Antrim County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Antrim County in 2026
AntrimRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Antrim County, Michigan. Members of the public may find ownership history, deed transfers, tax assessment data, recorded liens, mortgage documents, and parcel identification details. Available record categories may include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Recorded mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and encumbrances
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
Records may be searched through the following official resources:
- Antrim County Register of Deeds — for recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Antrim County Treasurer — for property tax information and delinquency records
- Township Assessing — for individual parcel assessments maintained at the township level
- Township Assessor Contact Directory — for direct contact with local assessing officials
Online Search Methods:
1. Register of Deeds — Official Records Search
The Antrim County Register of Deeds maintains recorded instruments affecting real property and provides two primary online search platforms:
- Laredo — A subscription-based platform for title professionals and frequent users. Property records in Laredo are available from 1990 to the current effective date.
- Tapestry — A web-based, pay-as-you-go search tool available to the general public. Members of the public may search by grantor name, grantee name, document type, recording date range, or instrument number.
To conduct an online search through Tapestry:
- Navigate to the public search options page on the Antrim County website.
- Select the Tapestry link.
- Create a free account or proceed as a guest.
- Enter search criteria (grantor/grantee name, date range, or document type).
- Review the results list and select the relevant instrument.
- Pay the applicable per-document fee to view or download the document image.
- Note the instrument number or book and page for future reference.
Documents available through this system include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, plats, and lis pendens filings.
2. Township Assessor — Parcel and Assessment Data
Under Michigan law, township assessing is administered at the local township level. Each township assessor is responsible for the listing and inventory of individual properties within their jurisdiction, including parcel identification, ownership data, and assessed values. Members of the public seeking assessment records should contact the assessor for the relevant township directly. A full township assessor contact directory is maintained by the Antrim County Equalization Department.
Search options at the township level include:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By legal description
Information available from township assessors includes current owner name, mailing address, parcel number, legal description, land use classification, lot size, building characteristics (square footage, year built, construction type), and assessed value.
3. County Treasurer — Tax Records
The Antrim County Treasurer maintains property tax information including current tax bills, payment history, outstanding balances, and delinquent tax records. Members of the public may search tax records by property address, owner name, or parcel number.
In-Person Searches:
Antrim County Register of Deeds
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
Phone: (231) 533-6681
Register of Deeds
Antrim County Treasurer
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
Phone: (231) 533-6720
Antrim County Treasurer
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests for copies of recorded documents to the Register of Deeds by mail. Requests should specify the instrument number, book and page, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
For tax record inquiries by mail, correspondence should be directed to the Antrim County Treasurer at 203 E. Cayuga Street, Bellaire, MI 49615. Requestors should include the property address or parcel number and a return mailing address.
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive title searches using the Register of Deeds' official records systems. These professionals provide abstracts of title, title insurance commitments, and legal opinions on ownership. Costs vary by provider and scope of search.
What Is Antrim County Property Records
Antrim County property records are official documents related to real property — land and structures — maintained by county and township government offices pursuant to Michigan law. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing ownership, recording encumbrances, and facilitating real estate transactions throughout the county.
Types of Property Records:
- Ownership Records: Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, life estate deeds, and other conveyance instruments establishing chain of title.
- Encumbrance Records: Mortgages, deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, easements, restrictive covenants, and lis pendens filings.
- Tax and Assessment Records: Annual property tax assessments, tax bills, payment history, exemption records, and delinquent tax information.
- Legal Descriptions: Plat maps, subdivision plats, metes and bounds descriptions, lot and block information, and survey documents.
- Building and Permit Records: Building permits, certificates of occupancy, zoning designations, and code enforcement records maintained by local municipalities.
Who Maintains Property Records:
- Register of Deeds: Records, indexes, and preserves all instruments affecting title to real property in Antrim County, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.
- Township Assessors: Maintain parcel-level assessment data, ownership information, and property characteristics for each township within the county.
- County Treasurer: Maintains property tax billing, payment, and delinquency records.
- Local Building and Planning Departments: Maintain permit records, zoning designations, and code enforcement files.
Legal Framework:
Michigan's recording statutes, codified at MCL § 565.29, establish the legal framework for recording instruments affecting real property. Under this statute, every conveyance of real estate within Michigan that is not recorded is void as against any subsequent purchaser in good faith and for valuable consideration whose conveyance is first duly recorded. This constructive notice principle underpins the public nature of all recorded property instruments in Antrim County.
As stated by the Michigan Legislature, the recording system is designed to "protect purchasers and encumbrancers of real property by providing a public record of all instruments affecting title." This principle ensures that property records remain accessible to all members of the public without restriction.
Are Property Records Public Information in Antrim County?
Property records in Antrim County are public information. Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL § 15.231 et seq., public bodies are required to disclose public records upon request. Recorded property instruments are additionally made public by operation of Michigan's recording statutes, which have required public indexing and access since the state's earliest land records.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL § 15.231)
- Michigan Recording Statutes (MCL § 565.29)
- Common law tradition of public land records
- Constitutional protections for property rights under the Michigan Constitution, Article X
No special permission, stated purpose, or residency requirement is necessary to access property records. The following categories of information are freely accessible to any member of the public:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances of record
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, year built, construction type)
- Deeds and all other recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Under Michigan law, Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents prior to public release. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Michigan's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the relevant township assessor for applicable policies.
Common Users of Property Records:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents and brokers
- Title companies and abstractors
- Mortgage lenders and appraisers
- Real estate attorneys
- Investors and developers
- Genealogists and historians
- Journalists and researchers
- Property owners verifying their own records
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Antrim County?
The Antrim County Register of Deeds charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of recorded instruments. Current fees are established pursuant to MCL § 600.2567, which governs fees charged by county registers of deeds in Michigan.
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copy (per document) | $5.00 per document + $1.00 per page |
| Online document view/download (Tapestry) | Per-document fee (pay-as-you-go) |
| Laredo subscription access | Subscription-based (contact Register of Deeds) |
| Recording a new instrument | $30.00 for the first page + $3.00 per additional page |
| Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax | $3.75 per $500 of value (state); $0.55 per $500 (county) |
Free Access:
- Viewing recorded document indexes online through Tapestry is available at no charge.
- Basic parcel and assessment information maintained by township assessors is available at no charge.
- Property tax information maintained by the Antrim County Treasurer is available for public inspection at no charge.
Accepted Payment Methods:
The Register of Deeds accepts payment by check (payable to Antrim County Register of Deeds), money order, and cash for in-person requests. Mail requests should include a check or money order. The Treasurer's office accepts payment by mail (check payable to Antrim County Treasurer) and in person. Members of the public may call the Treasurer's office at (231) 533-6720 for current payment options.
Fee waivers are not provided for standard public records requests. Indigent requestors or nonprofit organizations should contact the relevant office directly to inquire about applicable provisions.
What's Included in a Antrim County Property Record
A complete Antrim County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses the following categories of information:
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title reflecting all prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Parcel ID number assigned by the township assessor
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes and bounds)
- Municipality and township jurisdiction
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Total living area (square footage), year built, number of stories
- Building type and construction materials (frame, masonry, etc.)
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch, fireplace, heating and cooling systems, water source, sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
- State equalized value (SEV) — equal to 50% of true cash value under Michigan law
- Taxable value (capped under Michigan's Proposal A)
- Historical assessed values for prior years
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount, millage rate, and breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, township, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and payment history
- Exemptions applied (principal residence exemption, senior exemption, veteran exemption, poverty exemption, agricultural exemption)
- Delinquent tax status, if applicable
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent and historical transfers
- Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
- Instrument numbers and recording dates
- Documentary/transfer tax amounts paid
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages (lender name, original amount, recording date, book and page)
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements, restrictive covenants, and declarations
- Lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- School district, fire district, and special taxing district assignments
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
Maps and Visual Information:
- GIS map with property boundaries
- Aerial photograph
- Plat map reference
- Property sketch or building footprint (where available)
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Private purchase contract terms beyond recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements or private arrangements
How Long Does Antrim County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Antrim County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plats, and all related documents — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the historical importance of land records to the public.
Legal Basis for Retention:
Michigan's records retention schedules, administered by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, require permanent retention of all recorded instruments affecting real property. The Register of Deeds is obligated under state law to preserve these records in perpetuity and to make them available for public inspection.
Format and Storage:
- Records predating the mid-twentieth century exist in handwritten or typed ledger books maintained in secure vault storage.
- Mid-century records are preserved on microfilm.
- Records from approximately 1990 to the present are available in digitized format through the Register of Deeds' online systems.
- All digital records are maintained with off-site backup systems to ensure preservation against loss or disaster.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| 1990 to present | Available online via Laredo and Tapestry |
| Pre-1990 | Available in person at the Register of Deeds office (books or microfilm) |
| Historical/territorial records | Available in person; staff assistance may be required |
Assessment Records:
Township assessors maintain current and historical assessment records permanently. Assessment rolls and property cards are preserved as part of the official public record. Recent years of assessment history are accessible through township assessor offices; historical records may require an in-person request.
Tax Records:
The Antrim County Treasurer retains tax payment records and delinquency records in accordance with the state retention schedule. Tax deed records are maintained permanently. Members of the public seeking historical tax records should contact the Treasurer's office directly at (231) 533-6720.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records predating the online database should contact the Register of Deeds in person or by telephone. Staff can retrieve documents from vault storage or microfilm archives. Advance notice is recommended for records requiring retrieval from off-site storage. Standard copy fees apply to all historical records.
Antrim County Register of Deeds
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
Phone: (231) 533-6681
Register of Deeds
How To Find Liens on Property in Antrim County?
Liens on property in Antrim County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Register of Deeds' official records system. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be satisfied before clear title can be conveyed. Common lien types include mortgage liens, federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA assessment liens.
Step-by-Step Search Process:
- Navigate to the public search options page on the Antrim County Register of Deeds website.
- Select Tapestry (pay-as-you-go) or Laredo (subscription) based on access level.
- Search by the current owner's name as grantee to identify all instruments recorded against the property.
- Search by the property address or parcel number where the system permits.
- Filter results by document type to isolate liens, mortgages, and encumbrances.
- Review each instrument for recording date, lienholder name, amount, and current status.
- Search for corresponding releases or satisfactions to determine whether any identified lien has been discharged.
Types of Liens Searchable Through the Register of Deeds:
- Mortgage liens: Recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination; released upon payoff.
- Federal tax liens: Filed by the IRS against a taxpayer's property; searchable by taxpayer name.
- State tax liens: Filed by the Michigan Department of Treasury for unpaid state taxes.
- Judgment liens: Arise from court judgments and attach to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county.
- Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work pursuant to Michigan's Construction Lien Act, MCL § 570.1101 et seq.
- HOA liens: Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments.
- Delinquent property tax liens: Administered by the Antrim County Treasurer; members of the public may access property tax information including delinquency status through the Treasurer's office.
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Register of Deeds office. Staff can assist with grantor/grantee index searches and retrieval of recorded instruments. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours.
Antrim County Register of Deeds
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
Phone: (231) 533-6681
Register of Deeds
Antrim County Treasurer
203 E. Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615
Phone: (231) 533-6720
Antrim County Treasurer
For comprehensive lien searches — particularly in connection with real estate transactions — title companies and licensed abstractors conduct full searches of the official records and provide written reports identifying all recorded encumbrances.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Antrim County?
The property owner rule in Antrim County is governed by Michigan state law, which establishes the rights, responsibilities, and limitations applicable to real property ownership within the county. Michigan follows a title-based ownership system in which legal ownership is established by a recorded deed and the chain of title traceable through the Register of Deeds.
Establishment of Ownership:
Under Michigan's recording statutes (MCL § 565.29), a conveyance of real property is not effective against subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers in good faith unless it is recorded with the Register of Deeds. Recording provides constructive notice to all members of the public of the existence and terms of the recorded instrument. A property owner's rights are therefore protected from the date and time of recording.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Michigan:
- Sole ownership: A single individual holds title in their name alone.
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically.
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death.
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to legally married couples in Michigan; provides protection against individual creditors of either spouse.
- Trust ownership: Title held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries.
- Entity ownership: Title held by a limited liability company, corporation, or partnership.
Principal Residence Exemption:
Michigan law provides a significant property tax benefit to owner-occupants through the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE), formerly known as the Homestead Exemption. Under Michigan law, a property owner who occupies their property as their principal residence is entitled to an exemption from the school operating millage, which reduces the effective tax rate on the property. The PRE must be claimed by filing an affidavit with the local township assessor. Members of the public may contact the relevant township assessor for filing requirements and deadlines.
Proposal A and Taxable Value Cap:
Under Michigan's Proposal A (1994), the taxable value of a property — the value upon which property taxes are calculated — is capped and may increase by no more than 5% or the rate of inflation (whichever is less) in any given year. Upon transfer of ownership, the taxable value is uncapped and reset to the current state equalized value (SEV). This "uncapping" rule is a critical consideration for buyers of Antrim County property, as it may result in a significant increase in annual property taxes following a purchase.
Property Owner Responsibilities:
- Payment of property taxes by applicable deadlines to avoid delinquency and potential tax forfeiture proceedings under Michigan's General Property Tax Act.
- Compliance with local zoning ordinances, building codes, and land use regulations administered by the relevant township or municipality.
- Maintenance of accurate ownership records through timely recording of conveyance instruments with the Register of Deeds.
- Filing of required exemption affidavits (PRE, poverty exemption, agricultural exemption) with the township assessor within applicable deadlines.
Transfer of Ownership:
Property transfers in Antrim County are subject to the Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax, administered by the Antrim County Treasurer. The state transfer tax is assessed at $3.75 per $500 of value transferred, and the county transfer tax is assessed at $0.55 per $500 of value. Certain transfers — including transfers between spouses, transfers to a trust for the benefit of the grantor, and transfers by inheritance — may qualify for exemptions from the transfer tax.