Craven County, NC Property Records: Search Deeds, Owners, Tax Records, and Maps

Known as the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Craven County is home to over 46,000 parcels of land. New Bern serves as the county seat and the center of real estate activity in Craven County. When researching property records in Craven County, you can contact the Register of Deeds and Tax Administration Offices. These county offices maintain and provide access to them under the state’s Public Records Law.

The local housing market includes a mix of historic homes, waterfront properties, suburban neighborhoods, and rural land. Housing demand in the county is supported by healthcare, education, government services, manufacturing, military-related employment, and tourism. An average home in Moore County sells within 54 to 58 days, which is consistent with North Carolina’s average market conditions. Communities such as New Bern, Havelock, Cove City, Vanceboro, and Bridgeton contain much of the county's housing stock.

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How to Look Up Craven County Property Records

Through designated county portals, you can access property records in Craven County, with each handling different roles:

Who Keeps Craven County Property Records?

Under North Carolina's Public Records Law, you can view and obtain copies of property records maintained by designated offices in Craven County. Here is how they share the responsibilities:

• If you need recorded land documents, the Craven County Register of Deeds is usually the best place to start. The office maintains records such as deeds, deeds of trust, plats, easements, releases, powers of attorney, and other instruments affecting real property ownership. Under state law, the Register of Deeds is responsible for handling and preserving official land records in the county. Even though the office provides access to recorded documents, it cannot conduct title searches or offer legal advice.

• For ownership information, property valuations, and assessment records, the Craven County Real Estate Appraisal Division is the primary source. The department maintains ownership records, parcel identification numbers (PINs), property assessments, tax listings, and other tax-related documents. Similarly, it administers property tax relief programs and prepares annual tax bills.

• The Craven County Clerk of Superior Court maintains records related to foreclosure proceedings and estate files. Although power-of-sale foreclosure hearings are handled through the Clerk's Office, deeds, plats, and other property records affecting ownership must be recorded with the Register of Deeds.

How to Search Craven County Property Records Online

You can search Craven County property records online by following these steps:

1. Open the Craven County Tax Bill Search webpage. You can search records using the owner's name, property address, or parcel identification number (PIN). The results reveal information including ownership information, assessed values, land and building characteristics, tax information, and sales history.

2. Continue with the Craven County Register of Deeds Index. From there, you can search recorded documents using details like owner’s names, instrument type, book and page reference, or recording date. You may view or download available records, including deeds, deeds of trust, plats, easements, releases, satisfactions, and other recorded instruments.

3. You can trace the property's chain of title. Begin with the most recently recorded deed and work backward through earlier transfers. In most cases, the grantor’s name listed on one deed must appear as the grantee’s name in the next recorded transfer. Any unexplained gaps are a red flag, which may require additional title research.

4. Anyone can search the Register of Deeds Index for outstanding deeds of trust, liens, easements, restrictive covenants, releases, and other recorded documents limiting the use of a property. Although the excise stamp shown on a deed may provide an estimate of the consideration paid during the property transfer. On the other hand, it does not reflect the actual last sales price of the property.

5. Finally, you can verify the property's tax status before completing a purchase or transfer via the Craven County Tax Department’s portal. In accordance with North Carolina statutes 105-355 and 105-362, a property tax lien attaches to real estate on January 1 of each tax year and remains in effect until the taxes, interest, and applicable costs are fully paid.

Register of Deeds: Deeds, Deeds of Trust, and Plats

If you need to verify ownership of a property or review real estate documents, start with the Craven County Register of Deeds. This office preserves land records, including deeds, deeds of trust, plats, liens, and other documents concerning real property ownership. These records help establish ownership and provide notice of legal interests attached to a property’s title or use. Be aware that Craven County typically uses deeds of trust rather than traditional mortgages to secure real estate financing.

Craven County was established in 1712, making it one of North Carolina's oldest counties. Historical land records in this county date back to 1737. Available recorded documents are accessible through the Register of Deeds Index. You might need to pay an in-person visit to the Register of Deeds Office for older records.

Tax Assessor: Ownership, Values, and Parcel Data

When you are conducting research about a property's ownership, assessed value, or tax assessment in Craven County, the Real Estate Appraisal Division is generally the best place to begin. Anyone can access ownership information and property characteristics using the county’s Tax Bill Search webpage. As such, the webpage serves as the primary source of assessment and ownership information within Craven County.

Tax Collector: Tax Bills and Payments

The Craven County Tax Collection Division is responsible for billing and collecting property taxes on real estate and personal property throughout the county. Property taxes are billed annually and become due on September 1 of each year. Taxpayers may pay their taxes without penalty through January 5 of the following year. Any unpaid taxes become delinquent after January 5 and are subject to interest charges and collection costs.

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

The Craven County Tax Administration Office determines the assessed value of taxable property, while the Craven County Board of Commissioners and local municipalities adopt tax rates each year. You can estimate annual property taxes by dividing the assessed value of your property by 100 and multiplying the result by the combined tax rates that apply to the property (municipal and special district rates). The final tax bill may be reduced if you qualify for an approved exemption, exclusion, or special assessment program.

Homestead and relief programs

Residents and homeowners in Craven County who meet certain requirements may qualify for property tax relief programs available under North Carolina law. Eligible applicants can submit the required application forms to the Craven County Tax Administration Office within the annual filing period.

Appealing your value

If your property’s assessed value is incorrect, you may start with an informal review through the Craven County Tax Administration Office. If the issue is not resolved, you may appeal to the Craven County Board of Equalization and Review (BOER). If you are still not satisfied with the Board’s decision, you may appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax Commission pursuant to state law. After the commission’s decision, you can escalate the matter to the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

GIS Maps and Parcel Viewer

If you want to view property information in Craven County, use the county’s iMaps tool. The GIS portal allows you to search properties and view information such as property boundaries, ownership details, parcel identification numbers, building information, aerial imagery, and assessment data.

Foreclosure and Tax Sales

If you fail to pay property taxes in Craven County, the unpaid taxes become delinquent. The county Tax Administration Office may file a foreclosure action in court to collect the outstanding amount, including interest, penalties, and costs related to the collection process. This is typically the first step taken toward selling your property at public auction to satisfy the tax lien.

Power-of-sale foreclosures

Most residential foreclosures in Craven County occur through a power-of-sale included in a recorded deed of trust. The local sheriff's office executes the public auction at the courthouse within a stipulated time. After the foreclosure sale, the highest bid remains subject to a 10-day upset-bid period, during which you may submit higher bids through the Clerk of Superior Court. After the auction, successful bidders are typically required to provide a cash deposit of 10% of the bid in accordance with NCGS 45-21.27.

Property-tax Foreclosures

When property taxes remain unpaid, Craven County may pursue foreclosure of the tax lien through a court action, according to NCGS 105-374 and NCGS 105-375. Keep in mind that Craven County does not sell tax lien certificates. Once the foreclosure sale is completed and the deed is issued to the purchaser, the former owner loses the right to redeem the property.

Costs to Access Property Records

Anyone seeking to record instruments or obtain copies of property records in Craven County can do so in accordance with NCGS 161-10 and 105-238.30. However, fees may apply when requesting official or certified copies. These fees include:

How to Record a Document

You must follow the state’s recording requirements when submitting property documents for recording in Craven County:

• Prepare the Document: Before submitting a document for recording, make sure it contains all required information. The real estate document should typically include a clear legal description of the property, the owner’s full name, and a proper notary acknowledgment. It must also contain the original signature, legible margins, and the grantee’s mailing address on the first page. If your document fails to meet the North Carolina recording standards, you may be subjected to a penalty of $25 in addition to the standard recording fee or rejection.

• Calculate Recording Fees: Before submitting your document in Craven County, calculate the required recording fees. You are required to pay $64 for the first 35 pages and $4 for each additional page. Be aware that recording fees change. As such, it is a good idea to verify the current fee schedule with the Craven County Register of Deeds or contact the office at (252) 636-6617.

• Submit to the Clerk: Submit the completed documents to the Craven County Register of Deeds office in person or by mail. Similarly, you can submit these documents through the designated electronic recording vendors, such as Simplifile, ePN, and CSC. Once submitted, the Register of Deeds reviews the documents for compliance, collects recording fees, assigns a recording number, and adds the document to the county’s official land records

• Obtain a Copy of the Recorded Document: After recording, you may search the Craven County Register of Deeds Index to view available land documents. If you also need a certified copy for legal, financial, or official purposes, you may visit the Register of Deeds Office.

FAQs

Quick Reference: Your Craven County Property Records Checklist

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