Genesee County, MI Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps

Genesee County covers about 648 square miles of land. Designated local agencies, including the Register of Deeds, the county Equalization Department, the township assessor, and the Genesee County Treasurer, maintain the county's property records. These records cover approximately 189,070 parcels of land.

A transition towards advanced technology, manufacturing, and logistics provides job opportunities for individuals. This has increased demand for rental housing in Genesee County. Listed properties sell within 46 days after being listed, which is faster than Michigan’s statewide pace. The housing types in the county include suburban ranch-style homes, low-rise apartment buildings, traditional colonials, and mobile homes.

Recent records reveal the underlying factors influencing the local real estate market, with a median home value of $145,000 and median rent of $878, alongside a median household income of $61,589 and a median real estate tax rate of 1.51 as a percentage of the property's assessed value.

How to Look Up Genesee County Property Records

Depending on the information required, researchers may look up Genesee County property records through various online resources. Property tax-related data are accessible via the Genesee County BS&A Online portal. The Genesee County Register of Deeds portal allows searches of recorded land documents, while the GIS Resource Hub is open to the public for mapping and geospatial information.

Who Keeps Genesee County Property Records?

The Genesee County property records are open to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and are strictly maintained by the following authorized county agencies:

• The Genesee County Register of Deeds: This office records real estate documents and makes them accessible to the public. Residents may obtain certified copies of deeds, liens, and other property documents.

• Local city and township assessors: Assessors maintain property card details, including land dimensions, building characteristics, legal descriptions, and property assessment values used to determine property tax.

• The Genesee County Equalization Department: This department keeps property description records updated, ensures assessment values are consistent across Genesee County, and prepares the millage reduction report.

• The Genesee County Treasurer: The Genesee County Treasurer maintains official records of current property taxes, delinquent taxes, and foreclosed properties.

How to Search Genesee County Property Records Online

To access Genesee County Property Records online, follow these steps to conduct your search:

1. Log in to the Genesee Register of Deeds portal and search using the owner’s name, address, or parcel number. Note that to access the property record, the website charges an $8.75 service fee.

2. A new page will pop up displaying the search result with a detailed property record card. This includes legal descriptions, assessed values, and property characteristics.

3. You may also search the public index on the Genesee County Register of Deeds Online Portal to view the historical chain of title, including recorded deeds, liens, mortgages, or plats.

4. Confirm the tax status by visiting the Property Tax Search Portal to review delinquent tax information. A $6.95 fee is charged to access the property tax record on the portal.

5. If needed, request recorded land documents in person at the Genesee County Register of Deeds office. Provide information such as the owner’s address, parcel number, or name. Certified copies of property documents cost $5; an additional $1 fee applies to each extra copy.

Register of Deeds: Deeds, Mortgages, and Plats

The Genesee County Register of Deeds records real estate documents, maintains a database of the recorded property documents, and provides both physical and digital access to the general public.

Assessors and Equalization: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data

In Genesee County, the local assessor records property valuation details, including assessed values and site inspection measurements. This office also maintains property assessment data and processes tax exemptions. The Equalization Department reviews property assessments across the county to ensure uniformity.

Treasurer’s Office: Taxes, Bills, and Payments

The Genesee County Treasurer serves as the tax collector and manages delinquent property taxes and payment history.

Property Tax in Genesee County: Values, Exemptions, and Appeals

A Genesee County property tax is calculated by multiplying the property’s Taxable Value by the local millage rate (mill). Note that one mill equals $1 per $1,000 of the property’s Taxable Value. The county government typically approves the local millage rate.

Proposal A and Uncapping

In Genesee County, owning your home means your Taxable Value cannot exceed 5% or the inflation rate. When the property is sold or transferred, the tax cap is automatically broken. In the tax year following the sale or transfer, the Taxable Value uncaps, resetting it to match the State Equalized Value (SEV).

Under MCL 211.27a, some transfers of ownership are exempt from triggering the tax uncapping. These include transfers between spouses and close family members who use the property as their primary residence.

Exemptions and Relief

Appealing Your Value

After reviewing your February assessment change notice, verify the assessment data through the Genesee County BS&A Online portal. Then, gather evidence such as a list of comparable home sales, factual errors, or appraisals. File an appeal with the local city Board of Review that meets in early March. If you are dissatisfied with the Board's decision, further your appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal by July 31 of the same year.

GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer

In Genesee County, the Geographic Information System (GIS) Resource Hub provides access to official property boundaries and geographic data. The Genesee County GIS online viewer allows individuals to view aerial imagery, locate parcels, and verify land ownership.

Foreclosure and Tax Sales

There are two kinds of foreclosures in Genesee County, Michigan:

Property-Tax Foreclosure

In Genesee County, a 2-year timeline is strictly adhered to for delinquent property taxes under MCL 211.78. The delinquent taxes are forwarded to the Genesee County Treasurer on March 1 of the following tax year. This triggers a 4% administration fee and 1% monthly interest. If the taxes remain unpaid after the 1st year, the property is forfeited to the county, which increases the interest to 1.5% per month plus an additional $175 fee.

Forfeited properties enter foreclosure if the taxes are still unpaid in the 2nd year. At this point, the property owner loses all rights to the property. Foreclosed properties are typically auctioned at the annual tax sale in Genesee County.

Mortgage Foreclosure

Residential mortgage foreclosure involves a non-judicial procedure. The lender sends a notification of delinquency to the homeowner within 45 days of the due date. After 120 days of delinquency, the lender initiates foreclosure and publishes a notice of sale in the Genesee County newspaper for 4 consecutive weeks. Then, a Sheriff’s sale is scheduled and held.

After the sale, the property owner has a 6-month redemption period to buy back the home. If the property remains unredeemed, the buyer from the sheriff’s sale may begin formal eviction proceedings.

Costs to Access Property Records

Genesee County recording fees adhere to MCL 600.2567. Before filing your document, ensure you confirm the current cost schedule with the Register of Deeds.

How to Record a Document

To record a property document in Genesee County, follow this procedure:

1. Ensure the document meets Genesee County's formatting requirements.

2. Calculate Fees: Recording a real estate document in Genesee County costs a $30 fee. Transferring property ownership adds a transfer tax of $8.60 per $1,000, depending on the sale amount. The seller pays this fee.

3. Submit your recorded property document to the Register of Deeds office in person, by mail, or online through an approved e-recording vendor. A Property Transfer Affidavit must be filed with the county local assessor within 45 days of the transfer.

4. To obtain copies of recorded property documents, visit the Register of Deeds office in person or contact by phone at (810) 257-3054. You may also retrieve certified copies of property documents online using the Genesee County Register of Deeds Portal.

FAQs

Quick Reference: Your Genesee County Property Records Checklist

Key Contacts and Official Portals