- Home
- Departments
- Recorder
Recorder
The Recorder's Office is responsible for all the real estate records for properties located in Sibley County. Permanent records of deeds, mortgages and other various real estate records are recorded/filed in this office. All documents are examined to ensure they contain the required information. Another important function of the Recorder's Office is to protect and issue certified copies of Birth and Death Records.
The Office of County Recorder, formerly called Register of Deeds, was established by the Territorial Legislature as a depository for land records. At this time all land records were filed under the abstract system. The Minnesota Legislature enacted a statute in 1901 allowing registration of land in counties with over 75,000 inhabitants. In 1909 the act was amended to include the entire state and Registrar of Titles was added to our name. District Court controls the registration of land under the Torrens system, and directs the Registrar as well as appointing an Examiner of Titles as legal advisor.
Department Description
The County Recorder is the custodian of all legal records pertaining to real estate in the county. County government is dependent upon taxation for its existence and it is the land that is taxed. All other county offices depend on the accuracy of real estate records. The public depends on the accuracy and current status of these records. This involves recording deeds, mortgages and approximately 400 different real estate documents.
- What is the difference between Abstract and Torrens property?
-
Abstract:
Abstract title property is the most common form of title found in the United States. An abstract of title is a condensed history of all deeds, mortgages and other documents relating to a particular piece of land, which affect the title
Torrens:
Torrens is a system for registration of land under which, upon the landowner's application, the court may after appropriate proceedings, direct the issuance of a certificate of title to the property. Any liens or encumbrances that have been recorded are referenced on the certificate. When ownership of the property changes, the old certificate of title will be cancelled and a new certificate will be issued in the name of the new owner. The Certificate of Title is kept in the office of the Registrar of Titles. With the "abstract system" an abstract is evidence of title. In the "Torrens System" the certificate of title is the title.
- What is a legal description?
-
A legal description is a description of a tract of land in legally acceptable terms that identifies its precise location. The legal description on a tax form is only an abbreviated reference to a parcel of land and is not a legal description.
- Where can I get my Abstract updated?
-
The Sibley County Recorder's Office provides abstracting services. An abstract is an abbreviated history of all documents of record affecting the property. If you would like your abstract updated, please call us at 507-237-4080.
- Why should I go to an Attorney?
-
The Sibley County Recorder's office does not have a licensed attorney on staff, therefore, we cannot give any legal advice, provide advice on forms, nor complete forms. A party is proceeding at their own risk if they do not consult a competent attorney on legal matters. The Sibley County Recorder's Office will advise you to consult with a Licensed Attorney familiar with Minnesota Law
- Where are blank real estate forms located?
-
Minnesota Uniform Conveyance Blank forms are available online at Minnesota Department of Commerce