Before you make an offer on a home, or set a price on your own, it pays to look at what the public record already says. Many of the facts that matter, such as who owns a parcel, where its boundaries lie and how likely the area is to flood, can be checked online for free. This guide from Joviland, an independent guide rather than a realtor or title company, explains where to look and what to do with what you find.
The county property appraiser
The Citrus County Property Appraiser publishes property ownership, sales and parcel map information online. For a buyer, that can help you:
- Confirm that the person selling is the recorded owner.
- See the parcel's shape and boundaries on a map.
- Review the recorded sales history of the property.
- Compare basic details, such as the building's size, with what is in the marketing.
For a seller, checking your own record before you list helps you spot errors early, when they are easier to fix. If something looks wrong, contact the appraiser's office directly.
FEMA flood maps
FEMA flood maps, viewable at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, show how likely an area is to flood. In a coastal, spring-fed county like Citrus, this is worth checking for every address you are serious about. FEMA also notes that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage and that flood coverage is a separate policy. Our Flood Zones, Explained guide covers how to read the maps.
What public records cannot tell you
Records are a starting point, not the whole story. They will not tell you the condition of the roof, whether the plumbing leaks or how the street sounds at night. For that you need:
- A professional home inspection; see Home Inspections, Explained.
- Your own visits at different times; see The Second Showing.
- Questions to the seller about repairs, permits and known issues.
Legal questions
Questions about title, liens, easements, surveys or deed restrictions are legal matters. Public records may hint at them, but a title professional or attorney should explain what they mean for your purchase. Ask a licensed professional before relying on your own reading.
Keep a file
Save copies or screenshots of anything you rely on, with the date you viewed it. Records are updated over time, and a dated file makes it easy to compare later.
For more official starting points, see Useful Links and Public Sources, and for the bigger picture, our buying and selling guides.