Missouri Property Records

Missouri is known as "the cave state" because it has over 6,100 caves and tunnels. It's also big into wine production, with over 110 wineries. Many Native American tribes call Missouri home, including the Chickasaw, Illini, Missouri, and Osage tribes. The word Missouri is a Native American word for "wooden canoe people". Missouri has a population of 6.178 million residents, equating to millions of yearly property records.

Many different types of professionals use property records to learn more about a specific property or who owns it. Property records are public records, and anyone can access them.

These essential documents impact homeowners, real estate agents, title companies, attorneys, the courts, towns, and county governments, and more. They are vital pieces of information that impact you more than you realize.

This comprehensive guide will teach you all about Missouri property records, what they are, the different types, how they are used and why, where you can find them, and how to modify them when needed.

What Are Property Records in Missouri?

Property records in Missouri are public records that contain vast information about a piece of real property and its owners. There are many different types, and some are simply informational, but others perform a function, such as deeds transferring property and building permits allowing property owners to renovate or expand their property.

Components of Property Records in Missouri

Along with the property address and owner's name, you can also find many other details about the property. When buying a home, this can come in handy. Some of the details you might find when searching for Missouri property records include:

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 Missouri

No one office in Missouri has all the property records for a specific address. They are scattered among different government offices, private companies, the courts, and other entities. For example, you would formally record a deed at the Recorder of Deeds office. The County Collector of Revenue handles everything pertaining to property taxes. If you live in Greene County, you can visit their website to learn more. You would contact the City Building Division to obtain a building permit in your county.

What Are Property Records Recorder of Deeds

Each county recorder of deeds plays an important role in filing or recording new deeds. They also maintain them and store and file them within a specific system. A deed becomes legal once it has been filed with the county recorder of deeds in the county where the property resides. Once filed, the deed becomes a public record.

How Property Records are Maintained in Missouri

The county recorder of deeds' offices maintains records using a numbered system. Once they receive a new deed, they stamp it with the date and time and a unique identifier so they can easily locate it later.

Accessing Records at the Recorder of Deeds in Missouri

Anyone has the right to access property records through the recorder of deeds in Missouri. You can visit the county office where the property is located or check their website. Many of them also scan and post the records online to make it easy for the public to search and find the records they need. Not all records will be available online. To help get you started, here are a few county recorder of deeds websites:

Recorder of Deeds Locations in Missouri

The trick to finding the records you need is knowing which county to search. The Recorders Association of Missouri has a complete list of all county records of deeds offices.

Types of Property Records

Various documents make up the vast sea of property records. Some are more common than others. The most prevalent records you will come across are detailed below:

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Deeds and conveyance records are the most common records. They not only transfer ownership but also verify title to the property. If someone needed to prove they owned a property, they would produce a deed.

Deeds are signed by all parties and witnessed by a notary. 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.

The bulk of the language contained within deeds is conveyance language, making it crystal clear that the property is being transferred from one person to another. The deed (depending on type) also dictates how much warranty the seller (grantor) is giving to the buyer (grantee).

Property Tax Records

Missouri property records are vital information as well. If you own property in Missouri, you have to pay annual property taxes to your county. These taxes pay for things like schools, police, fire departments, and other local services. The average property tax rate in Missouri is 0.88% of the assessed value of the home. Each county sets its own tax rates, so they can vary. Property taxes are due by December 31st of each year.

The following information is present in a standard property tax record:

Assessment Details - Property tax records usually include the assessment details observed by the local assessor. It will outline the assessment amount.
Property Details - The document will show details of the property, such as the address and improvements on the land.
Tax Rate - The document will show the tax rate applied to the property.
Payment History - The record will indicate the number of payments made plus the amount.
Tax Calculations - The record may show the calculations leading to the owed taxes.

Tax assessors calculate owed property taxes by multiplying the estimated market value determined by an assessor by the assessment rate, then multiplying the resulting value by the tax rate and dividing the value by 100. So, for example, if a residential property's estimated market value is $180,000 and the assessment rate is 19%, then its taxable value would be $34,200. If the tax rate is 8.2661, the estimated tax bill would be $2,827.01.

How Often is Property Tax in Missouri Assessed?

Per state laws, assessors must reassess properties every two years. The State Tax Commission is in charge of the local reassessment process. Since the local assessors differ per county, the assessment process may differ in detail. However, every assessor has to follow processes such as:

Valuation - Assessors must determine the property's market value using one or more approved techniques. The first is the cost approach, where the assessor determines the cost of replacing the structure with a similar improvement in the current market. The second approach is the market or sales comparison approach, where the assessor values the property based on recently sold comparable properties. The last approach is the income approach, often used for apartments and similar real property. The assessor estimates the potential gross income for the property and then subtracts operating expenses and the amount for vacancies.
Noticing - The assessor then prepares a document informing the property owner of the assessed market value. The document records the estimated market value, relevant information such as the property description, and applicable taxes.
Appeal - If they disagree with the assessment, owners can take three steps to appeal. The first is an informal appeal where the owner schedules a meeting with the appraisal staff to review the appraised value. Owners may only request within 15 days of the notice. If the owner is unsatisfied with the informal meeting, they may appeal to the Board of Equalization as the second option. The owner must place the appeal with the assessor's office and wait for the hearing. The third option is appealing to the State Tax Commission within 30 days of receiving the decision.

Easements and Covenants

Easements and covenants often accompany deeds. They provide additional details about the property and how you can use it. For example, easements are rights of way that allow someone other than the owner to access the property at will. If a wireless company installs towers on someone's private property, it has the right to enter the property to maintain its towers without asking.

Covenants are rules about how a property can be used. Many condos and gated communities have strict rules about yard cleanliness and decorations. For example, they may disallow pink flamingos on your front lawn.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are supplemental documents that often accompany deeds. They are types of maps that show boundaries. Plats show the boundaries of all neighboring properties, whereas surveys show only the boundaries of the actual property. They come in handy during disputes.

Surveyors must be licensed to conduct a valid survey. Property owners may file the survey document with a local government office, such as the clerk, as a public record. Because there are different surveyors and surveying companies in the state, survey documents vary in structure. However, the following information may be present in a typical survey document:

Property Description - The document will show a description of the property, including the plat number, physical address, and, sometimes, a legal description.
Name of the Property Owner - The record will show the property owner's name plus their details.
Improvements - The survey may note any improvements on the property, such as fences and buildings.
Easements and Rights of Way - The document will note any rights of way and easements affecting the property.
Boundaries - The document will note the property's boundaries, including measures and angles.

Historical Property Records

Over time, property records can become unmanageable. Therefore, many countries choose to archive their historical records and only keep current records on hand. You can still find and access historical property records by visiting the Missouri State Archives. They have a handy website with a search feature to find old land records easily.

How Can I Search for Property Records?

We have discussed many reasons why you may want to find property records. Perhaps you just want to check your own to see that they are up to date. You can find property records easily, and you have a few options available to you.

Online Property Record Search

You can always use an online property records search. You might start by entering the property address in a search bar (Google or other) and seeing what comes up. It's not the most efficient method, and the results may vary.

In-Person Property Record Search

You are welcome to visit any county recorder of deeds office during business hours to look for records. Depending on how busy they are, you may have to wait. They may also charge you a small fee per page.

Using Property Record Indexes

Some towns, cities, and counties have property record indexes you can use to find information. You may also come across third-party indexes. However, be careful of the accuracy of these records. They may not be updated or well-maintained.

Utilizing Commercial Services

The best way to find and review property records is to use PropertyChecker. You can run unlimited searches on millions of nationwide property records. If you want to save time, this resource can give you everything in one place. We combine records from dozens of county resources into one easy-to-use tool.

How to Search Property Records by Address

Searching property records using the full address will be more successful. Type it into any search tool, and you should get everything you need.

How to Search Property Records by Name

In some cases, you may be able to search using the current or historical owner's name.

Understanding Property Ownership in Missouri

Property ownership in Missouri has its rewards but also some important responsibilities. For example, if you take out a mortgage, you are required to pay your monthly payment on time, including interest, taxes, and other fees. You must also pay annual property taxes. Your name will appear on mortgage documents, the deed, liens, foreclosures, and other public property records.

Identifying Property Owners

If you need to find the owner of a property, you can do so easily. Owners' names are linked to the property in many different public records. You can visit the recorders of deeds office to view the deed and find out who currently owns it. You can also search online.

Chain of Title

The chain of title refers to the full list of everyone who has ever owned the property. It may be a long list or very short, but someone always owned it; there can never be a gap in the chain of title.

Ownership History and Transfers

Property changes hands for many different reasons. Most often, real estate sales will transfer ownership. But you may also see someone gift real estate to another person. In rare cases, people sign over the deed to their house to pay off a debt.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Missouri

Another critical piece of the puzzle is property descriptions. These are details about the property that make it easy for anyone to find it. They include landmarks and other descriptions unique to the piece of property.

Surveys and Land Measurements

Surveys measure the land and provide solid boundaries, so you know exactly where your land ends and another begins. They often come into play during boundary disputes, new construction, utility installation, and other situations.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Sometimes, a homeowner is sure a neighbor is trespassing on their property. Thus, a boundary dispute ensues. One party may sue the other, and a judge must decide. The court may use surveyors to provide expert testimony and help determine the actual boundaries of the property.

Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Missouri

Encumbrances like liens can damage a property's reputation because they appear everywhere in property records. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Liens

Voluntary liens are those which you readily agree to. When you borrow money, you can use your home as collateral, and the lender will put a lien on the property until you pay off the loan.

Mortgage Liens

If you take out a mortgage, your lender will require that you make monthly payments, and they will put a lien on your deed until you pay off the loan. If you fail to make your payments on time, they can seize and sell your home in foreclosure to pay off the debt. That is what the lien allows them.

A standard document includes information such as:

Loan Terms - The document may indicate the loan terms, such as how much the borrower should repay based on the set interest. It may also give information on approved payment methods.
Lender and Borrower Details - The records will show the names and details of the borrower and lender.
Property Description - The record may include a legal description of the property. If not, it will identify the property by parcel number or physical address.
Responsibilities and Rights - The record may have a section showing the responsibilities and rights of each party.
Duration - The mortgage should identify how long the loan will be in effect.

Involuntary Liens

Involuntary liens are very serious, and you do not get to choose. If you owe money and refuse to pay, the party can put a lien on the property and eventually foreclose and sell it.

Mechanic's Liens

Mechanic's liens are for people who work on your property, like contractors, laborers, landscapers, architects, and material suppliers. If they do work and you don't pay, they can put a lien on the property until it sells, and then they will be paid out of the proceeds.

Tax Liens

You are required to pay annual property taxes. The county can put a lien on your property if you fail to pay them. Eventually, they will foreclose and sell the property, and you will lose your home.

Judgment Liens

Judgment liens are a legal tool that creditors can use to force you to pay them what you owe. They must first take you to court. Then, if the judge sides with them, they can foreclose and sell the house at auction.

The Process of Property Liens in Missouri

The process of filing a lien in Missouri has the following key steps:

The first step involves sending a notice to the property owner. The preliminary notice should come ten days before filing the lien from the property owner of the intent if the claimant is a subcontractor, laborer, or supplier. Prime contractors must send the notice before the first payment.
Filling out the form should be the next step, where the claimant fills in the required information. Claimants should be careful with providing the correct information, including the property owner's name, a description of the property, the amount owed, and the start and end dates of the work.
Claimants must then record the form in the appropriate office. It is usually the county clerk's office. The offices charge a fee for recording, which claimants must meet down to the last cent. In addition, the claimants must meet the recording requirements of the office.

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Missouri

Property records are key during a real estate transaction. Many of the people and professionals involved in the deal may use property records to obtain valuable information. Many new property records will be created during the process, such as deeds, appraisals, inspection reports, mortgage documents, and more.

Buying Property: Due Diligence

When you buy property in Missouri, you should perform some type of due diligence and find out all you can about the property before putting down any money. The more you learn, the more confident you can be in purchasing the home.

Selling Property: Providing Disclosure

When selling property in Missouri, you must disclose to potential buyers any material defects about the home that you know about. If you are unaware of the house's history, you can consult property records to fill in the blanks. In Missouri, one of the disclosures is you must disclose whether or not the property was ever the site of a methamphetamine production lab. You must also disclose if the property ever had lead paint or asbestos or if it ever contained a "solid waste disposal site or demolition landfill".

Title Searches and Insurance

If you take out a mortgage, you will need title insurance. Your lender will require it. Title insurance protects you against any legal claims against the property after the sale. Your title company will perform a property title search before the closing to ensure you are clear.

Foreclosure and Property Records in Missouri

Homes in foreclosure are called "distressed properties". That does not necessarily mean there is anything physically wrong with them; it is just that the homeowner is in financial trouble. Investors often seek out distressed properties to buy them cheaply and sell them for a profit, while regular buyers usually want to avoid the hassles associated with foreclosure properties.

Property Records and Property Values

A highly impactful piece of information about a property is its value. Property values can help you make an informed decision before buying or selling. Knowing how other properties in the area are valued can also be helpful in various situations.

Assessments and Appraisals

Two types of processes form an opinion of a property's value. Local tax professionals use assessments to value a piece of property and set the tax rate. These assessments may not match the property's fair market value.

Appraisals are a different type of valuation used most often in real estate. Lenders require an appraisal to ensure the home's value supports the loan. Appraisals determine the fair market value compared to other homes in the area and recent sales.

Property Records and Market Value

Market values change rapidly, but property records can show how a property has increased or decreased in value over time. Fair market value is a standard used by real estate professionals, investors, and home buyers.

Factors that Determine Property Values in Missouri

The following factors can explain the high prices of properties in some areas of Missouri:

Proximity to Recreational Activities - Missouri offers multiple recreational activities and tourist attractions. For example, properties near the Missouri Rhineland with a thriving wine industry may value higher due to the tourism potential.
Climate and Natural Disasters - Areas susceptible to natural disasters such as flooding and tornadoes can impact property values, making them lower due to the higher insurance costs.
School Districts - Good quality schools may have higher property values, especially for family homes, as they would be in higher demand.
Natural Scenery - Missouri has multiple natural features, such as the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, resulting in scenic views. Areas with such views may command higher prices.
Property Taxes - Higher property taxes can discourage buyers from purchasing properties, so sellers may be included to lower the values.

Privacy and Property Records

Privacy and the kind of information exposed in property records often come up when considering public records. Since property documents are public records, anyone can access them without a reason. It's essential to review all your public property records to see what information about you is out there.

Why are Property Records Public?

Property records are public for the same reason other records are. This prevents any one government agency from having too much power over the citizens it governs, and it is a form of transparency in government.

How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?

Although you cannot keep all your information out of public property records, you can minimize your exposure. Do some research and find out what personal details are on your documents. Then contact the agency that holds the originals and have them remove anything beyond your name and address. You don't want your email address, phone number, or other sensitive information out there that could be used for identity theft and fraud.

Maintaining and Amending Property Records

Like with other legal documents, you will want to maintain and update anything pertaining to your property, which means amending property records when changes occur.

Correcting Errors on Property Records

Sometimes, property records contain errors. You can correct those errors by contacting the right people to get them fixed. You can visit the recorder of deeds office to have your deed corrected. Just be sure to bring any paperwork to support the correction.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

Whenever a legal change occurs, you will also want to update records. For example, you will need to update property records when someone dies. That means taking a copy of the death certificate and the will to the recorder of the deeds office and asking them to create a new deed for the new owner.

How to Change the Name on Property Records in Missouri

The best way to change the name on property records when you get married or divorced is to bring your marriage certificate or decree to the county recorder of deeds office and have them update it. They will have a process for amending the record.

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

Before buying any Missouri property, you need to consider many things. The best way to find out all about the property is through public property records. PropertyChecker is a fantastic tool for finding everything you need in one place, saving you a lot of time. You have access to unlimited searches and millions of nationwide property records.

Missouri County Property Records