Arkansas Property Records
![Property Records in Arkansas](/img/states/arkansas/property_records_01.jpg)
Did you know you can dig for diamonds in Arkansas? It is home to one of the only public diamond mines in the world. Ernest Hemingway once lived in Arkansas, John Grisham is from there, and Johnny Cash was born in Arkansas. Hot Springs National Park is in Arkansas and was the first national park designated in 1872. It is illegal to mispronounce the state's name, so be careful! The population of Arkansas is 3.046 million people, which means there are lots of property records.
Property records are essential for homeowners, realtors, attorneys, government offices, and the courts. They impact the real estate market dramatically. Many different agencies, individuals, and private companies create these documents. You can gain enormous insight into a property by examining property records.
Keep reading to learn more about Arkansas property records, what they are, the different types, how they are used, where they are located and maintained, and how to make changes after life events.
What Are Property Records in Arkansas?
Arkansas property records are documents and forms that contain essential information about real property and its owners. Some types of property records are informational only, but others perform functions like providing licensing for construction projects and transferring property.
Property History Search Can Include
A property history search can yield an enormous amount of informationâmore than you might expect. However, the different types vary greatly. If you want the whole story, you will want to explore all the records pertaining to a single property.
Some of the things that a property history search may reveal include:
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Property Address
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Detailed Legal Property Description
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Current Owner's Name and Address
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Historical Owners
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Property Inspections
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Appraisals / Property Value
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Deeds
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Liens
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Tax Records
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Mortgage Records
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Bankruptcies
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Foreclosures
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Plat Maps
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Surveys
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Easements / Conveyances
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Property Details
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Lot Size
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Zoning
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Boundary Lines
Sources of Property Records in Arkansas
Although life would be easier if all property records were in the same place, they are not. They are spread among many different agencies and offices. The trick is knowing where to go when you need them. If you bought a house, the local county recorder's office would record your new deed. Each county has one, and deeds must be filed with the county where the property resides. For example, Garland County has information about what services the recorder's office provides and how to file deeds.
If you have a problem with your property tax bill, you need to contact the local county tax collector. The state provides a map to help you find your county and the correct tax official to contact. Some counties offer online tax payment options.
If you plan to renovate your home, you need a building permit. Cities and towns issue building permits. For example, Fort Smith, Arkansas, outlines the process for obtaining one.
How are Land Records Different from Property Records?
The Arkansas Digital Archives maintains historical land records for the state. They include: "Land Donation Applications, Swamp Land Applications, Swamp Land Patents, Proof of Internal Improvement Papers, Proof of Loss Documents, Forfeited Deeds, Relinquishment Papers, and other legal documents generated by the State Land Commissioner's Department".
Land records tend to be limited, but property records are more extensive and include deeds, liens, foreclosures, insurance, appraisals, assessments, and more.
The Role of the County Recorder's Office
![The Role of the County Recorder's Office](img/states/arkansas/property_records_02.jpg)
Arkansas has 75 counties, each with a recorder's office. This office is responsible for recording and maintaining all deeds, mortgages, and related property records. Some can also perform title research, and they perform other functions as needed.
How Property Records are Maintained in Arkansas
Each county decides on its own system of maintaining records. However, whenever a new document arrives, the office stamps it with the date, time, and unique identifier to locate it later. It is then filed and immediately becomes a public record.
Accessing Records at the County Recorder's Office in Arkansas
One of the responsibilities of the county recorder is to provide public access to property records. They do this in person during regular business hours. Some counties also scan and store their records online so residents can search that way. Accessing records means finding the proper county. To get you started, here are a few county offices:
County Recorder's Office Locations in Arkansas
Unfortunately, there is no consolidated list of all county recorder offices in Arkansas. To find the one, you need to do a Google search with the words "county recorder's office" and the county name.
Types of Property Records
There are dozens of types of property records, each with its own purpose and information. Some perform explicit functions like deeds that transfer ownership and building permits that allow you to renovate. The most common property record types you will find in Arkansas are as follows:
Deeds and Conveyance Records
Deeds are one of the most common types of property records. They transfer ownership of property and provide the public chain of title. Deeds contain information about the property and its owners.
All parties must sign deeds, and a notary must witness them. Some of the information contained in deeds includes:
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Name of the Seller/Grantor and Buyer/Grantee.
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A detailed description of the property.
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Maps and plats along with boundaries and sometimes surveys showing the acreage and edges of the property.
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Conveyance language explaining the ownership transfer from one person or entity to another.
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Notarization and execution are at the bottom, where everyone signs to make it legal.
Much of the language contained in deeds refers to the warranty implied or specified and the conveyance of the land from one or more parties to another.
Property Tax Records
Everyone who owns property must pay annual taxes on it. Property taxes in Arkansas pay for road maintenance, police departments, firefighters, and local county government salaries, among other things. They are essential to the local economy.
The local county tax assessor values property and sets tax rates in Arkansas. The state has some of the lowest property taxes in the country, with an average effective tax rate of 0.57%. However, tax rates do vary by county.
Property tax documents in Arkansas contain the following information:
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Identifying Information - The document contains the property's address, parcel number, description, and other information that specifies the parcel.
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Assessed Value - The value is determined by the local assessor and documented on the record as the basis for calculating taxes.
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Tax Rates - The document will contain the average tax rate for the area.
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Exemptions - the document will provide any deductions or exemptions. For example, agricultural or homestead exemptions.
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Property Characteristics - The document may include the number of bedrooms, land size, building size, and number of rooms.
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Liens - Property records may include information about outstanding tax liens or delinquencies associated with the property.
How Often is Property Tax in Arkansas Assessed?
Personal property is assessed annually, and the value is determined on January 1st of each assessment year. The exact date of assessment varies according to the county or general area. The County Assessor's Office determines the assessed value of each property based on factors such as market conditions. The local assessors gather and analyze property data to determine a fair and accurate assessment. The assessment is the basis for calculating party taxes owed. The basic process of property tax assessment is as follows:
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Identification - The local government assessor identifies and locates the taxable property using property records and maps. The assessor will find property characteristics and details of ownership.
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Inspection - The assessor conducts physical inspections to note features, conditions, and changes that may affect their value. The inspector will document relevant details such as dimensions and quality of the construction if present.
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Data Collection and Analysis - The assessor collects data on the factors influencing property value. It can include the sales price of similar properties, market trends, and rental income. The assessor will use the data to determine the assessed value through a sales comparison, income, or cost approach.
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Valuation - The assessor assigns a value to each property reflecting the property's fair market value or its value as determined by state guidelines.
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Notification - The property owner receives the notification of their property's assessed value through a notice or tax statements.
Easements and Covenants
Easements and covenants, which are rights of way and restrictions, sometimes appear on deeds. Easements allow someone other than the owner to access the property for a specific purpose. For example, a power company with power lines on private property can enter and maintain its poles without asking the owner. Anyone buying that property will have to agree to these same terms.
Covenants are rules about how you can use the land. You will be familiar with these if you live in a condo development or gated community. An example might be that you cannot put Christmas decorations on the outside of your house.
Plats and Surveys
Plats and surveys are both types of maps. Surveys show the boundaries of the property, whereas plats also show the boundaries of all the neighboring properties. Plats and surveys accompany deeds.
Survey document will contain the following:
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Boundary Lines - A survey document will clearly depict the property's boundary lines.
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Corners - The document includes the physical markers or corners placed at specific points along the boundary lines.
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Topography - A survey document may note any contours and elevations within the property.
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Surveyor's Certification - The document has a certification statement from the surveyor to affirm accuracy and compliance with the necessary standards.
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Flood Zones - If applicable, the survey document shows information about flood zones and floodplain boundaries.
Historical Property Records
When property records become too vast, many states offload older records to an archive or historical area. The Arkansas Digital Archives is the agency in charge of old, historical land records.
Building Permits and Regulations in Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing oversees all city and town building permit records offices. You can learn about the building codes from this office. If you need a building permit, you should contact the local city or town building inspector's office to apply.
How Can I Search for Property Records?
![How Can I Search for Property Records?](img/states/arkansas/property_records_03.jpg)
Because property records are public, you have every right to search for and obtain copies of them. Our modern digital age provides many options for searching. Try these methods below to see what works best for you.
Online Property Record Search
As you embark on your property history search, you should first try generic online property records search. Type the property address into a Google search bar and see what comes up. Chances are, you won't immediately see what you need, and you'll need to take things further.
In-Person Property Record Search
You can also visit any of the county recorder's offices to request copies of records. You can only visit during regular business hours, and if they are busy, you may have to wait. They can also charge you a small fee per page.
Using Property Record Indexes
You may also find dozens of property record indexes online. Some may be legitimate, but others may not. Be careful; these repositories are not often updated or correct. Verify any information you get from them.
Utilizing Commercial Services
The best way to find all the property records you need in one place is PropertyChecker. You have access to unlimited nationwide searches for things like liens, foreclosures, property values, insurance, deeds, and more. You can even try it for FREE.
How to Search Property Records by Address
Searching using the property address is most effective. Type the full property address, including street, city, state, and zip, into a search bar and see what comes up.
How to Search Property Records by Name
You can sometimes search by the owner's name. However, these types of searches may yield unexpected results. You may see an older owner rather than the most current one.
Understanding Property Ownership in Arkansas
Owning your own home is a wonderful feeling. However, property ownership comes with some serious responsibilities, like maintaining it and paying your mortgage, interest, and taxes. Owner's information does appear in public property records.
Identifying Property Owners
If you ever need to find a property owner, you can do so easily. Visit the county recorder's office where the property is located and ask to see the most recent deed. That will show you who owns the property now.
Chain of Title
The chain of title refers to the list of every owner of a property since the first one. This public chain of title is documented through deeds held by the county recorder's office where the property is located. The chain will always remain unbroken regardless of how property changes hands.
Ownership History and Transfers
Property does not always change hands through real estate sales. Often, people will their property to others upon death. Some transfer it while they are still alive, and some sign over their deeds to pay off a debt.
Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Arkansas
Each property in Arkansas has a specific property description designed just for it. These legal property descriptions include map coordinates designating where it is located and a written description including natural landmarks so anyone can find it.
Surveys and Land Measurements
Professional surveyors use specialized equipment to measure land and create accurate boundaries and coordinates so that each piece of property is its own parcel of land. These surveys are used before building new construction, installing underground utilities, and in boundary disputes.
Boundary Disputes and Resolutions
Boundary disputes occur when one party believes another party is encroaching upon their land. These disputes often escalate and end up in court, where a judge must decide. The courts sometimes use surveyors to provide expert testimony to help decide who owns what.
Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Arkansas
Encumbrances like liens can negatively affect property. Since they are public, they can also hurt the owner's reputation if there are too many or the home goes into foreclosure. Liens, foreclosures, and other negative aspects appear in property records for anyone to see. There are two main types of liens: voluntary and involuntary.
Voluntary Liens
You get to choose whether to allow a voluntary lien on your home. When you take out a loan and use your home as collateral, the lender will place a lien on the home to protect themselves. If you default on the loan, they can foreclose to get paid what you owe.
Mortgage Liens
Mortgage liens are very common and not necessarily negative. Most people have a mortgage and lien, which remains on the property until the loan is paid off. If you fail to make your payments, the lender will foreclose and sell the property to pay off the loan.
Mortgage documents contain the following information:
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Names of Parties - The mortgage identifies the parties involved with their addresses and contact information. It will also include the obligations of both parties.
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Terms - Every mortgage document must include the terms of the loan. It will outline the interest rate, initial loan amount, maturity date, repayment schedule, and the amount to be paid.
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Property Information - The document will describe the property subject to mortgage by address, number, and other relevant information.
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Liens - The document lists any encumbrances and liens that affect the property. The section may include details of previous mortgages, judgments, and claims affecting the title.
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Miscellaneous Documents - Mortgages may contain additional documents related to the transaction.
Involuntary Liens
Involuntary liens are something beyond your control. When you own a debt and fail to pay, the entity can impose a lien on your property. Involuntary liens most often lead to foreclosure and the loss of your home.
Mechanic's Liens
When contractors, laborers, landscapers, and others work on your home, and you do not pay them for the work, they can put a lien on the property. Once the house is sold, they will be paid from the proceeds.
Tax Liens
If you fail to pay your annual property taxes, the local county tax assessor can impose a lien on your property. They will eventually foreclose and sell the property at auction, and you will have to move out.
Judgment Liens
Creditors use judgment liens the same way contractors use mechanic's liens. They must sue you in court and win before they can proceed with foreclosure. They will sell the property for far less than fair market value to pay off the loan.
The Process of Property Liens in Arkansas
The process of putting a property lien in Arkansas depends on the type of lien. Below is how individuals can put a Mechanic's Lien on a property in Arkansas:
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The lender must serve a 'Notice to Owner' before filing the lien at least ten days before filing it. The notice is a warning to the property owner to clear the debt or come to an agreement with the lender.
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If the borrower takes no action, the lender may file a lien with the Circuit Court. The lien form must include the claimant and property owner's information, the description of labor or materials provided, the date of last supply or work done, a description of the property, and an affidavit of compliance with notice requirements and copies of each notice required.
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The debtor may pay the debt during the period given. If not, the lienholder may pursue enforcement actions to collect the debt. It usually involves legal processes such as foreclosure and property sales.
Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Arkansas
![Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Arkansas](img/states/arkansas/property_records_04.jpg)
Real estate sales are where you will see a lot of action with property records. Before the sale, the buyer, seller, realtor, attorney, or title company will use property records to gather information. During the process, an appraisal or assessment will be completed, and a new deed will be drafted, replacing the old current deed.
Buying Property: Due Diligence
Before buying any property in Arkansas, you should consider reviewing property records to find out all you can. Check the value and taxes, and look for liens, foreclosures, or other items of interest so you can make an informed decision.
Selling Property: Providing Disclosure
Before selling any property, you must disclose to potential buyers any material defects, such as lead paint, asbestos, foundation issues, or a leaky roof, so they can purchase knowing what they are getting.
Title Searches and Insurance
If you take out a mortgage, your lender will require you to obtain title insurance. This policy protects you and them against any legal claims on the property after the sale. Before closing, your title company or attorney will perform a property title search, looking for any title defects or issues that could ruin the sale.
Foreclosure and Property Records in Arkansas
Foreclosures appear in property records and are available to anyone. A home in foreclosure may be more difficult to sell and may have a lower value than its fair market value. Many regular buyers don't want to deal with the hassles of buying a foreclosure property.
Pre-Foreclosures in Arkansas
Pre-foreclosure homes are those in the process of foreclosure, but they have yet to be sold at auction. Investors seek out these properties because they often cost far less than fair market value, and they can pick them up cheaply and sell them at a profit.
When was the House Built?
If you are curious about when a house was built, look at all the building permits for the property. The first one will tell you when it was originally built, and the deeds will tell you who first owned it.
Property Records and Property Values
Property values appear in property records. They help buyers make informed decisions and help tax assessors set tax rates. However, property values can change quickly depending on the local real estate market, inflation, interest rates, and other economic factors.
Assessments and Appraisals
Assessments and appraisals are tools used by professionals to form an opinion of the value of a piece of real property. Tax assessors use assessments to value a property for tax purposes. These values may not match the fair market value (FMV). Appraisers use various methods of valuing a property for the purpose of real estate sales and estate planning. Appraisals aim to find the fair market value and what the house would sell in the current market.
Factors that Determine Property Values in Arkansas
Some of the factors that determine higher property values in some of the counties in Arkansas include:
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Location - Factors such as proximity to amenities, schools, and being in a low crime rate neighborhood can increase the property value of an area.
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Flood Zones and Natural Hazards - Arkansas is prone to natural hazards like flooding and occasional tornadoes. Therefore, those in areas with a high vulnerability to natural disasters may have lower values or require additional insurance coverage.
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Historical Significance - Arkansas has properties with historical significance because of its rich history. Historical preservation efforts and the demand for unique architectural features can increase the property's value.
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Agricultural Potential - Arkansas has an agricultural sector. Therefore, properties suitable for farming and ranching with fertile soil may command higher values.
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Scenic Beauty - Arkansas is known for its natural beauty with attractions such as lakes, rivers, forests, and state parks. Therefore, properties in these scenic areas may have higher values. The same applies to properties near outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, hiking, and boating.
Privacy and Property Records
![Privacy and Property Records](img/states/arkansas/property_records_05.jpg)
Arkansas property records are public, meaning anyone can review them anytime for no reason. You might find more information than you expected during a property history search. You can access public property records in person or using any of the online options above.
Why are Property Records Public?
Property records are public for two main reasons. First, they prevent any one government agency from gaining too much power over the people. Second, they create a public chain of title showing every owner of a property going back to the first.
How Do I Protect My Personal Information in Property Records?
You cannot remove all your information from public property records, but you can limit your exposure. Contact the agencies and private companies that have your records and ask that they redact anything beyond your name and address. You don't want your email address or phone number showing up online.
Maintaining and Amending Property Records
Property records are vital when you need them. Therefore, you must keep them updated and correct. The agency holding them will not know to update them if something changes in your life. You will have to do it yourself.
Correcting Errors on Property Records
Humans create property records, and they make mistakes. To correct any errors on your property records, contact the correct agency (county recorder's office, tax official, etc.) and alert them of the issue. You may have to provide documentation proving the error.
Amending Property Records for Legal Changes
You also need to update property records when someone dies. You can do this by visiting the county recorder's office where the property is and bringing the death certificate and will, showing who the new owner is.
How to Change the Name on Property Records in Arkansas
You may want to update your property records when your name changes due to divorce or marriage. You can bring your marriage certificate or divorce decree to the county recorder and have them update the records. They will need to create a new deed and have you sign it.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Property Using Property Records?
There is so much to consider when buying property in Arkansas. You should consider the value and taxes, look for any lien and foreclosures, and check out building permits to see if the place was renovated. You can do all this and more using PropertyChecker as your go-to source for property records. Find everything in one place quickly and easily.
Arkansas County Property Records
- Arkansas County
- Ashley County
- Baxter County
- Benton County
- Boone County
- Bradley County
- Carroll County
- Chicot County
- Clark County
- Clay County
- Cleburne County
- Cleveland County
- Columbia County
- Conway County
- Craighead County
- Crawford County
- Crittenden County
- Dallas County
- Desha County
- Drew County
- Faulkner County
- Franklin County
- Fulton County
- Garland County
- Grant County
- Greene County
- Hempstead County
- Hot Spring County
- Howard County
- Independence County
- Izard County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Johnson County
- Lafayette County
- Lawrence County
- Lee County
- Lincoln County
- Little River County
- Logan County
- Lonoke County
- Madison County
- Marion County
- Miller County
- Mississippi County
- Monroe County
- Montgomery County
- Nevada County
- Newton County
- Ouachita County
- Perry County
- Phillips County
- Pike County
- Poinsett County
- Polk County
- Pope County
- Prairie County
- Pulaski County
- Randolph County
- Saline County
- Scott County
- Searcy County
- Sebastian County
- Sevier County
- Sharp County
- St. Francis County
- Stone County
- Union County
- Van Buren County
- Washington County
- White County
- Woodruff County
- Yell County
Arkansas Property Records Search
Arkansas Property Records Search
Table of Contents
- Property Records in Arkansas
- What Are Property Records in Arkansas?
- The Role of the County Recorder's Office
- Types of Property Records
- How Often is Property Tax in Arkansas Assessed?
- How Can I Search for Property Records?
- Understanding Property Ownership in Arkansas
- Property Descriptions and Boundaries in Arkansas
- Liens, Encumbrances, and Property Records in Arkansas
- Property Records and Real Estate Transactions in Arkansas
- Property Records and Property Values
- Privacy and Property Records
- Maintaining and Amending Property Records
- Arkansas County Property Records