Why does the Register of Deeds exist?

This office is responsible for keeping a record of who owns what property. When you sell your property, someone checks our records to make sure that you have clear title to the property. If you are the buyer, someone is doing the same. They will need to know if the property is in your name (Deed) and is there are any liens against the property (Mortgage, Federal Tax Liens, State Tax Lien, etc.). The records here are also used to determine where to send the tax bill, where to put utility lines, how to make the best land usage plans and lots more.