What are Colorado Property Records?
Colorado property records contain essential details about real property or a particular parcel of land, including ownership information and history, zoning regulations, boundary descriptions, liens and encumbrances, transfer history, appraisals, and assessments. Property records in Colorado are primarily held at the county level, in the judicial district where the property is situated. These records are maintained by government officials, custodians, or in repositories, and per Colorado public records law, they may be made available to interested and eligible members of the public.
Colorado property records are vital because they provide a legal record of ownership or real estate. They also make it easy to identify who is responsible for taxes, fees, and other obligations associated with the property. Property records also provide lenders with accurate information about mortgages and liens so that transactions involving the sale or refinancing of a property can be completed. In addition, by providing an accurate title history, property records contribute to sound real estate investments and protect buyers from any potential issues related to fraudulent claims of ownership. Consequently, when disputes arise between parties regarding boundaries or encroachments onto adjacent properties, accurate property records can be used as evidence in resolving such disputes.
Are Colorado Property Records Public?
Yes. In Colorado, most public records (including property records) are accessible to anyone as long as they follow proper protocol when requesting documents from local or state offices. Hence, otherwise indicated by Colorado statutes or court orders, documents maintained by the Colorado Division of Real Estate and Department of Regulatory Agencies are available for public inspection. To ensure responsible access to public records, Colorado has passed laws governing the use of these documents to protect personal privacy. However, requesters may visit the office of the Local Recorder, County Clerk, or Register of Deeds to obtain these records.
Property records are available for public viewing through government agencies or third-party aggregate websites. Accessing property records through third-party sites is typically straightforward, and the records are not geographically limited. However, because the sites are not government-affiliated and run independently, the information contained in the records may vary. Searching parties should include the following information to obtain complete property records:
- The property's exact location.
- The property owner's details.
What Information is Included in Colorado Property Records?
The information contained in a Colorado property record primarily depends on the kind of record in question. However, generally speaking, when requesting information on a specific property, inquirers can expect to receive details such as the owner's name, parcel number and address, transfer history (previous owners), zoning regulations, boundary descriptions, liens, and encumbrances on the property, appraisals, and assessments. In some cases, they may also obtain any current permits filed with local authorities regarding the construction or use of the land.
The following are some categories of Colorado property records and what they feature:
Deeds: The most common type of property record in Colorado is the deed, which transfers an ownership interest in real estate from one party to another. The deed includes the name and address of the new owner and the names of the parties involved in transferring the title. This document is essential for tracking changes in ownership over time, demonstrating that you own a particular piece of property and paying tax on that property.
Mortgages: These are also public records in Colorado and are documents used by lenders to secure loans given to borrowers when they purchase a home or other real estate. These documents list all relevant details about the loan, including the lender's name, the amount borrowed, and repayment terms. Mortgages typically include an assignment clause so lenders can transfer the mortgage to another party should they wish to do so.
Liens: Liens are another type of public record in Colorado and are documents used by creditors to secure payment for goods or services provided. Liens can be placed against a property if a borrower fails to make payments and remain on the land until the debt is paid in full. Property records typically list liens attached to properties and any releases that have been granted after the debt has been satisfied.
Where to Search Colorado Public Property Records?
In Colorado, property records are kept at the local level by the Recorder of Deeds in the county where the property is located. Interested members of the public may query the office in person or send a written request via mail containing information regarding the property of interest. Depending on what type of document is being sought after, county or municipal offices should be able to provide the necessary information. Inquirers may also query the Colorado Division of Real Estate or utilize their online database to search for Colorado property records.
Ultimately, the information sought will determine the most suitable tool. Inquirers may use the Denver's Assessment and Taxation System to obtain Colorado Property Tax Records. They may query the El Paso County Assessor if seeking El Paso property records or Colorado Springs property records within the allotted judicial district.
How to Do a Property Records Search in Colorado
According to the provisions of the Colorado Open Records Act, Colorado state residents are statutorily permitted to request and obtain Colorado property records. In order to obtain these records, requesters are required to provide the information needed to facilitate a Colorado property records search, including:
- The location of the property
- The full name of the owner(s) and other personal details.
Inquirers seeking to complete a Colorado property records search may visit their local county recorder's office or the Register of Deeds office.
To use an online database like the Denver Property Taxation and Assessment System, inquirers must provide an address number or schedule number to conduct a real estate search. On the other hand, to search through the repositories of a county official like the El Paso County Assessor or the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder, the inquirer may send a written request to:
El Paso County Clerk and Recorder
1675 W. Garden of the Gods Road,
Suite 2201/2300
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
How to Find the Owner of a Colorado Property Using Public Records?
In order to find the owner of a Colorado property, inquirers may conduct a property record search using details of the property location. Per the Colorado Public Records Act, inquirers may view owners information provided they are public information. Requestors may conduct property record searches through the office of the County Clerk and Recorder or Local Tax Assessor.
Inquirers will be required to provide the following:
- The Requestors full name
- Their address and contact information
- The address of the property
- The recording number and recording date of the document
- Parcel number (if applicable)
What are Colorado Property Records Used For?
Colorado property records can be used in a variety of ways, including:
- To verify ownership: Colorado property records are often used to prove who owns a particular piece of land or building. This is important when transferring the title or purchasing insurance on the property.
- To establish boundaries: Property records can be used to establish or define the boundaries of a specific parcel. This helps ensure that two adjacent properties do not overlap and that no one encroaches on someone else's land.
- To facilitate taxation: Property records provide information used to calculate taxable property values. This information is vital for calculating property taxes and ensuring that all parties involved in the transfer of title are accurately assessed.
- To track financial obligations: Property records provide a record of any loans or liens that may have been taken out against the property. This helps to ensure that any title transfers are done correctly so that creditors can be paid off when they are due.
- To monitor zoning changes: Property records provide details about zoning ordinances and regulations, which can impact how a piece of land or building can be used. This information also provides insight into future development trends and potential risks associated with an investment property.
- To understand environmental impacts: Property records can indicate environmental hazards that could be associated with a particular piece of real estate. This information is essential for assessing potential health risks to occupants or visitors and understanding potential liabilities if the property needs to be adequately cleaned up.
How to Find Colorado Property Tax Records?
The Colorado Department of Revenue is tasked with collecting property taxes. The department provides resources to help Colorado residents manage their property tax obligations.
There are various options for finding Colorado property tax records. They include:
- Visiting the county assessor's office where the property is located. The assessor's office should have a list of all properties subject to taxation and their current tax liability status.
- Contacting the county treasurer's office and asking them for access to the records regarding the specific piece of property or any other real estate holdings within the county. They will be able to provide the most recent tax bills and other pertinent documents.
- Accessing Colorado property tax records online through the DPTA's website. The department maintains a searchable database of all county-collected taxes, including real estate property taxes.
For detailed information regarding the tax payment history of a property, request copies of assessment notices from the assessor's office in the county where the property is located. These documents will list any changes in ownership or taxing jurisdiction over time and any unpaid taxes that may be due on the property.
What to Do When You Can't Find Property Records in Colorado?
Inquirers who have no luck finding property records of interest through official channels may consider using privately owned aggregate databases. These databases are aggregated by approved public record institutions, making public records available to requestors for a fee.
