Finding Your Mortgage History: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're looking to buy a new home, it's important to do your research and gather as much information as possible about the property and its mortgage history. This includes finding out who the financing company is, as well as details about the mortgage terms, closing date, and any other financial information that could impact the closing process. There are several ways to find this information, including real estate websites, lien searches, and online tools to look up who owns the mortgage.

How do I find my mortgage history?

Using online tools

There are several online tools available to help you find your mortgage history. Firstly, you can find the number for your mortgage servicer on your monthly mortgage statement or coupon book. The servicer will be listed as the company that sends you the bill for payment. You can then use this information to search for your mortgage history.

There are online tools to look up who owns your mortgage. Many mortgages are owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and both offer a mortgage lookup tool on their websites. You can also use the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) website to look up your mortgage servicer. If your loan is in the MERS system, you can determine who owns or backs your loan by calling MERS or running a check on their website.

Another option is to use personal record search websites to find out more information about the homeowner, which can aid in the decision-making or negotiation process. Real estate websites, for example, often display basic information about a property, such as its assessed value and sales/listing history. These sites may also have photos from old listings and other useful information.

Additionally, you can use online platforms such as paymints.io, which is backed by real estate, tech, lending, and title company professionals. Such platforms can provide reliable, secure, and flexible solutions for your real estate transactions and help you find the information you need.

It is important to note that your mortgage loan may have been sold to another entity, which then becomes the new loan owner or holder. In such cases, you may need to contact the new loan owner to access your mortgage history.

Contacting your mortgage servicer

If you are trying to find your mortgage history, a good place to start is by contacting your mortgage servicer. Your servicer is obliged to provide you with information about your loan, including the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of your loan. You can find the contact information for your mortgage servicer on your monthly mortgage statement or coupon book. Alternatively, you can search for them on the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) website.

If you are looking for proof of old mortgage payments, your mortgage servicer may not have records that go back far enough. In this case, you may need to contact the original lender or the bank that bought them. You could also try requesting information from your bank, as they may have records of your payments.

It is important to keep some financial records indefinitely, including certain financial documents, deeds to property, and stock certificates. However, other records can be discarded after a certain period, typically seven years.

If you are unable to find the information you need from your mortgage servicer or bank, you can try using online tools to look up information about your mortgage. For example, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both offer a mortgage lookup tool on their websites. You can also send a written request to your mortgage servicer for information, and they are obliged to provide you with the details they have on file.

Consulting real estate websites

In addition to real estate websites, there are other online resources you can use. For example, you can search for your city/state and "registry of deeds," which may provide online access to current owner and mortgage history information. Online directories like Netronline can also help you access available public records.

If you're unable to find the information you need online, you may need to visit a physical location. Each state has different laws regarding home deeds and mortgage documents, but generally, you can find mortgage records at the county recorder's office or on the clerk's official website. In some cases, you may need to pay a small fee to access these records.

If you're unsure about how to find your mortgage history or need additional information, it's always a good idea to consult a real estate agent or professional. They can help you navigate the process and provide valuable insights into the property and its history.

Reviewing old documents

Firstly, identify the county where the property is located. This is important because each state has different laws regarding home deeds and mortgage documents, and you will need to know which county's records to search through. Some counties keep these records in courthouses or clerk's offices, while others may handle them at the town level. Understanding the specific laws and processes of the relevant state is crucial.

Secondly, find out where the county keeps its records. This could be in a physical location, such as a courthouse or clerk's office, or they may be available online through the county or town's official website. Once you have identified the correct office or website, you will likely need to fill out a form to access the records. There may be a small fee associated with accessing this information.

After gaining access to the records, you can start reviewing the documents. Look for deeds used for mortgages and locate the specific mortgage you are interested in. These documents will typically include information such as the property's legal description, address, lender, mortgage amount, and other pertinent details. You may be able to download or print these records for your reference.

It is important to note that some information may not be available to the public, such as account numbers or other sensitive data. However, public mortgage records can still provide valuable insights, such as the number of times the property has been listed, removed, and relisted, as well as its assessed value over time.

Additionally, real estate websites can be a helpful resource. They often display basic information about a property, such as its assessed value, sales history, and listing history. These websites may also have old photos from previous listings, which can aid in your research. However, keep in mind that real estate websites often pull data from the same sources, so you may find identical information across different sites.

Getting professional help

If you're looking to find your mortgage history, seeking professional help can be a wise decision, especially if you're new to the industry or unfamiliar with the local market. Here are some tips for getting professional assistance:

Real Estate Agents

Real estate agents are knowledgeable about the market and can be a valuable resource. They can help you review the numbers and provide insights into the property's history. They can also contact the listing agent on your behalf to gather additional information. Remember, a good real estate agent should be able to help you learn more about the home; therefore, it is worth asking family and friends for referrals to find the best one.

Buyer's Agent

Working with a buyer's agent can be beneficial as you typically don't have to pay for their services. A buyer's agent can assist you in obtaining relevant information about the property you're interested in. They can access property search tools, such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), to retrieve details about the home's history, including previous sales and listing information.

Mortgage Servicers

Your mortgage servicer is another professional you can turn to. You can find their contact information on your monthly mortgage statement or coupon book. They are obligated to provide you with information about the owner of your loan, including their name, address, and telephone number. You can send them a Qualified Written Request or a Request for Information to inquire about your mortgage history.

Online Tools and Websites

There are online tools and websites that can assist you in finding your mortgage history. For instance, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two major mortgage owners, offer mortgage lookup tools on their websites. Additionally, you can search for your mortgage servicer using the Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems (MERS) website. Online directories like Netronline provide access to official state websites, making it easier to locate public records related to your mortgage.

If you're trying to trace the history of your mortgage payments, title companies can be of assistance. They maintain records related to the property's ownership and can help you understand the recollections of your payments. However, keep in mind that they may not always have the oldest files readily available.

Remember, when seeking professional help, it's essential to work with reputable and experienced individuals or companies. Don't hesitate to ask for referrals, read reviews, and compare services to ensure you're getting the best assistance possible.

Frequently asked questions