topic of property records comes up, you may also consider privacy. Some property records may contain too much private information. Since they are public, anyone can view them and get copies.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public to prevent any government agency from having too much control over the public.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
It's impossible to keep all your personal information out of property records. You can, however, contact the local county recorder's office, the courts, and the tax assessor and have them redact anything beyond your name and address. You won't want your email address or phone number exposed in public records.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
Maintaining and amending property records is your responsibility. No one will know to do it automatically. You must be proactive and keep all your property records up to date and correct.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Humans create property records, and humans make errors. If you notice something incorrect on your property records, bring the source documents (proving the error) with you and visit the local county recorder's office to fix it. They will have a process for making corrections.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You may also have to update property records when someone dies. If the property is willed to another person, a new deed must be filed with the local county recorder's office. Remember, it must also be notarized, and you must bring the death certificate and will to prove the change.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Indiana
When someone gets married or divorced, they may also want to update their deed. You can do so by bringing the marriage certificate or divorce decree to the office and asking them to update it.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
There is a lot to consider before buying a property in Indiana. Property records can tell you a lot about it, including its value, taxes, assessments, liens, foreclosures, and more. Use PropertyChecker for the most comprehensive property records anywhere. You can search 2/47 unlimited and access nationwide records, including Indiana property records.
Indiana County Property Records
- Adams County
- Allen County
- Bartholomew County
- Benton County
- Blackford County
- Boone County
- Brown County
- Carroll County
- Cass County
- Clark County
- Clay County
- Clinton County
- Crawford County
- Daviess County
- Dearborn County
- Decatur County
- DeKalb County
- Delaware County
- Dubois County
- Elkhart County
- Fayette County
- Floyd County
- Fountain County
- Franklin County
- Fulton County
- Gibson County
- Grant County
- Greene County
- Hamilton County
- Hancock County
- Harrison County
- Hendricks County
- Henry County
- Howard County
- Huntington County
- Jackson County
- Jasper County
- Jay County
- Jefferson County
- Jennings County
- Johnson County
- Knox County
- Kosciusko County
- LaGrange County
- Lake County
- LaPorte County
- Lawrence County
- Madison County
- Marion County
- Marshall County
- Martin County
- Miami County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Morgan County
- Newton County
- Noble County
- Ohio County
- Orange County
- Owen County
- Parke County
- Perry County
- Pike County
- Porter County
- Posey County
- Pulaski County
- Putnam County
- Randolph County
- Ripley County
- Rush County
- Scott County
- Shelby County
- Spencer County
- St. Joseph County
- Starke County
- Steuben County
- Sullivan County
- Switzerland County
- Tippecanoe County
- Tipton County
- Union County
- Vanderburgh County
- Vermillion County
- Vigo County
- Wabash County
- Warren County
- Warrick County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- Wells County
- White County
- Whitley County
Indiana Property Records Search
Indiana Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Indiana
- What Are Property Records in Indiana?
- What Are Property Records Recorder's Office
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Indiana Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Indiana
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Indiana
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Indiana
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Indiana
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Indiana County Property Records