How to Find Your Street When You Have Only the House Number

Buying a house is a significant milestone, but sometimes the excitement of closing the deal can lead to confusion about basic details like the street name. If you find yourself in a situation where you only have the house number and not the street name, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to find your street name using the tools and resources available.

Understanding Property Identification

It's crucial to understand that not all properties have street addresses. In the United States, about 10% of legal parcels do not have addresses. Addresses are primarily used for mail delivery, not for identifying property parcels. Each property parcel has a legal description, which is the only identifier that matters for ownership and legal matters. For tax purposes, most parcels have an Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), but streets and some government-owned properties often don’t have APNs.

While streets and some properties without available mail service may not have addresses, properties that require mail service always have addresses. This is to ensure that emergency services can locate the property if needed.

Locating Your Property

To find your street name, you will need to use the property identification details typically provided during the home purchase process. Here’s what you can do:

Check Your Purchase Documents: Your home purchase documents should include the legal description and APN of your property. These documents are often provided by your real estate agent or title company. Contact Your Realtor or Title Company: If you haven’t already, contact your real estate agent or title company. They might have access to a platform like PropertyRadar, which offers easy access to public records and property details. Visit Your County Assessor’s Office: You can also inquire directly with the county assessor’s office. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information on your property, including the APN and the street name.

Once you have the APN, you can use online resources like the county assessor’s website to find the street name. Many county assessor’s websites have searchable databases that allow you to look up properties by APN or other identifying information.

Tips for Future Reference

Here are some tips to avoid this situation in the future:

Verify the Street Name: Before finalizing a home purchase, always verify the street name and other basic details with your real estate agent or title company. Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a binder or digital folder of all home purchase documents and property identification details. This will save you time and hassle in the future. Visit the Property: Visiting the property before closing can also help you familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and the area.

Remember, whether you paid cash or through a mortgage, the address is typically required for legal and financial transactions. If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t know the street name, don’t assume it’s a scam. It’s simply a matter of checking the right resources.

Conclusion

Finding your street name with just the house number can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tools and information, it’s not difficult to locate. The key is to use the APN and the resources provided by your county assessor and real estate professionals. By taking the time to verify and document these details, you can avoid similar issues in the future and ensure a smooth home purchase process.