Connecticut Property Records
![Property Records in Connecticut](/img/states/connecticut/property_records_01.jpg)
Dutch traders arrived in what is now Connecticut in 1614 and created its first European settlement in 1633. Connecticut's name comes from a Native American word meaning "beside the long tidal river". Famous people Benedict Arnold, Katharine Hepburn, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Mark Twain all hail from Connecticut. The state is steeped in rich history, with a vast coastline and fascinating maritime museums. Connecticut has a population of 3.626 million people, meaning a lot of property records.
Property records consist of many things that impact the state, local government, private companies, professionals, and homeowners. Many in the real estate industry consult property records daily to gather information and make sound decisions. Some documents provide a wealth of information.
Keep reading to learn more about Connecticut property records, what they are and how they are used, the different types, where to find them, and make changes when necessary.
What Are Property Records in Connecticut?
Property records in Connecticut are official forms and documents that contain information about a property and its owners. They are created by government offices, the courts, private individuals, attorneys, realty professionals, and others.
Property History Search Can Include
A property history search will unveil more information than you can imagine. Property records are public, so you can legally search for them and review them anytime. Each type varies quite a bit.
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 Connecticut
Public property records are not stored in one location in Connecticut. They are spread among a few government agencies, private companies, the courts, and realty resources. For instance, if you need to file a deed in Connecticut, you will visit the local town or county website and file it online, or you can visit the town clerk in person. Rocky Hill makes filing a deed easy in three easy ways. If you need to find a deed, you can check the county website for a search portal or use the state search tool.
Each local county tax assessor's office is responsible for setting property tax rates, conducting assessments, and collecting tax bills. Some counties call their tax professional a "Tax Collector". Bridgeport allows residents to pay taxes online through its website.
Towns and counties each have a building inspector who handles building permits and inspections. Contact your town offices to find out who to contact before building new, renovating, or demolishing any buildings.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
Some states differentiate between land records and property records. Connecticut, however, has set up a government website for the public to search for land records, parcels, deeds, surveys, and land management plans. Although this search tool is quite powerful, it is not comprehensive and does not include other property records like liens, mortgages, building permits, appraisals, etc.
The Role of the Town Clerk
![The Role of the Town Clerk](img/states/connecticut/property_records_02.jpg)
Each town in Connecticut has a town clerk's office, which is the town's central administrative office. They perform many functions, including custodian of public records and vital statistics, communicator of public policy, organizer of public businesses, and recorder of the community's history. They also perform many other tasks to make the town government run smoothly. Town clerks play an important role in local elections.
How Property Records are Maintained in Connecticut
Connecticut towns and cities maintain records according to their own system. However, the state is unified in that all public records are computerized and shared, making them easy for the public to access. When a new document is filed, the town clerk stamps it with the date, time, and a unique identifier to make it easy to find later.
Accessing Records at the Town Clerk in Connecticut
Anyone can visit the town clerk's office to ask for certified or regular copies of public records. For some, you may have to pay a fee. You must visit during normal business hours. Many of the local town clerk's offices have websites. To get you started, here are a few:
Town Clerk Locations in Connecticut
Finding the right records is essential when performing a property history search. To do so, you need to know where to look. The state of Connecticut has made it easy to find what you are looking for by organizing this list of all town clerk locations within the state.
Types of Property Records
Various types of property records exist, each with its own purpose and specific information. The most common types of property records in Connecticut are listed below with further detail.
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are among the most prominent property records. They transfer property ownership from one person to another and validate who owns a piece of real property. It's a valuable document.
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
Anyone who owns property in Connecticut must pay property taxes on it. The town tax collector or assessor sets the tax rate and sends out bills. If a homeowner does not pay their taxes, the town can put a lien on the property and eventually foreclose and sell it at auction.
Connecticut's taxes are very high, with an average effective property tax rate of 1.54% of the assessed value. The average homeowner in Connecticut pays about $8,022 annually.
The following information is in a standard tax record in Connecticut:
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Owner Information - The record will show information about the owner. It includes their name, address, and contact details. Joint ownerships outline details of all property owners.
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Assessed Value - The document must show the property's assessed value since it is necessary for determining the taxes owed. Assessed values differ based on various factors such as location and size.
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Property Details - The document gives property details such as parcel number, characteristics, zoning information, and a legal description.
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Sales History - Some tax documents show a history of past property sales. The details may extend to the dates of sale and prices.
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Tax History - Tax documents may include a history of the property, including the assessed values over the years, tax payment amounts, and payment dates.
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Taxes Owed - The tax record must include the amount of tax owed for the tax year.
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Exemptions - Records will outline any deductions and exemptions that apply to the propertyâfor example, veteran's exemption.
How Often is Property Tax in Connecticut Assessed?
Property taxation is a state power granted to local governments by the Connecticut General Assembly. Local assessors must annually assess personal property in Connecticut for tax purposes. Statutes exempt clothes, furniture, and other property generally owned by individuals. On the other hand, towns must revalue real property such as land, homes, buildings, and other real property every ten years. Assessors are responsible for valuation but may hire certified private companies to conduct the assessment. The exact time of assessment differs according to the local area. Assessment processes vary depending on the town and its procedures. However, a standard process goes as follows:
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Data Collection - The local assessor collects information on the property to be assessed, noting any improvements or changes made since the last assessment, size, location, and type. If it is a building, the assessor may conduct physical inspections.
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Market Analysis - The assessor will conduct a market analysis to assess property values. Assessors in Connecticut consider recent property sales, economic indicators, and market trends in the municipality.
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Valuation - Assessors can apply various approaches to determine property values. For example, they may use the sales comparison approach, where they compare the property to recently sold properties that share similar characteristics within the same area. The assessor must make adjustments based on the minor differences between the properties.
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Noticing -The assessor notifies the owner of the assessed value and, thus, the owed property tax. The notice may also include any concerns noted by the assessor. A property owner may appeal if they disagree with the assessed value. However, all appeals must follow direct procedures and be done before a set deadline.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants are details that appear in deeds, mortgages, appraisals, and other records. Easements are rights-of-way that allow access to the property to someone other than the owner. An example would be a town road that crossed over private property. Any new owner would need to continue to allow the town access to the road.
Covenants are different; they are rules governing how a property can be used. You see these in condo developments and gated communities. Some areas have strict rules about paint colors, lawn decorations, and even holiday trimmings.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps. They differ slightly in that surveys include coordinates but only the boundaries of the property, while plats include the boundaries of other neighboring properties.
Some of the common types of property surveys in Connecticut include:
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Boundary Survey - It locates the boundary lines, corners, and land easements.
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Zoning Location Survey - It depicts an existing or proposed improvement with respect to municipal building setback requirements.
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Topographic Survey - It includes all the visible detail on a land parcel. It is often a base map for professional design services.
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General Location Survey - It includes a composite map prepared from land record research. The survey has limited field measurements that may be supplemented with data from other sources.
The information on these types of surveys varies depending on the surveyor.
Historical Property Records
Property records can grow over time and become unmanageable. Many states, like Connecticut, archive older records into a historical repository. Connecticut has created an archive database system called ConnCRIS to make searching for and finding historical property records easy.
Building Permits and Regulations in Connecticut
Each town has a building inspector and permitting office. If you plan on renovating your property, you must obtain a building permit first. Contact your local building inspector (the town clerk will have that info) and ask to apply.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/connecticut/property_records_03.jpg)
It's completely legal to perform a property history search to find public records. Thankfully, this age of technology affords you many different options for searching. Try each one to see what works for you.
Online Property Record Search
The first place to start is with a generic online property record search. Type the full property address into the search bar of Google or some other search engine and review the results. Chances are you won't find exactly what you need and will have to dig deeper.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can always visit the town clerk's office or building inspector to find what you need. Check their regular business hours. You should be able to walk in, but some offices, like the tax assessor, may require an appointment first. You may have to pay a small fee for copies.
Using Property Record Indexes
The internet is bursting with property record indexes through realty sites and related companies. You may find many different property records there, but keep in mind that these repositories are not always updated frequently, and the information could be outdated.
Utilizing Commercial Services
Commercial services like PropertyChecker are the best way to find information fast. You have access to millions of nationwide property records at your fingertips 24/7. Find everything in one place with this valuable resource.
How to Search Property Records by Address
The best way to find what you need is to search using the property address. It will yield much better results. Type the full property address into the search bar of the portal.
How to Search Property Records by Name
You can also sometimes search by owner name. You may get current or historical owner's names.
Understanding Property Ownership in Connecticut
Since property records are public, you can easily find owners. If, for some reason, you need to contact someone who owns a specific property, you can do so easily by checking the most recent deed. Remember that your name will also be on your deed and accessible by anyone.
Chain of Title
The chain of title is the complete list of all property owners since it was first owned. The chain of title is important and public, and it must not be broken. It can be traced back through deeds.
Ownership History and Transfers
Property does not just change hands through real estate deals. Sometimes, people gift property to others before and after death. Some actually sign over the deed to their house to pay off a debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Connecticut
Another essential aspect of property records is the legal property description. It includes coordinates, maps, and a written description that includes natural and manmade landmarks so anyone can easily find them. These descriptions show up on deeds, mortgages, appraisals, and other property records.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys are land measurements and coordinates of a specific piece of real property. They are used before breaking ground on new construction, when installing utilities, and are used in boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Property boundaries often get blurred, and one owner may believe that someone is encroaching on their land. When this happens, these disputes usually end up in court. The judge must decide the outcome, and often, he or she will use professional surveyors to determine the proper boundaries.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Connecticut
Encumbrances like liens can negatively affect the property and its owner's reputation. Regular liens like mortgage liens are fine, but when you see multiple liens on a property, the value can drop and be hard to sell. There are two types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those that you control. You choose to take out a loan and agree to let the lender place a lien on the property. Even still, if you default on the loan, you could lose your house.
Mortgage Liens
Mortgage liens are the most common, and they occur when you borrow money to buy a home. The lender places a lien on the property, and if you default on the loan, they can seize the property and sell it at auction to get their money back.
The mortgage document will contain information such as:
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Parties Involved - The document must identify the parties involved with their details and roles as creditor and debtor.
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Loan Details - The mortgage record will include the original amount given by the creditor and the amount to be paid back. It will also outline the interest rate, repayment schedule, and applicable fees.
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Terms and Conditions - All mortgages have unique terms and conditions which will appear on the record. The details include the mortgage duration and any prepayment penalties, if applicable.
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Property Identification - The record should include a section that identifies the property. It will include a legal description and characteristics such as the address and plot number.
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Provisions for Release - The document may also contain provisions for the satisfaction or release of the mortgage once fully paid.
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Signatures and Notarization - All mortgage documents must contain signatures and, in some cases, notarization for validity.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are those over which you have no control. These occur when you fail to pay a debt, and the debtor has the right to put a lien on the property and then eventually foreclose on the home to get paid.
Mechanic's Liens
Mechanic's liens are tools that contractors, laborers, architects, and others use to collect unpaid debts. If someone works on your property and you don't pay them, they have the right to place a lien on it, and then when the house is sold, they will be paid from the proceeds.
Tax Liens
Tax liens are very serious. If you don't pay your annual property taxes, the county or town can impose a lien on the property and then foreclose and sell your house at auction (well below fair market value) to pay off the back taxes.
Judgment Liens
Judgment liens work similarly to mechanic's liens. Creditors use them to collect unpaid debts. They must sue you in court first. If the judge rules in their favor, they can foreclose and sell the house to get their money.
The Process of Property Liens in Connecticut
The process of placing a lien in Connecticut differs based on the type of lien. However, the basic process for getting a mechanics lien goes as follows:
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Subcontractors must provide a Notice of Intent to the property owner and prime contractor within 90 days after completing or ceasing work.
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The claimant must use a lien form meeting the statutory requirements of Connecticut. The contractor must fill out the form, including details such as the amount to be claimed, the names of both parties, the property description, the project's first and last dates, and the claimant's signature.
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The claimant must sign the form under the supervision of a notary who acknowledges the signature and performs the oath ceremony required by statute. After notarization, the claimant should duplicate the form.
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Next, the claimant delivers the original notarized form to the town clerk where the project was done. Claimants may send the form in person or via mail. The offices charge a recording fee which the claimant must pay accurately.
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Once recorded, the claimant should obtain a 'true and attested' copy to serve to the property owner. Claimants are also encouraged to obtain an additional copy for their records. The 'true and attested' copy must be served by 30 days after filing with the town clerk.
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Serving a lien to the owner requires help from a state marshal or other law enforcement personnel per the Connecticut Statute. Failure to follow the guidelines may lead to the invalidity of the lien. It takes a while to contact the marshal, so claimants are encouraged to start contact immediately after recording the lien.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Connecticut
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Connecticut](img/states/connecticut/property_records_04.jpg)
Real estate deals are the most common way property records are used and created. Many players use them before the sale to collect information. Then, during the process, more are created (deeds, appraisals, liens, etc.), replacing older ones.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying property, you want to learn as much as possible about it. The best way to do that is through public property records. You can assess the value and taxes, find any liens or foreclosures, and determine if it is right for you.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
When selling property, you must disclose any material defects you are aware of. For example, if you know that the roof is leaking or the house has ever had asbestos or lead paint, you will need to disclose those things.
Title Searches and Insurance
If you borrow money to buy a house, your lender will require that you purchase title insurance. Your title company will perform a complete property title search prior to closing, looking for any title defects or things that could derail the sale.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Connecticut
Foreclosures show up in property records. They do not look good and can sully the financial reputation of the owner. Many buyers do not want to deal with the hassles of buying a property in foreclosure. It can create extra paperwork and complexities.
Pre-Foreclosures in Connecticut
The pre-foreclosure stage is when the house is in foreclosure but not yet final (sold at auction). During this window of opportunity, investors sometimes offer to buy these properties to help the owners get out of debt. They may not pay top dollar but will pay enough to pay off the debts. They can then turn around and sell the property for a profit.
When was the House Built?
It's nice to know when a certain house was built. You can find out easily by looking through property records. Examine all the building permits for the house and find the first one allowing the home to be built.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values are often recorded in property records. Some indicate the fair market value (FMV), which is the yardstick used by the realty industry to determine a property's current market value.
Assessments and Appraisals
Tax collectors and assessors use assessments to value property for tax purposes. They set tax rates, collect taxes, and impose liens on property for unpaid taxes. However, these assessments don't always match the fair market value.
Mortgage and realty professionals use appraisals to value the property for sale. The appraiser inspects the home and compares it with other comparable homes in the area. Appraisals attempt to determine the fair market value. Sometimes, private citizens use appraisals for estate planning.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Connecticut
Factors that contribute to high property values in some areas of Connecticut include:
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Proximity to the Coast - The coastal areas of a state are often more desirable, so towns along the Connecticut coastline, such as Madison, Milford, and Westport, may have higher property values.
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Schools - Connecticut education is highly ranked across the country. Therefore, areas with the best school districts in the state, such as Westport and New Canaan, may have higher property values.
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Historical and Cultural Significance - Some parts of Connecticut, such as Bridgeport, Short Beach, and Seaside Village, hold some historical and cultural significance and, thus, may have higher property values.
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Crime Rates - Parts of the state with low crime rates are likely to have higher property values.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/connecticut/property_records_05.jpg)
As much as you may value privacy, you must understand that some of your information will show up in public records. Public records mean anyone can access your records at any time; they are not private. That includes your deeds, building permits,liens, foreclosures, mortgages, and other details.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public to create a public chain of title so it's clear who owns what property. They are also public to prevent any one government entity from having too much power over the people.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
With identity theft and fraud on everyone's minds these days, it is customary to worry about your information in public records. Although you cannot remove all your information, you can contact the agencies that hold them and ask them to remove anything beyond your name and address. You don't want your phone number, email address, or other information out there.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
Another aspect of property records is maintaining them when things change. You must handle this yourself; no one will do it for you. The agency that holds your records will not know anything has changed for you.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
First, you should correct any errors in property records as soon as possible. Contact the agency in charge of them, point out the error, and ask for a correction. You may have to bring source documents to prove the error.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You should also update property records when someone dies. You can do this by bringing the death certificate, the will, and the new owner of the property to the town clerk's office and asking them to draft a new deed.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Connecticut
If your name changes due to a marriage, divorce, or court order, you can change your property records in the same way. Bring the paperwork (divorce decree/marriage certificate/other) to the town clerk's office and ask them to update their records.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
There is so much to think about when buying property in Connecticut. Consider things like the value, taxes, liens, insurance, and foreclosures. The more information you have, the better your decision-making ability. Let PropertyChecker be your one-stop shop for all things property records. Find everything you need in one place with unlimited nationwide searches and millions of property records.
Connecticut County Property Records
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Connecticut Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Connecticut
- What Are Property Records in Connecticut?
- The Role of the Town Clerk
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Connecticut Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Connecticut
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Connecticut
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Connecticut
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Connecticut
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Connecticut County Property Records