Nebraska Property Records
![Property Records in Nebraska](/img/states/nebraska/property_records_01.jpg)
Nebraska is the 37th state nicknamed The Cornhusker State. Many Native American tribes have lived in Nebraska for thousands of years. The state is famous for its treacherous Oregon Trail, which early settlers braved to own land and make a new life for themselves in the new world. The land is made up of a lot of "till", which is a mixture of sand, gravel, and boulders due to the last ice age. Nebraska has a population of 1.968 million residents, and they create a lot of property records.
Property records are paramount to the real estate market, local governments, and homeowners. As public records, they can impact the property and the owner's reputation. Attorneys, title companies, appraisers, surveyors, and others use property records daily in their work or to gather information.
Keep reading to learn all about Nebraska property records, what they are, how they are used, where they are stored, the different types, and how to update them whenever you experience a life change.
What Are Property Records in Nebraska?
Property records in Nebraska are forms, documents, and reports containing detailed information about real property and its owners. Some perform tasks like deeds that transfer ownership of property and building permits that provide licensing to move forward with renovations.
Property History Search Can Include
A property history search can reveal a lot of information. It's surprising how much information is contained in public property records. When searching, obtain as many as possible so you can see the whole picture.
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 Nebraska
Wouldn't it be nice if all property records were in one place? Unfortunately, they are not; they are scattered among private companies, government offices, the courts, and other entities. For example, if you need to file a deed in Nebraska, you will need to visit the register of deeds office in the county where the property is. Lancaster County, Nebraska, provides more information on this. The county assessor determines the value of all property within its jurisdiction. The county tax collector bills homeowners for annual taxes. The Nebraska Department of Revenue oversees these local tax officials. City and town officials handle issuing building permits. For instance, if you live in Lincoln, Nebraska, you would visit the Building and Safety office to apply for a permit before building.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
Nebraska land records refer to homestead declarations and state-owned or acquired land. The History Nebraska website offers a search tool to find these types of records or search by owner's last name. Property records are broader, covering a more comprehensive array of topics regarding real property.
The Role of the Register of Deeds
![The Role of the Register of Deeds](img/states/nebraska/property_records_02.jpg)
The register of deeds in each county has general supervision over all property in their jurisdiction. These elected officials receive and preserve for recording a deed, mortgage, or release, recording and indexing of a will, recording, and indexing of a decree, recording proof of publication, or recording any other instrument.
How Property Records are Maintained in Nebraska
Each register of deeds may have its own system of maintaining records. However, one thing is consistent among all the offices. When a new record comes in, the register of deeds stamps it with the date, time, and number to identify it later. Once recorded, it becomes a public record.
Accessing Records at the Register of Deeds in Nebraska
Anyone can access records at the register of deeds since they are public. Most offices have regular business hours when you can visit and request copies. They can charge you a small fee per page. Some counties also have their records online. To help get you started, here are a few county websites:
Register of Deeds Locations in Nebraska
The Nebraska Association of County Officials has developed this map to help you find the right register of deeds in your county.
Types of Property Records
During your research, you will come across many different types of property records. Some will be familiar, and others may not be. Some perform functions, and others are purely informational. The most common types you will find in Nebraska include:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are very common records, and most people have heard of them. Deeds transfer ownership of property and include restrictions, easements, and covenants. They also verify ownership of property if it comes into question.
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 Nebraska must pay annual taxes on it. The local county tax assessor determines your tax rate, and the tax collector bills you each year. If you fail to pay your taxes, the county can place a lien on the property and eventually foreclose and sell it at auction.
Nebraska is a high property tax state, with an average effective property tax rate of 1.61% going up as high as 2% in some locations. Property taxes vary by county, but Nebraska is known to be one of the ten costliest places to live in America.
Property tax records contain the following:
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Property Information - The assessor will include a property description with details such as address and plot number.
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Assessment and Taxable Value - The record will outline the assessed and taxable values after applying for exemptions.
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Tax Rate or Levies - Each local area has a different tax rate which would appear on the document.
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Exemptions - The document will list any exemptions applying to the property.
How Often is Property Tax in Idaho Assessed?
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants often appear on deeds and other property records. Easements are rights of way that give someone other than the owner the right to enter the property without asking permission. Sometimes, towns use private property for roads or power lines, and they can access it whenever needed to maintain them.
Covenants are rules about how the property may be used. If you live in a condo or gated community, you will be familiar with them. An example might be no holiday decorations outside of your home.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both maps. Surveys show the boundaries of a single property, and plats show the boundaries of all the neighboring properties. These, too, accompany deeds.
The following are the types of surveys in Nebraska:
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Location Surveys - A property's exact boundaries and corners are determined through location surveys, often known as boundary surveys or property surveys. They entail identifying property corners, locating and marking property lines, and providing a complete legal description of the land. Location surveys are commonly used in real estate transactions, boundary disputes, and property line clarification.
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Subdivision Surveys - These are done when land is divided into many lots or parcels for development or sale. These surveys define the borders and size of each lot in the subdivision. They also decide whether easements or rights-of-way are required for access or utility needs.
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Topographic Surveys - Topographic surveys document a property's physical qualities, features, and surroundings. Elevation measurements, contours, vegetation, natural and man-made features, water bodies, and other pertinent data are all included. They are necessary for engineering, building, and land development projects.
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Land Title Surveys - ALTA/NSPS surveys adhere to the standards set by the American Land Title Association (or ALTA) and the National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS). These surveys thoroughly assess a property, including boundary information, easements, encroachments, and other variables that may influence the title.
Historical Property Records
The Nebraska Historical Society has information on researching old property records and historical properties. You can also try the public library and library websites in your area.
Building Permits and Regulations in Nebraska
If you need a building permit to add to your home, demolish a building, or build something new, you must contact the town or city building department to apply for a license before beginning work.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/nebraska/property_records_03.jpg)
A property history search is a great way to learn all about a property, past and present. Regardless of why you want to find information, you are in luck. You have a variety of ways to search. Try these methods below and see what works for you.
Online Property Record Search
The first place to start is with a basic online property search. Enter the full property address into a Google search bar and review the results. Chances are you will only see information from realty websites and will have to dig deeper.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can visit any of the county registers of deeds locations during regular business hours and ask for records. If they are busy, you may have to wait. They may also charge you a small fee per page.
Using Property Record Indexes
Try one of the many property record indexes online. Be careful; many of them are old repositories that are not updated regularly, and some may even have inaccurate information.
Utilizing Commercial Services
The best way to find all the property records you need under one roof is through a professional service like PropertyChecker. With this service, you can access millions of nationwide property records within minutes. Everything you need is right there, at your fingertips.
How to Search Property Records by Address
It's easiest to search for property records by address. Type in the full address, including city and state, and zip into a search tool to see what comes up.
How to Search Property Records by Name
Sometimes, you can also search by the property owner's name. However, this method is not always effective, and you might see older information instead of the current owner.
Understanding Property Ownership in Nebraska
It's a wonderful feeling to own your own home. However, homeownership comes with some serious responsibilities, like paying your mortgage, interest, and taxes on time. You must also maintain the property to keep its value up. All property owners are listed in property records, and that information is made public.
Identifying Property Owners
There are many reasons why you might want to find the owner of a property. You can do so easily. Contact the register of deeds and ask for the latest deed to see who the current owner is. You can also review other older deeds to see historical owners.
Chain of Title
The chain of title is the list of all owners who owned the property. This is documented through deeds with the register of deeds in each county in Nebraska. The chain must remain unbroken.
Ownership History and Transfers
Property does not only change hands through real estate sales. Sometimes, people gift the property to others in their will or before death. Some people sign the deed over to avoid foreclosure or to pay off a debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Nebraska
Every piece of real property has a legal property description. This description includes map coordinates and a written description that includes natural landmarks so anyone can find them easily. These property descriptions appear in deeds, mortgages, appraisals, and other documents.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys measure land to find the exact boundaries. Surveyors use specialized equipment to measure boundaries. They are used before new construction, in boundary disputes, and when installing underground utilities.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Boundary disputes erupt when one party believes another is encroaching upon their land. They can get heated and end up in court, where a judge must decide the outcome. The courts rely on surveyors to provide information to help them decide.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Nebraska
Encumbrances like liens are public property records and will show up online for anyone to see. They can negatively affect a property and its owner's reputation if there are too many, and they lead to a foreclosure. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those that you choose. You use your home as collateral to secure a loan, and in return, you allow the lender to place a lien on the home. If you default on the loan, they can foreclose and sell it to get their money back.
Mortgage Liens
Mortgage liens are very common and used to secure mortgage loans. These are not necessarily bad. If you don't pay the mortgage and interest according to the terms, you could end up losing your home.
The following are some important details that are often found in Nebraska mortgage documents:
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Parties Involved - The mortgage paperwork includes the names and addresses of the borrower (mortgagor) and the lender (mortgagee).
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Property Description - A mortgage document may give a full description of the property under the mortgage. It usually comprises the legal description of the property and details about the borders and location.
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Loan Terms - The mortgage agreement specifies the loan's terms and details, such as the principal amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and special restrictions.
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Security Interest - The mortgage creates a security interest in the property, which serves as collateral for the loan. The contract may therefore describe the lender's rights in the event of a default, foreclosure proceedings, and the circumstances under which the lender may take control of the property.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are not within your control. They are imposed against your will when you owe a debt. These most often result in foreclosure and the loss of your home.
Mechanic's Liens
Contractors, subcontractors, laborers, material suppliers, and landscapers can place liens on the home when you don't pay them for their work or materials. In Nebraska, they must file the lien within 120 days of providing the last bit of work and enforce it within two years, meaning sue the homeowner in court and foreclose.
Tax Liens
You must pay annual property taxes. If you do not pay them on time, the county can impose a tax lien on your property. Then, they will foreclose and sell the house at auction.
Judgment Liens
Creditors use judgment liens to collect debt. First, they place a lien on your property, and then they sue you in court to enforce it. If the judge rules in their favor, they can foreclose and sell the home to get their money back.
The Process of Property Liens in Nebraska
Filing a lien in Nebraska demands following the process guided by the statutes. Because there are different types of liens, the processes differ. So, here is a breakdown of the process of mechanics liens in Nebraska:
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The first part is filling out the lien form. The form must include the owner's name, the property details, the amount owed, and the dates of labor or materials supplied. The form may require the presence of a notary when signing.
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Recording the lien is the next step. The claimant must file the lien at the Register of Deeds office in the corresponding counties. Claimants may deliver the form in person or via mail or FedEx. The offices require the right recording fees down to the last cent as they can reject the form if the individual presents the wrong amount. Some counties also allow electronic recording.
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After filing, the claimants may serve a copy of the mechanic's lien to the property owner. The copy must be stamped or a copy of the recorded lien. The deadline for providing this copy is ten days.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Nebraska
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Nebraska](img/states/nebraska/property_records_04.jpg)
Property records come into play most often during real estate deals. Many of the parties use them to gather information and go into the deal fully armed with as much detail as possible. Some property records like deeds and appraisals are created during the process.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying any property, you should do as much research as possible. You can use property records to compare home values, taxes, and insurance and look for any liens, title defects, and foreclosures.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
Before selling a property, you must disclose material defects you know about the house. If you know the roof is leaking, you must tell any potential buyers by law.
Title Searches and Insurance
Your lender will require you to purchase title insurance. It protects them and you from any legal claims on the property after the deal. Your title company will perform a property title search to look for any issues that might spoil the deal.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Nebraska
Homes in foreclosure are sold at auction and listed publicly. It can be embarrassing for owners to have their homes listed as foreclosures. It also devalues the house, and many regular buyers won't want to deal with the hassles.
Pre-Foreclosures in Nebraska
Pre-foreclosure homes are in the foreclosure process, but they have yet to reach the point where they will be sold at auction. Investors look for these homes to buy cheaply and then sell for a profit.
When was the House Built?
You can find out when a house was built by contacting the local register of deeds and asking to see the oldest building permit. The first one would have the date when the house was first built.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values are public records and appear in many different property records and public websites. You can browse a realty website and see a property's estimated fair market value (FMV). Property values change rapidly when the economy turns, or inflation goes up. Interest rates and the local real estate market also affect property values. Fair market value is the yardstick used to compare homes to one another and is the standard for real estate sales.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are tools used by property professionals to determine the value for a specific purpose. Tax assessors use assessments to determine the value of all the homes within the county. These values do not always match the fair market value.
Appraisers use different methods to determine value by comparing homes with others recently sold in the area. They aim to determine the fair market value (what the house would sell for in the current market). Lenders use appraisals to ensure the value supports the loan.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Nebraska
The following factors affect property values in the state:
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Condition - Property values may decrease due to the condition it's in. Old fixtures and the lack of modern amenities may decrease a property's value.
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Economic Factors - Job growth, income levels, and overall economic stability can all impact property values. Agricultural circumstances, energy industries, and manufacturing sectors may significantly impact local property values in Nebraska.
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Location - The location of a property may affect its value. For example, most homebuyers are willing to pay higher prices for proximity to amenities and recreational activities.
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Zoning - Land use regulations and limits can impact property values by determining the development permitted in a given location. Property values can be influenced by restrictions on commercial development, building heights, or conservation areas, which shape the character and desirability of the community.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/nebraska/property_records_05.jpg)
Property records are public records. Therefore, you cannot have private property sales without some public documentation. Anyone can access public property records anytime, in person or online.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records remain public for two main reasons. First, they preserve the public chain of title for all property transfers. Second, they prohibit any government office from having too much power over the people.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
You cannot remove all your information from public records. However, you can minimize your exposure and risk of identity theft and fraud by limiting what the public sees. Contact the agencies that hold your records and ask that they remove anything beyond your name and address.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
It's up to you to keep your property records updated and correct. The office that holds them will not know to update them automatically if something in your life changes. You must contact them to make the change yourself.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Sometimes, property records have errors. People make mistakes. To fix any errors, contact the tax agency or register of deeds and ask them to correct the problem. You may have to bring documentation proving the error.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You must also update property records when someone dies. Chances are they willed the property to an heir. Bring the death certificate and will to the register of deeds in the county where the property is located and ask them to update the records. They will create a new deed in the new owner's name.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Nebraska
If you get married or divorced, you will probably want to change your property records. Bring your divorce decree or marriage certificate to the register of deeds and ask them to update the records.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
A property history search can save you a lot of hassle before buying property in Nebraska. There are so many things to consider, such as value, taxes, liens, foreclosures, building permits, and insurance. You can learn all this and more using PropertyChecker, a fast and easy online service. You will have access to millions of nationwide records instantly.
Nebraska County Property Records
- Adams County
- Antelope County
- Boone County
- Box Butte County
- Buffalo County
- Burt County
- Butler County
- Cass County
- Cedar County
- Cherry County
- Cheyenne County
- Clay County
- Colfax County
- Cuming County
- Custer County
- Dakota County
- Dawes County
- Dawson County
- Dixon County
- Dodge County
- Douglas County
- Fillmore County
- Gage County
- Hall County
- Hamilton County
- Holt County
- Howard County
- Jefferson County
- Johnson County
- Kearney County
- Keith County
- Knox County
- Lancaster County
- Lincoln County
- Madison County
- Merrick County
- Nemaha County
- Otoe County
- Phelps County
- Pierce County
- Platte County
- Polk County
- Red Willow County
- Richardson County
- Saline County
- Sarpy County
- Saunders County
- Scotts Bluff County
- Seward County
- Stanton County
- Thurston County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- York County
Nebraska Property Records Search
Nebraska Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Nebraska
- What Are Property Records in Nebraska?
- The Role of the Register of Deeds
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Idaho Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Nebraska
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Nebraska
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Nebraska
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Nebraska
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Nebraska County Property Records