Washington County Property Search
Washington County property records provide data about a local property's legal ownership, boundaries, assessment and taxation, and transactions. Property record searches are necessary to locate property records.
One of the primary purposes of a property record search is to ensure the legality of real estate transactions. Prospective buyers, sellers, investors, and local government agencies rely on these records to make informed decisions. For instance, homebuyers use property records to verify the legitimacy of a property's title before making a purchase, while county assessors use the records to determine property tax assessments.
In Washington County, property records are typically dispensed by the Assessment and Taxation Department. This office maintains and updates property records, ensuring their accuracy and accessibility to the public. The department offers a variety of tools and resources for property record searches, including online databases and in-person assistance, making it convenient for individuals and professionals to access vital information about real estate within the county.
Are Washington County Property Records Public?
Yes. In Washington County, property records are considered public information under the Oregon Public Records Law. Under this law, every person has the right to inspect any public record of a public body, subject to certain limitations. Exemptions include situations where disclosure would invade personal privacy and when a record is protected by law.
In practice, most property records, such as deeds, ownership information, and property assessments, are considered public records and are accessible to the public. However, specific details, such as an individual's Social Security Number and other sensitive personal information, may be redacted or restricted to protect privacy. Section 192.345 of the Oregon Revised Statutes contains the Washington FOIA's exemptions.
What Do Washington County Property Records Contain?
Property records in Washington County typically contain various information about real estate properties within the county, including:
- General Property Information: This includes the names and contact details of the property owner(s), physical address, legal description (often described by plat maps, sections, and township), and the parcel number or tax ID.
- Assessment Information: The property's assessed value for tax purposes, which may include land and building values.
- Building and Improvement Details: Information about structures on the property, such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and any additions or improvements made to the property.
- Recorded Instruments: Copies of deeds, mortgages, and other legal documents recorded in the Assessment and Taxation Department's Recording Office.
- Sales History: Records of past property sales, including sale prices and dates.
Where to Perform a Washington County Property Lookup
The Assessment & Taxation Department is the primary destination for conducting property searches in Washington County. The office has an online search tool that facilitates convenient access to property-related information, making it valuable to homeowners, potential buyers, or anyone interested in property within the county.
Individuals can also visit the Washington County Assessment & Taxation Office in person to search for property records.
How to Perform a Property Owner Lookup in Washington County
Requesters can obtain property ownership information online and in person in Washington County.
An individual interested in a property search online should navigate to the official website of the Washington County Assessment & Taxation Office and select "Property Information". The user will be provided with different search criteria on the next page, including a property address, tax lot ID, and property identifier. Accessible records include the property's assessed value, tax details, ownership records, and other related data.
The County of Washington also offers GIS maps with property information. These maps visually represent property lines, and individuals can often click on specific parcels to find ownership details.
On the other hand, if a person prefers in-person searches, they can visit the Washington County Assessment and Taxation Office during regular business hours. The office is located at 155 North First Avenue, Hillsboro, Oregon. Staff members can assist requesters with property owner lookups, provide access to paper property records, and answer any questions.
How to Find Washington County Property Records Online
Apart from searching Washington County's official website, requesters can use third-party websites to find property records online, especially when requiring a broader search. Third-party websites aggregate offer property and other public data to interested persons. Upon determining a suitable third-party database, an individual can navigate to the website to search. One can search by property address, owner's name, or parcel ID.
Some third-party websites offer basic information for free, while others may require a subscription or single payment to access detailed records. Also, verifying information accuracy is crucial when using third-party websites. While private websites can be useful in locating or viewing property records, the data may not always be complete or current.
How to Find Property Owner by Address for Free
Finding a property owner by address for free in Washington County can be achieved by accessing the County Assessment and Taxation Office's Property Information portal, which provides ownership and other property data. All that a requester needs to do is input the relevant property address into the portal's search box to retrieve ownership details.
On the other hand, requesters can contact the Washington County Assessment and Taxation Office to search for property owners by address.
Washington County Property Tax Lookup
Property tax information is often needed in different scenarios, such as when people want to buy or sell real estate, assess their financial obligations, or review a property's tax status.
Individuals may access the Washington County Assessment and Taxation's Property Information portal to look up tax details. The Assessment and Taxation Office is responsible for collecting taxes for the county and storing related records. As mentioned, the portal can be searched by property address, tax lot ID, or property identifier. After each successful inquiry, the system will generate a report of a property's assessed value, current and past tax amounts, applied exemptions, and payment due dates.
How to Find Washington County Property Appraiser
Residents can find a property appraiser in Washington County through the Appraiser Certification and Licensure Board (ACLB). The Board has a Public Record Search tool that interested persons can search by profession, county, license number, name, or license expiration date. Search results include the complete names, addresses, contact numbers, and licensee information of real estate appraisers in Washington County.
Real estate appraisers in Washington County provide services that include assessing the value of properties for various purposes, such as buying or selling real estate, securing loans, estate planning, and property tax assessments. Their primary function is to provide accurate and unbiased property valuations to help clients make informed real estate decisions.
Washington County Property Assessor
The Washington County Property Assessor determines the assessed value of all taxable properties within the county, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This estimated value is used to calculate property taxes for each property owner.
The assessor in Washington County plays a vital role in ensuring the fair and equitable distribution of property taxes by assessing properties at their current market value. The office also handles property tax exemptions and deductions, maintains property records, and addresses property assessment and taxation inquiries.
Individuals can contact the Washington County Property Assessor at the address below.
Washington County Assessment & Taxation
155 North First Avenue
Suite 130 MS8
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8741
Email: at@washingtoncountyor.gov
