Mississippi Property Records
![Property Records in Mississippi](/img/states/mississippi/property_records_01.jpg)
The word Mississippi means "Big River." The state bird is the mockingbird, and Mississippi is home to the Holly Springs National Forest. Residents enjoy miles of bayous, forests, and coastal beaches. In fact, 65% of Mississippi is covered in forests. As a result, it is where much of the beautiful hickory and oak wood used to make flooring and furniture comes from. Mississippi soil is rich in nutrients and yields bumper crops of soybeans, and sweet potatoes each year. Mississippi has 1,332,577 housing units and 2.9 million people, which means tons of property records.
Property records are vital to the real estate market, local government, the state, and homeowners. They are created by realtors, title companies, attorneys, local government offices, and even private companies. They often come into play during real estate sales and other situations.
What Are Property Records in Mississippi?
Property records in Mississippi are documents, forms, and reports that contain information about real property and its owners. They cover a wide variety of topics. Some perform functions like deeds, which transfer ownership of property, and building permits, which allow someone to build new construction, renovate, or demolish a building.
Property History Search Can Include
A property history search and unearth a lot of detailed information about a property, its history, historical owners, and more. You might find more details than you expected when reviewing property records in Mississippi.
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 Mississippi
Property records are not held with the same government agency. They are scattered throughout the state with local offices, the courts, private companies, realty and title companies, and others. If you need to file a new deed, you must visit the local county chancery clerk. These offices are responsible for maintaining all land records and related documents. If you need to pay your tax bill, you should visit the local county tax collector's office. The Mississippi Department of Revenue oversees all local tax collectors. Building permits are handled at the town/city level. For example, if you live in Jackson, MS, you would visit the Permit Division of the Department of Planning and Development.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
In Mississippi, land records primarily refer to state-owned land and public land. The Mississippi Secretary of State maintains land records. Property records refer to a much broader scope of records containing more details about topics covering residential and commercial land.
The Role of the County Chancery Clerk
![The Role of the County Chancery Clerk](img/states/mississippi/property_records_02.jpg)
The chancery clerk's office is part of the court system, and each county has one. These offices are responsible for "attending all sessions of chancery court and keeping all minute books in which records and directions of the judge and proceedings of the court are kept. They must record and preserve all land records recordable in the county. Such records include deeds of trust, mortgages, mineral leases, and plats of land surveys. The clerk also receives all bills, petitions, motions, accounts, inventories, and other papers and reports on behalf of the county. The chancery clerk serves as clerk for the board of supervisors and must attend all meetings of the board of supervisors and record the minutes of the board. The clerk is also responsible for preparing the docket of claims. The claims docket is a list of all claims or financial demands against the county".
How Property Records are Maintained in Mississippi
The courts have their own system of recording and filing all documents that they receive. When a new document comes in, the clerk stamps it with the date and time and assigns it a unique identifier so they can easily find it later. Once filed, the document becomes a public record. Many courts put their records online for easy access.
Accessing Records at the County Chancery Clerk in Mississippi
Another responsibility of the chancery clerk is to provide records upon request. Because property records are public records, anyone can review them anytime. The public has the right to show up during regular business hours and ask for copies of any public property records they want. To help get you started, here are a few of the county chancer clerk's websites.
County Chancery Clerk Locations in Mississippi
The trick to finding what you need is locating the right chancery clerk in Mississippi. You can do that by consulting this comprehensive list of each county chancery clerk.
Types of Property Records
Property records come in different shapes and sizes. Each type performs a function whether just purely informational or some other purpose. Realtors, attorneys, title companies, the courts, and local government officials create, file, record, and maintain property records. The different types you will come across in Mississippi are as follows:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are the most common type of property records. Most people will have heard of them. They transfer ownership of real property and validate homeownership after being recorded with the local government. Your deed to your house is a very important document that you must always keep safe.
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
Everyone who owns property must pay property taxes. They pay for local services like police, fire, emergency, road maintenance, schools, etc. The local county tax collector sets tax rates and collects bills. If someone fails to pay their annual property taxes, the county may put a lien on the property and eventually sell it in foreclosure.
Mississippi has a relatively low average effective property tax rate of 0.75%. That means that many homeowners pay an average of $1,097 per year in property taxes.
The following information is present in a property tax record:
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Tax or Mill Rate -The document will show the area's tax rate or the mill rate (amount taxed based on assessed value) applying to the property. It may also indicate the tax class that the property falls under.
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Assessed Value - the record will show the property's assessed value as determined by the local assessor.
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Tax Calculations - The assessor may include the tax calculations or indicate what taxes apply to the property.
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Tax Exemptions - The document may show the exceptions applying to the property, plus how the assessors deduct them.
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Payment Details - The record will indicate how much of the property tax is due, with a history of the payments made. It may also provide the property owner with details on how to make payments.
How Often is Property Tax in Mississippi Assessed?
Legislation requires tax assessors to revalue real property at least once every four years. As is in most states, the assessment process is conducted by officials of the tax assessor's office at the county level. So if a property is in Winston County, then Winston assessors will conduct the assessment to determine the property's true value. The assessment process often goes as follows:
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Valuation - The assessor determines the value of the property by considering factors such as the sale of comparable properties, how much the property earns or could earn, the location and property size, how much it would cost to put up the improvements in the property, and the condition of the property. The assessor must account for differences before determining the true fair market value.
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Assessment Notice - The assessor's office sends a notice to the property owner with details of the true value determined by the assessor. The notice may also indicate the class assessment ratio of the property and, thus, the taxable value.
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Review and Appeal - Property owners have the right to review and appeal the assessment if they believe it is inaccurate or unfair. The appeal procedure varies by county, but property owners should generally submit a written appeal to the county assessor's office. After the appeal, the assessor's office determines the finalized value and prepares the property owner's tax bill.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants also appear in property records. They are essential information. Easements are rights of way that allow someone other than the owner to enter the property and use it (according to specific rules) without the owner's consent. An example would be a utility company with poles or towers on private land. The company can access the towers to maintain them without asking the owner first. The new owner must abide by this same rule if the land is sold.
Covenants are rules about how the land or buildings can be used. They are common in condo developments and gated communities, where all the residents agree to a set of rules. An example rule might be no pink flamingos on anyone's lawn.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps. Plats show the boundaries of all neighboring properties, whereas surveys show only the boundaries of the target property. Plats and surveys often accompany deeds.
Types of surveys in Mississippi include the following:
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Boundary Surveys - The boundary survey aims to identify a property's boundaries. It is often done before construction, thus aiding any development plans for the property.
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Easement Survey - Easement surveys are often conducted before purchasing a property. The survey identifies any easements affecting the property that could affect use and value.
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Topographic Land Surveys - Topographic land surveys identify the various features and elevations of the land. They are often necessary for the development of a project.
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Commercial Boundary Surveys - It is conducted on commercial properties before purchase or development to find the property's boundaries.
Historical Property Records
Many states, like Mississippi, archive their older land and property records when they become too massive. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History is the government office in charge of older property records. To learn more about their services and these records, visit their website.
Building Permits and Regulations in Mississippi
If you want to renovate your home or add an addition, you must obtain a building permit first. These are handled at the town/city level, and you must contact the local county building permit department to apply. For instance, if you live in Jackson, Mississippi, you can find out everything you need to know on their website.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/mississippi/property_records_03.jpg)
Property records are public, making a property history search completely legal. You can look up records for any reason. When searching for property records, you have a number of options available. Try the methods below to find one that works for you.
Online Property Record Search
The first place to start is a general online property records search. Type the full property address into Google or another search engine to see what comes up. Chances are, you will have to go further to find what you need.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can also visit the local county office where the property is located to find records. For deeds, check out the chancery clerk's office. For tax-related documents, the tax collector and building permits, the town/city building development, or the building inspector's office. You can only visit during regular business hours. They can also charge you a small fee per page.
Using Property Record Indexes
You may also come across many property record indexes online. You can try them, but be careful. Their records are not always updated or correct, so you will have to verify any information you get there.
Utilizing Commercial Services
Using a commercial service like PropertyChecker is the way to go. You can find millions of nationwide property records in minutes. Plus, everything is in one place. You don't have to visit multiple sites for deeds, building permits, liens, foreclosures, etc. You can see everything in one easy-to-use dashboard with a few clicks.
How to Search Property Records by Address
It's much easier to search using the property address. Type the full property address into any search bar to see what comes up.
How to Search Property Records by Name
Sometimes, you can search using the owner's name, but it's not always a reliable option. You may get mixed results.
Understanding Property Ownership in Mississippi
It's a wonderful feeling to own your own home. But home ownership comes with some serious responsibilities, like paying your mortgage, interest, and taxes. You also must maintain the property to retain its value. Remember, as a homeowner, your name will appear in public property records.
Identifying Property Owners
If you need to find the name of a property owner, it's easy to do. Contact the local county chancery clerk in the county where the property is and ask to see the latest deed. That will give you the name and address of the current owner.
Chain of Title
The chain of title is the whole list of all owners of a specific property. The chain of title is documented through deeds, and there is never a break. Someone always owned the property, even if they didn't know it.
Ownership History and Transfers
Real property most often changes hands through real estate sales. However, sometimes, a person receives property through a will or gift. Some homeowners sign over the deed to their homes to pay off a debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Mississippi
Every piece of real property has a legal property description. This description will have map coordinates along with a written description with natural landmarks so anyone can find it. These legal descriptions appear on deeds, mortgages, appraisals, and other property records.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys are special operations that measure land and provide maps with specific boundaries. They usually accompany deeds and are created before new construction and during the installation of underground utilities. They are also used in boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
A boundary dispute occurs when someone believes their neighbor is encroaching on their land. These can get heated and sometimes end up in court, with a judge deciding where the boundaries lie. They will hire professional surveyors to measure the land and provide accurate boundaries to resolve the dispute.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Mississippi
Liens are types of encumbrances that can negatively affect a property. Since they are public records, anyone may see them. If a homeowner has a lot of liens, it could affect their financial reputation and lower the property's value. There are two main types of property records: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those within your control. You choose to allow a bank or lender to place a lien on your property in return for the funds to buy your home or cash in on some of the equity in your home. Even though you choose voluntary liens, you can still lose your home in foreclosure if you fail to honor the loan terms.
Mortgage Liens
Mortgage liens are very common. When you take out a mortgage to buy your home, you agree to allow the lender to place a lien on the property. Then, if you default on your loan, the lender can foreclose and sell the property to get their money back.
Mortgage documents may differ depending on the details. However, they should contain key information such as:
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Loan Terms - The document will specify the loan terms, including how long it will be in effect, the frequency of payments, and other vital details.
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Lender Details - The record will show information about the lender, including the organization's name, contact details, and other relevant information.
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Property Details - The record will outline details of the property under mortgage. It may include a physical address, a legal description, and any improvements on the property.
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Loan Interest Rate - The document should highlight the loan's interest rate and, thus, the due amount.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are not within your control. They are imposed on your property against your will when you owe a debt and fail to pay. These types most often lead to foreclosure and the loss of your home. They also sully the owner's reputation and lower the value of the home.
Mechanic's Liens
When you fail to pay someone who performs work at your home, like a contractor, sub, architect, laborer, or landscaper, they can file to put a mechanic's lien on your property so that when you sell the house, they will get paid.
Tax Liens
If you don't pay your annual property taxes, the county can place a tax lien on your property. If you do not resolve the issue, they will eventually foreclose and sell your home at auction.
Judgment Liens
Creditors use judgment liens to collect debts from you. If you owe a company a lot of money, they may place a lien on your property and then sue you in court. If they win, they can foreclose and sell the home to get paid what you owe them.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Mississippi
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Mississippi](img/states/mississippi/property_records_04.jpg)
Real estate sales are when property records take center stage. Before the sale, many of the players use property records to research information and gather all the facts. During the process, more records, such as inspections, insurance binders, appraisals, and a new deed, are created.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying property in Mississippi, you should always perform a thorough property history search to find out all you can about the property. Look for the value, taxes, and any liens or foreclosures. Use property records to fill in any blanks.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
By law, when selling property, you must inform potential buyers about material defects, such as a leaky roof, broken HVAC system, or crumbling foundation. The buyer must be able to make an informed decision. You can use property records to find out anything you don't know.
Title Searches and Insurance
You must purchase title insurance if you buy a house with a mortgage. It protects you and the lender from any legal claims on the property after the sale. Your title company rep or attorney will perform a property title search, looking for any title defects beforehand to avoid any mishaps with the sale.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Mississippi
Foreclosures appear in public property records. Most buyers shy away from buying a house in foreclosure because it can be more complicated and harder to satisfy all the liens. Additionally, the value of a foreclosure home will be less than the fair market value due to the additional hassles.
Pre-Foreclosures in Mississippi
Pre-foreclosure homes are in the process of foreclosure but have not yet been sold at auction. Many investors look for these homes and offer homeowners a way out by buying them and paying off the debt. They then sell them for a profit.
When was the House Built?
You can find out easily if you want to know when a specific house was built. Contact the Mississippi county chancery clerk and ask to see the first building permit that approved its origins. You will have the date it was first built.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values can change on a dime based on the economy, the local real estate market, and inflation. Interest rates and other factors also affect property values. The fair market value (FMV) is the yardstick used by realty professionals to measure homes against each other and is the figure that the house would sell for in the current market.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are both methods of determining a property's value. Local tax officials use assessments to determine value. These figures are used to set tax rates and ensure that every homeowner is paying their fair share. However, they do not always match the home's fair market value.
Appraisers determine property values in a few different ways. They create an appraisal report that details their findings and compares the target home with others that were sold in the area. Appraisals are used for estate planning and banks use them when lending borrowers money.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Mississippi
Several factors can influence property values in Mississippi, resulting in high values in some areas. They include the following:
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Coastal Influence - Mississippi has a coastal region meaning some areas fall along the Gulf of Mexico. The property values may be higher because of their proximity to beaches, stunning views, and water-based recreational activities. Alternatively, proximity to a large water body has potential risks, such as hurricanes and flooding, which may lower property values.
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Location - The location of the property may affect values. For example, thriving urban centers like Biloxi and Jackson may have higher property values. Similarly, proximity to good school districts, recreational activities, and shopping centers may influence property values.
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Historical Significance - Properties with historical significance in the state, such as antebellum homes or sites related to significant events, may carry higher values.
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Size and Condition - Property size and condition of homes often influence property value. Homes with modern amenities often have higher property values. The same applies to well-maintained homes. The size of a home may also influence its valueâ it may be higher for the space or lower to compensate for maintenance costs.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/mississippi/property_records_05.jpg)
Property records are public; therefore, anyone can obtain and review them at any time for any reason. Owner's information does show up in public property records. You can access public property records online or in person at the local county chancery clerk's office. Some counties also have their records online.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public for two reasons. First, they preserve the public chain of title of every owner who has ever owned the property. Second, they prevent any one government office from gaining too much power over the people in its jurisdiction.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
You cannot remove all your information from public property records, but you can try to minimize your exposure to avoid identity theft and fraud. Contact any agency of office that holds your records and request that they remove everything beyond your name and address. You don't want your email address or phone number showing up online.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
Property records are valuable, and you must keep yours up to date. The government office that holds them will not know to do it automatically. It's up to you to take action to see that they are adequately maintained.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Property records sometimes contain errors, and you may not notice them until later. As soon as you do, contact the agency that holds the record and ask them to fix it. You may have to supply source documentation to prove the error.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You may also need to update property records when someone dies. Bring the death certificate and will to the chancery clerk, and they will create a new deed in the new owner's name. That new owner will need to be there to sign, and their signature must be notarized.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Mississippi
If you get married, divorced, or change your name for other reasons, you will want to update your property records. Bring the court paperwork verifying your new name (divorce decree, marriage certificate, etc.) to the courts and ask them to update the records.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
There is so much to consider when buying property in Mississippi. To make a sound decision, gather as much information as possible from property records. Check the value and taxes, and look for any liens, foreclosures, and building permits that indicate recent renovations. Use PropertyChecker as your go-to source for property records. Enjoy unlimited searches of millions of nationwide records. Find everything you need within minutes!
Mississippi County Property Records
- Adams County
- Alcorn County
- Amite County
- Attala County
- Benton County
- Bolivar County
- Calhoun County
- Carroll County
- Chickasaw County
- Choctaw County
- Claiborne County
- Clarke County
- Clay County
- Coahoma County
- Copiah County
- Covington County
- DeSoto County
- Forrest County
- Franklin County
- George County
- Greene County
- Grenada County
- Hancock County
- Harrison County
- Hinds County
- Holmes County
- Humphreys County
- Itawamba County
- Jackson County
- Jasper County
- Jefferson County
- Jefferson Davis County
- Jones County
- Kemper County
- Lafayette County
- Lamar County
- Lauderdale County
- Lawrence County
- Leake County
- Lee County
- Leflore County
- Lincoln County
- Lowndes County
- Madison County
- Marion County
- Marshall County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Neshoba County
- Newton County
- Noxubee County
- Oktibbeha County
- Panola County
- Pearl River County
- Perry County
- Pike County
- Pontotoc County
- Prentiss County
- Quitman County
- Rankin County
- Scott County
- Simpson County
- Smith County
- Stone County
- Sunflower County
- Tallahatchie County
- Tate County
- Tippah County
- Tishomingo County
- Tunica County
- Union County
- Walthall County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Wayne County
- Webster County
- Wilkinson County
- Winston County
- Yalobusha County
- Yazoo County
Mississippi Property Records Search
Mississippi Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Mississippi
- What Are Property Records in Mississippi?
- The Role of the County Chancery Clerk
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Mississippi Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Mississippi
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Mississippi
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Mississippi
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Mississippi
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Mississippi County Property Records