What is the primary purpose of the Recorders Office?

The primary purpose of the Recorder's Office is to record property documents. This office serves as an official repository where various legal documents related to real estate transactions, such as deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements, are filed. By recording these documents, the Recorder’s Office provides public notice of property ownership and interests, which is essential for establishing and protecting property rights.

Recording documents helps to ensure that potential buyers or lenders can determine who owns a property and if there are any claims or encumbrances on it. This comprehensive system of record-keeping supports transparency in real estate transactions and upholds the principle of “first in time, first in right,” which helps prioritize claims against a property.

The other choices do not accurately describe the primary function of the Recorder's Office. Taxing property, for instance, is typically handled by the county auditor or treasurer, while mortgage approvals are conducted by lenders. Creating tax maps relates to the assessment process, which is also distinct from the recording of property documents.