Property Records Search

Fond du Lac Property Search – Latest Homes for Sale & Land

Fond du Lac Property Search connects buyers with Fond du Lac homes for sale, including lakefront homes, condos for sale, and single‑family homes listed on the MLS. Users can view Fond du Lac real estate data through the City Assessor portal at LandShark GIS or call (920) 322‑3410 for assistance. The County Register of Deeds office provides forms for closing, reachable at (920) 929‑3018 or jim.krebs@fdlco.wi.gov. Quick access to property values, housing market trends, and open houses helps first‑time buyers and investors make informed choices.

Fond du Lac Property Search also highlights Fond du Lac commercial real estate, vacant land, and luxury homes with pools or acreage for sale. Prospective owners can explore new construction homes, townhomes, and historic homes through local real‑estate agents linked on the site. Foreclosure listings, short sales, and multi‑family opportunities appear alongside waterfront property and ranch homes near Lake Winnebago. All information complies with the latest city and county contact details, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Search Fond du Lac County Property Records

Start a search for land, homes, and buildings in this Wisconsin county through the official online portal. The portal is run by the county mapping office and gives free access to parcel maps, owner data, and tax facts. The system works on phones, tablets, and computers without a paid account.

To use the tool, open the page in a modern browser such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox. The map will load with all county parcels shown in light color lines. A search bar sits at the top of the screen for quick lookups.

  1. Type a street address, parcel number, or owner name in the search bar at the top of the page.
  2. Pick the right match from the drop-down list to center the map on that parcel.
  3. Click the parcel shape on the map to open the side panel with tax and ownership facts.
  4. Use the layers button to turn on zoning, school districts, or aerial photos.
  5. Save or print the record from the side panel using the browser file menu.

For help with the online tool, contact the county mapping office during business hours. For city tax bills and value questions, reach the City of Fond du Lac Assessor Office using the contact details at the bottom of this page.

Types of Records Available Online

The county keeps many kinds of public records about land and buildings in the area. Most of these records are open to view at no cost. Some printed copies or certified copies have fees based on state law.

  • Parcel maps with lot lines, lot size, and shape
  • Owner names and mailing addresses for each parcel
  • Tax bill amounts for past and current years
  • Deed records with sale prices, dates, and legal descriptions
  • Mortgage records and lien filings from local banks
  • Zoning class and land use codes from the planning office
  • School district lines for each address
  • Aerial photos from the past several years

For records that go back many decades, visit the Register of Deeds in person. Their office keeps paper books from the 1800s and early 1900s. The staff can pull older records and help with certified copies of deeds and mortgages.

Tax Assessment and Property Values

Tax records show how much each property is worth for tax purposes. The City of Fond du Lac Assessor Office, which is operated by Catalis Tax & CAMA, Inc., sets values for properties inside city limits. Towns and villages have their own assessors for areas outside the city limits.

The assessed value is the number the assessor uses to set the tax bill. The market value is the price a property would sell for in a normal sale. These two numbers are often close, but they are not always the same.

ItemWhere to Find It
Current assessed valueCounty GIS portal parcel panel
Last sale priceRegister of Deeds land records
Tax bill amountTreasurer payment portal or mailed tax notice
Property classAssessor record card
Lot size and building sizeCounty GIS portal map

For city property, contact the City of Fond du Lac Assessor Office at (920) 322-3410 or by email at assessors@fdl.wi.gov.

Real Estate Market Trends

Home prices in Fond du Lac County have moved up over the past year. According to Zillow, the average home value in the city of Fond du Lac is $263,060, up 4.6% from a year ago. The county as a whole shows a similar rate of growth.

A separate housing data report puts the average sale price in the city near $301,000, up about 4.9% year over year. Inventory sits around 4.3 months, which means the market is balanced between buyers and sellers right now.

  • Median price: rising at a steady pace
  • Days on market: lower than during the slow 2023 to 2026 stretch
  • Number of recorded sales: up from the prior year
  • Cash buyers: a growing share of closings
  • New listings: rising in the spring and summer months

These numbers help first time buyers and investors set fair offers. They also help sellers price their homes before putting them on the market. The trends also shape the type of homes being built and the pace of new subdivisions.

How to Use the GIS Mapping Tool

The GIS tool gives a live map of every parcel in the county. The map shows roads, water, parks, and tax parcel lines. Users can zoom in to see a single house or zoom out to see the whole county.

The tool also lets you measure distance, draw shapes, and print maps. These features help surveyors, builders, and home buyers check lot lines and setbacks. The same data feeds the county’s emergency response and planning tools.

  1. Open the GIS map in a modern web browser.
  2. Use the plus and minus buttons to zoom in or out.
  3. Click the measure tool to find the length of a lot line in feet.
  4. Use the search bar to find a parcel by ID, owner, or address.
  5. Print the map or save it as a PDF from the browser menu.

If the map fails to load, clear the browser cache or try a different browser. The site works best on the latest version of Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. Older browsers may not show all map layers.

Steps to Search by Owner Name

Searching by owner name is helpful when you know who owns a property but not the address. The GIS tool will return all parcels linked to a person or business name in the county.

  1. Click the search icon and pick “Owner” from the drop-down list.
  2. Type the last name, then the first name. Use quotes for exact matches.
  3. Review the list of parcels linked to that name in the county.
  4. Click any parcel to see its full tax and ownership record.
  5. Use the print button to save a copy of the record for your files.

Common name searches work best. The system may return many results for names like “Smith” or “Johnson.” Adding a first name or business name narrows the list. The county keeps names up to date as deeds are recorded each month.

Steps to Search by Property Address

Address search is the fastest way to pull up a single home or building. Type the full street address with the city and ZIP code for the best results in the search bar.

  1. Click the search icon and pick “Address” from the menu.
  2. Type the house number, then the street name. Add the city for less common street names.
  3. Pick the right match from the drop-down list shown by the system.
  4. Click the parcel on the map to see owner, tax, and zoning data.
  5. Open the layers menu to add school district, flood zone, or zoning data.

Some new streets may not show up in the tool for a few months after they are built. The mapping office updates the map each month with new addresses. Contact the office if a new street is missing from the search.

Steps to Search by Parcel Number

Every parcel in the county has a unique number, called a parcel ID or tax key. The number is printed on tax bills and recorded on every deed. Use this search for the most exact match in the system.

  1. Find the parcel number on a tax bill, recorded deed, or prior record.
  2. Click the search icon and pick “Parcel ID” from the menu.
  3. Type the full parcel number with dashes, if shown on the document.
  4. Click the result to open the parcel details on the map.
  5. Use the print button to save the page for your records.

Parcel numbers follow a standard format set by the state of Wisconsin. The first digits show the town or city, and the rest shows the lot and block. The Register of Deeds staff can help you read older parcel numbers from past decades.

Official Recording and Deed Forms

The Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds records all land transfers in the county. The office keeps forms for deeds, mortgages, liens, and other filings. The most common forms are listed in the table below for quick reference.

Form NameUse Case
Warranty DeedTransfer with full title protection
Quitclaim DeedTransfer with no warranty of title
Grant DeedStandard transfer between private parties
Personal Representative DeedTransfer from an estate or probate case
Memorandum of ContractNotice of a sale contract that is not yet closed

Forms are available at the Register of Deeds office during regular business hours. Refer to the official Fond du Lac County website for current contact details, including the phone number, email, physical address, and mailing address of the Register of Deeds.

Real Estate Recording Process

When a home or land is sold in Wisconsin, the deed must be recorded with the county where the property is located. Recording puts the public on notice of the new owner. It also protects the new owner from future claims by past owners or lenders.

  1. The buyer and seller sign the deed in front of a notary public.
  2. The deed is sent to the Register of Deeds for the county where the land sits.
  3. The office staff check the deed for errors and missing details.
  4. The deed is scanned, indexed, and stored in the public database.
  5. The original deed is mailed back to the new owner or their lender.

Recording fees in Wisconsin are set by state law. The current fee for a standard deed is $30. The Register of Deeds office can answer questions about page count, extra fees, and the time it takes to record a document. Most documents are recorded within a few business days.

Available Property Categories for Sale

Fond du Lac County offers many kinds of real estate for sale at any time. Buyers can pick from single family homes, condos, townhomes, and multi family homes. There are also luxury homes, ranch homes, and homes with pools on the active market.

  • Single family homes in city neighborhoods and suburbs
  • Condos and townhomes near retail areas and schools
  • Multi family homes for rental income
  • Luxury homes on Lake Winnebago and other area lakes
  • Ranch homes in rural towns with land
  • Homes with pools for summer living
  • First time buyer homes in lower price ranges
  • Investment property with rental history

Open houses happen most weekends in the spring and summer. Real estate agents also host private showings by appointment. The MLS keeps a live feed of all active listings in the county, updated every few minutes.

Lakefront and Waterfront Property Data

Fond du Lac County sits at the south end of Lake Winnebago, one of the largest inland lakes in the United States. Lakefront homes on Lake Winnebago carry higher prices than inland homes in the same area.

Waterfront records on the GIS tool show the lake frontage in feet, the lot size, and the type of shore. Buyers can use these facts to compare two lakefront homes side by side. They can also check if the lot has a private dock or shares a community dock.

  • Lake frontage length in feet on the parcel
  • Type of shore: sandy, rocky, or rip-rap
  • Dock rights: private or shared with a subdivision
  • Elevation above lake level for flood risk
  • FEMA flood zone status from the map layer

Flood plain status is a key fact for any waterfront home. The county GIS shows FEMA flood zones as a map layer that turns on with a click. Homes in a flood zone need flood insurance, which adds to the total cost of owning the home each year.

Commercial Real Estate Records

Commercial real estate in the county includes retail stores, office buildings, warehouses, and mixed-use spaces. The county records show the building size, year built, and current owner. Tax records show the income class and tax bill for each parcel.

  • Retail buildings in downtown Fond du Lac
  • Office space near the business park
  • Warehouse space near the highway
  • Mixed-use buildings with apartments above stores
  • Restaurants and hotel sites along main roads

For commercial tax bills, contact the city or town assessor based on the property location. For deeds and mortgages on commercial property, contact the Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds office. The staff can also pull the chain of title for any commercial parcel.

Foreclosure and Distressed Property Records

Foreclosures and short sales are listed in the county land records when the bank takes title to a home. The Register of Deeds records the sheriff’s deed or the bank’s deed after the court case ends. The GIS tool shows the same records in the parcel panel.

Distressed properties sell below market value in many cases. They also need extra inspections for repair needs and code issues. Buyers should set aside a budget for repairs and closing costs when shopping for these homes in the area.

  1. Search for “bank” or “mortgage” in the owner name field on the GIS portal.
  2. Filter by recent recording dates in the Register of Deeds database.
  3. Check the sheriff’s sale list for upcoming auctions at the courthouse.
  4. Read the case file at the courthouse for the full debt amount.
  5. Get a title search before making an offer on a foreclosure property.

The county courthouse holds paper files for past foreclosure cases. The Register of Deeds holds the recorded deeds that result from each case. Together, they give buyers the full picture before a sale.

New Construction Records

New construction homes are built on vacant lots or as part of a new subdivision. The county tracks building permits and final inspections for new homes. The assessor uses the final size and finish level to set the assessed value for tax purposes.

  • Building permits at the city or town building inspection office
  • Final certificates of occupancy from the local building inspector
  • New plat maps recorded with the Register of Deeds
  • First deed of record for the new home
  • Builder warranty start date on the closing paperwork

Buyers shopping for new construction should check the permit date and the closing date. A home closed in the last 12 months may still be under builder warranty. A permit pulled but never closed may mean a project was paused by the builder.

Historic Property Records

Fond du Lac County has a long history dating back to the 1800s. Many historic homes in the city and towns date from the late 1800s and early 1900s. The county records hold the chain of title for each of these homes going back many generations.

For a historic home, the Register of Deeds can pull the full chain of title going back to the original patent from the U.S. government. These records are kept in paper books in the office basement. The staff can help you find the right book and page for any parcel.

  • Original land patent from the U.S. government
  • Victorian era deeds on microfilm and paper
  • Sanborn fire map records at the local library
  • Historic district maps from the city planning office

Historic homes may be in a local historic district. The city planning office can tell you if a home is in a district and what rules apply to outside changes. Some districts require a review board approval before siding, windows, or roof changes.

Agricultural and Vacant Land Records

Vacant land in the county includes farmland, forest, and bare lots in towns. The assessor classifies each parcel by land use. The classification affects the tax rate and the tax bill paid each year by the owner.

  • Cropland used for corn, soybeans, or other crops
  • Pasture and grazing land for cattle and horses
  • Forest land managed for timber and recreation
  • Marsh and wetland land with conservation rules
  • Bare lots in towns waiting for future homes

Acreage for sale in the county ranges from half-acre lots to 100-acre farms. Buyers should check the soil type, the road access, and the drainage before buying rural land. The USDA soil survey map is a free tool that overlays the county GIS map for soil facts.

Working with Local Real Estate Professionals

Local real estate agents know the Fond du Lac County market better than anyone. They track new listings, set up showings, and write offers on behalf of buyers. They also guide sellers through the listing and closing process with the Register of Deeds.

Buyers can search the state real estate board for licensed agents in the county. Sellers can ask for a market analysis from two or three agents before picking one to list a home for sale. Comparing agents helps sellers pick the best fit for their needs.

  • Look up an agent’s license on the Wisconsin DSPS website
  • Ask for past sales in the same ZIP code as your home
  • Check online reviews on Google and Zillow
  • Ask about their experience with the type of home you want to buy
  • Get a clear list of fees and commission splits in writing

A good agent will pull the GIS record, the tax record, and the deed history before an offer. They will also share a list of repairs or updates the seller has made over the years. This data helps buyers set a fair offer price.

Tips for First Time Buyers

First time buyers have a lot to learn about the home buying process. The county records are a great place to start. Pull the GIS record, the last three tax bills, and the last deed before making an offer on a home.

  1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start shopping.
  2. Pick a price range based on your monthly budget and down payment.
  3. Tour at least 10 homes in your target area before offering.
  4. Pull the GIS record for any home you like in the area.
  5. Use a home inspector who knows local homes and soil types.
  6. Use a title company that does business in the county.

First time buyer programs may offer down payment help. The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority runs statewide programs. Local banks and credit unions also offer low down payment loans for buyers who meet the rules.

Property Investment Records

Real estate investors need data on rents, vacancy, and cap rates. The county records give the ownership chain, the tax bill, and the zoning class. They do not give rent data, which comes from MLS rent listings and from the U.S. Census.

  • Single family rentals in city neighborhoods
  • Multi family rentals in duplex and fourplex zones
  • Commercial rentals in retail and office parks
  • Vacation rentals near Lake Winnebago and other lakes
  • Land rentals for farming in the rural parts of the county

Investors should check the rental rules in each town or city. Some towns require rental licenses for landlords. Lake towns may have short term rental rules that affect vacation home income and how the home can be used each year.

Neighborhood and Zoning Records

Zoning rules control what you can build on a lot. The county and city zoning maps are open public records. The GIS tool shows the zoning class for each parcel as a map layer that can be turned on or off.

The city of Fond du Lac has its own zoning code for properties inside city limits. Towns in the county use the county zoning code for areas outside city limits. Lake Winnebago shoreland zones have extra rules to protect the lake water and shore.

Zone TypeAllowed Use
Single family residentialOne home per lot
Two family residentialDuplex allowed
Multi family residentialApartments and condos
CommercialRetail, office, and mixed use
IndustrialManufacturing and warehouse
AgriculturalFarms and rural homes

Before you buy a lot, check the zoning and the future land use map. A future land use map shows where the city plans to add sewer and roads. Buying a lot on the edge of a sewer extension can save a lot of money down the road when the sewer is built.

Common Search Errors

Many users hit small problems when they first try the county tools. The list below shows the most common issues and how to fix them in a few seconds.

  • Typo in the owner name: clear the box and try the last name only.
  • Wrong city name: leave the city field blank and pick from the drop-down list.
  • Map fails to load: clear the browser cache or use a different browser.
  • Old parcel number: contact the mapping office for help with the format.
  • Deed not in the search: visit the office for paper books from before 1985.

For any error you cannot fix, contact the office during business hours. The staff can pull the record for you and email a copy if needed. The staff can also help you read older records and understand older parcel numbers from past decades.

Property Values and Market Reports

Property value reports give buyers and sellers a clear view of the market. The county assessor publishes a list of assessed values each year after the board of review meets. The Register of Deeds publishes monthly sale reports based on new deeds.

Reports include the number of sales, the median price, and the average price by ZIP code. The Federal Reserve Economic Data site also tracks the average listing price in the county from month to month. These reports are open to all and free to read.

  • Monthly sale reports from the Register of Deeds
  • Yearly assessed value list from the Assessor Office
  • Federal Reserve listing price data for the county
  • MLS market reports from local real estate brokerages
  • U.S. Census housing data for the county and ZIP codes

Reading two or three reports each month helps you spot the direction of the market. A rising median price, low days on market, and a low inventory all point to a strong seller’s market in the area. Falling numbers point to a buyer’s market.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

Use the contact details below to reach the right office for your question. The City Assessor Office handles city tax and value questions. The Register of Deeds handles deeds, mortgages, and other land records for the county.

City of Fond du Lac Assessor Office (Catalis Tax & CAMA, Inc.)

  • Official Website: https://www.fdl.wi.gov/administration/assessor/
  • Direct Public Search Portal: https://landinfo.fdlco.wi.gov/LandShark/
  • Main Phone: (920) 322-3410
  • Official Email: assessors@fdl.wi.gov

Fond du Lac County Land Information Office (LandShark GIS Portal)

  • Official Website: https://landinfo.fdlco.wi.gov/LandShark/

Fond du Lac County Register of Deeds

  • Official Website: Refer to the official Fond du Lac County government website for current contact information, including phone number, email, physical address, and mailing address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding property details in Fond du Lac is simple when you use the official city and county portals. These sites let you view parcel maps, owner names, tax information and recent sales without paying a fee. Whether you are scouting a lakefront home, a rental unit or vacant land, the tools give accurate data that helps you decide quickly.

How do I start a Fond du Lac property search for homes or land?

Visit the City Assessor portal at fdl.wi.gov and click the mapping‑GIS link. The map loads with every parcel highlighted. Enter an address, parcel number or owner name in the search box. Results show the property’s address, legal description, assessed value and tax history. For deeper details, click the parcel to open a PDF summary that includes square footage, zoning and recent sale price.

Where can I find official contact info for the Fond du Lac Assessor Office?

The Assessor Office is located at 160 South Macy Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. Call (920) 322‑3410 or email assessors@fdl.wi.gov for questions about assessments, parcel data or to request printed records. The office works weekdays, and staff can guide you to specific GIS layers or explain changes in property values.

What steps are needed to obtain a deed or record a property transfer in Fond du Lac County?

First, download the appropriate form from the Register of Deeds site at fdlco.wi.gov. Fill in the grantor, grantee, legal description and sign before a notary. Bring the completed form to the Register’s office at 160 S Macy St ‑ 1st Floor or mail it to PO Box 509, Fond du Lac 54936‑0509. Call (920) 929‑3018 or email jim.krebs@fdlco.wi.gov if you need help locating the correct form.

Can I view recent sales and market trends for Fond du Lac residential properties?

Yes. The Assessor portal lists the last sale date and price for each parcel. Combine this with county‑wide market reports from local real‑estate boards to see price growth, such as the 4.6 % increase reported in 2026. Use the data to compare neighborhoods, lakefront homes versus inland listings, and to gauge fair offers.

How do I locate foreclosure or short‑sale listings in Fond du Lac?

Check the county’s public records search for a “sale type” filter set to foreclosure or short sale. The GIS map highlights these parcels in a distinct color. You can also call the Assessor Office for the latest foreclosure schedule or visit the county’s auction page for upcoming dates. This approach helps investors spot discounted properties before they hit MLS listings.