Crawford County, Michigan

REGISTER OF DEEDS

Register of Deeds serves as the repository for real and personal property documents.  The Register of Deeds records, indexes and provides access to land transactions such as deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, and other documents pertaining to real estate.

Some of the millions of documents safeguarded by the Crawford County Clerk/Register of Deeds date back to 1879, the year Crawford County was organized. The offices of county clerk and county register of deeds are combined as allowed by law and is one of 31 Michigan counties to operate a combined office.

After a document is recorded, it becomes a public record, which can be reviewed or copied by any person. Of course, the Register of Deeds Office does not keep the original deed or mortgage; instead, the transaction is recorded in a book, called a “liber”, which is stamped on the deed or document.

A copy or image of the document is then made for permanent record.

We do not prepare documents nor do we answer legal questions.

DEED INFORMATION

Individuals interested in changing the ownership properties listed on their deed should consider one of the following options:

• Contact an Attorney familiar with Real Property Law in the State of Michigan
• Contact a local title company
• Acquire and complete a blank deed to have recorded at the Register of Deeds Office. Suggested places to find blank deeds are office supply stores. Blank deeds found online may or may not conform to Michigan recording requirements.

• Click here to see commonly missed recording requirements. Recording Requirements

The Register of Deeds Office does not supply blank deeds or offer advice on the preparation of deeds.

ONLINE LAND RECORD SEARCHING AND PRINTING OPTIONS:

Tapestry, occasional searchers online search option:

• Tapestry- $8.95 for a per name/legal description search.
• Copies are $1.00 per page.
• Click here to start your search now. (link to https://www.landrecords.net )

Laredo, professional searchers subscription based:

• There are several levels of subscriptions and costs to meet the needs of different levels of searching.
• Click here to learn more (Link to: https://www.fidlar.com/Laredo.aspx  )
• Click here to see the Contract. Laredo User Agreement 

The public also has access to land records by using the public computers located at the Crawford County Register of Deed’s office.

PROPERTY FRAUD ALERT

Property Fraud is when someone illegally uses your property for financial gain. It occurs when someone files a fraudulent document in the Register of Deed’s Office against your property, making it look like they own your home or property.

According to the FBI, this is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. The residents of Crawford County may now take advantage of a new, FREE service being offered by the Crawford County Register of Deed’s office to help protect people against property fraud. Participants may choose whether to receive their alerts via e-mail or by phone.

Jamie McClain, County Clerk & Register of Deeds is very excited to offer the citizens of Crawford County this service free of charge. This alert system will provide an early warning for subscribers to become aware of what may have otherwise gone undetected.

Click here to learn more and sign up for free today (link to https://www.propertyfraudalert.com/select )

RECORDING REQUIREMENTS

• Click here to see commonly missed recording requirements. Recording Requirements

Documents may be submitted to the Crawford County Register of Deeds by the following:

• In Person
  • 200 W Michigan Avenue, Grayling, MI 49738
  • Forms of payment that we accept are cash, check, money order or by credit card which has a service fee attached to it as well.
• By Mail
  • Crawford County Register of Deeds 200 W Michigan Avenue, Grayling, MI 49738
  • Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope to where you would like the document returned.
  • Check or money order for the fee(s) due payable to “Crawford County” or Crawford County ROD”

• We currently accept documents from three eRecording vendors. Please contact the companies regarding information and pricing:

• • CSC (Corporation Service Company)

• Get started at  https://www.cscglobal.com/service/erecording/

• • Indecomm
    • Get started at www.indecomm.com
  • Simplifile (Only vendor that can submit anything needing a tax certification)
    • Get Started at www.simplifile.com 

MICHIGAN REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX

• A written instrument subject to the tax imposed by MCL 207.505 Sec. 5 and MCL 207.526 Sec. 6 shall state on its face the TOTAL CONSIDERATION of the real property, or a Real Estate Transfer Valuation Affidavit shall be filed. (See acts for details)
  • Click here to see MCL 207.505 Sec. 5 (link to: MCL – Section 207.505 – Michigan Legislature )
  • Click here to see  MCL 207.526 Sec. 6 (Link to: MCL – Section 207.526 – Michigan Legislature )
• Transfer tax imposed by each act shall be collected unless the transfer is exempt from either or both acts and such exemptions are stated on the face of the instrument. The tax shall be upon the person who is the seller or the grantor.
• In the case of an exchange of two properties the deeds transferring title to each are subject to tax, and in each case shall be computed on the basis of the actual value of the property conveyed.
• Conveyances affecting property situated in more than one county must state the portion of the sale price attributable to each parcel lying in the separate counties and transfer tax must be paid to each county for that portion of the sale price.
• Documentary stamps shall be purchased only in the county in which the property is located.
• No fee is charged for filing the “Real Estate Transfer Valuation Affidavit”, but the instrument should state that a real estate transfer valuation affidavit is being filed.

• Click here for a chart of Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax. Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax Chart

STATUTORY FEES

RECORDING FEES

Recording Fees are set by the Michigan Legislature. Public Acts 224 through 232 of 2016 have set the new fees.

• Effective October 1, 2016, all documents will cost $30.00 to record regardless of the number of pages.

• $4.00 of this fee is deposited to the Michigan State Survey and Remonumentation (MSSR) fund. [The $4.00 MSSR fee is not assessed on Fixture Filings, State Liens, Federal Liens, MESC liens, State Deeds, Plats or Tax Reversion Documents. MCLA 600.2567a(4)

• For a document that assigns or discharges more than one instrument there is an additional charge of $3.00 for each instrument assigned or discharged.

TAX CERTIFICATES

A tax certificate must be obtained from the County Treasurer’s Office prior to recording any of the following MCL 211.135:

• Warranty Deed
• Any Deed which contains a covenant of warranty
• Land Contract
• Assignment of Land Contract with warranty clause

Tax certification fee is $5.00, which can be included with your form of payment. A separate payment to the Treasurer is not necessary.

MICHIGAN REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX

If the value of the real estate transferred in $100.00 or more, payment of State and County transfer tax is required. Transfer Tax Stamps shall be purchased only in the County in which the property is located.

• Rate of County tax is $0.55 for each $500 or fraction thereof.
• Rate of State tax is $3.75 for each $500 or fraction thereof.
• Click here for a chart of Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax. Michigan Real Estate Transfer Tax Chart

OTHER FEES

• To certify a recorded documents is $5.00.

• Copies are $1.00 per page.