Real Estate API Questions

Where can I find property deed, mortgage, and lien data by API?

Quick Answer

Deed, mortgage, and lien records are recorded at county recorder or register of deeds offices. Realie extracts document numbers, deed types, transaction prices, total lien counts, and estimated LTV figures across 180M+ U.S. parcels.

Summary

Unlike assessor data which focuses on physical building traits and land value, recorder data captures legal transfers, encumbrances, and deeds (warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust). Realie links recorder-side filings directly to parcel IDs, making mortgage history, lien balances, and transfer document details queryable in sub-10 milliseconds.

Assessor records vs. recorder records

Assessor records contain physical characteristics and tax assessments. Recorder records contain legal conveyances — grant deeds, warranty deeds, mortgages, and mechanics liens.

Realie reconciles both datasets onto the parcel ID so developers get a complete picture of property ownership, physical traits, and legal encumbrances in one API payload.

Transfer prices and non-arm’s-length transactions

Recorded transfers include official transfer dates, document numbers, book/page references, and recorded prices. Note that a transfer price of $0 typically indicates a intra-family transfer, gift, or non-arm’s-length transaction rather than a market sale.

Frequently asked questions

Does the API include deed document numbers?
Yes. Transfer document numbers, book and page numbers, and deed type codes (e.g. warranty deed, quitclaim deed) are included in transfer history payloads.
Can I look up estimated loan-to-value (LTV) or lien balances?
Yes. Property payloads carry estimated LTV ratios, current lien count, and combined lien balance estimates.