Public Invited to Search the Deed Room; Workshop Scheduled for April 14

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County residents interested in tracing their property ownership records are invited to "Searching the Deed Room," a workshop hosted by the Ocean County Clerk scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1p.m. on April 14.

The workshop will take place in the deed room of the Ocean County Clerk's Office, in the Ocean County Courthouse, 118 Washington St., here. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.

To register, send an email to Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella at scolabella@co.ocean.nj.us or call 732-929-2018.

Under the direction of Colabella, joined by members of his staff, the workshop will offer an in-depth tour of the Deed Room and provide personalized instruction and guidance on how to search and access records such as the deed or mortgage to your home.

"Residents are unaware of how much information they have access to, and even how to look up property records," Colabella said. "This event will give them an opportunity to learn firsthand about how easy it is to access this kind of information and just how much they have at their convenience." 

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.

"This workshop provides residents with the chance to get a better understanding of the workings of the County Clerk's Office and in particular getting information as it relates to their property," said Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little.

Colabella said 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 actively 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," said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, who is liaison to the Ocean County Clerk. "Scott and his staff do a great job in making certain information is accessible to our residents." 

The Ocean County Clerk also offers a variety of other services including passports, notary, and veteran services.