Researching Tax Records

[Emmett Gorman]

Hello all,

I have been driving for dollars lately and started looking up tax records for the properties to get owners name, address, assessment values, tax records, etc. However, have questions regarding the documents section for the properties. What should I be looking for with respect to warranty deed, easement, trust deed, etc?

Does each new document imply a transfer in ownership of the property? If a new warranty deed was filed in 2008, does this mean the current owner purchased the property in 2008? If so, can the conclusion be made since they have owned the property for an extended period of time that they have substantial amount of equity in the property? or where would I look to get an understanding of equity level by the owner?

I know there's a lot of questions and I hope it makes sense. All help would be appreciated.

Thanks