How To Search for Minneapolis Property Records

Always conduct due diligence before buying or investing in real estate. Property records are an invaluable source of information on ownership history, tax assessments, legal filings, building permits, and other details that can help you make informed and secure decisions. Property records in Minneapolis are public, meaning they are accessible to anyone. However, knowing where to look is key to finding the information you need. Below, we've outlined several resources available for locating different types of property records in the city.

Minneapolis property taxes are a crucial source of funding for local government resources and essential community services, including public schools, libraries, police and fire departments, parks and recreation, infrastructure maintenance, and much more. The Minneapolis Assessing Department classifies and values all property in the city for tax purposes; however, the Hennepin County Auditor-Treasurer calculates the taxes and also handles billing and payment collection. Property taxes are based on the property's estimated market value, which is an assessor's estimate of what the property would sell for on the open market. This value is determined by several factors, such as the property's primary use (residential, commercial, or industrial), its location, size, recent sales of similar properties, current market conditions, and neighborhood trends. Market values are assessed annually, and the tax amount is calculated based on the assessed value and the levies from various local taxing authorities (how much money the local governments need).

You will typically be sent a valuation notice every March that outlines your property's classification, its estimated market value, and its taxable value. Property taxes are payable in two installments and are usually due on May 15th and October 15th. Late payments will incur a 2% penalty immediately after the due date (4% for non-homestead property), with the penalty amount increasing the longer the tax remains unpaid. If the taxes are not paid by January 1st, they become delinquent; this will result in a tax lien being placed on the property, which can eventually lead to a foreclosure. You can pay your Minneapolis property taxes through several methods. This includes online payments using an e-check, credit or debit card, PayPal, or Venmo, and in-person payments at the Hennepin County Auditor-Treasurer's office, located at 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487. You also have the option of paying over the phone by calling 1-877-626-0017.

Assessments

The Minneapolis Assessing Department conducts annual assessments of properties in the city to determine their estimated market value. This process involves a detailed analysis of factors like land size, building characteristics, recent sales of similar properties in the area, neighborhood trends, and current market conditions. Your property's estimated market value is the assessor's estimate of what your home would likely sell for on the open market and is the foundation for calculating your annual tax bill.

You will usually receive a valuation notice by March 15th (each year). This notice will outline your property's estimated market value, taxable value, and classification for the upcoming tax year, along with instructions for appealing the assessment. Generally, if you believe your property has been incorrectly valued, you can contact the assessor named in the notice to discuss the matter; most issues are resolved at this level. However, if you and the assessor cannot agree, then you can file a formal appeal with the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization (which meets every April). You can also escalate the matter to the Hennepin County Board of Appeal and Equalization and the Minnesota Tax Court, if necessary.

Appraisals

Minneapolis assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.

Tax Rates

The median effective property tax rate in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is 1.30%, which is higher than both the national median of 1.02% and the Minnesota state median of 1.11%. The average property tax bill in the city is $4,242, which is also significantly higher than the national average of $2,400.

Here's how Minneapolis's tax rate compares to other counties in Minnesota:

• Anoka County 0.96%
• Carver County 1.09%
• Dakota County 1.06%
• Itasca County 0.93%
• Morrison County 0.83%
• Olmsted County 1.24%
• Ramsey County 1.37%
• Rice County 0.89%
• Scott County 1.07%
• Stearns County 1.08%
• Washington County 1.12%

Exemptions

Property tax rates in Minneapolis are higher than the national average, and payments can be a bit difficult for homeowners to keep up with. Fortunately, Hennepin County offers a variety of tax relief programs that can help ease the tax burden for eligible residents of Minneapolis. These include:

• Residential Homestead Exclusion: This is available to anyone who owns and occupies a home in Minneapolis as their primary residence. It reduces the property's taxable value and overall tax bill.
• Disabled Veterans Homestead Valuation Exclusion: This is available to honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability, their eligible surviving spouses, and caregivers, and provides exclusions of up to $300,000.
• Blind/Disabled Homestead Valuation Exclusion: This is available to people who are legally blind or permanently disabled and are currently receiving public assistance, and can remove up to $50,000 from their property's estimated market value.

You can call the Hennepin County Assessor at (612) 348-3046 or email them at ao.programs@hennepin.us to get more information about these programs. You may also contact the Minneapolis Assessing Department at (612) 673-3000 for assistance.

New construction and home remodeling projects in Minneapolis require a permit. However, exceptions are usually made for cosmetic or minor work, like wallpapering, painting, installing floor tiles, and replacing countertops and faulty fixtures. The Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development Department handles the city's permitting process. You can apply for permits, submit plans, and schedule inspections through this department's website. If you prefer in-person services, you can visit the department at the Public Service Building, Room 320, 505 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415.

Common types of permits available in Minneapolis include:

• Building Permits: Required to start any new construction or major remodeling work.
• Electrical Permits: Required to install, repair, or alter electrical systems.
• Mechanical Permits: Required for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, refrigeration, and gas piping work.
• Moving Permits: Required to move buildings into or within the city.
• Plumbing Permits: Required to install, replace, or repair water supply, drainage, vents, and other plumbing systems, and to connect gas appliances to gas piping.
• Soil Erosion Permits: Required for any construction or landscaping project that involves disturbing more than 500 square feet (5 cubic yards) of land or dirt.
• Wrecking Permits: Required to demolish buildings.

When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.

Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.

In addition to being the birthplace of world-renowned musicians like Prince, Bob Dylan, The Replacements, and Husker Du, Minneapolis also boasts four professional sports teams and is home to cultural institutions like the Walker Art Center, Guthrie Theater, and the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture. The city is also famous for its Chain of Lakes, which provides residents and tourists with parks, trails, and year-round outdoor activities. Minneapolis has a population of 429,954 residents and around 216,155 housing units, with nearly 90% of the units occupied. Housing options in the city include single-family homes, downtown condos, lofts, townhomes, and duplexes; common housing styles include American Foursquare, Craftsman Bungalow, Cape Cod, Victorian, and Tudor Revival.

The average home price in Minneapolis, MN, is approximately $325,076, which reflects a 2.4% increase over the past years. However, prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood. Here are a few examples of average prices in different Minneapolis neighborhoods:

• Downtown East $416,225
• Downtown West $213,481
• Elliot Park $276,709
• Midtown Phillips $222,761
• Phillips West $232,237
• Stevens Square $161,712
• Ventura Village $221,774

The Minneapolis, Minnesota, real estate market is quite competitive, with homes typically going under contract in about 20 days. Many listed homes receive multiple offers, and over 53% of them sell for more than their listing price, underscoring the city's strong buyer demand.