Colorado Property Records Search | Owners, Deeds, Permits

Denver, Colorado, gets more sun (300 days per year) than Miami Beach or San Diego. The state borders Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah and is the only place in the U.S. where the corners of four states meet. Colorado is six times the size of Switzerland and has over 9,600 miles of streams and 2,850 lakes. More than 75% of U.S. land above 10,000 feet lies within Colorado's borders. Colorado is a big state with a population of 5.84 million, meaning lots of people and even more property records.

Colorado property records affect its residents, the courts, local government, realtors, attorneys, and others. Property records can fill in many blanks about a piece of real property. Some property records perform functions, and others are simply informational. Some, like liens, can impact you drastically.

This comprehensive guide will teach you all about Colorado property records, what they are, how they are used, where to find them, how to amend them, and all the different types.

What Are Property Records in Colorado?

Property records are legal and non-legal documents that contain information about real property and its owners. They are public records and easily accessible by anyone. The most common type is deeds, which transfer property from one person to another.

Property History Search Can Include

A property history search may reveal many interesting facts about the property itself or its previous owners. Some of the things you will find when embarking on a property history search are:

Property Address
Detailed Legal Property Description
Current Owner's Name and Address
Historical Owners
Property Inspections
Appraisals / Property Value
Deeds
Liens
Tax Records
Mortgage Records
Bankruptcies
Foreclosures
Plat Maps
Surveys
Easements / Conveyances
Property Details
Lot Size
Zoning
Boundary Lines

Sources of Property Records in Colorado

Unfortunately, there is no consolidated state source for property records. They are spread across different government offices, the courts, and private organizations. For example, deeds are kept by the Recording Division of the Clerk and Recorder's Office. Arapahoe County requires that you make an appointment to visit when looking for deeds. Each county has an Assessor's Office, which handles setting tax rates and mailing out bills. The Colorado Division of Property Taxation oversees all of the county assessors and reports to the State Board of Equalization. If you need a building permit, you will visit the Building Permit and Contractor Registration office in your county.

How are Land Records Different from Property Records?

In Colorado, land records are handled by the Colorado Division of Real Estate. They do not keep records of real estate transactions but instead legal documents that pertain to a piece of property. If the property was involved in any litigation, you could find those records there. They also provide license lists and HOA registrations. Property records are broader and cover more topics about the land and buildings.

What Are Property Records Clerk and Recorder's Office

Each county has a Clerk and Recorder's Office. These offices file and maintain many different types of records. They issue marriage licenses, collect license fees, maintain property records, and provide deed abstracts upon request. Some, like Grand County, also handle motor vehicle registrations. Many Clerk and Recorder's Offices are the primary administrative offices for the county.

How Property Records are Maintained in Colorado

Each individual Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains records. They have a numbering system and stamp each document with the date, time, and unique identifier, making it easier to find them later.

Accessing Records at the Clerk and Recorder's Office in Colorado

You can easily access records by visiting the county Clerk and Recorder's Office in person. Check their regular business hours first. Some require an appointment, and others allow walk-in service. You may have to pay a small fee per page and wait while they make copies. To get you started here are a few of the county websites:

Clerk and Recorder's Office Locations in Colorado

Colorado has a great website that offers many resources to the public, including an easy way to find the Clerk and Recorder's Office location you need. Check it out.

Types of Property Records

Property records come in all shapes and sizes. They serve different purposes and pertain to different aspects of the property. Some of the most common types you will find in Colorado are:

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Deeds are very common property records showing the current owner and who they purchased the property from. Deeds also indicate any warranty (implied or otherwise) that the seller (grantor) gives to the buyer (grantee). There are varying degrees of warranty with deeds.

All parties must sign deeds, and a notary witnesses them. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:

Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
A detailed description of the property.
Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
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

If you own property in Colorado, you must pay annual property taxes. If you fail to pay your property taxes, the county can put a lien on your property and eventually foreclose and sell your house at auction. Do whatever you can to stay current with your property taxes.

Colorado's effective tax rate is 0.49% of the property's value. Each county sets its own property rates, so they may vary quite a bit from county to county. Colorado residents pay extremely low property taxes, with a median rate of around $2,600 annually.

Property tax records in Colorado include the following details:

Legal Description - The tax document must contain a legal description of the property being levied a tax on. The legal description includes the township, lot number, subdivision name, section, and size.
Tax Payment History - Tax documents usually show a history of the payments made so far. The history will include the amount and the date when the payment was made.
Property Owner - The tax document usually provides information about the property owner, including their name, address, and contact details.
Tax Exemptions - The document will outline any exemptions that apply to the property.
Tax Information - The record may provide a breakdown of tax charges applicable with the total amount due.

How Often is Property Tax in Colorado Assessed?

Real property in Colorado is assessed for tax purposes every two years, during the odd year. Local assessors under the County Assessor's Office access properties within their jurisdiction per fair market values. The specific time differs according to the area. Local assessors follow procedures per the office's instructions. But the standard assessment process is as follows:

Local Valuation - The local assessor determines the property's value based on factors such as size, location, and comparable properties.
Assessed Value - The assessor then applies the assessment rate to the home's market value. Assessment rates are subject to change. The calculations give the assessor the assessed value of the property.
Tax Calculations - The assessor determines the taxes owed based on tax rates and the assessed value.
Notification - The assessor notifies the property owner of the market value, assessed value, assessment rate, and the taxes owed.
Appealing - The property owner can appeal the assessor's report if they deem it unfair.

Easements and Covenants

Colorado easements and covenants accompany deeds and other documents. An easement is a right-of-way or allowance for someone other than the owner to access or use the land. A good example would be a telephone company that has poles on private land. They can enter the land anytime to maintain and repair their poles without asking.

Covenants are rules about how you may use the land or buildings. You see these often with condo communities and gated developments. An example might be a home situated near a wildlife preserve. The state or county may place a covenant on it preventing you from building and disturbing the wildlife.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are both types of maps. Plats show the boundaries of all neighboring properties, whereas surveys show only the boundaries of a single property. In Colorado, a survey costs between $226 and $851.

Basic information such as the following appears in a survey record in Colorado:

Property Description - All survey documents often include a legal property description with lot and block numbers and subdivision details. It may also include the property's owner's name.
Easements - Surveys have to note easements on the property, such as access rights and utility lines. The section may also include encroachments of structures or improvements.
Surveyor Certification - The surveyor must certify the document to make it credible and legal. It will also include the date of the survey and a statement of certifications.
Topographic Features - Some surveys contain topographic features such as contour lines and elevations in the land.
Improvements and Structures - Some documents indicate the existence of structures within the location, plus their dimensions. It may also indicate improvements done on the property.

Historical Property Records

You can also consult historical property records during your property history search to learn about things like who owned it, how its value has changed over time, and any renovations or alterations made to the property. The Colorado State Register of Historic Properties has a listing of all historical properties and related information.

Building Permits and Regulations in Colorado

Each county in Colorado has its own office for building permits. You can apply for one as a homeowner or, better yet, have your contractor do it. The city of Denver has a helpful website explaining building permit laws and the process for obtaining one.

How Can I Search for Property Records?

Performing a property history search is easy and provides you with many details about the home and land that you would never guess. You have a few options available to you when searching; they are as follows:

Online Property Record Search

You can start with a basic online property search. Just enter the full property address into a Google search bar and see what comes up. You never know what results you will see. You may get lucky and find what you need on the first try, but chances are you'll have to go further.

In-Person Property Record Search

To find additional property records, you can visit any of the Clerk and Recorder's Offices or other government agencies. However, check the office hours first. Some require an appointment, so you may have to wait and pay a small fee per page.

Using Property Record Indexes

The internet is full of various property record indexes. Realty firms, attorney's offices, and even title companies sometimes have public records you can search through. But be careful; these records may not be updated with the latest data.

Utilizing Commercial Services

The absolute best way to find the property records you need is to use a commercial service like PropertyChecker. You have access to millions of nationwide property records and unlimited searches. Start with a free search to find any Colorado property records you need.

How to Search Property Records by Address

A property history search works best when you use the full property address. Enter the address into a search bar of one of the Clerk and Recorder's Office websites, and you should easily find what you need.

How to Search Property Records by Name

On occasion, you can also search using the owner's name. This option is not always possible, and depending on when records were updated, you may or may not find what you need.

Understanding Property Ownership in Colorado

Owning your own home in Colorado is wonderful. However, you must pay your mortgage and taxes on time or risk losing your home. You also must understand that as a homeowner, you must maintain homeowner's insurance, and you are listed in public property records in the chain of title.

Colorado Titles

Titles in Colorado establish ownership of a property. Three types of ownership are recognized in the state: tenants in common, joint tenants, and sole ownership. Property owners must register titles at the Clerk and Recorder's office in the county where the property is. The following information appears in a property title in Colorado:

Property identification - The title contains features identifying the property, such as street number, parcel number, and physical address.
Legal description - The title must include a legal description of the property, noting boundaries and other important elements.
Recording information - The document contains recording information such as the date of recording, page number, and book number.
Endorsements - The title will note any easements, restrictions, and encumbrances that apply to the property.
Signatures - For validity, the document must contain signatures and, in some cases, notarization.

Identifying Property Owners

There may be many reasons why you need to find the owner of a specific property, but you can easily do so in property records. You can visit the county Clerk and Recorder's Office in person or check their website for a deed search. You can then find the most current deed with the owner listed.

Chain of Title

The chain of title is the entire listing of all owners of a piece of property. These owners go back to the first person who owned it. The chain must never be broken. Someone has always owned the property, even if the documents don't show that.

Ownership History and Transfers

Property doesn't just change hands through real estate deals. Sometimes, property is gifted or inherited through a will. There are even situations where a person may sign over the deed to their home to pay off a debt or for other reasons.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Colorado

One detail in property records that you may not be aware of is the property description. This essential piece of data includes landmarks, map coordinates, surveys, and a detailed description so anyone can easily identify the property. The legal property description can be found on deeds, maps, taxes, mortgages, liens, and other documents.

Surveys and Land Measurements

Surveys and land measurements are also critical details about a piece of property. Surveys help legally define property boundaries and are especially helpful in boundary disputes, new construction, utility placement, and other situations.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Boundary disputes erupt when one neighbor believes another is infringing on their property. These frequently end up in court with a judge deciding on the outcome. The courts rely on professional surveyors to help provide details that validate the legal boundaries of the property.

Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Colorado

Liens are encumbrances that can negatively affect a property if there are too many. They can make it harder to sell the property and complicate real estate deals. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Liens

Voluntary liens are agreements you make with lenders where you use your home as collateral for a loan. Examples would be mortgages, lines of credit, and home equity loans.

Mortgage Liens

Whenever you take out a mortgage to pay for your home, your lender will place a voluntary lien on your property. They do this to protect themselves. If you default on the loan, they can foreclose and sell your house at auction to recoup the money they lost.

The following sections appear in a standard Colorado mortgage document:

Definition - The introductory section of the agreement shows the meanings of all terms, and defines the parties and their obligations.
Interest Rates - The section includes information about the loan amount and the interest rates. Interest rates are important as they determine the final payable amount to the lender.
Repayment Terms - The repayment terms show how frequent the payments should be and what amount is required. It also outlines how long the mortgage should be in effect.
Collateral - The section outlines collateral the lender uses to protect themselves, i.e., the property the lender can liquidate to repay the loan.
Default Information - The document will outline the default terms, including penalties and fees.

Involuntary Liens

Involuntary liens are placed on your property when you fail to pay a debt or large expense that you owe. There are three main types.

Mechanic's Liens

Mechanic's liens are imposed when you have someone work on your property and then fail to pay them. Some examples would be contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, or landscapers. These individuals must follow strict rules for filing a mechanic's lien, but if successful when you sell the house, they will get paid.

Tax Liens

If you fail to pay the county your annual property taxes, they can put a lien on your house and eventually foreclose and sell it at auction. Tax liens are very serious, and you should do all you can to avoid them.

Judgment Liens

Creditors and others to whom you owe money can use a judgment lien to get you to pay. They first must sue you and then if they win, they can foreclose and force the sale of your house to get paid.

The Process of Property Liens in Colorado

Below is the standard process for filing a lien in Colorado:

Before filing a lien, individuals must send a notice of intent to lien to the debtor. The notice must come at least ten days before filing the lien. Individuals may file the notice in person or via mail. In addition, individuals must keep a copy of the notice as proof if the lien is canceled due to improper notification.
Next, the individual can prepare the lien form. Depending on the type of lien, the form will require various information. However, the basic details include a description of the property, the name of the owner, and the claim amount. Individuals must be very careful when filling in the details as liens laws in Colorado are strict.
The individual must get the lien notarized.
Now, the individual may file the complete notarized document with the recorder's office in the county where the property is. The office charges a fee for recording services.
If the debt remains unpaid, the individual must file an enforcement action before the deadline. Once satisfied, the individual must file a lien release within ten days or otherwise face penalties.

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Colorado

Property records come up most often before, during, and after a real estate transaction. Realtors, title company professionals, and appraisers consult property records to gather information before the sale. During the sale, many new records will be created, filed, and made public after the closing.

Buying Property: Due Diligence

When buying property in Colorado, you want to learn as much as possible to make a sound buying decision. Property records can help with that and fill in any blanks.

Selling Property: Providing Disclosure

During the selling process, you must disclose to buyers certain information about lead paint, asbestos, and any material defects. For example, if you know the roof is leaking and needs replacement, you must disclose that information.

Title Searches and Insurance

When buying a house with a mortgage, your lender will require that you buy title insurance. This insurance protects you and the lender from any legal claims against the property after the sale. For example, if some unknown relative of the previous owner were to show up and prove they actually owned the property instead. Your title company will perform a property title search to avoid issues like these.

Foreclosure and Property Records in Colorado

Liens sometimes lead to foreclosure and auction sales. Foreclosures are another thing you will see in property records. Foreclosures can make it tricky to sell a property and complicate the closing. Any liens on the property must be paid off before it can be sold.

Pre-Foreclosures in Colorado

Although regular buyers may shy away from purchasing a house in foreclosure, investors often look for pre-foreclosure homes in Colorado to invest in. They can pick them up cheaply (usually far less than FMV) and sell them at a profit. Check realty sites and local government websites for listings of pre-foreclosure homes.

When was the House Built?

You may be curious about when the house was built. You can check property records, such as building permits, to see when the original structure was built and if any add-ons or renovations have been completed since then.

Property Records and Property Values

Property values are essential information in Colorado, especially when buying or selling property. The value is based on many factors and will change over time due to the economic climate and market. Fair market value (FMV) is the yardstick used when comparing properties of similar age, size, and condition. The FMV can also help indicate property prices in an area or specific neighborhood.

Assessments and Appraisals

Two types of models exist to value a piece of property: assessments and appraisals. Tax officials use assessments to determine the value and set a tax rate for the property. These assessments do not always match the fair market value.

Mortgage lenders and estate planners often use appraisers to form an opinion about the value. They have various methods of deriving an accurate value. The most common is when they compare the property against other similar homes in the area that recently sold.

Factors that Determine Property Values in Colorado

The following factors explain the property value differences in Colorado:

Mortgage Rates - High mortgage rates in some areas may influence sellers to provide a lower value rate to encourage buyers to purchase property within a desired timeframe.
Natural Attractions - Colorado has stunning mountain views, which can drive up the property values in areas close to the scenic landscapes.
Access to Employment Opportunities - Areas with a strong job market and a high potential for economic growth, such as Denver and Boulder, can have higher property values.
Water Rights - In some areas of Colorado, water rights play a significant role in property values. The availability and ownership of the rights can impact the value, thus determining the potential for agricultural activities.

Privacy and Property Records

Property records are public records, and anyone can view them anytime. The local government of Colorado makes it very easy to access records through its dozens of websites and search portals. For example, Douglas County has a search portal you can use 24/7 to find copies of deeds.

Why are Property Records Public?

Property records are public to establish owners' "right to property". It becomes the public "chain of title", recording every owner going back to the first owner. It's also an effort of transparency so no one government office has too much control over the people.

How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?

Unfortunately, you cannot remove all your information from public records. However, you can eliminate any extraneous details that you don't want the public to see. Contact each office and have them remove anything beyond your name and address. That should help you avoid identity theft and fraud.

Maintaining and Amending Property Records

One thing you can count on is change. As life changes, you must update your property records to reflect any new information. The office holding your records won't know to do this automatically; you must make it happen.

Correcting Errors on Property Records

People create property records, and people make mistakes. The good news is you can correct them anytime by visiting the office where the records are and having them changed. You will need to bring source documents to verify the correction.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?

There is so much to consider when buying property in Colorado. One way to find out all you can before paying a dime is to check property records. The best way to do that is to use PropertyChecker, which has millions of property records all in one place. You gain access to unlimited nationwide searches, can save a ton of time, and can find just what you're looking for instantly.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

You may also need to update property records when someone dies. When that happens, you will need to bring their death certificate and a new deed to replace the old deed. If the deceased person has a will, bring that too so the office can verify that the property now belongs to the new owner.

How to Change the Name on Property Records in Colorado

You may want to change the name on your property records whenever you get married or divorced. You can do so by visiting the local government office, such as the Clerk and Recorder's Office, bringing your divorce decree or marriage certificate, and asking them to update your deed.

Colorado Property Records