How to Search for Oakland Property Records

Property records contain vast amounts of information that can help buyers and investors make informed decisions. Some of the information you can find in Oakland, California property records includes ownership history, property values, taxes, liens, amenities, foreclosure status, zoning, and more. Property records are public records, which means anyone can view them or get copies. The key to finding what you need is knowing where to look. Use the list of the most helpful resources below to search for Oakland property records.

Almeda County Recorder's Office

The Almeda County Recorder's Office is the central repository for property records such as deeds, liens, mortgages, and other property-related documents. This office has a search portal where you can find real estate, marriage, and fictitious business records. You can find property records by searching using the person's name, date filed, instrument #, book and page number, or document type. You can also visit this office in person to request records. You may need to pay a small fee for copies. They are located at 1106 Madison Street, Oakland, CA 94607, and they are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Almeda County Assessor's Office

The Almeda County Assessor's Office is responsible for the valuation of all property within the jurisdiction. After valuation, tax rates are set, and bills go out. You can use the assessor's property search tool to find information on property values, tax rates, tax bills, assessments, owner details, liens, and foreclosures. Using this tool, you can search by parcel number or property address. You can also visit them in person at 1221 Oak St #700, Oakland, CA 94612, for records.

Almeda County Superior Court

The Almeda County Superior Court has two online options for finding Oakland property records: the eCourt Public Portal and the Odyssey Portal. Using these tools, you can find information related to property like foreclosures, liens, judgments, and property disputes. You can view records or download copies for a small fee. You may also visit in person to request records from the clerk or use one of the public access terminals. They are located at 2233 Shore Line Drive, Alameda, CA 94501.

Oakland property taxes are vital to the local economy. They pay for city expenses like education, healthcare, fire, police, EMTs, public parks, transportation, road maintenance, and many other city services. Oakland properties are assessed every year by the tax assessor's office. After all property is valued, the Almeda County Treasurer-Tax Collector sends out bills and collects payments from property owners. Taxes are paid in two installments. The first payment is due November 1st and becomes delinquent at 5:00 p.m. on December 10th (which then incurs a 10% penalty). The second payment is due on February 1st and becomes delinquent at 5:00 p.m. on April 10th (which then incurs a 10% penalty). If Oakland property taxes go unpaid for too long, the county will place a lien on the property and foreclose, selling the house at auction to pay off the back taxes. You can pay Oakland property taxes online by credit card or by electronic check from your checking or savings account. You can also pay the taxes by mail, phone, wire transfer, or in person at 1221 Oak Street, Room 131, Oakland, CA 94612.

Assessments

The Oakland County Tax Assessor's office is the government office that handles annual property assessments to determine property taxes. Property taxes in Oakland are reassessed every year. Values are determined through one of four different methods. The actual assessed value may not match the fair market value (FMV) or the amount you could get if you sold the house. If you disagree with the assessed value of your property, you can appeal by contacting the Clerk of the Board, Administration Building, 5th Floor, 1221 Oak Street, Oakland 94612. You can obtain the proper form by calling (510) 272-6352.

Appraisals

Oakland assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

The median effective property tax rate in Oakland, California, is 1.83%, which is significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%. Oakland's tax rate is quite a bit higher than California's median rate of 1.21%. The average property tax rate in Oakland, CA is $7,453, which is $5,053 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

See how Oakland's taxes stack up against other counties in California:

• Alpine County 0.76%
• Butte County 0.70%
• Colusa County 0.65%
• Inyo County 0.68%
• Kern County 0.96%
• Kings County 0.78%
• Lake County 0.70%
• Merced County 0.68%
• Napa County 0.70%
• Sacramento County 0.77%
• Sutter County 0.81%
• Tulare County 0.73%
• Yuba County 0.78%

Exemptions

Oakland property taxes are costly, and some residents need help to pay them. Thankfully, Almeda County offers some property tax exemptions to help specific individuals. Some of the available exemptions in Oakland are:

• Low Income Homeowner
• Low-Income Senior
• Non-Profit or Affordable Housing Parcels
• Religious Organizations
• Schools
• Multi-Unit Parcels with Vacant Units
• Undeveloped Vacant Lots
• Foreclosed Property where the Property Taxes were paid by the Tenants

You can apply for any of these exemptions by contacting the City of Oakland.

Most construction projects in Oakland, California, require a building permit. Some exceptions include low walls, decks, and driveways. You can get an Oakland building permit from the City of Oakland's Online Permit Center. The office has a process for getting Rapid "Same-Day" Permits for emergencies. The portal provides good information on what work requires a permit and how to get one. You can also use the portal to apply for permits, check the status of a permit, and schedule inspections. If you prefer to visit the office in person to get a permit, you can. Their office is located at Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612.

The types of available permits in Oakland include:

General Building Permits

• New Construction: Any new building requires a building permit.
• Additions: Adding to an existing structure also requires a permit.
• Alterations: Significant changes to a building's structure, including interior work, require a permit.
• Demolitions: Demolishing a building or part of a building requires a permit.
• Other: Other construction projects, including decks, fences, and retaining walls, may also require permits.

Specialized Permits

• Mechanical Permits: Covers HVAC systems, ductwork, and other mechanical equipment.
• Electrical Permits: Covers all electrical work, including wiring, fixtures, and service panels.
• Plumbing Permits: Covers all plumbing work, including water lines, drain lines, and fixtures.
• Fire Protection Permits: For fire sprinkler systems and other fire safety features.
• Low Voltage Permits: For communication and security systems.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

The historic (birthplace of the Black Panther Party) city of Oakland is another major port city in California. Oakland has a diverse culture and vibrant arts scene. It offers residents a nice blend of urban amenities with natural environments and a thriving waterfront. Oakland, California, has a population of 443,554 residents. The city has 178,469 housing units, with an occupancy rate of 94%. This indicates that approximately 167,961 units were occupied, while roughly 10,508 were vacant. The city has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, condos, townhouses, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Some of the styles include Victorian, Craftsman, Mid-Century Modern, Mediterranean, and Contemporary homes. The average price of a house in Oakland, CA is $699,000, which represents a slight decrease (0.1%) from previous years. That median price is high when compared to other states.

However, house prices vary considerably based on where in Oakland you live. Some examples include:

• Claremont Elmwood $1,500,000
• Fernside $1,539,000
• Fruitvale Station $639,154
• South Kentucky Tract $672,906
• North Kentucky Tract $537,047
• Hawthorne $616,940
• Downtown Oakland $499,000
• Chinatown $373,838
• West Oakland $650,000

The Oakland, California, real estate market is highly competitive, with houses selling for an average of 102.67% of their listing price. Homes stay on the market for an average of only 30 days. Home prices are decreasing at an average of 3.2% year-over-year. The median price per square foot is $515. Oakland has a high cost of living, 36.2% higher than the national average, but the city has a strong job market and is a desirable living location, which contributes to the high price of homes.