Step-by-Step Guide
Check DOF for tax liens
Properties with unpaid taxes are included in NYC's annual tax lien sale. Check DOF records or RegWatch.
Check ECB for judgment liens
Unpaid ECB fines become judgment liens. These attach to the property, not the owner.
Check ACRIS for mortgage liens
ACRIS records all mortgages, UCC filings, and lis pendens.
Use RegWatch for cross-referencing
RegWatch checks all lien sources simultaneously and provides a lien risk score.
Additional Details
Liens are one of the most common causes of closing delays. RegWatch's lien calculator estimates total exposure including accrued interest and penalties.
What You Get with RegWatch
- Search any NYC address instantly
- Data from 250+ government sources
- Professional PDF reports
- Title abstract generation
- Portfolio monitoring
- AI property analyst
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free way to do this?
You can search some NYC agency databases for free individually (ACRIS, DOB BIS, HPD Online, DOF). RegWatch offers a free account: free property viewing plus saved buildings with in-app compliance alerts. Our coverage extends beyond NYC to Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and New Jersey counties.
How long does this take?
Manually: 30 minutes to several hours per property depending on depth. With RegWatch: under 3 seconds for a complete profile from 250+ sources.
Do I need any special tools?
No special tools required. RegWatch works in any modern web browser. For manual research, you just need internet access to city agency websites.
How current is the data?
RegWatch data from official NYC sources is updated multiple times per day. Most records are within 24 hours of the agency databases.
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