Can I find out how much someone paid for a house?
Asked by: Kevon Wehner DVM | Last update: February 9, 2026Score: 5/5 (46 votes)
Yes, you can find out how much someone paid for a house because sale prices become public record after a sale closes, accessible through county recorder/clerk offices, online property record databases (like realtor.com and Redfin ), county assessor sites, or by asking a local real estate agent who has access to the MLS. These records detail past transactions, though specific purchase agreement details (like exact financing terms) remain private.
How to find out how much someone paid for a house?
County recorder's office or county clerk's office: These offices keep records of real estate transactions, including deeds and an “abstract of title,” which summarizes the property's ownership history and sale prices. You can often search these records online or in person.
Is there a way to find out how much someone's mortgage is?
You can find out how much someone owes on a house by checking public property records at the county recorder's or clerk's office (often online), looking for recorded liens, or using third-party property search websites, though you'll likely only find the original mortgage amount and lien details, not the exact current balance, requiring an amortization calculation for an estimate.
Can you find out how much someone pays for a mortgage?
The closing date, loan amount, loan type, loan term, and interest rate are all public record as they are on documents that get recorded with the county. All you have to do is to run an amortization schedule based on the original loan amount, closing date, interest rate, and term.
Are real estate sales contracts public record?
No, real estate purchase agreements are not typically recorded in public records. Recording is more common for deeds and other documents that transfer ownership. However, the terms of the purchase agreement are still crucial, as they guide the transaction process.
How to Find Out How Much Someone Paid for a House
Is it possible to see how much a house sold for?
Search real estate websites
One of the most straightforward methods to find out how much a house sold for is by using online real estate platforms. These websites aggregate sale prices, property details, and historical transaction data, making it easier for users to conduct thorough research.
How can I see who just bought a house?
Once you have the address (and property number, if needed), you're ready to start your ownership search.
- Search online. ...
- Check the local tax assessor's office. ...
- Contact the county clerk. ...
- Search a registry of deeds. ...
- Visit your local library. ...
- Use a title company. ...
- Pay for an online service. ...
- Consult mailing list brokers.
Can you see if someone has paid off their house?
When a mortgage is paid off, the lender normally records a satisfaction of the loan in the public records. You can also have a title company pull a title report for you to show the outstanding liens.
What is the payment on a $400,000 mortgage at 7%?
For a $400,000 mortgage at a 7% interest rate, your principal & interest payment is about $2,661 per month for a 30-year loan, while a shorter 15-year term would be around $3,595 monthly, though these figures don't include property taxes, insurance, or PMI.
Can you find out how much people owe on their house?
Property sales records
Usually, you can find out who the current owner is and how much they still owe on their mortgage, too. You might have to pay a small fee to get a report from your recorder's office.
Can you see if someone has a mortgage on a property?
Yes, you can find out if someone has a mortgage on their property by searching public records at the local County Recorder's Office, Clerk's Office, or Register of Deeds, where deeds, mortgages, and liens are officially recorded, often with online search portals available for free or a small fee. Searching by property address or owner's name on their website will reveal recorded documents like mortgages and releases.
Can you see how much is left on someone else's mortgage?
You can find out how much someone owes on a house by checking public property records at the county recorder's or clerk's office (often online), looking for recorded liens, or using third-party property search websites, though you'll likely only find the original mortgage amount and lien details, not the exact current balance, requiring an amortization calculation for an estimate.
Are mortgage amounts public record?
Mortgage notes, which outline the specifics of the loan agreement between a borrower and lender, are typically part of the public record. This means that information such as the loan amount, terms of repayment, and the identity of the lending institution is accessible to the public.
Are home tax records public?
Yes, property tax records, including assessments, ownership, and payment status, are generally considered public records in most U. states, available for public inspection and often searchable online through county assessor or treasurer websites, though specific access methods vary by location. This transparency allows for public oversight, ensures accountability, and helps with real estate transactions, but you may need to contact local government offices for detailed instructions or specific forms for release, according to Centerbridge Law Group, Cedar Creek Township, CountyOffice.org, DealMachine, Rock Island County, IL, Oregon.gov, and Alabama.propertychecker.com, respectively.
Does a deed show purchase price?
While this is often referred to as the "sale price," the actual language in the deed might state a nominal value, like $10, for privacy reasons. However, other legal agreements, such as the purchase and sale contract, will document the true sale price.
How to see home price history?
You can find your property's sale history on county records or online real estate platforms. You can also work with local real estate professionals who have access to comprehensive MLS data. Understanding your home's complete sales history provides valuable insights for pricing strategy.
Can I afford a 400k house with $100K salary?
Yes, you can likely afford a $400k house on a $100k salary, as lenders often suggest housing costs under $2,333/month (28% of income) and total debts under $3,000/month (36% DTI), leaving room for taxes, insurance, and P&I on a $400k mortgage, especially with a good down payment, though it depends heavily on interest rates, taxes, and your existing debts.
What is the monthly payment on a 30-year mortgage for $300,000?
A $300,000 mortgage on a 30-year term has a principal & interest (P&I) payment ranging roughly from $1,600 to $2,100 per month, depending heavily on the interest rate, with a lower rate meaning lower payments (e.g., around $1,703 at 5.5% vs. $1,896 at 6.5% vs. $2,097 at 7.5%). Remember, this P&I doesn't include property taxes, insurance (PITI), or HOA fees, which add to your total monthly housing cost.
Can I see how much someone paid for a house?
Sales history
The recorder's office will likely have electronic and paper files for you to search. The records should indicate who previously owned the home, how much they paid when they purchased it, and how much the current owner owes on their mortgage (if applicable).
How to look up what someone owes on their mortgage?
The amount owed on any mortgage is a matter of public record and can be found at the County Recorder. Buyers can search in person or online, where county records are available.
How to prove a house is paid off?
“First, expect to receive a letter from your lender, referred to as the 'mortgage satisfaction letter. ' This proves you no longer owe them anything on your house and your loan is paid in full,” says Jeffrey Zhou, CEO and founder of Fig Loans.
Can you find out who has purchased a property?
The title register (or deeds) is a record of who owns a property and also includes other legal details regarding the ownership of the property.
Can I do a title search myself?
Yes, you can do a title search yourself by checking public records at the county clerk's, recorder's, or assessor's office (online or in-person) for deeds, liens, and tax records, but professional title companies are often recommended for complex properties to avoid missing critical legal issues like unreleased mortgages, liens, easements, or judgments that could cloud the title.
Can you tell if someone bought a house?
Visiting your county assessor's office or accessing their online portal may yield detailed information about recent purchases in your area. If you're looking for something more personal—like whether a specific friend or acquaintance has purchased a home—you could consider asking them directly!