How to Search for Anaheim Property Records

For those who love sunny weather, California is the place to buy real estate. However, before investing in any property, conduct due diligence by checking public property records. Within them is a goldmine of information such as ownership history, property values, taxes, liens, amenities, house type, foreclosures, zoning, and more. Anaheim 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 below of the most helpful resources to search for Anaheim property records.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office

Use the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office website to find various property records like deeds, mortgages, liens, foreclosures, and other property-related documents. The website has a Grantor/Grantee search feature where you can enter the person's name or property address to find related records. You can also search by document number, document type, recording date, or use the map to find property. If you wish to visit this office in person, you can do so at the County Administration South Building, 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Orange County Assessor's Office

The Orange County Assessor is responsible for assessing and valuing all real property within the county. This office conducts annual assessments for property tax purposes. You can use the Orange County Assessor's website to search for additional property records like assessments, property values, owner information, tax rates, tax bills, tax amounts in arrears, and liens and foreclosures due to nonpayment of taxes. They have a Property Information feature on their website called ParcelQuest. You can use this search tool by entering the parcel number or house address to see maps and related information. This resource also includes property details, recorded documents related to the property, a tax estimator, recent sales, and property reports. You may also choose to visit in person at 500 S. Main Street, Orange, CA 92868.

City of Anaheim

The City of Anaheim also has a property information area on its website where you can search for Anaheim property records. The tool is an interactive map where you can find information on zoning, general plan designations, parcel size, parcel number, land use entitlements, and recent building permits. You can use this tool by entering an exact address or clicking on a section of the map and drilling down until you find what you need. The details show a lot of information, much more than what is listed above.

Orange County Superior Court

Visit the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, to find records related to property (foreclosures, judgments, liens, and property disputes). You can use their website, where you can search for case files by case number or the person's name. You will find probate, civil, criminal, traffic, family, and small claims cases on this website. You can also visit the courthouse in person at 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

Anaheim property taxes are a critical source of revenue for the city, funding essential services such as public safety, infrastructure, schools, sewer systems, healthcare, fire, police, EMTs, community parks, transportation, road maintenance, and many other municipal services. Anaheim properties are assessed every year by the tax assessor's office. After the assessor determines the value of all property within the jurisdiction, the Orange 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 incurs a 10% penalty). The second payment is due on February 1st and becomes delinquent at 5:00 p.m. on April 10th (which incurs a 10% penalty). If Anaheim 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 Anaheim property taxes in many ways. The easiest way is to pay online with eCheck, credit card, or debit card. You can also mail in your payment with a personal check or money order. To pay by phone, call the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector (T-TC) at (714) 834-3411. You can also visit the office and pay in person with a check, credit/debit card, or cash. Their address is Treasurer-Tax Collector, 601 North Ross St., Second Floor, Santa Ana, California.

Assessments

The Anaheim County Tax Assessor's office is the government office that handles annual property assessments to determine property taxes. Property taxes in Anaheim 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. According to the Orange County Asssesor "Appeals of Supplemental or Escape Assessments must be filed within 60 days of the date of "Notice of Supplemental Assessment" or "Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment". Contact the Clerk of the Board's office at (714) 834-2331 for assistance on filing an online appeal application" if you disagree with your property tax assessment.

Appraisals

Anaheim 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 Anaheim, California, is 1.16% of the property's assessed value, which is substantially more than the national median of 1.02%. Anaheim's tax rate is slightly less than California's median rate of 1.21%. The average property tax payment in Anaheim, CA, is $5,041, which is $2,641 more than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

See how Anaheim'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%
• Kings County 0.78%
• Lake County 0.70%
• Modoc County 0.77%
• Napa County 0.70%
• Placer 0.85%
• Sacramento County 0.77%
• Sutter County 0.81%
• Tulare County 0.73%
• Yuba County 0.78%

Exemptions

Anaheim property taxes are pretty high when compared with other states. Some residents may have difficulty making annual tax payments. Thankfully, Orange County offers some property tax exemptions to help specific individuals. Some of the available exemptions in Anaheim are:

• Homeowner's Exemption - reduces the assessed value by $7,000.
• Disabled Veterans' Exemption - $4,000 exemption from property tax payments.
• Blind, Disabled, or Senior Citizen Exemption

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

All new construction, most renovations, and demolition require a building permit in Anaheim. You can obtain one from the City of Anaheim Building Department. Cosmetic work does not require a permit. The city allows you to apply for a permit through its website. You can use this system to apply for permits, check the status of a permit, and schedule inspections. If you prefer to apply for a permit in person, you can visit their office located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard, 1st Floor, Anaheim, CA 92805.

The types of available permits in Anaheim include:

General Building Permits

• Residential Building Permits: These cover all aspects of residential construction, including new homes, additions, remodels, decks, patios, and accessory structures like sheds (if they exceed 120 square feet).
• Commercial Building Permits: These cover commercial buildings, including new construction, tenant improvements, and alterations to existing commercial spaces.
• Electrical Permits: Required for any electrical work, including new installations, upgrades, and repairs.
• Plumbing Permits: Required for any plumbing work, including new installations, repairs, and alterations.
• Mechanical Permits: Required for any work related to HVAC systems, including new installations, repairs, and alterations.

Specialty Permits

• Demolition Permits: Required for the demolition of any structure or portion of a structure.
• Grading Permits: Required for any grading or excavation work on a property.
• Sign Permits: Required for the installation of any new signs.
• Swimming Pool Permits: Required for the construction of new swimming pools and spas.

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.

Home of the Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, California, also boasts the Honda Center, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Anaheim Convention Center (a central hub for events and conventions). The city is also recognized for its historic Colony District, its diverse culinary scene, including a strong Mexican influence, and its "City of Kindness" motto.

Anaheim, California, has a population of 344,561 residents. The city has 14.76 million housing units, with 13.7 million occupied and 7.66 million owner-occupied. The city has a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and some multi-family dwellings like townhomes and condominiums. The city also has affordable housing developments and luxury apartment communities. Some of the styles include Craftsman, Spanish Colonial Revival, Ranch, and Contemporary homes. The average price of a house in Anaheim, CA is $902,900, which represents a 1.4% increase from previous years. The median price per square foot is $588. The average home price is steep compared to other states.

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

• Anaheim Hills $1,275,000
• The Colony $884,400
• Platinum Triangle (1-bedroom condos) $515,000
• Platinum Triangle (2-bedroom) $633,300
• Citywide $942,883

The Anaheim, California, real estate market is experiencing high prices and strong demand, mainly due to its proximity to attractions like Disneyland and the overall Orange County lifestyle. House prices increase by approximately 3% year-over-year. Although the real estate market is highly competitive, with the average price over a million dollars, Anaheim is seen as a relatively affordable way to experience the Southern California lifestyle compared to other areas.