A: A deed and mortgage have to be recorded with the County and become a part of the public record. Anyone can do an online search or go to the Recorder or Clerk’s office in person to look up who owns a specific piece of property. One way to keep your ownership private is to purchase the property in the name of a business, but this will very likely result in a higher interest rate than you would get purchasing the property as an individual. This may not be a worthwhile option for you. You would also have to pay registration fees to set up the business to hold title to the property.

Another option is to purchase the property into a land trust. Title to the property is held in the name of a land trust number and you are only listed as a beneficiary on paperwork maintained and held by the land trust company (and not on the public record). The land trust company does not release the names of the beneficiaries without your approval. There are yearly fees associated with a land trust (typically based on purchase price), but assuming your lender will allow you to purchase the property in a land trust, you could pay a lower interest rate than if you purchased the property as a business.