Four public records
How we check a parcel
Every parcel on DirtWise is checked against four public records. Each check shows its source and the date we ran it. A check that has not been run says "Not yet checked".
The four checks
| Check | Source | What we record | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|---|
| County record | The county Property Appraiser | Owner of record, parcel ID, acreage, assessed value, last sale | Whether the seller is the owner, and what the county says the parcel is |
| Flood zone | FEMA National Flood Hazard Layer | Zone, panel number, effective date | Whether a financed home will need flood insurance and an elevation certificate |
| Zoning | County zoning map and land development code | District, and what it allows | What you can build, and whether a mobile home or RV is allowed |
| Soil | USDA Web Soil Survey | Soil series and drainage class | Whether a conventional septic system is likely |
What comes from the seller
Road type, utilities, taxes, price and terms come from the seller's listing. They are labeled "Seller's listing" with the date, and DirtWise has not checked them.
What we do not check
We do not survey the land, walk the land, test the soil, search the title or delineate wetlands. Those take a licensed professional. The pro directory lists them by county.
How fresh the checks are
Records change. Every row shows the day we read it. Verify anything that decides your purchase against the county record before you close.
Found a mistake?
Use the Contact page with the parcel ID and the source that shows the right answer. We fix confirmed errors and note the date of the change on the listing.