New homeowner tips

Here are some tips new homeowners may find helpful.

Legal disclaimer: These tips are for information only. This is not legal advice.

1. Record the deed
2. Request your property's recorded deed or certificate of title
3. Verify your ownership information
4. Learn about property taxes
5. Homestead your property
6. Verify your taxpayer information
7. Plan your property tax payments
8. Update your driver’s license or identification card
9. Register and prepare to vote
10. Learn about your property

Record the deed

After the closing, the deed and other documents that need to be part of the real estate records are recorded with the county. Recording is usually done by the attorney or title company, or by the seller or buyer. When documents are submitted for recording, the county images and indexes the documents and returns the originals. The recorded documents are public records, and recording provides notice of the interests and protection to the buyer. In most cases, the document recorded first has priority. 

The county also updates the name and address of the taxpayer in the county system, using information from the deed.

Real estate recording information

Request your property's recorded deed or certificate of title

Get a free electronic copy of your deed or certificate of title at recordsrequest@hennepin.us. Include your address or property identification number in your request.

The deed is the document signed by the seller that transfers ownership of the property to the buyer. 

A certificate of title is available only for torrens property. In Hennepin County, about 45% of property is torrens. A new certificate of title is created each time the property is sold, updating the owners and liens, similar to a car title.

Property in the abstract system does not have a certificate of title. To get a report of current owners, interest and liens, contact your attorney or a title company.  
 
Research and get land title records

Verify your ownership information

Review your deed or certificate of title. Check that the owner name and information is recorded correctly.

If the property is torrens, look at the other interests shown on the certificate of title.

If you see anything unexpected or incorrect on the deed or certificate of title, contact your attorney or title company. 

Real estate recording information

Learn about property taxes

• Watch a short video about the property tax cycle
• Get information on how property taxes are determined and what they pay for
• Read about annual notices that taxpayers receive

Property tax information

Homestead your property

Homestead status can save you money on your property taxes. You may qualify for homestead status if you: 

• Have a social security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
• Own the home in your name and not as a business entity.
• Live in the home (or your relative lives there).

Homestead and related programs

Verify your taxpayer information

Search for your property using the property map. Make sure the taxpayer name and address are listed correctly.

To update taxpayer information, submit a request using the change taxpayer name or address form.

Plan your property tax payments

Property taxes are due on May 15 (first half payment) and Oct. 15 (second half).

Many taxpayers escrow taxes with their mortgage company and pay a portion of their taxes with their monthly mortgage payment. For taxpayers who escrow, the mortgage company pays property taxes directly to Hennepin County before the due dates.

For information on how to pay property taxes online, in person, or over the phone visit property tax payment options.

Update your driver’s license or identification card

• Minnesota residents must apply for a Minnesota driver’s license within 30 days of a name or address change.
• New or returning to Minnesota drivers have 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident to get a Minnesota driver’s license.

To update your license or ID, make an appointment. 

Driver’s license information

State ID information

Register and prepare to vote

If you’re a Minnesota voter, you must update your voter registration every time you move. 

Register to vote or update your registration.

Find voting requirements and upcoming election information. 

Prepare to vote

Learn about your property

Find helpful information using the property information search tool:

• Interactive property map
• Property values
• Property tax information
• Recent recording history