Marshall County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Marshall County in 2026

MarshallCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Marshall County. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, mortgage documents, liens, plat maps, and related encumbrance records. Available record categories include ownership transfers, property valuations, tax payment histories, building permits, and recorded legal instruments. Information presented may not reflect the most recent filings and is intended for general research purposes only.

Property records in Marshall County may be searched through several official channels, including online databases maintained by county offices, in-person visits to government offices, written mail requests, and through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys. The primary official resources are:

• Marshall County Assessor's Office – property valuations, ownership data, and parcel information
• Marshall County Clerk of Court / Register of Deeds – recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
• Marshall County Treasurer's Office – tax bills, payment history, and delinquency records
• Marshall County GIS Portal – interactive mapping and parcel boundary data

Multiple Access Methods:

• Online searches – the most convenient option; available through county-maintained portals at no cost for basic searches
• In-person visits – required for certified copies and access to older records not yet digitized
• By mail – written requests submitted to the appropriate county office with applicable fees
• Through professionals – title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors provide comprehensive searches for transactional purposes

Online Search Methods:

1. Property Appraiser / Assessor Website

The Marshall County Assessor's Office maintains the primary online database for property valuation and ownership information. Members of the public may access this resource free of charge without registration.

Search Options:

• By property address
• By owner name
• By parcel ID number
• By subdivision name
• By GIS map location
• By legal description

Information Available:

• Current owner name and mailing address
• Property site address and legal description
• Parcel identification number
• Land use and zoning classification
• Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms)
• Assessed value of land and improvements
• Taxable value and exemptions applied
• Sales history
• GIS map location and property photos (where available)

How to Search:

1. Navigate to the Marshall County Assessor's Office official website
2. Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, or parcel number)
3. Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
4. Review the results list returned by the system
5. Select the specific parcel to view the full property card
6. Review ownership details, valuation history, and sales records
7. Print or save the information as needed

2. County Clerk / Register of Deeds Official Records Search

The Marshall County Clerk maintains the official index of recorded instruments affecting real property. Basic searches are available to the public at no charge; fees may apply for document image retrieval or certified copies.

Searchable By:

• Grantor name (seller or transferor)
• Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
• Document type
• Recording date range
• Book and page number
• Instrument number

Documents Available:

• Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Mortgage satisfactions and releases
• Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
• Easements and declarations of restrictions
• Plats and surveys
• Powers of attorney affecting real property
• Affidavits affecting title
• Lis pendens notices
• HOA declarations and covenants

How to Search:

1. Access the Marshall County Clerk's Office official records portal
2. Select the preferred search type (grantor/grantee name, document type, or date range)
3. Enter the search criteria
4. Review the results list
5. Select a document to view the image, if available online
6. Note the book and page number or instrument number for reference
7. Request certified copies through the office if required

3. Tax Collector / County Treasurer Website

The Marshall County Treasurer's Office provides online access to property tax information, including current bills, payment history, and delinquency status.

Search By:

• Property address
• Owner name
• Parcel number
• Tax account number

Information Available:

• Current tax bill and amount due
• Payment history and outstanding balances
• Exemptions applied
• Millage rates by taxing authority
• Tax certificate information for delinquent properties
• Installment plan status and payment options

4. GIS / Mapping System

Marshall County maintains a GIS portal that provides interactive mapping tools for visual property research.

How to Use:

• Navigate the interactive map to the subject property location
• Click on a parcel to view linked property information
• Access property boundaries, zoning layers, flood zone designations, and aerial photography
• Measure distances and view multiple data layers simultaneously
• Follow links to associated assessor or recorder records

In-Person Searches:

Marshall County Assessor's Office
122 N. Prairie Street, Suite 4
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6401
Marshall County Assessor

Marshall County Clerk's Office
122 N. Prairie Street
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6325
Marshall County Clerk

Marshall County Treasurer's Office
122 N. Prairie Street
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6085
Marshall County Treasurer

By Mail Requests:

Property Assessor:

Members of the public may submit written requests to the Marshall County Assessor's Office at 122 N. Prairie Street, Suite 4, Lacon, IL 61540. Requests should identify the property by address or parcel number. A self-addressed stamped envelope and applicable copying fees should be included.

Clerk / Recorder:

Written requests for recorded document copies may be directed to the Marshall County Clerk's Office at 122 N. Prairie Street, Lacon, IL 61540. Requestors should specify the document by instrument number, book and page, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for copy fees and certification charges must accompany the request.

Through Professionals:

Title Companies:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments. These services identify all recorded interests affecting a property and are standard practice in real estate transactions. Costs vary by provider and transaction complexity.

Real Estate Attorneys:

Licensed real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership disputes, and advise on encumbrances identified in title searches. Fees vary based on the scope of services required.

Real Estate Agents:

Licensed real estate agents may access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

By Address:

• Use the complete street address, including directionals (N, S, E, W) and unit numbers
• Try variations with and without directional prefixes if initial results are not returned
• Verify spelling of street names against county records

By Owner Name:

• Search by last name first, then full name
• Try variations including middle initials and name abbreviations
• Consider maiden names, married names, and business entity names
• Search both current and previous owner names for historical research

By Legal Description:

• Use the exact legal description as it appears on the deed
• Include subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range where applicable

For Historical Records:

• Records predating digitization may require an in-person visit to the courthouse
• Older records may be stored in bound books or on microfilm
• Staff at the Clerk's Office can assist with historical research requests

Common Search Challenges:

Not Found Online:

• Very recent transactions may not yet appear due to recording processing delays
• Very old records may not have been digitized
• Indexing errors or name spelling variations may affect search results
• Property address changes over time may require searching under prior addresses

Multiple Results:

• Common owner names or similar addresses may return multiple results
• Verify the correct parcel using the parcel identification number or legal description
• Cross-reference additional identifying information to confirm the correct record

What You Cannot Find Online:

• Unrecorded documents and private agreements not submitted for recording
• Pending sales prior to closing and recording
• Records filed under seal by court order
• Some pre-digital historical records not yet converted to electronic format

What Is Marshall County Property Records

Property records in Marshall County are official legal documents related to real property — encompassing both land and improvements — maintained by county government offices. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment. Under Illinois law, recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers, making the recording system foundational to the real estate marketplace.

Purpose of Property Records:

• Establish and verify legal ownership of real property
• Provide an unbroken chain of title from original conveyance to present
• Record encumbrances including mortgages, liens, and easements
• Document property transfers and sale prices
• Support property tax assessment and collection
• Protect property rights and enable title insurance
• Facilitate real estate transactions and lending

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

• Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
• Title documents and transfer records
• Ownership history and chain of title
• Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting real property

Encumbrance Records:

• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
• Easements and rights-of-way
• Deed restrictions and covenants
• Homeowner association (HOA) declarations
• Lis pendens notices

Tax and Assessment Records:

• Property tax assessments and tax bills
• Payment history and exemption records
• Special assessments and millage rates
• Tax delinquency records and tax deed proceedings

Legal Descriptions:

• Plat maps and subdivision plats
• Surveys and re-plats
• Lot and block information
• Metes and bounds descriptions

Building and Permit Records:

• Building permits and certificates of occupancy
• Code violation notices
• Zoning classifications and land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records:

Marshall County Clerk's Office
122 N. Prairie Street
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6325
Marshall County Clerk

Marshall County Assessor's Office
122 N. Prairie Street, Suite 4
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6401
Marshall County Assessor

Marshall County Treasurer's Office
122 N. Prairie Street
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6085
Marshall County Treasurer

Legal Framework:

Property recording in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Conveyances Act, codified at 765 ILCS 5, which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property and the constructive notice principles that underpin the public recording system. Instruments not recorded in accordance with this statute may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers or encumbrancers without actual notice.

Are Property Records Public Information in Marshall County?

Property records in Marshall County are public information. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 5 ILCS 140, all records maintained by public bodies are presumed open to inspection and copying by any person, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Property records maintained by the County Clerk, Assessor, and Treasurer are subject to this presumption of public access.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

• The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140, establishes the right of public access to government records
• The Illinois Conveyances Act, 765 ILCS 5, requires that recorded instruments be available for public inspection
• Centuries of common law tradition establish land records as public documents
• The constructive notice doctrine requires that recorded instruments be accessible to all members of the public

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency:

• The public has a recognized right to know the ownership of real property
• Transparent government operations in property taxation require public access to assessment records
• Public access prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances

Commercial Purposes:

• Real estate transactions depend on the ability to search title records
• Title insurance and mortgage lending require access to recorded instruments
• Property valuation, appraisal, and market analysis rely on public sales data

Legal Protections:

• The recording system establishes priority of interests among competing claimants
• Constructive notice protects subsequent purchasers who rely on the public record
• Enforcement of property rights depends on the accessibility of recorded documents

Public Interest:

• Tax assessment transparency supports accountability in local government
• Historical and genealogical research relies on property records
• Journalistic investigation of property ownership serves the public interest

What Property Information Is Public:

The following categories of information are freely accessible to any member of the public:

• Current and historical property ownership
• Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
• Sale prices and transfer amounts
• Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
• Liens and encumbrances of record
• Tax assessments and payment history
• Property characteristics including size, age, and building type
• Deeds and all other recorded instruments
• Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Information That May Be Protected:

• Social Security numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state and federal law
• Bank account numbers and personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments are not disclosed
• Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may qualify for address confidentiality protections under Illinois law

Exemption Applications:

• Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information
• The Property Assessor's Office maintains policies regarding the public availability of exemption application details

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any person may access Marshall County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners, investors, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Illinois law, subject to applicable anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, and other legal restrictions. Commercial data aggregators, title insurance companies, and subscription research services routinely compile and redistribute public property record information. Such use is lawful provided it does not facilitate illegal purposes or violate applicable privacy protections.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Marshall County?

Members of the public may inspect property records maintained by Marshall County offices at no charge. Fees apply when copies, certified copies, or document images are requested. The following current fee schedule reflects standard charges:

Marshall County Clerk's Office – Recording and Copy Fees:

Service	Current Fee
Recording a document (first page)	$15.00
Recording a document (each additional page)	$5.00
Certified copy of a recorded document	$1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Non-certified copy of a recorded document	$1.00 per page
Document search (staff-assisted)	Fees may apply for extensive searches

Marshall County Assessor's Office – Copy Fees:

Service	Current Fee
Property record card copy	$0.25–$1.00 per page (standard copy rate)
Online access to assessment data	Free

Marshall County Treasurer's Office – Tax Record Fees:

Service	Current Fee
Online tax information access	Free
Copies of tax bills	Standard copy rate applies
Tax redemption certificates	Fees set by statute

Recording fees in Illinois are governed in part by 55 ILCS 5/3-5018, which authorizes county clerks to collect fees for recording and copying instruments. Fee schedules are subject to periodic revision by the County Board.

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Cash (in-person)
• Check or money order (mail requests and in-person)
• Credit or debit card (availability varies by office; confirm with the specific office prior to submission)

Fee Waivers:

• Certain government agencies and nonprofit organizations may qualify for fee waivers under Illinois law
• Members of the public inspecting records in person are not charged an inspection fee
• Online access to the Assessor's database and basic Clerk's index searches are provided free of charge

What Is Available at No Cost:

• Online property assessment data through the Assessor's portal
• Basic grantor/grantee index searches through the Clerk's online system
• Tax payment status and current bill information through the Treasurer's portal
• GIS mapping and parcel boundary data
• In-person inspection of records at county offices

What's Included in a Marshall County Property Record?

A complete Marshall County property record draws from multiple county offices and encompasses the following categories of information:

Ownership Information:

Current Ownership:

• Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
• Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, or life estate)
• Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold undivided interests
• Acquisition date and deed instrument number or book and page reference
• Mailing address for tax bill delivery

Previous Ownership:

• Chain of title reflecting all prior owners
• Transfer dates and historical deed references
• Ownership timeline from original conveyance

Property Identification:

• Site address (physical location) and mailing address if different
• Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section, township, and range where applicable
• Parcel identification number and tax account number
• Alternate or previous parcel numbers if the parcel has been renumbered

Physical Characteristics:

Land Information:

• Lot size in square feet or acres
• Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
• Corner lot designation
• Land use designation and zoning classification

Building Information:

• Total living area in square feet
• Year built and effective year
• Number of stories and building type
• Construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation type
• Number of bedrooms, full bathrooms, and half bathrooms
• Garage type and number of spaces
• Pool, porch, patio, and additional structure information
• Central air conditioning, heating type, water source, and sewer system
• Condition and quality ratings

Valuation Information:

• Assessed land value and assessed building value
• Total assessed value and estimated market value
• Historical assessed values for prior years
• Agricultural classification and value where applicable

Tax Information:

• Total current tax amount due and taxable value after exemptions
• Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, and special districts)
• Tax payment history and delinquency records
• Exemptions applied, including homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower, agricultural, and conservation exemptions

Sales History:

• Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
• Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, gift, inheritance, foreclosure, tax deed, divorce transfer, or trust transfer)
• Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
• Documentary stamp amounts

Encumbrances and Liens:

• Currently recorded mortgages, including lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
• Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
• Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens notices

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Current zoning classification and permitted uses
• Land use code and future land use designation
• Special district assignments (school, fire, water, and other taxing districts)
• Flood zone designation per FEMA mapping
• Wetlands and conservation area designations

Maps and Images:

• Property exterior photograph
• Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
• Plat map and property sketch or floor plan
• Historical aerial images where available

Building Permit Information (where integrated):

• Building permits issued, permit dates, descriptions, and contractor information
• Certificate of occupancy and inspection records

What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:

• Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at time of recording are reflected)
• Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded instruments
• Interior photographs unless provided by the assessor
• Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to law)
• Private agreements not submitted for recording
• Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Marshall County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Marshall County are maintained permanently. The permanent retention of recorded instruments is a legal requirement under Illinois law and is essential to the integrity of the chain of title system. No recorded instrument affecting real property title is subject to destruction.

Legal Basis for Retention:

The Illinois Local Records Act, 50 ILCS 205, governs the retention and disposition of records maintained by local government agencies in Illinois. Under this statute, records with permanent legal or historical value — including all recorded instruments affecting real property — must be preserved indefinitely. The Illinois Local Records Commission oversees compliance with retention schedules applicable to county offices.

Records Kept Permanently:

Deed Records:

• All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments
• Records date back to the formation of Marshall County and, in some cases, to the original federal land patents issued for Illinois territory

Mortgage Records:

• All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full

Lien Records:

• All recorded liens and lien releases — including judgment liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens — are maintained permanently

Plats and Surveys:

• All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently

Other Recorded Documents:

• Easements, deed restrictions, declarations, powers of attorney affecting real property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently

Format and Storage:

Historical Records:

• Very old records: Handwritten ledgers and bound books
• Early-to-mid 20th century: Typed entries in record books and microfilm
• Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems

Modern Format:

• Electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments
• Digital signatures for newly recorded documents
• Off-site backup facilities and cloud-based systems for digital records
• Climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm archives

Access to Historical Records:

Online Access:

• Records from approximately the past 20 to 40 years are available online in most Illinois counties
• The extent of digitization varies; some counties have digitized records dating to the 19th century

In-Person Access:

• All records, regardless of age, are available for inspection at the Marshall County Clerk's Office
• Older records may be stored in bound volumes, on microfilm, or in archival storage
• Staff can retrieve records from storage; advance notice may be required for very old materials

Property Assessor Records:

• Current and historical assessment records and property cards are maintained permanently
• Recent years of assessment history are available online; historical assessments are accessible at the Assessor's Office
• Exemption applications are retained for a period determined by the applicable state retention schedule, which varies by document type

Tax Collector Records:

• Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under standard retention schedules
• Tax certificates are retained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued
• Tax deed records are maintained permanently
• Recent years of tax payment history are available online through the Treasurer's portal

Chain of Title:

The chain of title for any parcel in Marshall County reflects every recorded transfer from the original federal land patent to the present owner. Title searches conducted for real estate transactions review a minimum of 40 to 60 years of recorded history, though a full abstract may extend back to the original grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before clear title can be conveyed.

Destruction of Records:

Recorded instruments affecting real property title are never destroyed. Administrative working files, duplicate copies, and internal correspondence may be disposed of following the applicable retention period established under the Illinois Local Records Act. Any destruction of records must be authorized by the Illinois Local Records Commission.

Digitization Projects:

Marshall County, in common with many Illinois counties, has undertaken ongoing digitization of historical records. These projects, which may be supported by state or federal preservation grants, involve scanning bound record books and microfilm to create searchable electronic archives. The process of digitizing the full historical record is ongoing.

Contact for Historical Records:

Marshall County Clerk's Office
122 N. Prairie Street
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6325
Marshall County Clerk

Marshall County Assessor's Office
122 N. Prairie Street, Suite 4
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6401
Marshall County Assessor

How To Find Liens on Property in Marshall County?

A lien is a legal claim recorded against real property that secures payment of a debt or obligation. Members of the public may search for liens on property in Marshall County through the following methods and resources:

Types of Liens Recorded Against Real Property:

• Mortgage liens – recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination
• Federal tax liens – filed by the Internal Revenue Service for unpaid federal taxes; searchable through the IRS federal tax lien database
• State tax liens – filed by the Illinois Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
• Judgment liens – arising from court judgments entered against the property owner
• Mechanic's liens – filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work
• HOA liens – filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
• Code enforcement liens – filed by local government for unresolved code violations
• Child support liens – filed pursuant to court order

Step-by-Step Search Process:

1. Access the Marshall County Clerk's official records index, available through the Marshall County Clerk's Office
2. Search by the property owner's name as grantor or grantee, or by parcel number if the system supports parcel-based searches
3. Filter results by document type to isolate liens, mortgages, and related instruments
4. Review all results within the relevant time period, noting instrument numbers, recording dates, and lien amounts
5. For federal tax liens, conduct a separate search through the IRS lien registry or request a search from the County Clerk, as federal tax liens are indexed separately in Illinois
6. For judgment liens, search the circuit court records maintained by the Marshall County Circuit Clerk to identify judgments that may have attached to real property
7. For state tax liens filed by the Illinois Department of Revenue, consult the Illinois Department of Revenue lien records
8. Request a lien search certificate from a licensed title company or abstractor for transactional purposes, as professional searches provide a comprehensive review with liability coverage

In-Person Lien Search:

Members of the public may conduct in-person lien searches at the Marshall County Clerk's Office using the public access terminals available in the recording room. Staff can assist with identifying the correct index and retrieving documents from storage for older records.

Marshall County Clerk's Office
122 N. Prairie Street
Lacon, IL 61540
Phone: (309) 246-6325
Marshall County Clerk

Important Notes on Lien Searches:

• A lien search conducted through the Clerk's index reflects only instruments that have been recorded; unrecorded claims are not reflected in the public record
• Federal tax liens are indexed by the name of the taxpayer, not by property address; a thorough search requires searching all name variations associated with the property owner
• Mechanic's liens in Illinois are governed by the Illinois Mechanics Lien Act, 770 ILCS 60, which establishes strict deadlines for filing and enforcing such claims
• Releases and satisfactions of liens must also be recorded to clear the title; the absence of a recorded release does not necessarily mean a lien remains active, but it does create a title issue requiring resolution

What Is Property Owner Rule in Marshall County?

The property owner rule in Marshall County refers to the body of Illinois law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Illinois follows the general common law framework for real property ownership, supplemented by state statutes and local ordinances.

Establishment of Ownership:

Legal ownership of real property in Marshall County is established by a recorded deed. Under the Illinois Conveyances Act, 765 ILCS 5, a deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and acknowledged before a notary public or other authorized officer before it may be recorded. Recording the deed in the Marshall County Clerk's Office provides constructive notice of the transfer to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.

Forms of Ownership Recognized in Illinois:

• Sole ownership – a single individual holds title in their own name
• Joint tenancy with right of survivorship – two or more persons hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the deceased's interest by operation of law without probate
• Tenancy in common – two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each co-tenant's interest passes through their estate upon death
• Tenancy by the entirety – available only to legally married spouses in Illinois; provides protection against the individual debts of either spouse
• Trust ownership – title held by a trustee for the benefit of named beneficiaries; commonly used for estate planning and privacy
• Corporate or LLC ownership – business entities may hold title to real property; ownership is reflected in the entity's name on the deed

Rights of Property Owners:

Property owners in Marshall County hold the bundle of rights recognized under Illinois law, including the right to use, lease, sell, mortgage, devise by will, and exclude others from the property, subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, easements, and other encumbrances of record. The Illinois Constitution, Article I, Section 15, provides that private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation.

Property Owner Responsibilities:

• Property taxes – owners are responsible for timely payment of real property taxes assessed by Marshall County and applicable taxing districts; failure to pay results in the accrual of interest and penalties and may ultimately result in a tax deed proceeding
• Code compliance – owners must maintain property in compliance with applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and local regulations enforced by Marshall County and any applicable municipality
• Disclosure obligations – sellers of residential real property in Illinois are required to complete a Residential Real Property Disclosure Report pursuant to the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, 765 ILCS 77, disclosing known material defects affecting the property
• Homestead exemption – owner-occupants of residential property may apply for the General Homestead Exemption through the Marshall County Assessor's Office, which reduces the equalized assessed value of the property for tax purposes

Transfer of Ownership:

Ownership of real property in Marshall County is transferred by recorded deed. The transfer is subject to the Illinois Real Estate Transfer Tax, which is collected at the time of recording. The standard state transfer tax rate is $0.50 per $500 of consideration (or fraction thereof) under 35 ILCS 200/31-10, with additional county and municipal transfer taxes applicable in some jurisdictions. Marshall County does not currently impose a separate county-level real estate transfer tax beyond the state rate.