Idaho Property Records
![Property Records in Idaho](/img/states/idaho/property_records_01.jpg)
The Gem State of Idaho was named after a steamship that traveled the Columbia River. It is 83,557 square miles of mountains, rivers, and flatlands. Boise is Idaho's largest city, with a population of 205,707 residents. Idaho is number one for the production of potatoes, trout, Austrian winter peas, and lentils. The most prominent industries in the state are manufacturing, health care, agriculture, and tourism. Idaho has a population of 1.939 million people and 735,672 housing units, which means millions of interesting property records.
Property records are created by government offices, attorneys, title companies, realtors, and private companies that use them every day in their daily operations. They also impact homeowners and transfer and verify home ownership.
What Are Property Records in Idaho?
Idaho property records are official reports, forms, and documents that contain information about real property and its owners. Realtors, attorneys, title companies, government offices, and individuals create these records. Some records perform functions, and others are purely informational.
Property History Search Can Include
A thorough property history search will unveil many interesting facts about a piece of property or its owners. Some records will have more detail, and some will have less. There may also be some overlap between records.
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 Idaho
Different agencies, courts, and private companies create, store, and maintain property records. For example, if you need to file a new deed in Idaho, you must visit the local county recorder's office where the property resides. Ada County has some helpful FAQs regarding filing deeds.
The Idaho State Tax Commission oversees all property tax administration and details, but the local county tax assessor sets tax rates and issues bills to homeowners. They can also impose a tax lien if you fail to pay your annual property taxes.
If you need a building permit to build new construction, demolish a building, or renovate, you can contact the Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses. They offer them to both contractors and homeowners.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
Each state defines land records. In Idaho, these records refer to maps, deeds, easements, encroachment permits, mining activity reports, and commercial land leasing. The Idaho Land Board Department of Lands oversees this database of information. Property records cover much more detailed information about the property and its owners.
The Role of the Recorder's Office
![The Role of the Recorder's Office](img/states/idaho/property_records_02.jpg)
The local county recorder's office plays a vital role in property records. They are the stewards of property records. They file, record, and maintain them. They also provide them to the public upon request.
How Property Records are Maintained in Idaho
Each county has its own system for maintaining records. However, they all receive new documents and stamp them with the date, time, and a unique identifier to make them easily accessible later. As soon as the document has been recorded, it becomes a public record.
Accessing Records at the Recorder's Office in Idaho
Idaho property records are public records, and anyone can get copies by visiting the recorder's office or using online portals or county office websites. To help you get started, here are a few local county recorder's office websites.
Recorder's Office Locations in Idaho
The Idaho Association of Counties provides this handy website, which can help you easily find the county recorder's office or county official you need.
Types of Property Records
During a property records history search, you will encounter many different types of property records. Some perform functions, and others are informational. Many will contain some of the same details. The most common property record types in Idaho include:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds and conveyance records are extremely common records that most people are familiar with. Deeds transfer property between two people or entities. If ownership is questioned, deeds can also verify who owns the property.
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
Property owners in Idaho must pay annual property taxes. Each county sets its own tax rate, and it varies somewhat. The local county assessor determines each homeowner's taxes. Idaho's average effective property tax rate is .754% of the property's value. A typical homeowner pays about $1,817 in taxes.
If you fail to pay your annual property taxes, the county can impose a tax lien on the property, eventually foreclose on it, and sell it at auction to pay off the unpaid taxes.
After an assessor calculates taxes for a property, they send a notice or record showing the following information:
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Tax Rates - Tax rates are bound to change based on various factors. In addition, different areas have various tax rates.
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Market or Assessed Value - The assessed value is the basis for calculating property tax. Therefore, it should appear in the tax record.
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Tax Payment History - The Commission tracks tax payments to ensure taxpayers do not default. Therefore, the record will show a history of the payments made, noting the payment dates and amounts.
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Exemptions - Property taxes usually have to exclude any exemptions that apply to the property. The record should indicate the exemptions and amount.
How Often is Property Tax in Idaho Assessed?
County Assessors estimate how much buyers would pay for the property as of January 1st. They assess the values at 100% of the market value, less any exemptions. Each assessor has their own process for conducting the assessment. However, the general process is as follows:
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Valuation - The county assessor determines the market value for each property. Assessors consider features such as size, quality of construction, location, and condition.
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Exemptions - The assessor then determines any exemptions that apply to the properties. Homeowners can check with the county assessor's office if any property exemptions apply.
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Tax Calculations - The tax districts set their taxing rates, which the assessor uses to calculate taxes for the property. The County Treasurer then creates a property tax bill, mailed to the owner.
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Review and Appeals - Property owners review the bill for accuracy and may consult with the county assessor's office or appeal to the Board of Equalization. If not, they may clear the tax bill as advised.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants are also part of property records in Idaho. Easements are rights of way that allow someone other than the owner to access the property whenever they like. An example would be a wireless company with towers installed on private land. The company can enter and maintain the towers whenever it needs to.
Covenants are restrictions on how the property can be used. You see these in gated communities and condos. For example, you might not be able to have a dog or cat in the development.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps. The difference is that plats show the boundaries of neighboring properties, and surveys show only the boundaries of a single property. Plats and surveys often accompany deeds.
Types of property surveys in Idaho include:
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Mortgage Survey - It is simple and widespread in the state. It determines land boundaries and building locations. The purpose is to show no encroachments on the property.
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Boundary Survey - It is performed to establish or reestablish property corners and boundary lines. It is ideal for buying or selling land.
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Topographic Survey - It shows the elevations and contours of the land. It depicts the physical features of the land. The information is necessary for planning and designing future projects.
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Construction Survey - A construction survey is necessary for building a new property or structure.
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Natural Resource Survey - It is necessary when a company establishes a new oil well or mine to extract minerals and other resources.
Historical Property Records
When property records become too massive, states often move them to an archive area and keep current ones local. The Idaho Historical Society is responsible for all historical property records. They have a physical location where visitors can review and access many types of old property records.
Building Permits and Regulations in Idaho
Building permits are handled at the state level because the government is a unified system (rare in the U.S.). You can obtain building permits directly through the Idaho Division of Occupational & Professional Licenses. This works for both contractors and homeowners alike.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/idaho/property_records_03.jpg)
Property records are handy for many reasons. Thankfully, when searching for them, you have many options. Try the methods outlined below to see what works best for you.
Online Property Record Search
First, start with a generic online property records search. Type the full property address into a Google search bar and see what comes up. You may find what you need, or you may have to go further.
In-Person Property Record Search
Visit any of the local county recorder's offices to search for and get copies of property records in person. By law, they must provide you with access to the records. The office may charge you a small fee for copies.
Using Property Record Indexes
Property records indexes are everywhere. You can try them, but be careful; they are not always updated regularly or even contain correct or accurate records. Verify any information you find there.
Utilizing Commercial Services
The absolutely best way to find property records all in one place quickly is PropertyChecker. You can access millions of nationwide property records within seconds. Save time and money using a professional service like PropertyChecker.
How to Search Property Records by Address
The easiest way to find records is by using the property address. Type in the full address, including city, state, and zip, into a search bar and see what comes up. You should get pretty close.
How to Search Property Records by Name
You might also have the option of searching by the owner's name. Although this is not always the best or most efficient method, you could get lucky.
Understanding Property Ownership in Idaho
Property ownership is a wonderful thing. However, when you own a home, you must also pay your taxes, interest, insurance, and mortgage on time and maintain the house to preserve its value. Understand that your name and address will show up in public property records.
Identifying Property Owners
If you need to find the owner of an Idaho property, you can easily do so. Visit the county recorder's office where the property is and ask to see the most current deed. That will tell you who owns it. You may also be able to look it up on the county recorder's website.
Chain of Title
The chain of title is the public record of all owners of a specific property, documented through deeds. Only fully recorded deeds are legal, so the local government will not honor unrecorded ownership transfers.
Ownership History and Transfers
Most often, land changes hands through real estate deals. However, that's not always the case. Sometimes, people leave property to others in their will or gift it to them before death. Some people transfer property to pay off a debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Idaho
Every piece of real property has its own legal property description. The legal description includes map coordinates and a written description that includes natural landmarks so anyone can find them easily. These descriptions appear in property records like deeds, mortgages, appraisals, surveys, and building permits.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys measure the land to determine the proper boundaries. They are used before new construction and utility installation and sometimes during boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Boundary disputes are pretty common. They occur when a neighbor thinks another is trespassing on their land. These often end up in court, where a judge must decide the outcome. The courts will enlist the help of a professional surveyor to measure the land and determine where the boundaries lie.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Idaho
Liens are encumbrances that appear in property records. Some are less serious, but others can lead to foreclosure and the loss of the home. They also stain the owner's reputation and lower the home's value. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those that you have control over, like mortgage or home equity loans, where you agree to a lien in return for a bank lending you money.
Mortgage Liens
Mortgage liens are very common. Anyone who borrows money to buy a home will have a mortgage lien. You essentially use your home as collateral for the loan. However, if you fail to pay the mortgage for three months or more, the lender will foreclose and sell your house to get their money back.
Mortgage records will contain the following information:
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Loan Terms - The document will outline the loan terms, including how long it remains in effect.
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Loan Amount - The document will show the initially borrowed amount and the total amount to be paid. The repayment amount is based on the interest rate.
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Loan Repayment Schedule - Every loan has a payment schedule that should appear in the mortgage document. It can be monthly, weekly, or bi-monthly based on the amount and lending agency.
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Property Description - If relevant, the document will describe the property, including the physical address, plot number, and dimensions.
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Roles - The document must specify details of the lender and the creditor. It will also show their responsibilities and rights.
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Penalties - If the lender fails to pay, the document should stipulate the types of penalties they face.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are beyond your control and result from a debt that you owe. These types almost always result in foreclosure and the loss of the home.
Mechanic's Liens
When contractors, subs, landscapers, laborers, or material suppliers work on your home, and you refuse to pay them, they can place a mechanic's lien on your property. To enforce the lien, they must sue you in court. If they win, they can foreclose and get paid from the proceeds of the sale of your home.
Tax Liens
The county can impose a tax lien when you don't pay your annual property taxes. If the situation is not resolved quickly, the county will foreclose and sell your house at auction to collect the taxes.
Judgment Liens
Creditors can use a judgment lien to get paid a debt you owe. They, too, must take you to court and sue. If they win, they can foreclose and sell the property to pay off the debt.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Idaho
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Idaho](img/states/idaho/property_records_04.jpg)
Property records really come into play during real estate sales. Before the deal, the attorney, realtor, appraiser, inspector, and title company will use property records to research things. New records will be created during the sale, and after closing, some will replace older records.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying any property in Idaho, you should always perform due diligence and find out as much as possible to make an informed decision. Use property records to fill in any blanks.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
Sellers must disclose any material defects, such as a damaged foundation, asbestos, and lead paint, to potential buyers in an effort to be transparent so they know what they are getting.
Title Searches and Insurance
Title insurance is a requirement when you borrow money to buy a house. The lender must protect itself and you from any legal claims on the property after the sale. Your attorney or title company will perform a property title search, looking for any issues beforehand.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Idaho
Foreclosures appear in Idaho property records. These homes are valued at less than fair market value because the lienholder wants to sell them quickly to get paid what they are owed. Most buyers want to avoid the hassles associated with foreclosure properties.
Pre-Foreclosures in Idaho
Pre-foreclosure homes also show up in property records. These are homes that are in foreclosure but have yet to be sold at auction. There is a window of opportunity for the owner to sell to an investor or a short sale to end the foreclosure and resolve the debt.
When was the House Built?
If you want to find out when a house was built, contact the local county recorder's office and ask to see the very first building permit. It will show who originally built it and when.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values are one of the most interesting pieces of information you will find regarding a piece of real property. They appear online on realty websites, assessments, mortgages, and appraisals. These values change over time depending on economic conditions, inflation, and the local real estate market.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are tools used to determine a property's value. County tax assessors use assessments to assign tax rates to every piece of property within their jurisdiction. These values do not always match fair market value (FMV).
Appraisers use various calculation methods to derive a property's value for estate planning and mortgages. Their goal is to arrive at the fair market value, which is the amount the house would sell for in the current market.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Idaho
High prices in some areas of Idaho may be explained by the following:
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Agricultural and Rural Factors - Idaho has a vibrant agricultural sector, so properties with fertile soil, irrigation, and suitable infrastructure for farming and ranching may have higher values.
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Natural Resources - Idaho has abundant natural resources such as agricultural lands, minerals and timber. The presence of these and other resources could mean higher property values.
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Location - Properties near local amenities such as lakes, ski resorts, rivers, and national parks may value higher due to the proximity.
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Development Potential - The potential to develop land could affect the price of a property, considering zoning regulations and infrastructure availability.
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Scenery - Idaho has diverse landscapes and natural features that may affect the price of a property based on proximity.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/idaho/property_records_05.jpg)
Idaho property records are public; therefore, anyone can access them anytime. These records do contain information about the owners. Some have more detail, and some have less. If you buy property, your name will show up in public property records.
Accessing Public Property Records
You can access public property records through the proper channel. If you seek deeds, that would be the county recorder's office. If you are looking for tax information, that's the tax assessor. You must determine the correct agency when accessing property records.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public to maintain a public chain of title (showing every owner going back to the first) and to prevent any government office from having too much power over its people. It's about transparency.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
You cannot remove all your information from public property records. However, you can contact all the agencies and offices that hold your records and ask them to remove anything but your name and address. That will help protect you against fraud and identity theft.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
A quick property history search of your own records will help you determine if anything needs to be corrected or updated. It's a good idea to check records periodically and make changes as necessary.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Sometimes, property records contain errors. To fix them, contact the agency that holds themâin Idaho, the county recorder's officeâand ask them to correct the issue. You may need to supply documentation to support the fix.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You will also have to update property records when someone dies. Bring the death certificate along with the deceased person's will and have the county recorder's office draft a new deed in the new owner's name.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Idaho
You will also want to change your property records if you get married or divorced. Bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree into the county recorder's office and ask the clerk to update them.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
When buying property in Idaho, you want to consider all your options. Use property records to examine the value, taxes, building permits, and insurance and look for liens and foreclosures. PropertyChecker is your go-to source for all property records in one easy-to-use interface. Access millions of nationwide records instantly!
Idaho County Property Records
- Ada County
- Bannock County
- Bear Lake County
- Benewah County
- Bingham County
- Blaine County
- Boise County
- Bonner County
- Bonneville County
- Boundary County
- Canyon County
- Caribou County
- Cassia County
- Clearwater County
- Elmore County
- Franklin County
- Fremont County
- Gem County
- Gooding County
- Idaho County
- Jefferson County
- Jerome County
- Kootenai County
- Latah County
- Lemhi County
- Lincoln County
- Madison County
- Minidoka County
- Nez Perce County
- Owyhee County
- Payette County
- Power County
- Shoshone County
- Teton County
- Twin Falls County
- Valley County
- Washington County
Idaho Property Records Search
Idaho Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Idaho
- What Are Property Records in Idaho?
- The Role of the Recorder's Office
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Idaho Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Idaho
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Idaho
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Idaho
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Idaho
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Idaho County Property Records