public records help.

November 28, 2012 6:22 AM

I am looking for help finding some public records. Specifically, I'm looking for property information about a piece of private property. Help me find it.

I'm looking to find out about a specific property. I'm mostly interested in whether the owner put a conservation easement on said property. This would be for a home in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Which government office I should call or visit to get this information?

Thanks for your help.

posted by to sir with millipedes to Law & Government (11 answers total)

This is an ideal question to ask a local reference librarian or your city clerk's office.
posted by Miko at 6:28 AM on November 28, 2012

One of the ways my dad likes to freak me out is to call me and tell me everything that's ever happened to my building or landlord whenever I move into a new place. His first stop is always a records check with the Cook County Assessor's Office. I'd check with yours wherever you are.
posted by phunniemee at 6:29 AM on November 28, 2012

Response by poster: I called the clerk's office, but they didn't seem to have any good leads for me. I'll try the Ann arbor public library reference librarian though.

Thanks for suggestions. Keep 'em comin'!
posted by to sir with millipedes at 6:33 AM on November 28, 2012

Try the Register of Deeds Division of the Washtenaw County Clerk.
posted by griphus at 6:34 AM on November 28, 2012

Or not.
posted by griphus at 6:34 AM on November 28, 2012

Nothing in here?
posted by jferg at 6:39 AM on November 28, 2012

Try this site. It should give you info through the address.
posted by Yellow at 6:40 AM on November 28, 2012

Or here?
posted by jferg at 6:40 AM on November 28, 2012

Best answer: I do limited title searches, including looking for things like easements and deed limitations, as part of my job. If you've tried the City but not the County Clerk, griphus is correct. In Michigan I believe you want the County Clerk/Registry of Deeds, not the City Clerk.

The county or township or city property assessor (aka the people who assess the property for tax purposes) are also a good set of people to check with, as they are generally interested in the kinds of things that affect a property's value.

I would try both of these before trying a reference librarian.
posted by pie ninja at 6:42 AM on November 28, 2012

Have you googled the address? I do that occasionally and come up with all kinds of interesting information.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 6:42 AM on November 28, 2012

Response by poster: Pie Ninja wins. The Washtenaw county clerk's office has deed information on a website called "deed search," but the preview images are very small, and require you to go to their offices or pay to get hard copies.

Thanks for the help, everyone.
posted by to sir with millipedes at 7:23 AM on November 28, 2012