Iowa Property Fraud Notification System
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IOWA LAND RECORDS LAUNCHES FREE STATEWIDE ILR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
New service helps Iowans stay informed about recording activity across the state.
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – For many Iowans, buying a home is one of the biggest investments they will ever make. As awareness of title and identity fraud grows, that investment can feel more vulnerable.
Iowa homeowners and business owners are looking for ways to stay informed about transactions that could affect their property. In response, the Iowa County Recorders and Iowa Land Records (ILR) are introducing the ILR Notification System, a free service that helps Iowans stay informed by monitoring names on recently recorded documents across Iowa.
The new service is built on the ILR Search platform, where users can search for public real estate records by name. The ILR Notification System takes the service a step further by enabling users to monitor individual or business names and receive an email notification when a new recording matches the saved Notification Profiles.
“Public records have always been an important resource for Iowans. As technology changes, we have new opportunities to make those records work harder for the people we serve. This is a practical example of using our statewide system to respond to what Iowans need today.”
– Jammie Hoffman, Executive Director of Iowa Land Records
For homeowners and business owners, earlier awareness can make an important difference. An email notification can bring unexpected recording activity to their attention sooner, providing an opportunity to review the public record and determine whether any action is needed. A notification does not necessarily indicate fraud, but it can help Iowans stay informed about activity that may affect them or their property.
Iowa County Recorders are the local officials responsible for recording and maintaining official real estate documents in Iowa. Through Iowa Land Records, Iowa’s 99 county recorders work together to provide statewide access to public records and shared electronic services.
“Iowa Recorders collaborate statewide through Iowa Land Records. This system enables us to pool resources for services including a statewide land record database, a statewide e-recording platform, and now a statewide notification system. This service reflects what county recorders
do best: working locally, collaborating statewide, and finding practical ways to better serve Iowans.”
– Jamie Stargell, Adams County Recorder and Vice President of the Iowa County Recorder Association
The ILR Notification System is available through Iowa Land Records, a free statewide system for public land records by Iowa Land Records. Users begin by requesting a free ILR Search account. Once signed in, users can create a Notification Profile and select the names and counties to be monitored. There is no charge to create an account, search for records, view recorded documents or use the ILR Notification System.
To learn more about the ILR Notification System, how notifications work and how to get started, visit iowalandrecords.org/resources/ilr-notification/.
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About Iowa Land Records
Established in 2005, Iowa Land Records is a statewide electronic land records system governed by Iowa County Recorders. What began as a groundbreaking effort to centralize and digitize access to land records has evolved into a statewide resource providing free online public access to more than 25 million real estate records from all 99 Iowa counties, along with electronic recording services, for real estate professionals, government offices and the public.
Iowa Land Records continues to evolve through the involvement and feedback of Iowa County Recorders, system users and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach guides ongoing improvements to statewide land records technology and the development of new services, including the ILR Notification System.