Trace Your Property's History At Ocean County Deed Workshop

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Have you ever wondered who owned your property before you bought it? Not just the owner you bought it from, but before them?

The Ocean County clerk's office is holding a free program entitled "Searching the Deed Room," a workshop that will give residents an in-depth tour of the Deed Room and provide personalized instruction and guidance on how to search and access records like the deed or mortgage to your home.

"I encourage our residents to attend the program and get a better understanding of the information that pertains to their homes which no doubt is one of the most significant purchases they will make," Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella said. "Some will find interesting history attached to their deed. Others will learn about the helpful resources we have."

"This event gives them an opportunity to learn firsthand how easy it is to access this kind of information and just how much they have at their convenience," he said.

Attendees will also be provided with information on how to register for the County Clerk's Property Alert Service, which enables property owners to receive electronic notifications when documents pertaining to their property are recorded with the county clerk.

The workshop coincides with highlighting April as National County Government Month. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has dedicated the month of April to encouraging counties to promote services and programs offered to the public.

"This workshop will help satisfy the curiosity of any Ocean County resident who has an interest in tracing their property ownership records," Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines said.

The Ocean County clerk's office also offers a variety of other services including passports, notary, and veteran services. Colabella noted this workshop has had a good turnout since he began running it a few years ago.

The program, scheduled for Saturday, April 27, is free but registration is required. To register, send an email to Colabella at scolabella@co.ocean.nj.us or call 732-929-2018.

The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the deed room of the Ocean County Clerk's Office, in the Ocean County Courthouse, 118 Washington St., Toms River.

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