Alaska Property Records

Seventeen of the twenty highest peaks in the U.S. are in Alaska. The great state has more than 3,000 rivers and three million lakes! Plus, more than 100,000 glaciers reside in Alaska. Despite misconceptions, Alaska has some of the nicest weather, with summers ranging between 60 and 90 degrees. Alaska's nickname is "The Last Frontier." Well-paved roads, moderate summers, and reasonable prices attract many tourists and homeowners to Alaska. There are 733,583 people living in Alaska, with 318,336 homes, meaning the state produces abundant yearly property records. Approximately 1,000 documents are recorded each day in Alaska.

Alaska property records are essential to the real estate market and local government and impact homeowners as well. They are created by local government offices, attorneys, title companies, realtors, insurance professionals, appraisers, and private companies.

What Are Property Records in Alaska?

Property records in Alaska are official documents, forms, and reports that contain valuable information about real property and its owners. These records are helpful in many situations, especially real estate deals. Some records are very detailed, others less so, and some overlap.

Property History Search Can Include

A property history search can reveal a lot of hidden information about a property, things you might not expect. Reviewing property records can help you make smarter decisions.

Some of the things that a property history search may reveal include:

Property Address
Detailed Legal Property Description
Current Owner's Name and Address
Historical Owners
Property Inspections
Appraisals / Property Value
Deeds
Liens
Tax Records
Mortgage Records
Bankruptcies
Foreclosures
Plat Maps
Surveys
Easements / Conveyances
Property Details
Lot Size
Zoning
Boundary Lines
Map Coordinates

Sources of Property Records in Alaska

It would be great if all property records were kept in a single Alaskan office. But they are not. They are scattered among different departments of the local government.

For instance, if you want to file a new deed after buying a home in Alaska, you must visit the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Recorder's Office (DNR) to file it. Unlike most states, property records are maintained at the district level rather than the county. The Alaska DNR Recorder's Office oversees all districts.

Municipalities within Alaskan boroughs are responsible for property taxes. They send bills to homeowners and collect taxes, which are billed through the Treasury Division. For example, if you live in Anchorage, you can find more information about taxes on their website.

If you decide to build a new home, renovate your existing one, or demolish one, you will need a building permit. You can apply for one in the city where you live. If you are interested in one at Fairbanks, you can find more information on their website.

How are Land Records Different from Property Records?

Alaska views land and property records as the same thing. The State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources is the government office in charge of all land and property records. They have a basic search tool the public can use to verify land ownership, view plats, and research federal surveys.

The Role of the Recorder's Office

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources oversees 34 local recorder's offices. Each office is responsible for recording, indexing, and archiving all property records that come into the office. Millions of documents have been recorded since Alaska entered the Union.

How Property Records are Maintained in Alaska

Each new document that arrives in the recorder's office is stamped with the date, time, and code. These records are indexed by book and page number, making them easy to identify and produce later.

Accessing Records at the Recorder's Office in Alaska

Alaska property records are public records that anyone can view or copy. The local recorder's office is tasked with providing public records to anyone upon request. The office can charge you a small fee for certified copies. Below are links to some recorder's offices you can use to find records.

Recorder's Office Locations in Alaska

There are 34 recording districts in Alaska. Many of them share the same office in large cities. Use this list to find the recorder's office you need for property records.

Types of Property Records

During a property history search, you will encounter many different types of property records. Each has its own function. Some are very detailed, and others are not. The information contained in them can overlap. The most common types of property records in Alaska are as follows:

Deeds and Conveyance Records

Deeds are one of the most common types of property records. They transfer ownership of the property and verify the title. They document the chain of title, which is recorded and maintained by the recorder's office in each district.

All parties must sign deeds, and a notary must witness them. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:

Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
A detailed description of the property.
Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.

Much of the language contained in deeds refers to the warranty implied or specified and the conveyance of the land from one or more parties to another.

Property Tax Records

Property records pay for local services like schools, road maintenance, fire, police, emergency services, and government salaries. The local city/town Treasury Division sends out bills and collects taxes from each homeowner. The Alaska Department of Commerce oversees all city tax officials.

Alaska's average effective property tax rate is 1.17%, which is higher than the national average of 0.99%. According to the Alaska Department of Commerce, the average homeowner pays $1,435 a year in property taxes.

Property tax records in Alaska include information such as:

Owner Information - The record will outline the names and contact information of the owners as recorded by tax authorities.
Property Details - The document provides details of the property by size, boundaries, structures on the land, and any improvements.
Assessed Value - The document states the value assigned to the property based on market value and comparable property sales.
Tax Rates - The document shows the applicable tax rates determined by the local taxing authority.
Tax Payment History - The record may also show a detailed history of property tax made by the owner with details of outstanding balances and amounts paid.

Easements and Covenants

Easements and covenants are additional information that accompanies deeds. These dictate how a property can be used. Easements are rights of way allowing someone or an entity to access the land for a specific purpose. An example would be a wireless company with towers on private land. The company can maintain its towers without asking first. Any new buyer of the land will have to respect this agreement.

Covenants are strict rules about how property can be used. They apply most often to condo developments and gated communities. An example would be that no one can paint their front door differently than the rest. These rules are meant to retain value and preserve consistency.

Plats and Surveys

Plats and surveys are both maps. Surveys show a single property's boundaries and map coordinates, whereas plats show the boundaries of all neighboring properties.

The general information in a property survey document includes:

Property Description - A survey contains a legal description of the land, including lot number, township, section, and range.
Property Markers - Some survey documents have property markers or monuments placed to mark key points and corners of the property.
Boundary Measurements - Surveys include accurate measurements of the boundaries, including bearing information, angles, and distances.
Topographic Features - Depending on the type of survey, the document may include contours, natural features, and elevation points of the property.

Historical Property Records

When property records become too massive, states like Alaska move some of them into archives. You can find these historical property records by visiting the local district recorder's office or using the Alaska Department of Natural Resources Office of History and Archeology to find historically significant land records.

Building Permits and Regulations in Alaska

If you want to build a new house in Alaska or renovate your kitchen, you first need a building permit. If you want to tear down a structure, you also need a permit. These are handled at the city level. If you want information on Anchorage building permits and laws, visit their website.

How Can I Search for Property Records?

It's entirely legal for anyone to perform a property history search. Since property records are public records, you can use any of the methods below to find what you need. If one method doesn't work, try another.

Online Property Record Search

First, try a basic online property record search. Type the full property address into a search bar and see what results appear. Chances are, you will see realty websites and not much else. Take things further.

In-Person Property Record Search

You can visit any of the district recorder's offices in Alaska to ask for, review, and get copies of records. They can charge you a small fee per page for copies.

Using Property Record Indexes

You will find many different types of property record indexes online. Some are fine, others are unreliable, and many do not keep their records updated.

Utilizing Commercial Services

The absolutely best way to find all the records you need in one place is PropertyChecker. It allows you to access millions of nationwide property records in seconds, saving you time and money.

How to Search Property Records by Address

It's best to search using the property address. Type the full address into a search bar, and you should be able to find it quickly.

How to Search Property Records by Name

Sometimes, you can also find records based on the current or past owner's name. However, this is not always the most efficient method since many people share the same name.

Understanding Property Ownership in Alaska

Most Alaskan homeowners take pride in owning their own piece of the state. However, when you own property, you must pay your mortgage and taxes on time and maintain it well to keep up the value. Your name and address will also appear in property records, along with mortgages, liens, and foreclosures.

Identifying Property Owners

Situations arise when you need to find out who owns a property. You can do this in one of two ways. You can visit your district's local recorder's office and ask to see the most current deed. That will tell you who owns it and when they bought it. You can also visit the state land records online search tool to search for records.

Chain of Title

The chain of title is the complete list of all historical owners of a piece of real property. The list is documented through deeds and goes back to the first owner. The list is public; you can trace it back and find any owner you like.

Ownership History and Transfers

Typically, real property changes hands through real estate transactions. However, it also transfers through other methods. Some people gift property to others in their will or while they are still living. Other times, someone will sign over the deed to their house to pay off a debt.

Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Alaska

Every piece of real property in Alaska has a legal property description. This description contains map coordinates and natural landmarks, making it easy for anyone to find. Legal property descriptions appear in property records like maps, plats, deeds, mortgages, and appraisals.

Surveys and Land Measurements

Surveys are a process of land measurement to find exact coordinates and boundaries for a property. They are used before installing underground utilities, building new homes, and in boundary disputes.

Boundary Disputes and Resolutions

Boundary disputes are common. They occur when one party believes another is encroaching on their land. These can sometimes get heated and even end up in court for a judge to decide the outcome. The courts use surveyors to map the property to find the exact boundaries.

Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Alaska

Liens appear in property records as a stain on the property and its owners. Liens can lead to foreclosure and the loss of the home. Liens lower the value of a property if there are too many, they can negatively affect the owner's financial reputation. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.

Voluntary Liens

Voluntary liens are the kind that you choose when you borrow funds and use your house as collateral to ensure the loan. These remain on the property until the loan is paid off. They can result in foreclosure.

Mortgage Liens

Mortgage liens are the most common, and they occur when you borrow money to buy a home. The lender places a lien on the property, and if you default on the loan, they can seize the property and sell it to get their money back.

Alaska mortgage documents include information such as:

Loan Amount and Term - The document specifies the loan amount, interest rate, how long it will be in effect, plus the repayment terms.
Details of Parties Involved - A mortgage document indicates the parties involved by name, positions, addresses, and contact information.
Obligation and Covenants - The document may state the various covenants and obligations the borrower must adhere to for the term.
Property Description - The document describes the property being mortgaged by lot number, subdivision name, and other identifying information.
Signature and Notarization - The mortgage document needs signatures from both parties to be a legal agreement. In some cases, notarization is necessary.

Involuntary Liens

Involuntary liens are those over which you have no control. These occur when you fail to pay a debt, and the debtor has the right to put a lien on the property and then eventually foreclose on the home to get paid.

Mechanic's Liens

Mechanic's liens are tools that contractors, laborers, architects, and others use to collect unpaid debts. If someone works on your property and you don't pay them, they have the right to place a lien on it, and then when the house is sold, they will be paid from the proceeds.

Tax Liens

Tax liens are very serious. If you don't pay your annual property taxes, the county or town can impose a lien on the property and then foreclose and sell your house at auction (well below fair market value) to pay off the back taxes.

Judgment Liens

Judgment liens work similarly to mechanic's liens. Creditors use them to collect unpaid debts. They must sue you in court first. If the judge rules in their favor, they can foreclose and sell the house to get their money.

The Process of Property Liens in Alaska

Lenders or creditors go through the following steps to place a lien on a property in Alaska:

The creditor should prepare a lien form with the correct details and then send it to the recorder's office in the district where the property is located. The creditor can obtain a stamped copy when the office records the lien.
Alaska law does not require mechanics liens to be served to the property owner, but creditors are encouraged to do so. So creditors may serve the lien to the property owner.
The creditor may extend a lien for an additional six months once it expires. Mechanics liens in Alaska are effective for six months after the day of recording. So creditors may choose to extend it if the debt remains unpaid.

Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Alaska

Property records really come into focus during real estate transactions. Before the deal, many of the participants use property records to gather information to make an informed decision. During the process, more records will be created and replace others.

Buying Property: Due Diligence

Before buying property, savvy buyers will learn as much as they can about the property. You can consult property records to fill in any blanks and research the history of the place and who owned it.

Selling Property: Providing Disclosure

When selling property in Alaska, you must disclose any material defects about it, like a leaky roof or crumbling foundation. Legally, you must also disclose whether the house has ever used lead paint or asbestos. You can use property records to find things you don't know.

Title Searches and Insurance

If you take out a mortgage to buy the home, your lender will require that you purchase title insurance. This policy protects them and you against any legal claims after the sale. Your attorney or title company will perform a property title search to try to avoid issues like these.

Foreclosure and Property Records in Alaska

Foreclosures appear in property records. Although regular buyers won't want to deal with the hassles that come with buying a foreclosure property, investors actually seek them out. A foreclosure home will be valued at less than fair market value.

Pre-Foreclosures in Alaska

Pre-foreclosures are homes that are in the process of foreclosure but haven't yet been sold at auction. This presents a ripe opportunity for investors to offer the owner some money to pay off their liens and get out of debt. The investor will then turn around and sell the property for a profit.

When was the House Built?

You can easily find out if you want to know when a house was built. Contact the local building office and ask to see the first-ever building permit. It will show you when the house was built and who built it.

Property Records and Property Values

Property values are essential information that helps homebuyers make informed decisions. These values appear in property records such as appraisals, mortgages, and insurance paperwork. Values can change rapidly if interest rates fall or the local real estate market crashes. Other factors affect value, such as location, condition, and size. Fair market value (FMV) is how much the house is worth in the current market. The median home price in Alaska is $364,888, which is higher than many U.S. states.

Assessments and Appraisals

Professionals use assessments and appraisals to value property for different reasons. Local tax officials use assessments (a complex calculation process) to determine property value and set tax rates. These values rarely match the fair market value.

Appraisers use various methods to determine a property's value for a mortgage, real estate sale, or estate planning. In their final report, they aim for fair market value.

Factors that Determine Property Values in Alaska

Some of the high prices in the cities and boroughs of Alaska can be attributed to the following factors:

Condition and Quality - The property's condition plays a crucial role in determining value. Well-maintained properties with minimal repairs command higher prices. In addition, modern features such as energy-efficient upgrades also tend to mean higher property values.
Crime Rates - Areas with lower crime rates are favored by residents in Alaska and may have higher property values since individuals are willing to pay more for safety.
Natural or Environmental Factors - Alaska has a unique natural environment featuring scenic views and proximity to water bodies. Proximity to natural attractions can make property value higher.
Infrastructure and Services - The availability of quality infrastructure, such as roads and easy access to transportation networks, can affect property values.
Zoning and Land Use - Zoning regulations and restrictions of land use imposed by the local government can affect property values. Strict restrictions may make the property more or less valuable depending on the area.

Privacy and Property Records

Privacy and property records are not synonymous. Public records mean anyone can access, view, and copy the information. If you own property in Alaska, your name and address will appear in property records.

Accessing Public Property Records

Anyone can visit a local recorder's office or search online to find property records. The state of Alaska has a rudimentary search tool that you can use to find some limited information. Other local offices sometimes have data on their websites.

Why are Property Records Public?

Property records are public for two main reasons. The first is to preserve the public chain of title, showing everyone who has ever owned the property since the first owner. This chain is documented through deeds. Secondly, they are public as a method of transparency to prevent a government office from having too much power.

How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?

You cannot remove all your information from public records. It's the law. To protect yourself from identity theft and fraud, you can contact the local recorder's offices and ask them to remove anything beyond your name and address. You don't want your email address and phone number out there.

Maintaining and Amending Property Records

Maintaining and amending your property records is essential. If you need them, you want them to be up-to-date and accurate. The government agency holding your records will not receive notification of any life changes and will not update them automatically.

Correcting Errors on Property Records

Some property records contain errors. If your records have errors, you should contact the district recorder's office in your area and ask them to fix the problem. You will have to provide source documents proving the error.

Amending Property Records for Legal Changes

You must also update property records when someone dies. Thankfully, it's easy to do. Bring the death certificate, the deceased's will, and the beneficiary to the recorder's office and ask them to draft a new deed. It will need to be witnessed and notarized.

How to Change the Name on Property Records in Alaska

If you get married or divorced, you will want to change your name in property records. Bring your divorce decree or marriage certificate to the recorder's office and ask them to update things.

What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?

There is so much to consider when buying property in Alaska. Use property records to get the full scoop before laying down any money. You should check out the value, taxes, insurance, liens, foreclosures, and any building permits indicating renovations. Use PropertyChecker as your go-to source for all property records in one place! Nice and easy.

Alaska County Property Records