Public Record Uses

This has been called the Information Age and nowhere can that truth be seen more accurately than in the growing need for background information about consumers and businesspersons.  Public records can give you access to the information that you need.  In fact, public records have numerous uses in the nation and can be used for an incredible variety of different purposes.  What can you use public records to accomplish?  Where can these records be accessed?  Here are the answers to those questions and many others.

Family History – One area in which public records can be of enormous use is that of family history.  With the number of divorces and broken families in today's world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to learn about your heritage.  While this certainly has its own rewards, some people find it necessary to investigate their family history for medical reasons.  For instance, the potential to develop disease and numerous other medical conditions is passed down through family bloodlines.
Of course, genealogical research is also greatly enhanced through public records.  Thanks to the fact that most of these records have been digitized and moved online, more and more people are finding it a simple matter to trace their ancestry.

Real Estate – Landlords and rental agencies have long known the importance of public records and criminal background checks.  Only by utilizing these tools can a potential renter be verified as not presenting a threat and possessing the employment and solid credit score required to be a beneficial renter.

However, public records can be used for numerous other things within the realm of real estate.  For instance, in many instances, the owner of a home or lot resides out of state.  This makes it difficult to locate that person if there is an offer on the land, or if problems develop.  Public records can be used to locate the owner, to mutual benefit.

Another area in which public records play a role in real estate concerns the title to a home or piece of property.  Any time a home or plot of land is bought or sold, the title must be checked for problems.  These problems can cause numerous hardships, particularly for the purchaser.  For instance, unknown heirs to the property can demand their "fair share" of the value of the home or land. Quite a few other unbeneficial scenarios can also crop up, such as unpaid property taxes.  Public records can help ensure a clear title is available prior to the closing of any sale.

Business Partners – Entrepreneurs seeking to take on a business partner are placing themselves in harm's way.  Numerous problems can occur to make this situation more than difficult.  However, in many cases, it is necessary that a partner be found.  This might be to provide additional funding, such as from a "silent" partner, or perhaps there is a need for someone to share the workload within the business.  Regardless of the reason, business owners can make use of public records to ensure that they make the best choice in business partner possible.  These records include things such as the potential partner's criminal history, which can be invaluable in determining their worth to the owner.

Crimes such as theft and embezzlement will stand out starkly.  Of course, the business owner will also be able to research the other person's credit history and determine their financial standing, their employment history to determine if they have been a factor in other failed businesses and much more.  As you can see, public records are very versatile.
When seeking to gain access to public records, you might wonder exactly how to go about it.  Since the passing of the Freedom of Information Act, it has become "common knowledge" that these records can be accessed free of charge.  However, therein lies a serious problem that often affects those seeking to conduct a search through these records.

Most public records are technically free of charge.  However, accessing these records is not free.  For instance, states have moved to provide consumers with access to information about sex offenders in their area.  This is a wise move and most consumers are happy to have such a resource.  However, accessing these criminal records, even through a state-provided website, carries a charge.

Other solutions to accessing public records, such as utilizing local courthouses and Clerk of Courts offices can carry hefty fees, as well, in addition to the time spent driving to and from the location and the time spent searching for specific records. One beneficial solution is to use a third-party website to gain access to public records.  Is this an affordable solution?

You will find that the price for access varies considerably from company to company.  However, it is certainly a better choice than driving to the local courthouse, or attempting to use the state-provided website.  In addition, you will find that some public records websites offer you significant advantages in your search for information, in the form of powerful search tools and access to national public records.  These websites constitute your best choice and should be used from the beginning.