How to Search for Fresno Property Records

California, also known as the Golden State, can be a great place to invest in real estate, especially in places like Fresno. Before you put down a deposit, research public property records to find out things like ownership history, property values, taxes, liens, amenities, house type, foreclosures, zoning, and more. Fresno property records are public records and can be viewed by anyone. The key to finding what you need is knowing where to look. Use the list of best resources below to search for Fresno property records.

Fresno County Recorder's Office

The Fresno County Recorder's Office has dozens of documents related to land and real estate. Here you can search for liens, deeds, mortgages, easements, and related property documents. This office also maintains birth, marriage, and death records. Use their Recorded Document Search tool to find property records and search by owner's name, document number, document type, use the map search, parcel number, or perform an advanced search using additional criteria. If you don't find what you need, you can also use this office's Public Records Requestwebsite.

Fresno County Assessor's Office

Fresno County's Assessor's Office is responsible for determining the value of all property within its jurisdiction. The assessor's office also handles property tax exemption applications and approvals. You can use this office's website to search for property records related to property taxes. You can search by parcel number, property address, or owner's name. Here you can find ownership details, tax information, and property tax assessments, plus tax liens and foreclosures. You can also search for assessed values and maps. If you would prefer visiting in person, you can do so at 2281 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA 93721.

Fresno County Superior Court

You can also find court records related to real estate, such as property disputes, foreclosures, liens, judgments, and more, by visiting the Fresno County Superior Court or its online portal. You can use the website's case search feature to find court records by record number, name, location, document type, business name, or other advanced search criteria like case status, dates, and judgment. You will find here civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. If you want to visit in person, you can at 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, CA.

City of Fresno

The City of Fresno has a website and a section on its website regarding maps. You can search using their Geographical Information Systems (GIS), including zoning maps, census maps, historical maps, tract and boundary maps, and more. This powerful map tool is interactive, and you can pull up one of the available maps, click on a region to see more information, or you can enter an address to go to a specific location. The amount of data you can find using this tool is extensive.

Fresno property taxes are a primary source of revenue for local government. They pay for city expenses like education, healthcare, fire, police, EMTs, public parks, transportation, road maintenance, and many other city services. Fresno properties are assessed every year by the tax assessor's office. Once the tax has been determined, the Fresno County Tax Collection Division of the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office 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. The second payment is due on February 1st and becomes delinquent at 5:00 p.m. on April 10th. If Fresno 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 Fresno property taxes using one of the conveniently located drop boxes. You can also pay online, via mail through the USPS, by phone, or in person at the Hall of Records, Room 105, 2281 Tulare Street, Fresno, California 93721.

Assessments

The Fresno County Tax Assessor's office is the government body that handles annual property assessments to determine property taxes. According to the California Constitution or the United States Constitution, Article XIII-A, real property may only be reappraised when property undergoes a change in ownership or has new construction. 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 through the Assessor's office, but appeals must be in by November 30th. Property owners must use Form BOE 305-AH, Assessment Appeal Application, when appealing the value.

Appraisals

Fresno 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 tax rate in Fresno is 1.23% which is significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%. Fresno's tax rate is slightly higher than California's median rate of 1.21%. The average property tax bill in Fresno, CA is $2,533, which is $133 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

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

• Alameda County 0.76%
• Contra Costa County 0.85%
• Glenn County 0.71%
• Kern County 0.96%
• Los Angeles County 0.70%
• Mariposa County 0.65%
• Mono County 0.68%
• Napa County 0.70%
• Orange County 0.67%
• San Diego County 0.72%
• Trinity County 0.55%
• Yolo County 0.77%

Exemptions

Property taxes are very high in Fresno, and residents need all the help they can get to pay for them. The county offers some property tax exemptions to help specific individuals. Some of the available exemptions in Fresno are:

• Homeowners Exemption
• Disabled Veterans Exemption
• Church Exemption
• Religious Exemption
• Welfare Exemption
• Low-Income Housing Exemption

You can apply for any of these exemptions by contacting the Fresno County Tax Assessor.

Most forms of construction (new, renovations, or demolition) require a Fresno building permit. To obtain one, you must apply through the City of Fresno's Building and Safety Department. They have an Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal where you can easily apply for permits, check on the status, look up permits, schedule an inspection, access your invoices, and pay the fees. You can also visit this office in person at 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721. You can call them with any questions at 559-621-CITY (2489).

The types of available permits in Fresno include:

• Residential Building Permit
• Commercial Building Permit
• Electrical Permit
• Mechanical Permit
• Plumbing Permit
• Demolition Permit
• Signage Permits
• Elevator Permit
• Pools and Spas Permit

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 ACA portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Fresno, California, is primarily known as an agricultural hub, specifically for producing a wide variety of crops like grapes, almonds, and citrus fruits. It's also recognized as a central location within California, acting as a transportation crossroads and a burgeoning manufacturing center. Additionally, Fresno is known for its cultural attractions, historical landmarks, and educational institutions. Fresno includes an area called the "Fruit Trail," which is a collection of farms and orchards where visitors can experience the agricultural landscape. Fresno, California, has a population of 545,716 residents. The city has 192,007 housing units, which include both owner-occupied and renter-occupied units. In Fresno, 50% are renter-occupied, while renters occupy the other 50%. Fresno has a diverse range of housing options, such as single-family homes, condos, townhomes, apartments, and manufactured/mobile homes. Some of the styles include Ranch-style homes, Craftsman Bungalow, and contemporary homes. The average price of a house in Fresno, CA is $409,402, which is steep compared with other states and major U.S. cities.

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

• Fresno County $406,751
• Fresno (city) $389,579
• Downtown Fresno $399,997
• West Fresno $394,990
• 93705 zip code $319,369

The Fresno, California, real estate market is experiencing a rise in home values, with the average home value currently at $389,579, which is up 0.3% compared to last year. There is a shortage of homes and high demand, leading to quick sales and increased prices. The market is facing a shortage of housing units, which is contributing to increased demand and higher prices. Factors like high interest rates, inflation, and an aging population are also driving up prices. Despite current challenges, the Fresno real estate market is viewed as a promising area for real estate investment.