Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
In the context of location intelligence and home buying, an Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) is a crucial piece of information that helps identify and distinguish individual properties within a county. The APN is a numerical code assigned by the local county assessor's office to each parcel of real estate, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
Key aspects of APNs include:
- Unique identification: Each APN is unique within a county and serves as a specific identifier for a particular parcel of land. No two parcels within the same county will have the same APN.
- Formatting: The format of an APN varies by county, but typically consists of a combination of numbers and sometimes letters. The APN may include information such as the book, page, block, and lot numbers associated with the parcel on the county assessor's maps.
- Property tax assessment: The primary purpose of an APN is to facilitate property tax assessment and collection. The county assessor uses the APN to maintain records of property ownership, assessed value, and tax payments.
- Public records: APNs are public information and can be found in various property-related documents, such as deeds, tax bills, and property profiles. Homebuyers and real estate professionals often use APNs to research property information, ownership history, and tax records.
When purchasing a home or evaluating a property, knowing the APN can be helpful for accessing detailed property information, such as square footage, lot size, building details, and ownership history. This information can assist in making informed decisions and understanding the property's characteristics and potential value.
