Wisconsin Property Records
![Property Records in Wisconsin](/img/states/wisconsin/property_records_01.jpg)
Wisconsin residents must really love their ice cream because they consume almost 21 million gallons every year. Green Bay, home of the Packers, is also known as the "Toilet Paper Capital of the World". Wisconsin is made up of flat, fertile land and shallow, winding rivers. The state also boasts rich prairies and extensive dark forests. More than 5.893 million people call Wisconsin home, which means millions of property records about the land and people.
Property records in Wisconsin contain valuable information about homes and land throughout the state, including details about homeowners. Lawyers, title companies, realtors, surveyors, appraisers, and other professionals use property records in their daily jobs to research properties to better understand them.
Use this guide to learn all about Wisconsin property records, what they are, how they are used, the different types, and how you can find and amend them when changes occur in your life.
What Are Property Records in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin property records are documents (some legal and some not) that contain detailed information about a piece of real property. Some property records perform functions such as appraisals and assessments, which attempt to form an opinion about the value of the property. Deeds transfer ownership. Others are simply informational, like property taxes, surveys, and building permits.
Property History Search Can Include
A property history search may include many different things. You will find varying degrees of detail when you search for property records. Some of the items you might find during a property history search are:
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Property Address
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Detailed Legal Property Description
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Current Owner's Name and Address
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Historical Owners
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Property Inspections
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Appraisals / Property Value
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Deeds
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Liens
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Tax Records
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Mortgage Records
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Bankruptcies
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Foreclosures
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Plat Maps
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Surveys
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Easements / Conveyances
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Property Details
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Lot Size
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Zoning
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Boundary Lines
Sources of Property Records in Wisconsin
Property records are stored in different places in Wisconsin. Some private businesses, such as title companies, law offices, and realtors, store them. If you need to file a deed in Wisconsin, you must visit the county register of deeds where the property is located. Some counties, like Milwaukee County, have electronic filing options. You should contact the county treasurer if you need information on property taxes. The WCTA has compiled a handy map of all treasurers throughout the state. Title companies and mortgage lenders may store appraisal information. The courts also have different kinds of land and property records.
What are Wisconsin Land Records?
Some counties refer to property records as land records. For example, Marathon County has an entire website devoted to offering users maps, land records, property listings, surveys, tax and value information, and more.
What Are Property Records Register of Deeds
![What Are Property Records Register of Deeds](img/states/wisconsin/property_records_02.jpg)
The register of deeds in each county has an important job. These offices are where all deeds are filed, stored, and maintained. The county will have its own numbering system to keep track of historical and current property records.
How Property Records are Maintained in Wisconsin
After a real estate sale, a death, or other event that produces a new deed transferring land or property from one person to another, the deed must be filed to become legal. Once it is received by the register of deeds and stamped with the date, time, and unique identifier, it becomes not only legal but also a public record.
Accessing Records at the Register of Deeds in Wisconsin
Accessing records with the register of deeds is simple enough. You can visit any online resources they offer for searching, filing, and obtaining copies. You can also visit their office in person during regular business hours.
Register of Deeds Locations in Wisconsin
Use this resource to find a complete listing of all register of deeds professionals, locations, and contact information. You can also find websites for most Wisconsin Register of Deeds offices. Some offices to get you started are:
Types of Property Records
A property history search can unveil many different types of records and surprising details about the property or its owner(s). Some of the Wisconsin property records you will find are:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are some of the most common property records. They transfer ownership of property from one entity to another. When the state of Wisconsin purchases land for parks, state forests, and wildlife preserves, the deeds are entered into a special database with the Secretary of State. You can search those records here. For public and private sales or transfers of land, you can check with the county register of deeds for records that pertain to that area.
To finalize a deed, all parties must sign it, and then a notary must witness it. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:
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Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
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A detailed description of the property.
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Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
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Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
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Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.
Much of the language contained in deeds refers to the warranty implied or specified and the conveyance of the land from one or more parties to another.
Property Tax Records
Anyone owning property in Wisconsin must pay property taxes on it. Each county treasurer assigns tax rates and issues bills to residents. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue oversees all these offices to ensure they operate fairly. Property taxes pay for local services like schools, road maintenance, bridges, fire, police, and government salaries. Each county handles its own property taxes individually and sets rates so everyone pays their fair share.
The average property tax rate in Wisconsin is 1.61% of the property's assessed value. However, property taxes vary widely, from an average of $1,726 in Rusk County to $5,601 in Dane County.
Property bills in Wisconsin contain the following information:
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Bill Information - The documents may contain the billing year, county, and local area.
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Homeowner Information - The bill contains the property owner's name and address.
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Property Details - The record will contain a legal description, parcel number, and other identifying information.
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Assessed Value - The bill will contain the assessed values, including the values for the land and improvements.
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Due Amount - The record will show the due amount of taxes with a warning for penalties if not paid by the due dates.
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Payment Methods - The document contains the approved payment methods. It also directs the owners on how to make installment contributions and their due dates.
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Taxing Jurisdictions - The record will outline all the taxing jurisdictions the property falls under.
How Often is Property Tax in Wisconsin Assessed?
Property tax assessments are conducted annually by the local assessors in each Wisconsin taxing district. However, the state does not require annual full-value assessments. Assessments must be within 10% of full value once every five years. The process of property tax assessment differs depending on the assessor. But, the process must involve the following key stages:
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Valuation - The process must start with determining the property's value through approved methods. Most assessors will review recent property sales of properties within the area. These properties should be similar to the ones under assessment. The assessor must account for differences before determining the final value.
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Noticing - State laws require assessors to send a Notice of Changed Assessment when the value changes. Assessors do not have to send notice if the land is classified as agricultural. The assessment notice should contain the new value and may include information about appealing the assessment value.
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Appeal - Individuals may appeal their assessed value if it is a higher percentage for the property than the township or median level. They may also appeal if the assessor's market value exceeds the actual market value. The appeal process starts with the County or City Assessor through a discussion. If the parties cannot agree, the individual may register for the Open Book Process to see how their property value compares to properties sold within the area. Individuals may appeal to the local Board of Review if the Open Book process is unsatisfactory. In addition, individuals may take it further by appealing to the Department of Revenue 20 days after receiving the local board's decision.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants are items you will see with deeds. Easements are like rights-of-way, giving permission to someone other than the owner to access the land for a purpose. If a wireless company builds towers on private land, it can go there to maintain them any time it wants without asking first. That is an easement.
Covenants are rules about how land can be used. They often include restrictions. An example would be a condo development or gated community that disallows certain paint colors on the outside of a building. The purpose of covenants is to maintain quality and consistency and keep property values high.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps. Plats show the boundaries of other surrounding properties, and surveys show only the property's boundaries. They accompany the deed and designate where your land ends and another begins. They also come into play during boundary disputes.
Property surveys in the state may be recorded with the Register of Deeds and contain information such as:
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Boundary Measurements - The record may show the property's boundaries through measurements and angles.
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Property Description - The document may show a full or basic description of the property, including its address, size, and other identifying features.
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Topographic Features - The record may show lines, regions, and special points that outline the shape of the property's terrain.
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Encroachments - The document may include information about any improvements going out of or into the property.
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Improvements - The record will show any improvements on the property, such as fences and buildings.
Historical Property Records
A property history search may unearth historical property records showing you famous people who once owned the land or buildings. When property records become too massive, the state typically moves them to an archive location. The Wisconsin Historical Society has volumes of old property records that you can sift through to find information.
Building Permits and Regulations in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Division of Industry Services handles state building permits. It has a completely online system where contractors and homeowners can apply for a permit to build, renovate, or demolish a structure. The website includes many strongly worded warnings about renovations and new construction.
Building permits are required for most construction projects. It's best if the professional contractor applies for the permit to cover all the legal bases and deflect liability. Building permits are violation of these laws may result in serious consequences.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/wisconsin/property_records_03.jpg)
Living in this modern age you have many options available to you when searching for property records. The best options to try are:
Online Property Record Search
You should always first try a generic online property records search. Enter the property address into the search bar of your favorite internet browser and review the results. You may get lucky and immediately find what you are looking for; you never know.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can find property records by visiting any government office that stores them. Be sure to check the office hours and bring money. You often have to pay a small fee per page for copies.
Using Property Record Indexes
When searching online, you might come across various property records indexes. Some are legitimate, and others are not. Be sure to verify any information you find. Sometimes, these sources do not keep up to date with current records.
Utilizing Commercial Services
The best way to find helpful property records in one place is through a commercial service like PropertyChecker. This service provides access to millions of nationwide property records and allows unlimited searches for Wisconsin property records.
How to Search Property Records by Address
The most effective search method for Wisconsin property records is using the full property address. Enter it into the search bar and enjoy the results.
How to Search Property Records by Name
You can sometimes also search property records by the owner's name. Type that in and see what comes up.
Understanding Property Ownership in Wisconsin
Owning your own home carries a great sense of pride. However, it also comes with responsibilities like making timely mortgage and tax payments. You must also maintain the property if you want it to retain its value.
Identifying Property Owners
Since property records are public, it is quite easy to identify a property owner. There are many reasons why you might want to do so. You can look them up online or in person with the register of deeds. The most current deed should have the owner's name and address on it.
What is the Chain of Title?
The chain of title refers to the list of all the previous owners since the land was first owned. The chain must always be intact; someone has always owned it, regardless of what story the records tell.
Ownership History and Transfers
Through the chain of title, you can find out every owner who owned it. Property changes hands most often through real estate transactions, gifting, inheritance, and other ways. If a homeowner cannot pay their mortgage, they may sign over the deed to their house to get out from under the debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Wisconsin
Another essential tidbit of information contained in property records is the legal property description. The description uses map coordinates, landmarks, and other details to adequately describe the property so anyone can identify and find it.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Surveys are maps with land measurements that clearly define the boundaries of a single property. They are used with new construction, utility installation, and boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
A boundary dispute can flare up whenever someone feels like a neighbor is trespassing on their land. These often end up in court, where a judge decides who is right. Usually, the court invites surveyors to provide expert testimony and details to help the judge decide.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Wisconsin
Liens and other encumbrances can negatively affect properties. They appear in all sorts of property records, making them easy to evaluate. There are two main types of liens: voluntary liens and involuntary liens. Both types put your home at risk of foreclosure.
Voluntary Liens
Voluntary liens are those which you choose willingly, like a mortgage or home equity loan.
Mortgage Liens
If you cannot pay cash for your house, you may have to take out a mortgage. The lender will require you to pay a monthly fee with interest, and they will place a lien on your home. You are using your home as collateral, and if you fail to pay the loan, the bank can foreclose to get their money back.
Mortgages usually contain the following information:
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Covenants - The record will show any promises made during the property transfer.
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Default and Remedies - The mortgage document should show the instances when the borrower is in default and how they may remedy the default.
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Signatures - The record must contain signatures from the lender and borrower for validity.
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Property Details - The record must show details of the property, such as the address, parcel number, and other identifying factors.
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Loan Amounts - The document must contain loan information such as the initial borrowed amount, the interest rate, and the total payable amount.
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Repayment Instructions - The document will outline the institutions for contributing to the loan, including frequency and the least contribution amount.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are imposed against your will for a debt you owe and have not paid or will not be able to pay in the future.
Mechanic's Liens
Contractors, landscapers, architects, and others who work on your property and are not paid for their work can file a mechanic's lien. They must follow strict rules about timing and documentation, but once filed, if you sell the house, they will be paid from the proceeds.
Tax Liens
Tax liens are serious business. If you fail to pay your annual property taxes, the county can put a tax lien on your home and eventually foreclose and sell your home at auction.
Judgment Liens
Creditors can use judgment liens to get paid what you owe them. They must file a lawsuit against you, and if they win, they can foreclose on your home and sell it to recoup their losses.
The Process of Property Liens in Wisconsin
The process of party liens in the state differs depending on the type of lien an individual files. Most liens in Wisconsin are construction liens. The process of filing one goes as follows:
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The process starts with ensuring all notices are sent to the owner. Individuals filing liens must serve the owner with a written notice of intent not more than 30 days before filing the lien. It gives ample time to the owner to solve the debt. Prime contractors must include a notice in the contract or send a preliminary notice ten days before starting the work.
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The next step is filling out the lien form. A construction lien form in Wisconsin must contain information such as the property owner's name, a property description, details of the work or supplies provided, and the work dates.
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The third step is filing the lien with the Clerks of circuit courts. The individual must file with the circuit court clerk in the county where the construction occurred. The deadline for filing the form is six months after the last work or supply day. The clerks charge recording fees and have different filing methods, which individuals must verify beforehand to avoid being denied.
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After filing, individuals have 30 days to serve a copy to the property owner. The lien lasts for two years post-filing date.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Wisconsin
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Wisconsin](img/states/wisconsin/property_records_04.jpg)
Property records are created, consulted, and filed during real estate transactions. They are widely used by realtors, title companies, appraisers, inspectors, and others involved in the deal.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
When buying property in Wisconsin, you must perform due diligence and find out as much as you can about the property. You can do this easily through property records. These records can tell you things about the value and how it has changed, the taxes, any renovations, liens, or foreclosures so you can make an informed decision.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
When you sell property in Wisconsin, you must disclose any material defects to potential buyers. These defects include asbestos, lead paint, and inoperable systems such as the furnace, plumbing, and electrical.
Title Searches and Insurance
Your lender will require you to buy title insurance before buying a house. This protects you and the lender from legal claims on the property after you buy it. Your title company or attorney will perform a full property title search to try to avoid any issues down the road.
When was the House Built?
Many people want to know when a particular house was built. Property records also easily provide that information. For example, building permits tell you when the initial structure was built and what additions were made.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Wisconsin
Whenever someone cannot pay their mortgage or taxes, their home could end up in foreclosure. When that happens, the house is sold at auction to the highest bidder, and the owner must vacate the premises.
Before buying, it's good to know if the house is in foreclosure. It can complicate the deal and make it harder to sell.
Pre-Foreclosures in Wisconsin
Investors and savvy buyers look for pre-foreclosure homes to purchase at a discount and then turn around and sell for a profit. If you are looking for pre-foreclosure homes, you can search real estate websites, and some county websites list them.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values are essential information when buying or selling Wisconsin property. Values can fluctuate quickly with the economy and the market. A property's fair market value can also indicate how much other properties in the same area are worth.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are both types of value reports on a specific property. Tax officials use assessments to value the property and set the tax rate. They do not always match the property's fair market value.
Lenders and individuals use appraisals to value a property. Before giving you a mortgage, the lender must ensure the property value supports the loan. If you default, they want to know they can sell it quickly and get their money back.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Wisconsin
The following factors may explain higher property values in some parts of Wisconsin:
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Proximity to Urban Centers - Properties close to major urban centers and employment hubs tend to have higher values due to increased demand and convenience. For example, Madison and Milwaukee cities may have higher property values.
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School District Quality - Properties within highly-rated school districts such as Middleton and Mequon are often more desirable to families and may increase the value of family homes.
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Natural Amenities and Scenic Views - Properties with beautiful views, waterfront access, or proximity to natural attractions like Lake Geneva may have higher values for the scenic views.
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Local Amenities and Recreation - Cities with various recreational activities, parks, cultural attractions, and entertainment options are more appealing to homebuyers and thus may value higher.
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Property Tax Rates - Lower property tax rates can make homeownership more affordable and influence property values.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/wisconsin/property_records_05.jpg)
Property records are public records, and anyone can access them anytime without a reason. The internet has made it incredibly easy for the public to access public property records day or night.
Accessing Public Property Records
You can perform a property history search and visit any of the offices to find records. If they are busy, you may have to wait and pay a small fee for copies.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public records that prevent any one government office from having too much power over the people. That is the same reason that other records are publicly available.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
It's impossible to keep all your personal information out of property records, but you can minimize the damage. Contact all the agencies that hold your records and have them remove anything beyond your name and address. You don't want your email, phone, or other private details out there for anyone to read.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
As life changes, so should your property records. Since they are spread across various agencies, it's up to you to ensure they are correct and updated at all times.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Some property records contain errors. Maybe they were never entered into the system correctly, or no one ever verified the actual information. To correct property records, you must visit the office that handles them, either the county register of deeds or treasurer, and request a fix.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
There are other times you need to amend property records, for example, to update property records when someone dies. If that happens, a new deed will be required. Once you have that, bring the new deed, will, and death certificate to the register of deeds office in the county where the property is.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Wisconsin
If you get married or divorced, you may also want to change the name on property records. You can do so pretty easily by bringing your divorce decree or marriage certificate to the register of deeds office and asking them to update the records. They may need to issue you a new deed.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
When buying property in Wisconsin, you must consider many things. Some things to think about are the fair market value (FMV), the property taxes, and the building permits to see if it has any renovations, liens, foreclosures, insurance, and other details. Use PropertyChecker as your one-stop shop to find out everything you need to know to make an informed decision about buying.
Wisconsin County Property Records
- Adams County
- Ashland County
- Barron County
- Bayfield County
- Brown County
- Buffalo County
- Burnett County
- Calumet County
- Chippewa County
- Clark County
- Columbia County
- Crawford County
- Dane County
- Dodge County
- Door County
- Douglas County
- Dunn County
- Eau Claire County
- Fond du Lac County
- Forest County
- Grant County
- Green County
- Green Lake County
- Iowa County
- Iron County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Juneau County
- Kenosha County
- Kewaunee County
- La Crosse County
- Lafayette County
- Langlade County
- Lincoln County
- Manitowoc County
- Marathon County
- Marinette County
- Marquette County
- Milwaukee County
- Monroe County
- Oconto County
- Oneida County
- Outagamie County
- Ozaukee County
- Pepin County
- Pierce County
- Polk County
- Portage County
- Price County
- Racine County
- Richland County
- Rock County
- Rusk County
- Sauk County
- Sawyer County
- Shawano County
- Sheboygan County
- St. Croix County
- Taylor County
- Trempealeau County
- Vernon County
- Vilas County
- Walworth County
- Washburn County
- Washington County
- Waukesha County
- Waupaca County
- Waushara County
- Winnebago County
- Wood County
Wisconsin Property Records Search
Wisconsin Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Wisconsin
- What Are Property Records in Wisconsin?
- What Are Property Records Register of Deeds
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Wisconsin Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Wisconsin
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Wisconsin
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Wisconsin
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Wisconsin
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Wisconsin County Property Records