Cobb County, GA Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps

Cobb County features a highly competitive real estate market that comprises over 278,000 land parcels in north-central Georgia. The primary drivers of the county’s real property market include a limited supply of homes, top-rated schools, and its proximity to Atlanta. Cobb County property records are managed by the Clerk of the Superior Court, the Tax Assessors’ office, and the Tax Commissioner’s office.

Single-family detached homes make up the majority of the housing inventory in Cobb County. These traditional suburban homes are concentrated in Powder Springs, Marietta, Kennesaw, and Acworth. It takes about 30 to 40 days for homes listed in Cobb County to go under contract. This is significantly faster than Georgia's statewide average.

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How to Look Up Cobb County Property Records

Cobb County has four main online systems that provide access to property records. Anyone interested in searching for current land documents recorded in the county may use the Landmark portal. To view older and historical land records, individuals may visit the Clerk’s Web Public Inquiry portal.

The qPublic Portal is an online platform for accessing real estate valuations, GIS maps, and property characteristics. Property owners typically use the Tax Commissioner’s Property Tax Search tool to view tax bills, check payment status, and make online payments.

For certified copies of deeds or other land documents, contact the Superior Court Clerk’s Real Estate Division at (770) 528-1360 or visit the division in Marietta.

Who Keeps Cobb County Property Records?

Under the Georgia Open Records Act, anyone can inspect and copy property records in Cobb County. This law, however, exempts specific sensitive personal information within these records. Before they are released to the public, the county must redact financial account numbers and Social Security numbers.

The following county offices keep and provide access to Cobb County property records:

• Clerk of Superior Court: This office manages the local registry to log, track, and secure all county land transactions. It keeps deeds, real estate liens, and mortgages.

• Tax Assessors’ Office: Before establishing the annual county tax digest, this office determines the fair market value of all local property in the county. It keeps records on property appraisals, tax exemptions, and historical assessment values.

• Tax Commissioner: The Tax Commissioner’s office bills, collects, and distributes all local real estate property taxes. It maintains records of tax payment histories and unpaid tax liens.

How to Search Cobb County Property Records Online

Property records in Cobb County can be searched online by following a few straightforward steps:

1. Locate the Parcel: Start your online search at the county’s qPublicPortal. To find the information connected to the property, enter any criterion you know, such as the location address, owner’s name, or parcel ID.

2. Open the Parcel Details: After selecting the property, open the property record card. You will see information like the assessed value, acreage, sales data, and ownership history.

3. Pull the Recorded Documents: Locate the recorded documents associated with the parcel via the Landmark and Web Public Inquiry portals. These portals permit users to search by owner name, book and page numbers, clerk filing date, parcel ID, or instrument number.

4. Verify the Current Tax Status: To confirm whether taxes are paid or there are any delinquent taxes, you can review the property’s tax information through the Property Tax Search portal.

5. Request Certified Copies if Required: Visit the Real Estate Division in Marietta to obtain certified copies of land documents for official use.

Clerk of Superior Court: Deeds, Mortgages, and Liens

Property deeds, mortgages, liens, and other real estate records are recorded and maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court in Cobb County.

Tax Assessors: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data

The Cobb County Tax Assessors’ Office has a responsibility to identify, appraise, and assess property values for tax purposes throughout the county.

Tax Commissioner: Tax Bills and Payments

The Cobb County Tax Commissioner collects property tax bills and distributes them to the county, public schools, and local cities.

Property Tax in Cobb County: Rates, Exemptions, and Appeals

To calculate your annual property taxes, the Cobb County Board of Assessors first determines the fair market value (FMV) of your home at the start of the year. The county assesses the property at 40% of this total FMV. This establishes the baseline assessed value. After subtracting any qualified homestead exemptions from the amount, the remaining total is multiplied by the local millage rate.

• Property tax due = assessed value x millage rate

• Assessed value = FMV x 40%

Homestead Exemptions

• Basic Homestead Exemption: Homeowners in Cobb County can lower their property taxes by applying for the basic homestead exemption. This grants a $10,000 reduction in the property's assessed value. You can file for this exemption online through the Tax Commissioner’s website.

• Local Additions: Applying for a city exemption may reduce the municipal portion of your property tax bill. To apply, visit the tax office in your municipality. Eligible individuals with disabilities who have a net worth of less than $12,000 may also qualify for a $22,000 property tax exemption that applies to all tax categories except state taxes.

• CUVA & FLPA: CUVA represents Conservation Use Valuation Assessment, while FLPA stands for Forest Land Protection Act. Landowners who participate in these programs can have their greenspace or timberland assessed based on productive agricultural value rather than commercial value.

Appealing an assessment

If you disagree with an assessment done on your property in Cobb County, you may file an appeal on the available date stated on your assessment notice. Typically, you have until the expiration of the appeal period to submit your appeal.

Cobb County allows property owners to file their appeal online. Alternatively, you may mail or hand-deliver your appeal to the Tax Assessors’ office. For physical submission, complete the county’s appeal form or write a letter that contains the necessary information, such as:

• Your appeal route choice

• Why you disagree with the value

• Parcel street address

• Parcel ID number

• Daytime phone number

• Email address

Be sure to hand deliver your appeal or have it postmarked by the USPS by the last day of the appeal period.

GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer

The Cobb County Geographic Information System (GIS) maps and the parcel viewer are different tools that use the same GIS database. On both sites, the parcel lines, acreage, physical address, and unique parcel ID match perfectly. The GIS Hub offers advanced map layers like zoning and utility infrastructure. The Parcel Viewer is hosted on the qPublic portal and focuses on tax, ownership, and appraisal details.

Foreclosure and Tax Sales

In Cobb County, the Tax Commissioner has the authority to levy a property according to Title 48 of the Georgia Code. This action is performed through scheduled tax sales. Cobb County tax sales are held on the first Tuesday of the scheduled sale month at the Superior Court Plaza.

Right of Redemption

If your property was auctioned at a tax sale, you may redeem it from the tax sale purchaser within 12 months. The redemption price includes:

• 20% first-year premium

• The bid amount

• Any taxes paid by the buyer after the tax sale

• Any special assessments on the property

The tax sale purchaser may foreclose your right to redeem your property after 12 months from the date of the tax sale.

Costs to Access Property Records

The primary statute that governs the fees to record, file, and access property records in Cobb County is O.C.G.A. § 15-6-77. The county charges the fees below for recording and accessing property records:

How to Record a Document

Follow these steps to record a property document in Cobb County:

1. Prepare the Document: Draft the document in strict compliance with Georgia’s recording requirements and ensure it is executed with original signatures before a notary public. If the document transfers real property, complete the required PT-61 form online.

2. Calculate Fees: Most instruments are filed for $25 regardless of the number of pages. Calculate the transfer tax rate at $1.00 per $1,000 of the property’s sale price if real property is being sold.

3. Submit to the Clerk: The original deed and the completed PT-61 form must be delivered to the Clerk of Superior Court. You may submit by mail, in person, or digitally through the GSCCA portal.

4. Retrieve a Copy of the Recorded Document: Obtain a certified copy directly from the clerk’s office in person or via mail.

FAQs

Quick Reference: Your Cobb County Property Records Checklist

Key Contacts and Official Portals