Check an offer to sell a property record copy
Some companies mail official-looking offers to sell you a copy of your property deed or assessment record. The same documents can often be had from your county office at little or no cost.
How to evaluate a property record copy offer
- Find the official fee for a deed copy on your county recorder, assessor, or clerk website before you pay a third party for the same document.
- Read the fine print to see whether you are buying a certified copy, an uncertified copy, or a decorative version of the record.
- Check whether the company name matches a government office. Private companies may sell these copies, but they are not government agencies.
- If you do not want future offers, photograph one mailer for Junk Mail Magic, review the sender it identifies, and submit a removal request after signing in.
Prices vary widely
Private companies may sell property record copies, and some people value the convenience. The concern is that a mailer can resemble an official notice while charging many times what the county does. The county's price gives you a comparison point. The FTC has published guidance on property record offers that is worth reading before you respond.
Get the county's price first
Look up your county recorder's contact information, confirm the official fee, and then decide whether the third-party offer is worth the difference.
Instructions for the next step
Have an unwanted advertisement ready?
Photograph one piece you are authorized to handle, with the sender and full mailing label visible. Review the details before submitting. The first request is free; the sender controls the response.
Try one request free