How to Find Owners of Properties
in Colorado
In Colorado, finding property ownership details is simple if you know where to look. You can find names of property owners in public records maintained at local government offices for free.
Alternatively, you can enlist help from third-party services. These commercial service companies offer faster, streamlined searches for a fee.
Ready to start the search? Here are some effective ways to find property owners in Colorado, step by step:
Go to Your County's Tax Department
When performing a property owner search in Colorado, starting with tax records can be especially helpful. Every county or city government in Colorado maintains records for all residential and commercial properties within its jurisdiction. These records contain the Colorado property's history, including its value, taxes, and any liens. The tax department can assist you in finding the property owner by address and other relevant information such as bankruptcies associated with the owner.
Check With Your County Assessor
Ownership information can be obtained by contacting the county assessor through several methods. You can call the office, do an online search, or use the assessor/GIS search tool. To facilitate a Colorado house owner lookup, you will need to provide specific details, such as:
- Property Address
- Parcel Identification Number
- Account Number
See Your County Clerk's Records
For records not accessible online, visiting the county clerk's office may be necessary. This can be especially valuable for individuals conducting genealogical research or seeking insights into the historical use of the land.
In most Colorado counties, accessing property records online is a simple process. You only need to enter the property address or parcel number. County records typically include deeds, mortgages, and other relevant documents. However, the extent of online availability varies by county.
Search With the State Land Board GIS
The State Land Board Geographic Information System (GIS) offers comprehensive data on land uses and ownership types across the state. The GIS offers information on mineral, oil, and gas rights, as well as agricultural and recreational lands. The system also tracks leases for these resources, making it a valuable tool for anyone interested in land management or investment opportunities.
Additionally, the GIS provides details on hunting lands, commercial tower sites, and strategic property disposal areas. This platform serves as a central resource for tracking and managing diverse land-related activities and transactions.
Consult Title Search Agencies
If you're purchasing real estate in Colorado with the help of a lender, you'll need the services of a title company, as lenders require a clear title to approve a mortgage. Mistakes can occur whenever ownership changes, potentially affecting the deed or parcel boundaries. A title company investigates the title status and checks for any liens that could impact the sale.
While online property searches may provide useful information, they often lack details on easements, rights-of-way, or restrictions that could affect ownership or the ability to develop the land. A title company identifies these hidden issues, which could alter the terms of a sale or even prevent it altogether.
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Ask Commercial Service Providers for Help
Looking to find the owner of a property free? Searching for land records on county websites is generally free, although there may be nominal fees associated with downloading reports or obtaining copies of documents.
However, if you require more detailed information than what is available on public sites, turn to third-party real estate sites that provide property ownership information. PropertyChecker.com offers comprehensive data about properties and their histories. You can access statewide records and identify current and past property owners. PropertyChecker.com can also help uncover people behind entities and trusts.
What Are the Different Types of Property Ownership in Colorado?
When multiple individuals purchase real estate together in Colorado, they must determine how they wish to hold ownership of the property. Other than sole ownership, the two most common forms of co-ownership in Colorado are joint tenancy and tenancy in common. Understanding the distinctions between these types of ownership is crucial, particularly concerning the implications for the property in the event of an owner's death.
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Sole Ownership
Sole ownership is the most straightforward form of property ownership, where an individual possesses complete rights to a property. This arrangement grants the owner full control and decision-making authority regarding the property. While it simplifies management, sole ownership also entails bearing all risks and responsibilities associated with the property. These include the cost of maintaining the property and financial obligations and liabilities.
Upon the death of the sole owner, the property goes through the probate process to bequeath the property to the heir. The probate process can be more complicated where the deceased died without a written will. A written will makes it easier to pass on the property ownership to the named heir.
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Tenancy in Common
In Colorado, tenancy in common is the default form of ownership unless joint tenancy is explicitly specified within the deed. If two or greater individuals or entities (such as LLCs, partnerships, trusts, or corporations) hold a title for the actual property and are known as tenants in common, every co-owner possesses one interest that's undivided for the specific property. The interest is known as "freely alienable", which means it's possible to transfer it by way of a will, inheritance, sale, or gift.
In practical terms, this allows every co-owner access to their non-exclusive right to possess all of the property. Additionally, every co-owner can sell, mortgage, or transfer their individual interest within the said property with no approval from anyone else who owns the property.
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Joint Tenancy in Colorado
Joint tenancy may only be established if it is explicitly termed within the deed. In order to form a joint tenancy, the document transferring the real estate must clearly indicate that it is being given to the buyers in the form of joint tenants. The conveyance can be achieved by including the phrases "as joint tenants with right of survivorship" or "in joint tenancy with right of survivorship". Alternatively, the abbreviation "JTWROS"can be used, which stands for either of these phrases.
It is important to note that joint tenancy can only be established among natural persons; entities cannot be joint tenants. This limitation exists because joint tenancy automatically terminates upon the death of one of the joint tenants.
Similar to tenancy in common, each joint tenant has the right to mortgage, sell, or transfer their individual interest in the property without needing the consent of the other joint tenants. However, doing so may lead to the severance of the joint tenancy.
Here is a snapshot of the different types of ownership in Colorado:
| Ownership Structure | Description | Benefits | Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Ownership | A single individual or entity holds full ownership of the property, with no other co-owners. | Absolute control over the property. | If the owner is married and the property serves as the family's homestead, the spouse may be required to sign the deed when the property is sold or refinanced. |
| Joint Tenancy | Two or more people hold joint title to the property. | Property maintenance, tax obligations, insurance, and other expenses are shared by the joint tenants. | Property held within joint tenancy cannot be passed to others through a will. |
| Tenants in Common | Two parties purchase real estate together, such as for rental purposes, and both hold ownership rights, | Each owner has the right to occupy and use all of the property while the ownership percentages define the financial ownership of the real estate. | If either co-owner is married, their spouse has marital rights, also known as curtesy rights, to the property. |
Common Methods of Property Transfer in Colorado
The title to real property signifies legal ownership and is typically outlined in the deed, which specifies both the owner and the type of ownership. However, owning property involves more than merely acquiring real estate and registering it under your name. It encompasses various structures that come with distinct practical, financial, and legal consequences.
Property rights are governed by state laws, and factors such as marital status can impact ownership. The decision on how to title property may arise at different points:
- During purchase
- While transferring ownership during your lifetime
- When distributing it through your estate
Understanding the various forms of ownership is crucial for making informed decisions, particularly regarding whether probate will be necessary for any transfers made via a will. The state of Colorado recognizes several methods of property transfer.
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Warranty Deed
A warranty deed is considered one of the most common types of deeds used in Colorado real estate transactions and typically offers the highest level of protection for buyers. Under this deed, the seller "warrants the title to the [property]" without any exceptions. This means the seller assures the buyer that they hold clear title to the property and guarantees that the property is free from defects that may have existed prior to their acquisition and throughout their ownership.
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Special Warranty Deed
A special warranty deed is similar to a warranty deed in that the seller guarantees the property against any defects that arise during their ownership. However, it differs in that the seller does not provide a warranty for any defects that existed before they acquired the property. This is expressed through language stating that the seller, or "grantor", "warrant(s) the title to the property against all persons claiming under" the seller. As a result, a special warranty deed typically offers buyers less protection than a warranty deed, but more protection than a bargain and sale deed or a quitclaim deed.
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Quitclaim Deed
In a quitclaim deed, the seller does not make any representations or warranties regarding the title of the property being transferred. Instead, the seller simply "quitclaims" any interest they may have in the property to the buyer if they have any interest at all.
If the seller holds no interest to convey, the buyer receives nothing. Furthermore, unlike a bargain and sale deed, the buyer, or "grantee", of a quitclaim deed does not acquire any after-acquired title that the grantor might obtain in the future.
Due to the minimal assurances provided to buyers through quitclaim deeds, they are primarily utilized for transferring property as gifts. A quitclaim can also be used when an owner wishes to transfer property to themselves in trust, or to an LLC or other entity that is already owned or controlled by the seller.
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Bargain and Sale Deed
A bargain and sale deed in Colorado is a type of grant that does not come with covenants or warranties unless explicitly stated within the deed. In other words, it is a deed that lacks any implied warranty of any kind.
This deed differs from a quitclaim deed in that it conveys the grantor's interest in the property as of the date of transfer, as well as any interests the grantor may acquire after the closing. These subsequent interests are known as "after-acquired" interests. For instance, the after-acquired property could include mineral rights that were not vested at the time of the grant or reversionary interests that become vested after the grant. In such instances, the grantor's after-acquired interests are considered to be held in trust for the grantee.
Step-by-Step Guide to Property Transfer in Colorado
Land transfers can happen for numerous reasons, including property sales, inheritance, or divorce. A deed serves as the official legal document used to transfer ownership.
Below is a brief overview of the steps you need to follow to transfer property in Colorado:
- Obtain a deed: You must hold a copy showcasing the original deed of your inherited property, or for whatever interest you intend to transfer. This document includes the legal property description necessary for the conveyance.
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Fill the deed form: Complete the deed form indicating the warranty attached to the deed such as quitclaim or special warranties. Additionally, include the following information:
- Names and addresses of the grantor(s) and grantee(s)
- Mailing address of the grantee
- Legal description of the property
- Information about the individual or entity that prepared the legal description
- Details regarding the conveyance and the consideration paid
- Notarize the form: Per Colorado law, the grantor must sign the finalized quitclaim deed in the presence of a qualified authorized officer or a notary public. For any co-owned homestead properties held by way of marriage, both spouses must sign the deed.
- Finish a Real Property Transfer Declaration: This document contains important information regarding the property value that is required to complete tax assessments through the Colorado Department of Revenue.
- Submit deed and pay requisite taxes: Send your deed to the state of Colorado, along with any fees and the property transfer declaration form and taxes owed to the clerk as well as the county recorder where your property is located.
Colorado imposes a documentary fee on transfers of real estate within the state. The transfer tax rate is set at $1 for every $10,000 of consideration paid.
Colorado Homeowner Lookup
- Owner(s)
- Deed Records
- Loans & Liens
- Values
- Taxes
- Building Permits
- Purchase History
- Property Details
- And More!
Colorado Homeowner Lookup
- Owner(s)
- Deed Records
- Loans & Liens
- Values
- Taxes
- Building Permits
- Purchase History
- Property Details
- And More!