Public Records Used in Property Recovery

Types of records commonly reviewed

Researching a potential property proceeds claim generally involves reviewing publicly available records, which can include county tax sale and excess funds lists, deed and title records maintained by the clerk of superior court, foreclosure sale and deed-under-power filings, and, where relevant, probate and estate records.

Why public records matter

These records can help confirm whether a sale occurred, whether proceeds remain, who held an interest in the property, and whether an estate or heirs may be involved. Because these are public records, this type of research does not require any special access or authority.

A note on accuracy

Public records can contain errors, be incomplete, or lag behind actual events, so findings from any single record are generally cross-checked against other sources before conclusions are drawn.