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1. What is Abstract Property?

Abstract title property is the most common form of title found in the United States. Abstract title is a system of recording evidence of real estate title. The history of real estate transactions is indexed by legal description and name. This includes transfers of ownership and any rights (i.e., mortgages, contracts, and liens) that persons other than the owner may have in the land.

2. Recording Documents

Abstract documents are recorded based upon their compliance with recording statutes. Minnesota is a "race to notice" state. Upon recording, documents are issued a sequential document number and the date and time of the recording is noted upon the document. Prior to the enactment of the Torrens Act in 1901, all land was abstract land.

3. Searching the Database

The Recorder office has a computer index which searches by grantor, grantee, document number, or legal description. A public terminal is available in our office for searches in this index. Our staff is available to give you a quick tutorial so that you may use these records quickly and efficiently. If you have the need to search this database often, it is also available on the internet on a subscription basis. If you would like more information on this service, please see the LandShark application.

4. Requesting Copies of Documents

Recording documents is our first priority. Requests for copies that emailed, mailed or faxed to our office are handled in the order they are received. Isanti County does not perform abstracting services or title searches. We recommended that you contact an independent title company for these services.

5. Disclaimer

In accordance with Minnesota Statutes Section 481.02 and in the public interest, we refrain from giving legal advice and preparing documents. For your protection, we observe this policy always. We strongly urge you to consult with your real estate attorney if you require this service.

In addition, our office does not have abstractors or researchers available to the public.  Any information provided is a courtesy for reference purposes and does not carry any warranties or fitness for particular use.