How to Search for Detroit Property Records

Property records are made public so that anyone can access them for any reason. Detroit property records contain a lot of valuable information like owner's names and addresses, mortgage information, liens, foreclosures, bankruptcies, values, taxes, and more. You must know where to look when you want information on a property or its owner(s). Use the resources below to find Detroit property records.

Wayne County Register of Deeds

The Wayne County Register of Deeds is the local repository for many property records, including deeds, liens, mortgages, etc. You can use the county website to perform a search and narrow it down by owner name, property address, parcel number, document type, date range, and subdivision. To request records, you can also visit the office in person at the International Center Building, 400 Monroe Street, 7th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226-2925. They charge a small fee ($2 per page or $10 for certified copies) for copies of records.

City of Detroit Office of the Assessor

The Detroit Assessor's Office handles property assessments for the city and determines the value of each property for tax purposes. You can use this office's website to search for property assessments, values, taxes, and liens. Use the Property Assessment Information Search tool to find what you need.

Third Judicial Circuit of Michigan - Courts

The courts are another excellent resource for finding public property records. You can visit the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan to find records related to property, such as liens (mechanic's and judgment liens), foreclosures, bankruptcies, divorce cases with property, probate cases, and property disputes. Use the Case Search tool right on their homepage.

Detroit property taxes pay for city expenses like road maintenance, schools, fire, police, health services, transportation, bridges, parks, and more. The Detroit Office of the Treasury collects property tax payments and disburses the funds to the appropriate departments. This office has a property search tool where you can find your tax bill and pay it online. Wayne County property taxes can also be paid through the treasurer's mobile app, by mail, phone, or in person at the International Center, 400 Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226. To pay in person, you must make an appointment.

Assessments

Detroit's Assessment Department is the government entity responsible for assessing all property within the city and assigning tax rates. They determine the value using a special assessment process, much like an appraisal, considering the property's size, location, condition, and age. Anyone who disagrees with their property assessment can appeal to the Property Assessment Board of Review. They will review all information and make the final decision.

Appraisals

Detroit property appraisals are similar to assessments, but the process differs slightly. However, in cases of new construction, commercial buildings, or unusual structures, the tax authority may enlist the help of a certified appraiser to value the property. The courts, estate planners, and lenders also use appraisals (various methods) to determine property values.

Tax Rates

Taxes in Detroit are crazy high, with an average effective tax rate of 2.24% of the assessed value. That rate is considerably higher than the national average of 0.99% and the median state average of 1.07%. Detroit taxes are so high because the city relies heavily on that income, and property values have declined over time. Inflation is also a factor. Detroit tax rates are higher than other areas of the state, for example:

• Alcona County 0.85%
• Antrim County 1.00%
• Calhoun County 1.60%
• Macomb County 1.47%
• Oceana County 1.22%
• Saginaw County 1.54%
• Wexford County 1.22%

Exemptions

As property taxes rise nationwide, counties and cities find ways to help people afford their property taxes through exemptions. The city of Detroit offers unique options for those who cannot afford to pay their full taxes. The available exemptions include:

• Homestead Property Tax Exemption
• Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE)
• Michigan Home Heating Credit Claim MI-1040CR-7
• Michigan League for Public Policy
• Principal Residence Exemption of Property Taxes
• Summer Property Tax Deferment

You can apply for these exemptions and find more details about each program with the Wayne County Treasurer's Office.

Before building a new structure, demolishing an existing one, or renovating one, you must obtain a building permit first. To get a building permit in Detroit, you must go through the Building Safety Engineering and Environmental (BSEED) department. The city has a helpful website that contains much information about building permits, inspections, and related topics. Use the city's Permitting Portal to apply online. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a permit. You must upload supporting documentation and pay a fee when applying.

• New Residential Construction
• Commercial Construction
• Finished Basement
• Residential Deck
• Roof Replacement
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Plumbing

Integral to the permitting process is inspections. The Detroit building inspector must inspect the work before, during, and after the project to ensure that it complies with local building and safety codes. If it does not, the work must be redone.

Detroit is the largest city in Michigan, with a population of 633,218 residents. The city has roughly 309,913 housing units and added 9,500 more units between 2021 and 2024 to accommodate the 2,000 new people who moved there. Detroit has diverse housing types such as single-family homes, apartments, row houses, townhouses, duplexes, condominiums, cooperative housing, public housing, and Section 8 assisted living situations for low-income families, the elderly, and disabled adults. The average price of a house in Detroit is between $74,213 and $73,442, an increase of 7-7.9% from previous years. However, prices depend on where in Detroit you live. For example, some neighborhoods in Detroit are:

• Corktown (48201) $453,997
• North Corktown (48208) $685,000
• Downtown Detroit (48207) $499,900
• Boston Edison (48202) $319,112
• Historic Atkinson (48206) $237,473
• Dexter-Linwood (48221) $56,867
• Herman Kiefer (48202) $113,162

The real estate market in Detroit is improving, and house prices are rising. However, even with these prices going up, the median price of a home in Detroit is still 79% lower than the national average. Typically, homes stay on the market for 46 to 54 days.