Data Sources

Data Source for the Appraiser

Public records are extremely useful in locating pertinent information. The following are some common sources.

  • City or County Recorder's Office:
    • Deeds
    • Deed restrictions
    • Mining claims
    • Codes and ordinances
    • Business ownership identification
    • Partnership agreements, divorce decrees, and other documents affecting ownership
  • Planning and Zoning Departments:
    • Zoning decisions
    • Development and land use plans
    • Subdivision information
    • Annexation maps
    • Lot splits and abandonments
    • Variances in land use approved by zoning authorities
    • Building permits
    • Historic districts
  • Engineering Departments:
    • Building permits
    • Demolition permits
    • Right-of-way easement records for public services and utilities
  • Sale Tax Offices:
    • Sale/use tax permits
  • State Licensing Boards:
    • Licenses for service and professional activities
  • State Land Office
    • Leases of state land
    • Sale or trade of public land
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • U.S. Forest Service
  • U.S. Department of the Interior:
    • Grazing land lease maps
    • Identification of range improvements
  • County Assessor's Office:
    • Real property records
    • Field surveys
  • Private Data Sources:
    • Commercial cost manuals
    • Economic data from local, state, or national sources
    • Specific information about technical and market trends in particular industries
    • Telephone and service directories
    • Real estate, newspaper, and commercial organization data on market values