Modesto Property Records

Property records for Modesto are maintained by Stanislaus County. The city has about 219,000 people and is the county seat of Stanislaus County in the Central Valley. All deeds, liens, and property transfers for Modesto go through the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder. The assessor sets values on every parcel for tax purposes. Tax bills come from the county treasurer. Modesto handles building permits and planning records through the city's Building Safety Division.

Stanislaus County Property Records

Modesto is in Stanislaus County. All property documents for the city are filed at the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder office. The office is at 1021 I Street, Suite 101 in Modesto. Call (209) 525-5250 for help with Modesto property records. The office is open Monday through Friday during business hours.

Stanislaus County uses RecorderWorks for online searches. Visit crweb.stancounty.com to search for deeds and liens by name or document number. The system shows documents recorded in Modesto and throughout the county. Most have scanned images you can view online at no cost. This is one of the best online systems in California for property records.

Recording fees follow state law. The base fee is fifteen dollars for the first page. Each additional page costs three dollars. Senate Bill 2 adds seventy-five dollars per document for affordable housing. Other fees may apply depending on the type of document. Check with the clerk-recorder office for current total fees when recording a Modesto property deed.

The Stanislaus County Assessor sets property values for Modesto. The assessment roll totals $72.82 billion for 2025. You can search property data and values on the county website. Call the assessor office for questions about your Modesto property assessment or to request a review of your value.

Searching Modesto Property Records Online

Go to crweb.stancounty.com to search Modesto property records. This free system lets you search by grantor name, grantee name, or document number. Type in a name to see all documents that person signed in Modesto. Results show the recording date, document type, and parties involved.

Click on a result to view the full document image. You can print or save the image if you need a copy. The system covers Modesto records going back many years. Images are clear and easy to read for most documents. This saves you a trip to the county office in most cases.

For property values and tax data, check with the county assessor and treasurer websites. These sites show assessed values, tax bills, and payment history for Modesto properties. You can search by address or parcel number. The sites are updated regularly as new assessments and payments are recorded.

Property Taxes in Modesto

The Stanislaus County Treasurer-Tax Collector handles tax bills for Modesto. You can search and pay online through the county website. The site shows how much you owe and when payment is due. You can pay with an eCheck for a small fee or use a credit card for a higher percentage fee.

Property taxes are due twice each year. First half is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10. A ten percent penalty applies if you pay late. Second half is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10. That penalty is ten percent plus ten dollars. If you do not pay by June 30, the property moves to the defaulted tax roll and more fees add up.

Most Modesto homeowners pay through escrow. The mortgage lender collects a portion each month and pays the county. If you pay on your own, set reminders for the due dates. The county mails bills in October and February. Not getting a bill does not excuse you from paying on time. Call the tax collector to check your balance or ask about payment options.

Proposition 13 limits annual assessment increases to two percent for Modesto properties. When a home sells, the assessor resets the value to the sale price. That becomes the base for future tax bills. If you think your value is wrong, you can file an appeal during the filing period each fall. The county appeals board reviews cases and can lower values if they find errors.

City of Modesto Building Records

The City of Modesto Building Safety Division handles building permits and inspections. The office can be reached at (209) 577-5232. Staff can answer questions about permits or check if a property has code violations. These records are separate from county property files.

You can search for building permits online through the city's eTRAKiT portal at modestogov.com/1281/Building-Permits. The system shows active and completed permits for Modesto addresses. Type in an address to see what work was done. The site also shows inspection results and current status. Permit fees vary by project type and size.

Planning and zoning records are kept by the city planning department. These include site plans, zoning maps, and variances. If you want to change how you use a property in Modesto, you may need city approval. Staff can tell you what zone a property is in and what uses are allowed there.

Recording Documents in Modesto

To record a deed or lien for Modesto property, file it at the Stanislaus County Clerk-Recorder at 1021 I Street in Modesto. You can submit documents in person, by mail, or through electronic recording services. Recording happens the same day if you submit before the cutoff time. The office is open Monday through Friday during business hours.

Documents must follow California state format rules. Use standard 8.5 by 11 inch paper. Leave one inch margins on three sides. The top of the first page needs three inches of blank space for the county stamp. All text must be clear. Get signatures notarized where the law requires it. The recorder will reject papers that do not meet standards.

Many title companies use e-recording for Modesto properties. This is faster than mail. The vendor checks the document before sending it to the county. Most e-recorded documents get processed within a day or two. Ask your title officer if they can handle e-recording when you close on a Modesto property.

Once recorded, a document becomes public. Anyone can search for it and get a copy. The county stamps the date and time on each document. That timestamp sets priority if two people file competing claims. Under California law, the first to record in good faith has the stronger right to the Modesto property.

Legal Help for Modesto Property Matters

If you need legal help with a property issue in Modesto, several groups offer services. Legal Services of Northern California serves low-income residents. They help with foreclosure defense, landlord disputes, and title problems. Check their website or call to see if you qualify for free legal services in Modesto.

The Stanislaus County Bar Association may have a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with an attorney who handles real estate and property law. The State Bar of California has a referral line at 1-800-392-5660 for finding attorneys in your area.

For disputes about property lines, easements, or title issues in Modesto, you may want to hire a real estate attorney with local experience. Some offer a free first meeting. Ask about their fees and how they bill before you hire them. You may also need a surveyor if there is a question about property boundaries.

Nearby Cities in Stanislaus County

Modesto borders several smaller cities in Stanislaus County. Property records for these cities are also kept by the county clerk-recorder and assessor. Nearby cities include Ceres, Turlock, and Riverbank. All use the same county offices for recording deeds and collecting property taxes.