Oregon Property Records
![Property Records in Oregon](/img/states/oregon/property_records_01.jpg)
Explorers Lewis and Clark were some of the earliest Americans to explore what is now the state of Oregon. The Hazelnut tree is the official state nut, and Oregon grows 99% of the hazelnut crops for the entire country. Oregon is made up of many lowlands, plateaus, and mountains. It borders the Pacific Ocean on one side, providing plenty of beachfront properties and water sports for the residents. The Beaver State of Oregon has a population of 4.24 million residents. That means a lot of property and even more property records.
The more people and properties a state has, the more plentiful the property records. These records impact the local government, the state, and the residents. They are crucial for many important legal situations and when buying and selling property. Realtors, attorneys, title companies, investors, government agencies, private companies, and even individuals use property records every day to gather information about a property or its owners.
Keep reading to learn more about Oregon property records, what they are, how they work, specifics to the state, the different types, where to find them, and how to change them during life events.
What Are Property Records in Oregon?
Oregon property records are official documents that contain information about a piece of real property, the land, buildings, and owners. They may include items about the current owner or even past owners. Some Oregon property records are legal documents held by government agencies, and others are more informal held by private companies or other entities.
Property History Search Can Include
During a property history search, you may encounter many different types of property records, some with more detail and some with less. Property records vary quite a bit. They are public records, so you can easily search for and find them.
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 Oregon
Sadly, property records are not held by a single agency; they are scattered among different government offices, local companies, private contractors, and others. If you need to look up or record a deed, you will visit the recorder's office in the county where the property resides. For example, Multnomah County offers four ways for you to record a property deed. If you have a question about your property tax bill, you should contact the local county tax assessor. The Oregon Department of Revenue oversees all county tax assessors. If you are a contractor in need of a building permit, you can use Oregon's ePermitting System. Residents needing permits can use the state resource to apply.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
Oregon's Secretary of State handles land records and archives. Land records consist of maps, surveys, plats, and land claims. Property records differ because they contain a lot more information about the property and its owners.
The Role of the Recorder's Office
![The Role of the Recorder's Office](img/states/oregon/property_records_02.jpg)
Each county has a recorder's office that handles many administrative tasks for the county. One of its duties is to record and maintain property records. Once a document has been recorded, it becomes a public record, and the office must make it available to anyone wishing to review it.
How Property Records are Maintained in Oregon
Oregon county officials have the right to maintain property records using their own system. However, once a document is submitted, they stamp it with the date, time, and a unique identifier so they can locate it quickly. Many of these offices also scan and store records online for easy access.
Accessing Records at the Recorder's Office in Oregon
Performing a property history search is easy if you know where to go. Jackson County, Oregon, offers a handy tool for the public to search for and find public property records. To find information about some of the other counties, use the links below:
Recorder's Office Locations in Oregon
Oregon has many counties, and finding the right resource for records is essential. Use this list to find the county recorder's office you need, and then search online or visit for more information.
Types of Property Records
When you think about property records, you probably think about deeds, but there are also many other types with varying degrees of information on them. Some of the information will be about the land and buildings, and other information will be about the owners.
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds and conveyance records are one of the most common types. In Oregon, these are filed and kept with the local county recorder's office. Deeds transfer ownership of a property and provide the level of warranty that comes along with it.
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
Oregon counties collect annual property taxes from each homeowner to pay for things like schools, road maintenance, bridges, fire, police, and local government salaries. It's every property owner's responsibility to pay their taxes on time. If they do not, the county can place a lien on the property and eventually foreclose and sell the house at auction to pay the unpaid taxes.
Oregon's average effective property tax rate is 0.82%, but it varies from county to county. The average homeowner pays about $1,786.74 each year.
Tax records in Oregon usually contain the following information:
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Tax Exemptions - The document will include any exemptions or tax relief applying to the property.
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Tax Calculations - The record may show a breakdown of all the tax calculations leading up to the owed amount.
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Tax Rates - Each property falls under a taxing jurisdiction. Therefore, the document will identify the jurisdiction and the total tax rate applied to the property.
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Assessment Value - The document will show the property's assessed values as determined by a county assessor.
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Payment Methods - The document may show the accepted payment methods. The section may also include any contributions the property owner has made and when they were made.
How Often is Property Tax in Oregon Assessed?
The county assessor determines a property's real market value every year, calculating its maximum assessed value. Property owners are taxed on the lesser value. Local assessors conduct the study and determine the property's value. The process of assessment goes as follows:
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Property Valuation - The assessor determines the fair market value by considering its attributes, location, sales data, and other important information throughout the appraisal process.
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Noticing - The assessor delivers an assessment notification to property owners. The notice informs owners of their property's assessed value for the forthcoming tax year. If the property owner disagrees with the valuation, the assessment notification contains information on how to appeal the assessment.
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Appeal - Property owners can appeal their assessed value by submitting an appeal to the County Board of Tax Appeal. The board examines the case but may not resolve to reduce taxes. Individuals may appeal the board's decision to the Magistrate Division of the Oregon Tax Court. Assessors also have the right to appeal the board's decision. The appeal filing deadline is 30 days after the board's decision.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants frequently accompany deeds and other property records. These provide explicit instructions about how the property may be used. Easements are rights-of-way allowing someone access to the property even though they are not the owner. An example would be a town road leading to a quarry that passes over private land. The town could use the road anytime they like without asking the owner.
Covenants are most often found in gated communities and condos. They are strict rules that the owners must abide by. Some communities do not allow homeowners to have pets. If you wish to live in that area, you cannot have a dog or cat.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps. Surveys only show the boundaries of a single property, whereas plats show the boundaries of all the surrounding properties.
The following are types of property surveys and what information they include:
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Boundary Survey - A boundary survey locates the corners and boundary lines of the land. In some cases, it notes easements of the land.
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Partition / Subdivision - The survey partitions or subdivides land into small pieces showing survey data on a map.
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Construction Staking - A construction staking survey is carried out during the project's construction phase. The study guides the construction process and ensures the project is built in the desired location and alignment.
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Condominium Plat - A condominium plat survey establishes a condominium development's plat or map. The survey also determines whether any easements or encroachments are required.
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Monitoring Survey - A monitoring survey observes and quantifies changes in land or structures over time. It monitors structural, slope, or other geotechnical feature movement, settlement, or deformation.
Historical Property Records
Over time, a state's property records become massive. Many counties choose to offload their older records into archives and historical repositories. Although you might be able to find current records online, you might have to visit an archive building for paper historical records. Oregon's Secretary of State handles all archived records.
Building Permits and Regulations in Oregon
Before building a new structure, renovating an existing one, or demolishing a building, you need a building permit. If you are a contractor, you can use Oregon's ePermitting System. If you are a resident, you must use the state resource to apply for a building permit.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/oregon/property_records_03.jpg)
Searching for property records is an easy task. It can unearth a lot of valuable information, some that may even surprise you. Thankfully, you have a variety of useful methods for performing a property history search.
Online Property Record Search
The first thing to try is an online property records search. Type the full property address into a Google search bar and see what comes up. You might be surprised. If that doesn't yield enough information, try one of the other methods below.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can visit the government office that holds the records. In Oregon, that would be the recorder's office or tax assessor. You can also find historical records with the Secretary of State. You can only visit during regular business hours, and they may charge you a small fee.
Using Property Record Indexes
Try some of the online property record indexes to see what comes up. Just keep in mind that these repositories get their records from all over the place and may not be updated or correct.
Utilizing Commercial Services
The absolute best way to find nationwide property records is to use a professional service like PropertyChecker. You can run unlimited searches and find everything all in one place within minutes.
How to Search Property Records by Address
It's always best to use the property address to find information. Enter the full address, including state and zip code, into any search portal you use.
How to Search Property Records by Name
Occasionally, you can also search using the owner's name. You may or may not find what you need.
Understanding Property Ownership in Oregon
Oregon is a beautiful state, and owning property there is fabulous. However, property ownership also means paying your taxes on time and, for many homeowners, keeping up with mortgage payments. Your name and address will appear in property records.
Identifying Property Owners
It's pretty easy to identify property owners since property records are public. You can perform an online search or visit the county recorder's office to ask who owns a specific property. Every owner is documented regardless of how the property changes hands.
Chain of Title
The chain of title is the public record of all owners of a specific piece of real property. It is never broken and must remain intact. Someone always owned the property since the first owner.
Ownership History and Transfers
Most property changes hands through real estate sales, but it can happen in other ways, too. People often will property to others after they die. Sometimes, a person will sign over the deed to their house in lieu of a debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Oregon
Legal property descriptions are essential pieces of information. They usually include plats, maps, coordinates, and a written property description, including natural landmarks, making it easy for anyone to identify and find it.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys are a process of land measurement. Surveyors use specialized equipment to measure land and determine exact coordinates for a specific piece of land. They are used before building a new house, utilities installation, and in boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Boundary disputes occur frequently. Whenever someone thinks another person is crossing their property lines, they might make a fuss. These disputes often end up in court, where a judge will decide. The courts heavily rely on surveyors to provide expert testimony.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Oregon
Too many liens on a property can ruin its reputation and that of its owners. Most properties have a mortgage lien, but the property value will drop when it gets into involuntary liens, and it could be hard to sell. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are like mortgage liens and home equity liens. You choose them by using your home as collateral to support a loan.
Mortgage Liens
Mortgage liens are the most common type. Whenever you take out a loan to buy a house, you agree to allow the lender to place a lien on the property. Then, if you fail to pay them back, they can seize and sell the property to recover their money.
The following information appears in Oregon mortgage documents:
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Interest Rate - Every mortgage has an interest rate to calculate the total amount owed. The interest rate should appear in the initial contract.
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Loan Amount - The document should show the loan amount and the total repayable amount after interest.
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Payment Guidelines - The document may include guidelines on how to contribute to the loan, minimum contribution amounts, and the deadline for total loan repayment.
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Penalties - The document should provide information on fines and fees for late or missed payments. It may also include provisions for foreclosure.
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Lender and Borrower - The document should provide information on the lender and borrower, plus their rights and responsibilities.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are imposed on the property against your will for unpaid debts you owe.
Mechanic's Liens
When workers perform jobs on your property and you don't pay them, they can use a mechanic's lien to force you to pay. They must follow strict rules and timelines, but once the lien is in place, if you sell the property, they will be paid before you get the proceeds.
Tax Liens
Everyone who owns property must pay annual taxes. If you do not pay, the county will impose a lien on your property, and shortly after, they will sell your property at auction to pay off the back taxes.
Judgment Liens
Creditors use judgment liens the same way that contractors use a mechanic's lien. If you owe the creditor money, they will put a lien on the property. They will then take you to court, and if they win, they can foreclose and sell the property to pay off the debt.
The Process of Property Liens in Oregon
Creating and filing a property lien in Oregon depends on the type of lien. The following is a breakdown of how contractors and suppliers file mechanic liens in the state:
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The first step is to send a preliminary notice. The preliminary notice should appear within eight days of beginning work. Those who contract directly with the owner need to only provide a preliminary notice for residential projects exceeding $2,000, while all other participants must send the notice regardless of the price.
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Next, the claimant must fill the mechanic's lien form with information such as the property description, the work or labor description, and the owner's details. The claimant should verify the information to ensure it is correct.
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Filing the lien is the next step; individuals must do it in the county Clerk/Recorder's office. The offices charge recording fees and have specific requirements which individuals must meet. In addition, the office offers various forms of filing.
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The next step is providing a copy of the recorded lien on the property owner. Once this is complete, the claimant may enforce or release the lien.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Oregon
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Oregon](img/states/oregon/property_records_04.jpg)
Real estate deals are the most common event where you will see property records throughout. Before the sale, realtors, appraisers, assessors, inspectors, and title companies may use property records to gather information. The buyer may check out historical property records to see how the value has changed. More property records will be created during the sale, and older ones will be replaced.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying property in Oregon, find out all you can about it. Use property records to fill in any blanks and look for things like the value, taxes, insurance, and building permits.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
Property sellers must disclose certain things about a house before selling it. For example, if they know that the foundation is crumbling, they must tell potential buyers. Other important items are whether or not the house has ever used lead paint or asbestos.
Title Searches and Insurance
When you take out a mortgage, the bank will require you to buy title insurance to protect them and you from any legal claims on the property after the sale. Usually, a title company representative or attorney will perform a full property title search heading off any issues like this.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Oregon
A house can end up in foreclosure in many scenarios. Once in foreclosure, the house can be harder to sell, and many buyers don't want to deal with the headaches. A foreclosure appears in property records and can sully the owner's reputation.
Pre-Foreclosures in Oregon
Although regular buyers may not want to buy a pre-foreclosure house, investors do. They can pick up homes cheaply and sell them for a big profit quickly.
When was the House Built?
Property records also tell you when the house was built. Look at building permits, going back to the very first one, and you will find the date when the house was built.
Property Records and Property Values
Property records often contain property values. The value is an essential bit of information helping you make an informed decision. Banks and other lenders require that properties be valued before a sale to ensure that the fair market value supports the loan.
Assessments and Appraisals
Tax officials use assessments to value pieces of property to set tax rates and charge residents their fair share. Lenders use appraisals to determine the value of the property and reduce risk. Sometimes, people hire private appraisers for estate planning and other reasons.
Property Records and Market Value
Assessments and appraisals can vary, and the assessed tax value may not always equal the fair market value. The fair market value is the yardstick used to compare properties in the same local area.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Oregon
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Location - Oregon's different landscapes, including coastal areas, mountains, woods, and picturesque views, can considerably impact property values. Properties in desirable settings, such as those with waterfront views, mountain views, or closeness to natural attractions, can command higher prices.
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Sustainability and Environmental Factors - Oregon is known for its dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability. Because of the state's environmentally sensitive culture, properties with eco-friendly amenities, energy-efficient architecture, or closeness to green spaces, parks, or hiking trails may have higher prices.
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Natural Resources - Oregon is well-known for its enormous natural resources, which include timber, lakes of water, and agricultural land. Property values can be influenced by the existence and accessibility of these resources, particularly in rural and agricultural settings.
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Cultural and Artistic Centers - Oregon boasts a thriving cultural scene with theaters, music venues, galleries, and art groups. Property values may rise in communities with a strong arts and cultural presence, such as Portland, Eugene, or Ashland, due to the appeal of these cultural facilities.
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Outdoor Recreation - Hiking, fishing, skiing, and camping are just a few of the outdoor activities available in Oregon. Property values and demand are often higher in places near recreational areas, national parks, or outdoor facilities.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/oregon/property_records_05.jpg)
Property records are public records. Therefore, anyone can access them and collect information such as the owner's name and address. Sometimes, additional details about the owner will be present in public records. You can find public records online and in person at government offices.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public records that record and preserve the chain of title, showing everyone who has ever owned a property. They are also public to prevent any one government office from having too much power over the people. It is an effort of transparency.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
You cannot remove all your information from public property records. However, you can take steps to minimize your exposure to identity theft and fraud. Contact the office that holds your property records and ask them to remove anything beyond your name and address. Your phone, email, and other details do not need to be out there.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
When life events occur, you may want to change your property records. When you need them, you want them to be correct and updated. The government office that holds them will not update them without you asking. It's up to you to keep yours current.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Sometimes, public property records need to be corrected. If you notice anything incorrect on yours, contact the recorder's office or other agency, bring them documentation proving the error, and ask them to fix it.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You might also need to update property records when someone dies. Usually, the person will leave the property to a beneficiary. Bring the death certificate, will, and that person to the recorder's office, and they will create a new deed, transferring ownership. All signatures will have to be notarized.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Oregon
When people get married or divorced, they should also change their name on property records to reflect the current state. Bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree to the proper county office and ask for them to change it.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
Before buying property in Oregon, you need to consider many factors. A property history search can fill in many blanks and give you solid information to make a decision. Some things to consider are taxes, the value, liens, foreclosures, insurance, and building permits. Use PropertyChecker as your go-to property records source to find all that and more.
Oregon County Property Records
- Baker County
- Benton County
- Clackamas County
- Clatsop County
- Columbia County
- Coos County
- Crook County
- Curry County
- Deschutes County
- Douglas County
- Grant County
- Harney County
- Hood River County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Josephine County
- Klamath County
- Lake County
- Lane County
- Lincoln County
- Linn County
- Malheur County
- Marion County
- Morrow County
- Multnomah County
- Polk County
- Tillamook County
- Umatilla County
- Union County
- Wallowa County
- Wasco County
- Washington County
- Yamhill County
Oregon Property Records Search
Oregon Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Oregon
- What Are Property Records in Oregon?
- The Role of the Recorder's Office
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Oregon Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Oregon
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Oregon
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Oregon
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Oregon
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Oregon County Property Records