How to Find Owners of Properties
in New Mexico

New Mexico property ownership is overseen by Chapter 47 of the state code. These statutes cover all types of property law, which include everything from conveyances and real estate trusts to building unit ownership.

In Article 3 of Chapter 14, the laws associated with public records are explained. For example, New Mexico has a state commission of public records that includes the attorney general, state auditor, and secretary of state.

New Mexico law allows real estate to be held by individuals, joint partners, LLCs, and trusts. Corporations can purchase and hold certain types of properties as well. While assessors and county clerks are required to keep records of all real estate transactions in New Mexico, these documents aren't always easy to find. Identifying the name of an individual owner isn't too challenging. You may, however, have a more difficult time locating the owner of a property that's held by a corporation or trust.

Finding the name of a property owner in New Mexico can require a considerable amount of research. You may be able to obtain this information by searching public records or by using other types of third-party resources.

Registry of Deeds

A registry of deeds is a type of database that's designed to store every recorded real estate document. For example, the deed that's generated when you sell your home to a buyer will be kept in your local New Mexico registry of deeds. Each county in New Mexico has a registry of deeds that you can access. To obtain ownership records, you'll need to provide the parcel ID or address of the property.

From property tax documents to real estate contracts, many types of documents are available to the public through the registry of deeds. If you want to search this database in person, you'll need to visit the county clerk's office.

The documents that are stored in the New Mexico Registry of Deeds are also available via online property search databases. You can enter these databases with the following links:

• Bernalillo County
• Doña Ana County
• Sandoval County
• Santa Fe County
• San Juan County
• Valencia County
• Lea County

Land Records Website

When a rental property or home is sold or transferred, a land record will be generated. These records can contain details about sales, mortgages, liens, and leases. Each county in New Mexico maintains land records via the county clerk's office. The parcel ID or property address should help you gain access to land records. They're also accessible online by performing a public document search on the county clerk's website.

City or Town Assessor's Office

Every county in New Mexico has an assessor. This individual is responsible for identifying the market values of each property in the county. Once the market value of a home is identified, its assessed value can be calculated, which allows the county to determine what the owner's annual tax bill should be.

Numerous records are stored at your local New Mexico assessor's office, which includes property records, sales documents, plats, and tax assessment information. To request these documents, you can visit the county assessor's office. If you wish to contact your local assessor or find the address of their office, use the following links to reach the relevant website.

• Bernalillo County
• Doña Ana County
• Sandoval County
• Santa Fe County
• San Juan County
• Valencia County
• Lea County
• Otero County
• McKinley County
• Chaves County

Tax Records

The local assessor's office is also tasked with storing property tax records, which contain an ample amount of information about assessed values and current ownership. In most cases, tax records will include the name of the property's owner. If you wish to request a property tax record, consider visiting the local New Mexico assessor's office. You can also obtain these records online with a basic property search.

Title Company/Agency

Title companies offer title search services. The purpose of a New Mexico title search is to make sure that a property is free of all types of encumbrances, which include everything from liens and mortgages to easements. When a buyer applies for a mortgage, their lender will likely require them to obtain a title search to ensure the purchase is valid. This search should also provide a comprehensive history of the property's ownership.

If you request these services, you can pay anywhere from $75-$220 in New Mexico. There are several additional methods you can use to find a property owner if you're having difficulty sourcing the information.

For example, you can browse real estate websites that offer this kind of information. You can also get in touch with a real estate agent or lawyer who may know how to find these details. The neighbors might also be willing to give you information about the property owner.

New Mexico property ownership can take numerous shapes. The most common ownership structure occurs when one person buys and maintains a property. However, it's possible to purchase real estate with unrelated parties or your spouse. The structure you use to buy a property determines everything from your level of risk to the annual property taxes you'll need to pay.

Once you understand the types of property ownership in New Mexico, you can decide which structure is right for your situation. Each type of ownership has its benefits and legal implications. The most common types in New Mexico include sole ownership, community property, and joint tenancy. The following table highlights each ownership title and its pros and cons.

New Mexico real estate can be purchased and owned by:

• Individuals
• Partnerships
• Limited liability companies (LLCs)
• C or S corporations
• Trusts

Consider hiring a title company or real estate lawyer if you need assistance finding the owner of a corporation or trust in New Mexico. While you might be able to obtain this information on your own, there are several steps you'll need to take.

For example, your Local Chamber of Commerce could have some ownership documents. You should also cross-reference property tax documents, deeds, mortgages, and other public records that are available to you. Some business research tools like Westlaw and LexisNexis also store documents about companies and LLCs.

Finding the Owner of a Trust in New Mexico

Trust documents aren't recorded in New Mexico, which means that ownership information won't automatically be provided in a property search. However, the search could help you find the trustee who's in charge of the trust.

Finding the Owner of an LLC in New Mexico

Since most of the information related to an LLC is available to the public, the New Mexico Secretary of State provides a business search as part of their Corporations and Business Services. You can search for an LLC in New Mexico by entering its name, ID number, or registration number.

Finding the Owner of a Corporation in New Mexico

Identifying the owner of a corporation in New Mexico is possible with the same steps that are mentioned above. If you know the name of the corporation, you'll receive a list of companies that meet the search parameters. Once you click the name, you should obtain a lot of information about the corporation, which includes the owner's name.

A property deed is a document that the state uses to record all details about a real estate transaction. If any rights are being transferred, details will be included in the deed. The names of all parties involved in the transaction will also be listed. This document is filed at the county clerk's office. The most common types of deeds in New Mexico are detailed below.

Conveying a property title is a time-consuming process that requires numerous legal and administrative steps. You must initially identify the transfer type that you'll be using. For example, you may decide to sell the home or place it in an inheritance. Once you make this decision, obtain a New Mexico title search to ensure there are no liens that need to be resolved before transferring the property. Lenders often require insurance for title searches.

The deed will now be prepared with a legal description of the property and the names of any party involved with the transaction. Before the deed can be recorded, the seller and buyer will need to sign it before a notary public. Make sure you review the deed before you sign it.

While most states charge transfer taxes, New Mexico doesn't. Once the deed has been signed, it will be recorded with the county clerk. Counties in New Mexico charge a recording fee of $25 per document. If you want a copy of the deed, the cost is anywhere from $0.50 to $1 depending on the county. After the document has been recorded, notify the county assessor to ensure the new owner receives their yearly tax bills.