Valencia County Public Records /Valencia County Property Records

Valencia County Property Records

What Is Valencia County Property Records

Valencia County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Valencia County, New Mexico. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records in Valencia County are maintained primarily by the Valencia County Assessor's Office and the County Clerk's Office.

The fundamental purpose of property records is to:

Establish legal ownership and chain of title
Provide public notice of property interests
Protect property rights of owners and interested parties
Facilitate property transactions and transfers
Support property tax assessment and collection

In accordance with New Mexico Statutes § 14-8-1, all instruments affecting real estate must be recorded with the county clerk of the county where the property is located. This statutory requirement ensures that property ownership and interests are properly documented and accessible to the public.

Valencia County property records include various documents such as:

Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
Easements and right-of-way agreements
Plats and surveys
Property tax records
Assessments and valuations

The Valencia County property records system provides essential information for property owners, potential buyers, real estate professionals, lenders, and government agencies.

Are Property Records Public Information In Valencia County?

Property records in Valencia County are public information and accessible to all citizens under New Mexico law. The public nature of these records is established by the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) and specific property recording statutes such as New Mexico Statutes § 14-8-9, which mandates that recorded instruments be available for public inspection.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
Recording statutes require transparency in land ownership
Public access serves the broader public interest in property markets
Anyone can access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason

The New Mexico State Records Center and Archives maintains historical land grant records that complement county-level property records, providing additional context for property ownership in Valencia County.

Members of the public may inspect property records during regular business hours at the Valencia County offices or through online portals maintained by the county. No special permission is required to access these records, though certain fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Valencia County Assessor's Office
444 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2065
Valencia County Assessor

Valencia County Clerk's Office
444 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2073
Valencia County Clerk

How To Search Property Records in Valencia County in 2026

Valencia County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:

In-person searches at county offices remain the most comprehensive method for accessing property records. Visitors should:

Visit the Valencia County Assessor's Office or County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Complete a records request form at the public counter
Provide specific property information such as:
- Property owner name
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
Pay applicable search or copy fees (currently $1.00 per page for copies)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records

For telephone requests, individuals may:

Contact the Valencia County Assessor's Office at (505) 866-2065
Provide specific property information to the staff member
Request that records be mailed, emailed, or held for in-person pickup
Pay applicable fees by credit card or arrange payment upon pickup

Written requests can be submitted by:

Downloading the public records request form from the county website
Completing the form with specific property information
Mailing the request to: Valencia County Assessor's Office 444 Luna Avenue Los Lunas, NM 87031
Including payment for applicable fees (check or money order)

Pursuant to the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act, Valencia County must respond to records requests within three business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

How To Find Property Records in Valencia County Online?

Valencia County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The primary online resource is the Valencia County EagleWeb portal, which allows users to search property records remotely at any time.

To search property records online, follow these steps:

Visit the Valencia County EagleWeb portal
Select the desired search method:
- Owner name search
- Property address search
- Parcel ID search
- Account number search
Enter the relevant search criteria
Review the search results list
Select a specific property to view detailed information
Access available documents, including:
- Property record cards
- Assessment information
- Tax payment history
- Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, etc.)

For spatial property information, the Valencia County Parcel Map provides an interactive GIS interface where users can:

Navigate the map using zoom and pan controls
Search for properties by address or parcel ID
View property boundaries and dimensions
Access basic property information
Link to more detailed property records

The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department offers additional online resources for property tax information that complements Valencia County's local systems.

Online access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, though system maintenance may occasionally limit availability. Users should note that while basic property record searches are free, accessing certain documents or detailed information may require payment of nominal fees.

How To Look Up Valencia County Property Records for Free?

Valencia County offers several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain basic property information without incurring fees.

The most accessible free option is the Valencia County Assessor's public access terminal located at:

Valencia County Assessor's Office
444 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2065

At this terminal, visitors may:

Search property records by owner name, address, or parcel ID
View property assessment information
Access property tax valuation history
Print limited records at no charge (extensive printing may incur fees)

The Valencia County online property search provides free access to basic property information, including:

Property owner name
Property address and legal description
Current assessed value
Property characteristics (lot size, building size, etc.)
Recent sales information

The Valencia County GIS Parcel Map offers free spatial property information, allowing users to:

View property boundaries
Identify adjacent properties
Access basic property details
Measure distances and areas

Public libraries throughout Valencia County provide free internet access where residents can utilize the county's online property record systems at no cost.

While basic property record searches are free, users should be aware that obtaining certified copies, extensive document reproduction, or specialized research assistance may incur fees as established by county ordinance and state law.

What's Included in a Valencia County Property Record?

Valencia County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable items not attached to land).

Property records in Valencia County are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Assessor's Office and the County Clerk's Office, with each maintaining specific types of property information.

A complete Valencia County property record typically includes:

Ownership Information:

Current property owner name(s)
Previous owner history (chain of title)
Ownership type (individual, joint, trust, corporate)
Mailing address for tax notices

Property Identification:

Parcel identification number
Legal description (lot, block, subdivision or metes and bounds)
Property address
Tax account number

Physical Characteristics:

Land area (acreage or square footage)
Building size and dimensions
Number of rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms
Construction type and quality
Year built and effective age
Building amenities and features
Outbuildings and improvements

Valuation Information:

Assessed value (land and improvements)
Market value estimates
Valuation methodology
Assessment history
Tax classification

Transaction History:

Sale dates and prices
Deed types and recording information
Mortgage information
Refinancing history

Encumbrances:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
Easements and rights-of-way
Covenants and restrictions

Tax Information:

Current tax amount
Tax payment history
Tax delinquencies
Special assessments

In accordance with New Mexico Statutes § 7-38-21, the Property Tax Division of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department oversees the uniform assessment of property throughout the state, including Valencia County.

How Long Does Valencia County Keep Property Records?

Valencia County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the New Mexico Commission of Public Records. These retention periods ensure the preservation of essential property information while allowing for the disposition of obsolete records.

The retention periods for various property records in Valencia County include:

Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
Property tax assessment rolls: Permanent retention
Property record cards: Permanent retention for current information; superseded cards retained for 10 years
Tax maps and plats: Permanent retention
Building permits: 10 years after completion of construction
Property tax payment records: 10 years after close of fiscal year
Abatement and exemption applications: 10 years after expiration
Correspondence related to property: 3 years after close of fiscal year

Historical property records dating back to the county's establishment in 1855 are maintained in the county archives and at the New Mexico State Records Center and Archives, which houses significant historical land grant records relevant to Valencia County.

Digital property records are backed up regularly and maintained in accordance with the county's data retention policies. The county has undertaken digitization projects to preserve older paper records in electronic format, enhancing their accessibility and ensuring their long-term preservation.

Pursuant to New Mexico Statutes § 14-3-15.1, electronic records must be maintained in a manner that ensures their authenticity, reliability, and usability throughout their retention period.

How To Find Liens on Property In Valencia County?

Liens on property in Valencia County are public records that indicate claims against a property due to unpaid debts or obligations. Members of the public may search for liens through several official channels.

The primary method for finding liens is through the Valencia County Clerk's Office:

Valencia County Clerk's Office
444 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2073
Valencia County Clerk

To search for liens at the County Clerk's Office:

Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Request a lien search at the public counter
Provide the property owner's name or property description
Pay applicable search fees
Review the index of recorded documents for:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
- Federal tax liens

For tax liens specifically, contact the Valencia County Treasurer's Office:

Valencia County Treasurer's Office
444 Luna Avenue
Los Lunas, NM 87031
(505) 866-2090
Valencia County Treasurer

The Treasurer's Office maintains records of:

Property tax delinquencies
Tax sale certificates
Special assessment liens

For online lien searches:

Visit the Valencia County Clerk's online records portal
Select "Lien Search" from the available options
Enter the property owner's name or property information
Review the search results for recorded liens
Access available lien documents

Professional title companies operating in Valencia County can also conduct comprehensive lien searches for a fee, which is often part of the title search process during property transactions.

Under New Mexico Statutes § 48-2-1, mechanic's liens must be filed within 120 days after completion of work, making recent liens particularly important to verify when purchasing property.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Valencia County?

The Property Owner Rule in Valencia County refers to the set of regulations and responsibilities that govern property ownership within the county. These rules are established by state law, county ordinances, and administrative regulations.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

Property Disclosure Requirements:

Sellers must disclose known material defects to potential buyers
Disclosure forms must be completed truthfully and completely
Failure to disclose may result in legal liability

Property Tax Obligations:

Property owners must report property improvements to the Valencia County Assessor
Annual property tax payments are required to the Valencia County Treasurer
Tax protests must be filed within 30 days of receiving valuation notices

Recording Requirements:

All property transfers must be recorded with the County Clerk
Recording fees must be paid at the time of document submission
Documents must meet formatting standards for recording

Property Use Restrictions:

Zoning regulations limit property uses in specific areas
Building permits are required for new construction and major renovations
Subdivision of property must comply with county planning requirements

Property Maintenance Standards:

Properties must be maintained to prevent public nuisances
Weed and debris control is required on all properties
Abandoned properties may be subject to county intervention

In accordance with New Mexico Statutes § 7-38-8, property owners in Valencia County are required to report any improvements or changes to their property that may affect its value. The Property Tax Division of the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department oversees the implementation of property tax laws throughout the state.

Property owners should be aware that Valencia County operates under the principle that property ownership is a matter of public record, and information about property ownership, valuation, and taxes is accessible through the New Mexico state government portal and county offices.