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

With over 126,000 parcels of land, Washtenaw County covers a total area of about 722 square miles. The high employment rate and robust healthcare system are major drivers of the housing market. To access complete property information, you may need to use records maintained by the Register of Deeds, the Equalization Department, and local city and township assessor and treasurer offices.

A typical listed property takes an average of 36 days to receive an offer from buyers, which is about the same pace as other counties in Michigan. Typical housing types in the county include single-family homes, multi-unit structures, townhomes, and manufactured homes. Those housing types are commonly found in the cities of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Recent records reveal the underlying factors influencing the local real estate market, with a median home value of $347,400 and median rent of $1,371, alongside a median household income of $89,125 and a median real estate tax rate of 1.48 as a percentage of the property's assessed value.

How to Look Up Washtenaw County Property Records

In Washtenaw County, you can access property records through various official databases or local offices. You can use the Register of Deeds Search portal to look up recorded land documents such as deeds, mortgages, and plats. Researchers can view ownership information and assessed value through the Equalization property search portal or through the local assessor’s office. Similarly, you can also view tax bill status and pay property taxes through the local or county treasurer payment portal.

Anyone can submit a Real Estate Records Copy Request Form in person to the Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds office in Ann Arbor to obtain copies of property records. Researchers can also call the office at (734) 222-6700 for assistance regarding property records.

Who Keeps Washtenaw County Property Records?

Washtenaw County property documents are open to the public under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Several offices keep property records in the county:

• The Washtenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds Office records and maintains most recorded documents, such as property documents and other real estate records within the county.

• Each city and township assessor in the county is responsible for individual property valuations and establishing tax liabilities, as well as approving local parcel splits and boundary adjustments.

• The Washtenaw County Equalization Department sets equalized and taxable base values for the county. It also creates and maintains a graphic representation of legal descriptions for all real property.

• The local treasurer oversees the collection of current property tax bills, while the county treasurer handles delinquent tax collections.

How to Search Washtenaw County Property Records Online

Typical steps to take when searching Washtenaw property records online are as follows:

• Start with the MapWashtenaw property search to locate the exact parcel. Search on the portal using the owner's name, address, or parcel number.

• Once you locate the parcel from the search result, click to view its detailed record card, which typically includes building specifications, the current state equalized value, taxable value, and local zoning classifications.

• Through the Washtenaw County Register of Deeds Search Portal, you can search the public index to view the historical chain of title, including recorded deeds, mortgages, or liens.

• Proceed to the treasurer's office in the local city or township where the property is located to check the current tax bills for the property. This lets you verify whether the property taxes are up to date.

• The Register of Deeds is the official source for certified copies of recorded land documents. Standard statutory fees apply.

Register of Deeds: Deeds, Mortgages, and Plats

The Register of Deeds office serves as the official repository for all real estate and land ownership records. This office also preserves records that date back many decades.

Assessors and Equalization: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data

In Washtenaw County, the local assessor appraises individual properties, processes property exemptions, and reviews property appeals. For questions regarding valuation or assessment, the city or township assessor where the property is located is the first point of contact. The Equalization Department serves as the county's central auditor and mapping coordinator.

Treasurer’s Office: Taxes, Bills, and Payments

The local city or township treasurer handles the property tax payment history for income tax filing purposes during the active collection year. On March 1, all unpaid real property taxes transfer to the County Treasurer, who then assumes sole responsibility for collecting those delinquent balances.

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

In Washtenaw County, property taxes are calculated by multiplying the property’s taxable value by local millage rates. Local millages are specific fees approved by voters to fund state, county, and local services.

Proposal A and Uncapping

Under Proposal A, if you own your home, your taxable value can not be more than 5% or the inflation rate. The moment a property transfers ownership, the tax cap breaks. The following year after the sale, the taxable value uncaps and resets to equal the current State Equalized Value, meaning the buyer will likely expect a higher tax bill than what the previous owner paid on the same house.

However, some property transferred between spouses or family members cannot uncap under MCL 211.27a. This process requires that a property transfer affidavit must be filed after any transfer.

Exemptions and Relief

Appealing Your Value

Firstly, ask your assessor for a copy of your property record card. It may also be available online. Start by reviewing the information to make sure it matches your home's characteristics. Gather information about sales for similar houses in your neighborhood. Many cities, villages, and townships have online records that will help you find nearby sales.

Complete a Board of Review Petition form and submit it to your local March Board of Review. If you are unsatisfied with their decision, you can then appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. You must file the appeal in writing by July 31, but you may have an opportunity to attend a hearing later.

GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer

Washtenaw County uses a MapWashtenaw viewer. This interactive map viewer provides access to parcel data, including aerial photos, topography, schools, and natural features. For data that crosses county lines, use Michigan's open GIS resources.

Foreclosure and Tax Sales

There are basically two ways you can face foreclosure in Washtenaw County:

Property Tax Foreclosure

Under Michigan statute MCL 211.78, unpaid property taxes trigger a strict three-year cycle where taxes are delinquent on March 1, forfeited the following March 1, and foreclosed by the next March 31. Upon foreclosure, owner redemption rights end, and the county sells the property at public auction.

Mortgage Foreclosure

Most residential mortgage foreclosures are completed through a nonjudicial process that ends with a sheriff's sale. Property owners usually have a 6-month redemption period after the sale to reclaim the property by satisfying the required amount.

Costs to Access Property Records

Recording fees follow state law MCL 600.2567, and your transfer tax combines both the state rate MCL 207.525 and county rate MCL 207.504. Researchers can search Washtenaw County property records online for free. However, a fee applies if you want to print, save, or obtain official copies of the deeds.

How to Record a Document

Here are the steps to take when recording a document in Washtenaw County, which the Michigan Recording Act governs:

1. Ensure the document meets Washtenaw County recording requirements, including being signed and notarized.

2. Real estate documents cost a $30 recording fee. When property ownership is being transferred, you will need to add $8.60 per $1,000 in transfer taxes based on the purchase price.

3. You can submit documents for recording in person at the Register of Deeds office, by mail, or electronically through a Register of Deeds-approved eRecording vendor.

4. You can retrieve a copy of the recorded document online through the Register of Deeds Search portal. You can also request copies by downloading and completing the Real Estate Records Copy Request Form, then mailing it, along with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope, to P.O. Box 8645, Ann Arbor, MI 48107.

FAQs

Quick Reference: Your Washtenaw County Property Records Checklist

Key Contacts and Official Portals