Buying Off Market Land: How to Find the Owner and Their Contact Information

How to Find Landowners and Get Their Contact Info: The Ultimate Guide (Without Feeling Like a Stalker)

So, you’ve found the perfect piece of land. Maybe it’s a vacant lot with endless potential, or a plot of land just waiting for a self-storage facility to take shape. Now comes the big question: How do you find the owner and get in touch?

If you’re imagining yourself playing detective, you’re not too far off. The good news is, finding landowners isn’t impossible—it just takes the right tools and strategies. Let’s break it down in a way that’s not only useful but also (hopefully) enjoyable to read.

Step 1: Public Records Are Your Best Friend

First things first—everything starts with public records. They’re like the Google of property ownership, except they’ve been around longer (and won’t try to sell you ads).

County Tax Assessor’s Office

Every county has one, and they know who owns what. It’s their job to collect property taxes, after all. Most tax assessor offices have online portals where you can search by address, parcel number, or even owner name. You’ll find:

• The landowner’s name.
• Their mailing address (sometimes different from the property address).
• Parcel details like size and zoning.

If the portal doesn’t exist or isn’t user-friendly, a quick visit to the office might be your best bet. Bonus: You might also meet someone who can guide you toward your next step.

County Recorder’s Office

This is where the paperwork lives—deeds, liens, and legal documents. If you want to dig deep into the property’s history or confirm ownership, this is your go-to. Some counties have digitized their records, while others will make you dust off your in-person research skills.

Step 2: Use Technology Like a Pro

Why spend hours driving around when you have the internet?

Regrid and LandVision

If you’re a visual learner, these platforms will be your jam. They provide interactive maps that show property boundaries and ownership details. It’s like Google Maps for real estate nerds.

PropStream

This is a power tool for real estate investors. Not only can you see ownership info, but you can also dive into property values and financial analytics. Think of it as your one-stop shop for stalking (legally).

The Freebies

• Zillow/Redfin: These are great for listed properties, and sometimes they give hints about off-market opportunities.
• Google Earth Pro: Ever wanted to see land from a satellite’s perspective? Now you can.

Step 3: What If the Owner Is an LLC or Trust?

Ah, the plot thickens. If the property is owned by a company or trust, you’ll need to dig a little deeper.

Secretary of State Websites

Search for the LLC’s name, and you’ll often find:

• Registered agents (a fancy term for the person handling the LLC’s paperwork).
• Business addresses.
• Names of managing members.

This works in most states and is usually free. It’s like peeking behind the curtain of Oz.

Trust Ownership

If the owner is a trust, things get trickier. Public records might list the trustee, and sometimes that’s enough to get the ball rolling.

Step 4: Go Old School with Networking

Sometimes, the best information comes from the people around you.

Real Estate Brokers

Find a broker who specializes in land sales in the area. They often know who owns what and whether that person is even thinking about selling.

Neighbors and Local Businesses

Ever heard the phrase “the grapevine”? Talk to nearby businesses or residents—they might know the owner or at least point you in the right direction.

Title Companies

For a fee, title companies can conduct ownership searches that will leave no stone unturned. Plus, you’ll get peace of mind knowing the information is accurate.

Step 5: Get Creative With People-Search Tools

Once you’ve got a name, it’s time to turn to modern-day treasure maps: people-search tools. They’re not magic, but they’re pretty close.

TruePeopleSearch and Spokeo

Plug in a name, and these platforms might give you addresses, phone numbers, and even email addresses. Just don’t forget to double-check for accuracy—nobody wants to call the wrong person.

LinkedIn

If the owner is a business professional, you might find them on LinkedIn. A quick, polite message can work wonders.

Step 6: When All Else Fails, Write or Knock

Now that you’ve gathered all the info, it’s time to make contact.

Mail Them a Letter

Yes, good old-fashioned snail mail still works. Here’s what to include:

• A brief introduction (Who are you? Why are you interested?).
• Your contact info (phone, email, and mailing address).
• A polite, professional tone.

Send it to the owner’s mailing address listed in public records. If they’re interested, they’ll reach out.

Knock on Their Door

If the mailing address matches the property address, consider stopping by. Be respectful and brief—nobody likes unannounced visitors, so make it count.

Step 7: Stay Persistent but Professional

Finding landowners can sometimes feel like solving a mystery novel. It’s not always straightforward, and you might hit a few dead ends. The key is to combine these methods and stay patient.

Here’s a quick recap:

1. Start with public records.
2. Use online tools to fill in gaps.
3. Dig deeper for corporate ownership.
4. Leverage local connections.
5. Write, call, or visit with professionalism.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making the connection you need. Just remember, persistence pays off—and that perfect piece of land is worth the effort.