The Granite State of New Hampshire is picturesque, with many forests, mountains, and lakes. The first ever clock was invented in New Hampshire, and Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, hosted the first summer resort. The state has spawned many significant firsts and was named after Hampshire, England, by Captain John Mason. New Hampshire was the 9th state to join the nation and was once nicknamed the "Switzerland of America" for its stunning mountain scenery. More than 1.395 million people call New Hampshire home, and there are 638,091 homes in New Hampshire, which means the state produces a vast amount of property records.

Property records are vital to the real estate market and local government. They are created by government offices, lawyers, title companies, realtors, appraisers, insurance agents, local officials, and even private companies. These essential documents verify home ownership.

New Hampshire property records are essential documents, reports, and forms that contain information about real property and its owners. Many of these documents are legal documents held by government offices and the courts. Some contain vast amounts of detail, and others are very finite.

Sources of Property Records in New Hampshire

When searching for property records, it would be great if you could visit one location, but you can't. Property records are scattered among many different offices, agencies, departments, and companies. For example, if you need to file a new deed in New Hampshire, you will contact the county register of deeds. In Rockingham County, the register of deeds is Cathy Ann Stacey.

In New Hampshire, local town clerks handle property tax bills, set tax rates, and collect tax payments. The New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration oversees all of these local tax officials and approves tax rates for the municipalities. Local tax assessors assess each property to help set tax rates.

Towns and cities handle issuing building permits for building new construction, renovating, or demolishing a building. Contact your local building inspector's office to apply for a building permit. The New Hampshire State Fire Marshall's Office is the one to contact for commercial projects and state-owned land.

The role of the register of deeds is vital in New Hampshire. This official is responsible for recording all legal documents pertaining to real property in the county. Some examples include deeds, mortgages, notices of liens, attachments, plans, and any other legal document affecting real estate. They are also responsible for allowing access to, protecting, and preserving records dating back to 1823.

How Property Records are Maintained in New Hampshire

Each county has its own method of recording and preserving records. However, one thing remains the same. When a new document arrives, the register stamps it with the date, time, and code for referencing. The record then immediately becomes a public record.

Accessing Records at the Register of Deeds in New Hampshire

Part of the register of deed's responsibility is to provide public access to records. Each office may have its own process, but you can request records through the register of deeds. They may charge you a small per-page fee. To help get you started, here are a few registers of deeds locations in New Hampshire:

Register of Deeds Locations in New Hampshire

To find the correct office, you will need the county name. Use this list of counties to select the one you want, and then click it for more details. You will see the name and contact info of the register of deeds, plus a ton of county resources.

You will come across many different types of property records when searching. Some of them are more detailed, and others sparse. The most common types you will find in New Hampshire include:

Searching for property records can be very helpful. Thankfully, modern technology offers you many different ways to do so. Try one of the methods below to find what works for you.

Online Property Record Search

First, start your search with a generic online property records search. Type the full property address into a search bar and see what comes up. You may quickly find what you need, but chances are you will have to go further.

In-Person Property Record Search

All of the county registers of deeds offices have regular visiting hours where you can request records in person. You might have to fill out a form, show your ID, and pay a small fee per page.

Using Property Record Indexes

You can also try one of the many property indexes online. Some are reputable, but others are not. Use caution and always verify the information you get from these sources.

How to Search Property Records by Address

The easiest way to search for property records is using the address. Type the full address (with the city, state, and zip) into a search bar and review the results.

How to Search Property Records by Name

You might also have the option to search using the owner's name, but this is not the most effective way to do so. Not all search portals use the owner's name as search criteria.

It's fantastic to own a piece of the Granite State to call home. However, it also comes with some serious responsibilities, like paying your mortgage, interest, taxes, and insurance on time. You must also maintain your property if you want the value to remain high. Your name and address will appear in public property records, which anyone can review.

Each property in New Hampshire has its own legal description. These descriptions appear in deeds, mortgages, appraisals, and other documents. They include map coordinates of where the property is plus a written description including natural landmarks and other items to ensure that someone can find it.

Surveys and Land Measurements

Surveys measure land and provide exact map coordinates of the property along with boundaries. They are used before new construction, when installing underground utilities, and in boundary disputes.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Boundary disputes are common. They occur when one party believes another is trespassing on their land. These can sometimes end up in court, where a judge must decide the fate of the two. The courts rely on professional surveyors to provide expert testimony about where the boundaries lie.

Liens are encumbrances that can negatively affect a property and its owners. Too many can reduce the property's value and make it very hard to sell. If liens lead to foreclosure, the owner's financial reputation can be ruined. There are two main types of property liens: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Liens

Voluntary liens are those that you have control over, like when you take out a loan or mortgage and agree to the lender putting a lien on the property. Even voluntary liens can lead to foreclosure and the loss of your home.

Involuntary Liens

Involuntary liens are not within your control. They are imposed on the property as a result of some money you owe. These types almost always lead to foreclosure and the loss of your home.

The Process of Property Liens in New Hampshire

The process of placing a lien on a property differs depending on the type of lien. Here is what a tax lien would entail:

Property records really shine during real estate transactions. Before the sale, many parties consult property records to gather information, look up essential facts like the value, taxes, and insurance, and look for any liens. Many new records, such as appraisals, mortgages, and liens, will be created during the process.

Buying Property: Due Diligence

Before buying property in New Hampshire, perform due diligence and use property records to collect as much information as possible. Research historical records to look for any red flags.

Selling Property: Providing Disclosure

When you sell property, you must disclose to potential buyers about material defects, such as whether the house has ever used lead paint or had asbestos.

Title Searches and Insurance

If you take out a mortgage on the home, your lender will require that you pay for title insurance. This policy protects you and the lender from any legal claims that appear after the sale. Your attorney or title company will perform a thorough property title search to avoid any of these issues.

Foreclosure and Property Records in New Hampshire

Foreclosures appear in public property records for anyone to see. It can be embarrassing for the owner, and it will lower the property's value and make it harder to sell. Many people won't want to deal with the hassles of buying a foreclosure property. All the liens must be satisfied before the sale can close.

Pre-Foreclosures in New Hampshire

Pre-foreclosure homes are in the foreclosure process but haven't yet been sold at auction. This period presents an opportunity for investors to buy the house cheaply and sell it for a profit.

When was the House Built?

A property history search is excellent for determining when a particular house was built. Contact the register of deeds in the county where the house is located and ask to see the first-ever building permit. It will show you who originally owned the house and when it was built.

New Hampshire property values are some of the most essential information, especially if you are buying or selling real estate. These values fluctuate frequently with the economy, local real estate market, and other factors. The median home price in New Hampshire is $534,689. Property values appear in appraisals, assessments, insurance policies, mortgages, and other property records.

Assessments and Appraisals

Local tax officials (assessors) use state-approved calculations to derive the value of each property within the jurisdiction. These values do not always match the property's fair market value (FMV).

Appraisers use complex calculations to determine a property's value for mortgage or estate planning. They arrive at the fair market value by comparing similar homes. The fair market value is what the house would sell for in the current market.

Privacy and property records do not go hand in hand. Property records are public records, meaning anyone can review them or get copies anytime. If you purchase property, your information will appear in public property records.

Accessing Public Property Records

Anyone can access public property records in New Hampshire by visiting the register of deeds where the property resides. Records can also be accessed through online government resources (a bit clunky) and other search portals.

Why are Property Records Public?

Property records are public for two main reasons. The first reason is to provide a public chain of title for the property going all the way back to the first owner. The second reason is to prevent any government office from having too much power; it's about transparency.

How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?

You cannot remove all your details from public records, but you can minimize your exposure to identity theft and fraud by contacting the companies and government offices that hold your records and requesting that they remove anything beyond your name and address.

It's vital to keep your property records up to date so that when you need them, they are correct. The office that holds them will not know to update them automatically when things in your life change. You must do it yourself.