How do I search public records to find out if there is an existing lien on a California property before I buy it?

To find existing liens on a California property, you must search public records at the County Recorder's Office and, most importantly, obtain a Preliminary Title Report from a title insurance company. This report is the standard, most reliable way to uncover claims against a property. Here are the steps to search for property liens: Step 1: Gather Key Property Information Collect the full street address and the Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) for the property. The APN is the unique identifier used in all county records. You can typically find the APN on a property tax bill or by searching the county assessor’s website. Step 2: Search the County Recorder’s Office Records The County Recorder's Office is where liens like mortgages, deeds of trust, and court judgments are officially recorded. Visit the website for the recorder in the county where the property is located. Most counties provide an online search portal where you can look up documents by the owner's name or APN. Step 3: Check for Delinquent Property Taxes Visit the County Tax Collector's website. Use the APN to search for the property and check for any outstanding or delinquent tax payments. Unpaid property taxes automatically become a high-priority lien on the property. Step 4: Order a Preliminary Title Report This is the most crucial step for any buyer. Contact a licensed title insurance company and order a "Preliminary Title Report" (often called a "Prelim"). The title company will perform a comprehensive, professional search of public records and provide a report listing all found liens, encumbrances, and other issues affecting the title. This is standard procedure in virtually all California real estate transactions. Important Details and Nuances: A title search uncovers various types of liens, including voluntary liens like mortgages and involuntary liens such as tax liens, mechanic's liens (from unpaid contractors), and judgment liens from lawsuits. The Preliminary Title Report is not just a search result; it is the title company's offer to issue a title insurance policy that would protect you from the issues listed in the report and, more importantly, from certain undiscovered issues. Warnings and Limitations: Searching public records on your own is complex and carries a high risk of missing a critical document. Some liens may exist but not be recorded yet. A Preliminary Title Report is the best tool, but it is an offer to insure, not a legal guarantee of a perfectly clear title itself. The title insurance policy you purchase at closing provides the actual financial protection. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, you should always consult with a qualified California real estate attorney and rely on a reputable title company for any property purchase.