NETRonline: Real Estate Information and Public Records Research

Resource Shelf just posted about the new historic aerial photography feature of the NETRonline (National Environmental Title Research) site. While the searchable and zoomable aerial photographs are very cool, I was happy to be directed to the NETRonline site, which I had never seen before. NETRonline is an information portal for property information, deeds and titles, and various other public records for counties in all 50 states that make their information available over the web.

The site has four main sections: the Property Data Store, where property information such as property reports, parcel maps and document images from county governments can be found (if available). Prices vary on the reports, but are quite reasonable for most searches ($5 for a parcel report; $60 for an ownership and encumbrance report).

The Public Records Online Directory provides links to county government websites that contain public records in all 50 states. Selecting a state and then a county brings up links to the websites of relevant taxation, assessment, registry and other record-holding offical bodies in that county.

NETR's Environmental Resources Directory lists state, local, commercial and non-profit agencies and groups that monitor for and cleanup environmental pollution that could impact environmental and property value.

Lastly, the historic aerials section of the site houses historic and current aerial photography for a large coverage area of the 50 states.

NETRonline will also do criminal record searches and other background checks on individuals for a fee.