Verifying property ownership (foreclosure, leasing, houses)

[hades02]

I am looking to rent a house in Waterford Lakes. The owner is not using a management company but is leasing directly. She lives in NJ. I went and looked at the property as the current tenant is still there and moving out on the 31st. Is there a way to verify online that this person actually owns the property? Current tenant had nothing but great things to say about the owner.

[sergiodurante]

Assuming online records are up to date you go the Orange county appraiser's website and just do a record search via the property address or owner name.

You can also check the Orange County Comptroller's website to see what kind of liens or notices, judgements, etc. have been granted to that particular property.

Hope that helps.

[hades02]

Thank you Sergio. Records from the appraisers site came back with the previous owners name (the one that got forclosed on). The current "Owner" bought it from foreclosure and is renting it. I will try the comptroller's site.

[idr591]

I would be very weary.

[hades02]

Sergio,

Thank you for the advice. Using the comptrollers site I was able to get the parcel number and then using that number at the appraisers site, I found the property and was able to confirm that the landlord is legitimate. It even confirms her mailing address as New Jersey which ties to her cell phone number that she calls me from.

[sergiodurante]

Originally Posted by hades02

Sergio,

Thank you for the advice. Using the comptrollers site I was able to get the parcel number and then using that number at the appraisers site, I found the property and was able to confirm that the landlord is legitimate. It even confirms her mailing address as New Jersey which ties to her cell phone number that she calls me from.

You are welcome!

[VTGal]

Great idea to check on ownership and to be aware that the property is not in danger of foreclosure

[Rabflmom]

Originally Posted by VTGal

Great idea to check on ownership and to be aware that the property is not in danger of foreclosure

Good way to check to see if any liens on your own property, too. I remember in years past hearing that people who had houses built, found out that there were subcontractor liens on their houses because the builder had not paid them. They almost lost their homes.