How To Search for Greensboro Property Records

Always do your homework before buying or investing in property. Reviewing property records is a great way to do this; they contain information on ownership history, tax assessments, liens, zoning data, legal filings, and other crucial details that can help you make sound decisions. Property records are publicly available in Greensboro, which means that anyone can view them or get copies. However, you need to know where to look. We have put together a list of key resources below that you can use to search for Greensboro property records.

Guilford County Register of Deeds Office

The Guilford County Register of Deeds is the official custodian of records affecting the ownership and transfer of property in Greensboro. These include deeds of trust, mortgages, liens, foreclosures, plats, and more. You can use the office's Real Estate Look Up system to access this information online. Searches are primarily done by name and may be refined using several criteria, such as document type, date, and party/entity type. If you prefer to search for and get copies of these records in person, you may do so by visiting the Register of Deeds' Greensboro Office, located at 201 W. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27401. You can call the office at (336) 641-7556 or email guilforddeeds@guilfordcountync.gov for general information or assistance.

Guilford County Tax Department

The Guilford County Tax Department is responsible for valuing all real property in the City of Greensboro for taxation purposes and collecting property taxes. This department is a key resource for a wide range of property records, including ownership details, assessed values, property characteristics, sales data, tax bills, and payment histories. You can find this information online using the department's Real Property Search system. You can search by name, address, parcel ID, or real estate ID. If you prefer in-person services, you can visit the department's Greensboro Office, located at 400 W. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27401, or call them at (336) 641-3363 for inquiries.

Guilford County Court

The Guilford County Court is a great resource for finding property records tied to legal actions, such as foreclosures, liens, title disputes, and other civil judgments. You can use the North Carolina Judicial Branch's eCourts portal to search for these records online by either name or case number. You can also search for and request certified copies of records in person at the Guilford County Courthouse, located at 201 South Eugene St., Greensboro, NC 27401. Note that copy fees may apply.

Greensboro property taxes are an important source of funding for various local government services, including police and fire departments, schools, libraries, city buses, street maintenance, parks, and community recreational facilities. The Guilford County Tax Department assesses the value of real property in Greensboro for tax purposes and also handles the calculation and collection of tax payments. Properties in the city are assessed by analyzing real estate sales data and considering key features like each property's size, construction quality, and condition to determine its market value. The department uses three standard valuation methods to ensure fair and accurate property assessments across neighborhoods: comparing recent sales (market approach), estimating replacement costs (cost approach), and evaluating income potential (income approach).

Reassessments are done every five years to ensure that assessed values reflect current market conditions. Property taxes are calculated using the assessed value and the current tax rate, which is set by locally elected governing bodies (primarily the Greensboro City Council and the Guilford County Board of Commissioners). Tax bills are usually mailed out in July and must be paid by January 5th of the following year. Payments made after the deadline accrue 2% interest, plus an additional 0.75% per month until paid. If taxes remain unpaid, a lien may be placed on the property, and foreclosure could follow.

The Guilford County Tax Department offers several tax payment options. These include online payments, mail-in, drop box, and in-person payments at either its Greensboro Office (located at 400 W. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27401) or its High Point Office (located at 325 E. Russell Ave., High Point, NC 27260). You also have the option of paying over the phone by calling (336) 203-7795 (note that you can only use a credit or debit card for this option).

Assessments

Property assessments in Greensboro are carried out by the Guilford County Tax Department every five years through a process referred to as "reappraisals". These reappraisals involve estimating the value of properties in the city to reflect current market trends by using recent comparable sales, neighborhood data, and property features. The most recent reappraisal in Greensboro (and the rest of Guilford County) was conducted in 2022. However, the next is scheduled for 2026, not 2027 (the reappraisal was moved up a year to maintain equitable tax assessments amid significant market shifts and rising property values).

A property's assessed value typically remains the same throughout the reappraisal cycle, but major renovations or new construction can trigger an updated valuation outside of this cycle. Property owners usually receive valuation notices in January of the reappraisal year (or immediately after an off-cycle reappraisal). If you believe your property's value has been incorrectly calculated, you can file an appeal with the Guilford County Board of Equalization and Review through the county tax department. All appeals must be filed by May 15th of any given tax year. Note that when appealing outside a reappraisal year, you must prove that an error exists in the property's valuation as of the last reappraisal date. You cannot appeal simply because your tax bill increased or you are unable to pay your taxes. You can contact the Guilford County Tax Department's Greensboro Office at (336) 641-3363 for more information.

Appraisals

Greensboro assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair market value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

The median effective tax rate in Greensboro, North Carolina, is 1.36%, which is higher than both the national median of 1.02% and the North Carolina state median of 0.82%. However, the average annual tax bill in the city is $1,970, lower than the national average of $2,400 by $430.

Here's a look at how Greensboro's tax rate compares to other counties in North Carolina:

• Brunswick County 0.43%
• Chatham County 0.85%
• Clay County 0.46%
• Durham County 1.31%
• Forsyth County 1.31%
• Gates County 1.03%
• Mecklenburg County 0.61%
• Pitt County 1.17%
• Randolph County 0.68%
• Robeson County 0.87%
• Sampson County 0.92%
• Union County 0.67%
• Washington County 1.05%

Exemptions

Even though Greensboro's property tax rates are a bit on the high side compared to both state and national averages, the city's average annual tax bill is below the national median due to relatively lower home values in the area. However, some residents may still face challenges paying their property taxes. Fortunately, Guilford County offers several programs to help ease the burden for eligible homeowners. These include:

• Senior and Disabled Program: This is also called the "Elderly or Disabled Homestead Exclusion" and is available to homeowners 65 and older or permanently and totally disabled who meet certain income limits. This program excludes the first $25,000 or up to 50% (whichever is greater) of the home's value from taxation.
• Disabled Veteran Program: This is also called the "Disabled Veteran Exclusion," and it excludes $45,000 of a home's value from taxation. This program is available for honorably discharged veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability, as well as their unmarried surviving spouses.

You can contact the Guilford County Tax Department to get more information on available tax relief programs in Greensboro and guidance on how to apply for them.

All new construction and most renovation projects in Greensboro require permits. However, cosmetic work and minor repairs that do not affect a building's structure or systems, like painting, carpeting, and replacing cabinets. These permits are issued by the Greensboro Development Services Division. You can apply for one in person at the division's office located at 300 W. Washington St., Greensboro, NC 27401. You can also use the division's website to perform actions like submitting plans, making payments, tracking processes, and downloading issued permits. Note that account registration may be required. You may call (336) 373-2155 for assistance.

Common types of permits in Greensboro include:

• Building Permits: Required for construction, structural modifications, or changes in building use.

  • Residential Building Permits: Issued for work on residential property (single-family and multi-family homes of up to two units).
  • Commercial Building Permits: Issued for larger-scale projects like office buildings, retail spaces, apartment complexes (three units or more), and other non-residential structures.

• Demolition Permits: Required for tearing down any structure, whether residential, commercial, or accessory.

• Trade Permits: Required for specialized work involving a building's systems. These include:

  • Electrical Permits: Required for new electrical installations, upgrades, or alterations to wiring, panels, lighting, or power systems in residential or commercial buildings.
  • Mechanical Permits: Required for installing or replacing heating, cooling, or gas systems, including furnaces, boilers, ductwork, and commercial refrigeration units.
  • Plumbing Permits: Required for installing or modifying drainage, waste, vent systems, water service lines, fixtures, or specialized equipment like water softeners and grease traps.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

Greensboro is North Carolina's third most populous city and a central hub of the state's Piedmont Triad region. Nicknamed "Gate City" for its historical role as a crucial railroad gateway to the West and South, Greensboro has since grown into a dynamic center for education, industry, and culture. The city hosts major universities, a thriving arts scene, and diverse sectors, including aerospace, logistics, and life sciences. Greensboro is also home to several cultural attractions and landmarks, including the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, the Greensboro Science Center, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, and the historic Carolina Theatre.

Greensboro, North Carolina, has a population of 299,035 residents. The city has 139,194 housing units, with 129,645 occupied and 9,549 vacant, indicating an occupancy rate of around 93%. The city offers several housing options, such as single-family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, senior living communities, and student housing. Common housing styles include Craftsman, Ranch, Colonial Revival, Victorian, Queen Anne, Mid-Century Modern, and Contemporary. The average price of a house in Greensboro, NC, is $259,608, which represents a 0.5% decrease from previous years. Keep in mind that actual prices may vary significantly based on the area in the city. Here are a few examples of average house prices in different neighborhoods across Greensboro:

• College Hill $233,421
• Downtown $276,731
• Fisher Park $392,178
• Glenwood $154,095
• Lindley Park $293,867
• Sunset Hills $544,447

The Greensboro, North Carolina, real estate market is competitive. Prices have been on an upward trend over the years, with the city continuing to attract residents thanks to its affordability, convenient location, and growing job opportunities across several sectors. Listed homes typically go under contract in around 17 days, and nearly 31% of listings sell above asking price.