Grand Traverse County Property Records
What Is Grand Traverse County Property Records
Property records in Grand Traverse County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. The primary purpose of maintaining comprehensive property records is to establish clear chains of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
In accordance with Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to the public. These records include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, and special)
- Mortgages and mortgage discharges
- Land contracts
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Liens and lien releases
- Plats and surveys
- Condominium documents
- Other instruments affecting real property interests
The Grand Traverse County Register of Deeds Office serves as the official custodian of these records, maintaining a comprehensive system for recording, indexing, and preserving property documents. This office ensures the integrity and accessibility of property records for public use and reference.
Are Property Records Public Information In Grand Traverse County?
Property records in Grand Traverse County are public information and accessible to all citizens pursuant to both Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (Public Act 442 of 1976) and specific property recording statutes. Under Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.551, the register of deeds must maintain records in a manner that allows for public inspection.
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes explicitly require public accessibility to property documents
- Transparency in land ownership serves the broader public interest
- Public access facilitates legitimate real estate transactions and research
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the state's commitment to transparency in property ownership and transactions.
Grand Traverse County Register of Deeds
400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 103
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4753
Grand Traverse County Register of Deeds
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
How To Search Property Records in Grand Traverse County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Grand Traverse County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple avenues for property record searches to accommodate various needs and preferences.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Grand Traverse County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form available at the public counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, parcel number, or owner name)
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents ($1.00 per page for standard copies)
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the official records request form from the county website
- Include specific property information in your request
- Enclose the appropriate search and copy fees
- Mail the request to the Register of Deeds office
- Allow 5-7 business days for processing
For telephone requests:
- Contact the Register of Deeds office at (231) 922-4753
- Provide specific property information to staff
- Arrange for payment of applicable fees
- Receive documents via mail or email, or arrange for in-person pickup
The county maintains a comprehensive parcel information system that allows for detailed property searches. Staff members are available to assist with complex searches or to help locate historical records that may not be available through online systems.
How To Find Property Records in Grand Traverse County Online?
Grand Traverse County offers robust online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources provide convenient access to property information without requiring a visit to county offices.
The primary online resources for property records include:
-
Grand Traverse County Land Records Portal
- Access the county's Records Search system
- Create a free user account for basic searches
- Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID
- View basic property information at no cost
- Pay applicable fees for detailed document images ($1.00 per page)
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Register of Deeds Online Document Search
- Visit the Search for Documents ONLINE portal
- Access records dating back to May 1966
- Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, or recording date
- View index information for free
- Purchase document copies for a nominal fee
-
BS&A Online Property Tax and Assessment Records
- Access detailed property tax and assessment information
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
- View property characteristics, tax information, and assessment history
- Basic information available at no cost; detailed reports available for a fee
-
GIS Mapping Portal
- Access the county's geographic information system
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and aerial imagery
- Identify adjacent properties and ownership information
- Access zoning and land use designations
Users should note that while basic property information is generally available at no cost, fees apply for accessing detailed documents and certified copies. The county's online systems are regularly updated to reflect current property transactions and ownership changes.
How To Look Up Grand Traverse County Property Records for Free?
Grand Traverse County provides several options for accessing basic property record information at no cost to the public. These free resources offer valuable property data while minimizing expenses for residents and researchers.
Free property record access options include:
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Public Access Terminals
- Located at the Register of Deeds office
- Available during regular business hours
- Provide free access to basic property information
- Staff assistance available for navigating the system
- Printing fees apply for document copies ($1.00 per page)
-
Grand Traverse County Free Parcel Search
- Access the county's free parcel information search
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View basic property details including:
- Owner information
- Property address
- Legal description
- Property class
- State Equalized Value (SEV)
- Taxable value
-
Public Library Resources
- Traverse Area District Library provides free public computer access
- Library staff can assist with navigating county property websites
- Historical property records may be available through library archives
-
County Equalization Department
- Visit the Equalization Department during business hours
- Request assistance with property record searches
- Access tax maps and assessment information at no charge
While these free options provide access to basic property information, users should be aware that fees may apply for obtaining copies of documents, certified records, or accessing more detailed property information. For comprehensive property research, users may need to utilize fee-based services or request assistance from county staff.
What's Included in a Grand Traverse County Property Record?
Property records in Grand Traverse County encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Register of Deeds, Equalization Department, and Treasurer's Office.
The distinction between real property and personal property is significant in county record-keeping:
- Real Property: Includes land and permanent structures attached to the land, which are recorded in the county's property records system
- Personal Property: Includes movable items not permanently affixed to real estate, which are typically documented through separate tax assessment records
A complete Grand Traverse County property record typically includes:
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Ownership Information
- Current property owner(s) name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Type of ownership (individual, joint tenancy, trust, etc.)
-
Property Identification
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot and block numbers (if applicable)
- Subdivision or condominium information
-
Transaction History
- Deed recordings with dates and document numbers
- Purchase prices and transfer tax information
- Mortgage recordings and releases
- Easements and rights-of-way
-
Financial Information
- Current assessed value
- State Equalized Value (SEV)
- Taxable value
- Property tax information
- Special assessments
-
Property Characteristics
- Land area (acreage or square footage)
- Building descriptions and dimensions
- Year built
- Construction details
- Number of rooms/bedrooms/bathrooms
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Encumbrances
- Mortgages and liens
- Easements and restrictions
- Covenants and deed restrictions
- Tax liens or other governmental claims
These records are maintained in accordance with Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.28, which establishes requirements for the recording and maintenance of property records.
How Long Does Grand Traverse County Keep Property Records?
Grand Traverse County maintains property records in perpetuity for most permanent real estate documents, in accordance with Michigan's record retention requirements. The county follows the retention schedules established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Records Management Services.
The retention periods for various property-related documents include:
- Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and Mortgage Discharges: Permanent retention
- Land Contracts: Permanent retention
- Easements and Rights-of-Way: Permanent retention
- Plats and Surveys: Permanent retention
- Tax Records: Minimum of 7 years, with permanent retention of tax rolls
- Building Permits: Minimum of 10 years after building demolition
- Zoning Variances: Permanent retention
- Special Assessment Records: Permanent retention
The Michigan Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, as mandated by Michigan Compiled Laws § 399.811, establishes these retention requirements. The county is legally obligated to maintain these records according to the state-mandated schedule.
Historical property records dating back to the county's formation in 1851 are preserved through various means, including:
- Microfilm and digital conversion of older documents
- Climate-controlled storage for original documents
- Backup systems to ensure record preservation
- Restoration of damaged historical documents
The Register of Deeds office has implemented comprehensive digital preservation systems to ensure the long-term accessibility of property records, with online records currently available dating back to May 1966.
How To Find Liens on Property In Grand Traverse County?
Locating liens on property in Grand Traverse County requires searching specific records maintained by various county departments. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
-
Search Register of Deeds Records
- Access the county's online document search system
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review index entries for documents categorized as:
- Mortgage liens
- Construction liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
-
Check County Treasurer Records
- Contact the Grand Traverse County Treasurer's Office
- Request information on outstanding property tax liens
- Verify if the property has delinquent taxes or special assessments
-
Review Circuit Court Records
- Search court records for judgments against the property owner
- Judgment liens may be recorded against specific properties
- Court records can reveal pending litigation affecting the property
-
Check State and Federal Tax Liens
- Federal tax liens are recorded with the Register of Deeds
- State tax liens are typically filed with both the Secretary of State and Register of Deeds
- These liens take priority over many other types of liens
-
Consult with a Title Company
- Professional title searches provide comprehensive lien information
- Title companies maintain current databases of recorded liens
- Title insurance protects against undiscovered liens
Grand Traverse County Treasurer's Office
400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 104
Traverse City, MI 49684
(231) 922-4735
Grand Traverse County Treasurer
For the most comprehensive lien search, members of the public may wish to engage the services of a title company or real estate attorney familiar with Grand Traverse County records.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Grand Traverse County?
The Property Owner Rule in Grand Traverse County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. This framework is established through a combination of state laws, county ordinances, and local regulations.
Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements per Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201
- Recording establishes constructive notice to the public
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but lack priority against subsequent recorded interests
-
Property Tax Obligations
- Property owners must pay annual property taxes
- Tax bills are issued twice yearly (summer and winter)
- Failure to pay taxes may result in tax liens and eventual foreclosure
- Property tax rates are determined by millage rates approved by voters
-
Land Use Regulations
- Property use is subject to zoning ordinances
- Building permits required for new construction and significant renovations
- Special use permits may be required for certain property uses
- Environmental regulations may restrict development in sensitive areas
-
Riparian Rights
- Properties bordering water bodies have specific riparian rights
- These rights include access to water and reasonable use
- Riparian rights are subject to state regulations and local ordinances
- Special considerations apply to Great Lakes shoreline properties
-
Adverse Possession
- Property may be acquired through adverse possession after 15 years
- Possession must be actual, visible, notorious, exclusive, continuous, and hostile
- Adverse possession claims must be established through court proceedings
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Property Disclosure Requirements
- Sellers must disclose known material defects
- Disclosure forms must comply with state requirements
- Failure to disclose may result in legal liability
- Certain environmental disclosures are mandatory
Property owners should consult with legal professionals for specific guidance on property rights and responsibilities, as regulations may change and individual circumstances vary.
Lookup Property Records in Grand Traverse County
Register of Deeds Records Search