Muskegon County Property Records
What Is Muskegon County Property Records
Muskegon County property records constitute the official documentation that records ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative source for determining legal ownership of land and buildings located in Muskegon County, Michigan. Property records establish and maintain what is legally referred to as the "chain of title," providing an unbroken history of ownership from the original land patent to the current deed holder.
The primary purposes of maintaining property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and rights to real property
- Providing public notice of property interests and encumbrances
- Protecting property rights through official documentation
- Facilitating real estate transactions through transparent information
- Supporting property taxation and assessment functions
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to third parties. The statute specifically requires that "a conveyance of lands, or of an estate or interest therein, may be made by deed, signed and sealed by the person from whom the estate or interest is intended to pass, being of lawful age, or by the person's lawful agent or attorney."
Property records in Muskegon County are maintained by the Muskegon County Register of Deeds, which serves as the official repository for all real property transactions within the county.
Muskegon County Register of Deeds
990 Terrace Street, Room 103
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6271
Muskegon County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Muskegon County?
Property records in Muskegon County are public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction as to purpose or relationship to the property. This public access is guaranteed under both Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (Public Act 442 of 1976) and specific statutes governing property records.
The legal basis for public access to property records rests on several foundational principles:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.551 explicitly requires that the register of deeds maintain records "open for the inspection of all persons"
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest by facilitating commerce and protecting property rights
- Public access to property records helps prevent fraud and ensures proper notice of property interests
The Michigan Supreme Court has consistently upheld that "the right to inspect public records is not absolute, but a statutory right," yet has recognized the special status of property records as being particularly accessible due to their importance in commerce and governance.
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their inquiry. This unrestricted access applies to both in-person requests at the county offices and online access through the county's digital platforms.
How To Search Property Records in Muskegon County in 2026
Muskegon County offers multiple methods for searching property records. The following procedures reflect current practices for accessing these public documents:
In-Person Searches:
- Visit the Muskegon County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, available at the public counter.
- Provide specific information to facilitate the search, such as:
- Property address
- Property owner name
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records.
- Self-service computer terminals are available for public use at no charge.
- Copies of documents may be obtained for a fee of $1.00 per page.
Mail Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Register of Deeds office, including:
- Specific document information (names, dates, document types)
- Return address
- Contact phone number
- Payment for applicable fees
- Mail requests to:
Muskegon County Register of Deeds
990 Terrace Street, Room 103
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6271
Muskegon County Register of Deeds
Telephone Requests:
- Call the Register of Deeds office at (231) 724-6271.
- Provide staff with specific search criteria.
- Staff can verify if records exist but cannot conduct extensive searches by phone.
- Arrangements can be made for document copies to be sent by mail for applicable fees.
For property tax and assessment records, contact:
Muskegon County Equalization Department
990 Terrace Street, Room 105
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6386
Muskegon County Equalization
All requests must comply with Michigan's Freedom of Information Act procedures, though most routine property record searches can be fulfilled immediately without formal FOIA requests.
How To Find Property Records in Muskegon County Online?
Muskegon County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The following step-by-step instructions detail how to utilize these resources:
Muskegon County Land Records Portal:
- Navigate to the Muskegon County Land Records Portal.
- Create a free user account or log in with existing credentials.
- Select the appropriate search option:
- Name Search (for grantor/grantee)
- Property Address Search
- Parcel ID Search
- Document Number Search
- Enter the relevant search criteria.
- Review the list of matching records.
- Select specific documents to view, download, or print.
- Note that while basic searches are free, document downloads may incur fees.
BS&A Online Property Tax Records:
- Visit the BS&A Online Portal.
- Select "Muskegon County" from the jurisdiction list.
- Choose between property and tax information searches.
- Search by:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Parcel number
- Review property assessment, tax, and basic ownership information.
- Access detailed property record cards showing structural information, land values, and tax history.
GIS Mapping System:
- Access the Muskegon County GIS Portal.
- Navigate the interactive map to locate properties.
- Click on a parcel to view basic property information.
- Use the "Layers" function to display different property attributes.
- Link directly to related property records from the GIS interface.
For historical property records that may not be digitized, users should contact:
Muskegon County Clerk's Office
990 Terrace Street, Room 105
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6221
Muskegon County Clerk
Online access is continuously being expanded to include additional historical records as part of the county's digital preservation initiative.
How To Look Up Muskegon County Property Records for Free?
Muskegon County offers several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources provide basic property information without requiring payment:
Public Access Terminals:
- Visit the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours.
- Use the self-service computer terminals available for public use.
- Search records by name, property address, or parcel number.
- View documents on-screen at no charge.
- Note that printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees.
Muskegon County Public Libraries:
- Access public computers at any Muskegon Area District Library location.
- Navigate to the county's property record websites.
- Conduct basic property searches using the library's internet connection.
- Library staff can provide assistance with navigating to the appropriate resources.
Online Basic Search Functions:
- Use the Muskegon County Equalization Department's free property search.
- Access basic property information including:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Assessed value
- Property class
- Acreage
- View tax assessment information without fees.
- Note that while basic information is free, document images may require payment.
Municipal Assessors' Offices:
Many municipalities within Muskegon County maintain their own property records:
City of Muskegon Assessor's Office
933 Terrace Street
Muskegon, MI 49440
(231) 724-6708
City of Muskegon Assessor
City of Norton Shores Assessor's Office
4814 Henry Street
Norton Shores, MI 49441
(231) 798-4391
Norton Shores Assessor
These municipal offices often provide free access to property records for properties within their jurisdiction.
While comprehensive document retrieval may involve fees, particularly for certified copies or extensive searches, the basic property information is available at no cost through these various channels.
What's Included in a Muskegon County Property Record?
Muskegon County property records encompass a diverse range of documents that collectively provide a comprehensive history and current status of real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Property records in Muskegon County distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). The following information is typically included in Muskegon County property records:
Ownership Documents:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Land contracts
- Certificates of trust
- Death certificates affecting property ownership
- Court orders transferring property
- Probate records related to real estate
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Construction liens
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics' liens
- Lis pendens notices
Property Characteristics:
- Legal description
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Plat maps and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Condominium master deeds and bylaws
Assessment and Taxation Information:
- Assessed value
- State equalized value
- Taxable value
- Property classification
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Principal residence exemption status
Land Use Documents:
- Zoning classifications
- Variances and special use permits
- Building permits
- Environmental restrictions
- Historic designations
- Subdivision plats
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.201, all instruments affecting real estate must contain specific information to be properly recorded, including the names of parties, legal descriptions, and proper acknowledgments.
How Long Does Muskegon County Keep Property Records?
Muskegon County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Records Management Services. These retention periods ensure the preservation of vital property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
The following retention periods apply to various property records in Muskegon County:
Permanent Retention:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgage and lien records
- Plat maps and surveys
- Condominium master deeds
- Land division certificates
- Annexation records
- Cemetery deeds
- Original land patents
Extended Retention (20+ Years):
- Tax assessment rolls (20 years)
- Special assessment records (permanent for active; 7 years after paid)
- Building permits (life of structure plus 10 years)
- Zoning variance records (20 years)
- Property tax payment records (20 years)
Moderate Retention (7-15 Years):
- Property transfer affidavits (7 years)
- Principal residence exemption documents (7 years)
- Building inspection reports (10 years)
- Temporary easements (duration plus 7 years)
- Tax foreclosure records (10 years after final disposition)
These retention periods are mandated by the Michigan Records Retention and Disposal Schedule, specifically General Schedule #25 for County Clerks and Register of Deeds offices.
Muskegon County has implemented a digital preservation program to ensure the long-term accessibility of historical property records. Many records dating back to the county's formation in 1859 have been digitized and are maintained in perpetuity, even beyond the required retention periods.
For research involving historical property records, the Muskegon County Museum and Hackley Public Library maintain additional archives that may supplement the official county records.
How To Find Liens on Property In Muskegon County?
Locating liens on property in Muskegon County requires searching records maintained by multiple government offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied when the property is sold. The following methods can be used to identify liens on Muskegon County properties:
Register of Deeds Search:
- Visit the Muskegon County Register of Deeds office or access their online records portal.
- Search by property owner name, property address, or parcel number.
- Review the following lien categories:
- Mortgage liens
- Construction liens
- Mechanics' liens
- Judgment liens
- Child support liens
- Condominium association liens
- Request copies of any lien documents found.
Tax Lien Search:
- Contact the Muskegon County Treasurer's Office:
Muskegon County Treasurer
990 Terrace Street, Room 103
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6261
Muskegon County Treasurer
- Request a tax certification showing any delinquent property taxes.
- Inquire about any pending tax foreclosure proceedings.
- Check for special assessments with both county and municipal offices.
State and Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Search the Register of Deeds index for state tax liens.
- Federal tax liens are filed with:
Muskegon County Register of Deeds
990 Terrace Street, Room 103
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6271
Muskegon County Register of Deeds
- For comprehensive federal tax lien searches, contact:
Internal Revenue Service
3251 North Evergreen Drive NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 365-4600
Internal Revenue Service
Municipal Lien Search:
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located.
- Request information on:
- Code enforcement liens
- Utility liens
- Special assessments
- Municipal tax liens
Court Records Search:
- Search Muskegon County Circuit Court records for judgment liens:
Muskegon County Circuit Court
990 Terrace Street
Muskegon, MI 49442
(231) 724-6251
Muskegon County Circuit Court
- Check District Court records for smaller judgments that may have become liens.
Professional title companies often provide comprehensive lien searches as part of their title examination services, which may be more thorough than individual searches.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Muskegon County?
The Property Owner Rule in Muskegon County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles governing property ownership, transfer, and rights within the county. These rules are derived from Michigan state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Recording Requirements:
Pursuant to Michigan Compiled Laws § 565.29, unrecorded conveyances of real estate are void against subsequent purchasers in good faith who record first. This "race-notice" statute establishes that:
- Property owners must record deeds and other conveyances with the Register of Deeds
- Unrecorded instruments are valid between the parties but may be invalid against third parties
- The first person to record a valid deed generally has superior rights
- Purchasers must record without notice of prior unrecorded interests to gain protection
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Muskegon County must:
- Pay property taxes by the due dates established by the county
- File property transfer affidavits within 45 days of property transfer
- Apply for principal residence exemptions if the property is their primary residence
- Report substantial improvements to the local assessor
Land Use Regulations:
Property owners must comply with:
- Zoning ordinances specific to their property's location
- Building codes and permit requirements
- Environmental regulations, particularly for waterfront properties
- Historic preservation requirements in designated districts
Riparian Rights:
For properties bordering Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake, or other water bodies:
- Property owners possess riparian rights to access and reasonable use of the water
- These rights are subject to public trust doctrine limitations
- Shoreline construction requires permits from state and local authorities
- Erosion control measures must comply with environmental regulations
Adverse Possession:
Under Michigan law, a person may acquire title to another's property by:
- Open, notorious, and continuous possession for 15 years
- Possession that is actual, visible, and exclusive
- Possession that is hostile to the owner's rights
- Meeting additional requirements specified in Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5801
Property owners should be aware that these rules can be complex and may require legal consultation for specific situations. The Muskegon County Register of Deeds and local municipal offices can provide guidance on compliance with property ownership regulations.