Official documentation of land, buildings, and different actual property belongings throughout the geographic boundaries of Champaign County, Illinois, constitutes the core of this knowledge set. This documentation usually consists of particulars equivalent to possession historical past, authorized descriptions, assessed values, tax info, and recorded liens or encumbrances. An instance may be the document of a residential property switch, detailing the vendor, purchaser, sale value, and date of transaction.
Entry to this info serves a vital perform for varied functions, together with actual property transactions, property valuation, tax evaluation, historic analysis, and concrete planning. It offers transparency and ensures accountability throughout the native actual property market. Traditionally, these information have advanced from handwritten ledgers to digitized databases, reflecting developments in record-keeping know-how and facilitating simpler public entry. This knowledge additionally performs an important position in understanding neighborhood improvement and financial tendencies over time.
Additional exploration of this matter will cowl accessing these assets, understanding their authorized implications, and highlighting their sensible purposes for people, companies, and researchers.
1. Possession Historical past
Possession historical past constitutes a vital element of Champaign County property information. It offers a chronological document of property possession, documenting each switch of title from the earliest recorded transaction to the current day. This historic chain of title establishes the authorized foundation of present possession and could be essential in resolving property disputes, verifying possession claims, and understanding previous transactions. For instance, tracing possession historical past can reveal earlier homeowners, sale costs, dates of switch, and any easements or covenants hooked up to the property. This info could be important in figuring out boundary discrepancies or uncovering unresolved liens.
Analyzing possession historical past permits for a deeper understanding of a property’s previous. A protracted and constant possession historical past could counsel stability and worth, whereas frequent transfers would possibly point out underlying points or speculative exercise. Furthermore, researching previous homeowners can uncover historic makes use of of the property, which can be related for environmental assessments or historic preservation efforts. In instances of opposed possession claims, a radical possession historical past is indispensable for establishing authorized possession. This historic document offers proof of steady and uninterrupted possession, a key think about figuring out the validity of such claims.
Entry to complete and correct possession historical past is important for the environment friendly functioning of the true property market in Champaign County. It offers transparency and certainty, facilitating knowledgeable decision-making by patrons, sellers, lenders, and authorized professionals. Challenges can come up when information are incomplete or fragmented, significantly for older properties. Nonetheless, ongoing efforts to digitize and centralize these information are bettering accessibility and making certain the integrity of this significant info for future generations.
2. Authorized Descriptions
Authorized descriptions inside Champaign County property information function the exact and unambiguous identification of a particular parcel of land. Not like avenue addresses, which could be duplicated or modified, a authorized description offers a novel and everlasting identifier tied to the property’s bodily location and bounds. This description depends on established surveying strategies and sometimes references metes and bounds, plat maps, or the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). Understanding these descriptions is essential for precisely figuring out and conveying actual property pursuits. An improperly recorded or ambiguous authorized description can result in vital points with property transactions, boundary disputes, and title insurance coverage.
As an example, a authorized description would possibly reference a particular level of starting, then proceed to stipulate the property’s boundaries utilizing compass instructions and distances. It may additionally cite the related subdivision plat guide and lot quantity or a piece, township, and vary throughout the PLSS. This method eliminates ambiguity and ensures a exact delineation of property possession. Contemplate a situation the place two adjoining properties share a portion of a boundary described otherwise of their respective information. This discrepancy can result in disputes over possession and doubtlessly require expensive surveys and authorized motion to resolve. Correct and constant authorized descriptions are elementary to sustaining readability and stopping such conflicts. Moreover, they’re important for title corporations to precisely assess threat and supply title insurance coverage, defending property homeowners and lenders from potential title defects.
Correct authorized descriptions are foundational to the integrity of Champaign County property information. They underpin clear title and facilitate seamless property transactions. Whereas accessing and deciphering these descriptions would possibly require some technical understanding, varied assets can be found to help. County recorder places of work, title corporations, and licensed surveyors can present steering in navigating these vital parts of property information. A radical understanding of authorized descriptions empowers people and professionals concerned in actual property transactions to keep away from potential pitfalls and make sure the safe switch of property rights.
3. Assessed Values
Assessed values represent a vital aspect inside Champaign County property information, serving as the premise for property taxation. Decided by the County Assessor’s workplace, these values signify an estimate of a property’s market price and play a big position in calculating annual property taxes. Understanding how assessed values are decided and their impression on tax liabilities is important for property homeowners, potential patrons, and anybody concerned in actual property transactions throughout the county.
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Willpower of Assessed Worth
The evaluation course of entails analyzing varied components, together with property traits (measurement, age, situation), comparable gross sales knowledge, and native market situations. Assessors use standardized methodologies to make sure consistency and equity throughout properties. As an example, current gross sales of comparable properties in the identical neighborhood can considerably affect a property’s assessed worth. Furthermore, enhancements or renovations to a property can result in changes within the assessed worth, reflecting elevated market price.
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Relationship to Property Taxes
Assessed values instantly impression the quantity of property taxes owed. The native tax fee, decided by taxing our bodies equivalent to faculties, municipalities, and county authorities, is utilized to the assessed worth to calculate the annual tax invoice. A better assessed worth leads to the next tax legal responsibility. Understanding this relationship is essential for budgeting and monetary planning for property homeowners. Modifications in assessed values, whether or not on account of market fluctuations or property enhancements, can considerably have an effect on future tax obligations.
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Interesting Assessed Values
Property homeowners have the correct to attraction their assessed worth in the event that they consider it’s inaccurate or unfair. This appeals course of usually entails presenting proof to assist a decrease valuation, equivalent to comparable gross sales knowledge or unbiased value determinations. Profitable appeals can result in a discount in assessed worth and consequently decrease property taxes. This avenue offers a mechanism for making certain truthful and equitable property taxation throughout the county.
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Affect on Actual Property Transactions
Assessed values, whereas primarily used for tax functions, may also affect actual property transactions. Potential patrons typically think about assessed values as a place to begin for evaluating a property’s market worth. Lenders can also use assessed values of their underwriting course of. Important discrepancies between assessed worth and market worth can elevate purple flags and warrant additional investigation. Due to this fact, understanding assessed values offers useful insights for each patrons and sellers throughout actual property negotiations.
Assessed values play a elementary position within the framework of Champaign County property information. By understanding their dedication, relationship to property taxes, attraction course of, and impression on actual property transactions, people can navigate the native property market with higher readability and make knowledgeable choices relating to property possession and funding. This understanding contributes to a extra clear and equitable property tax system throughout the county.
4. Tax Data
Tax info types an integral element of Champaign County property information, establishing a direct hyperlink between property possession and monetary obligations. This info encompasses particulars equivalent to assessed worth, tax levies imposed by varied taxing our bodies (county, municipality, faculty districts, and so forth.), cost historical past, and any excellent tax liens. The assessed worth, decided by the County Assessor, serves as the premise for calculating property taxes. Every taxing physique applies its particular tax fee to the assessed worth, ensuing within the complete tax legal responsibility for a given property. This knowledge is essential for understanding the general value of property possession and making certain compliance with native tax laws.
Property tax information inside Champaign County’s system present a historic overview of tax funds and delinquencies. This historical past could be vital for potential patrons, offering insights right into a property’s monetary standing. As an example, a historical past of delinquent taxes can sign potential monetary misery related to the property and should impression its marketability. Conversely, a constant document of well timed tax funds displays accountable possession and contributes to a constructive property historical past. Moreover, understanding the distribution of tax levies amongst completely different taxing our bodies permits residents to see how their tax {dollars} are allotted throughout the neighborhood, fostering transparency and accountability in native governance. Analyzing historic tax knowledge may also reveal tendencies in property values and tax charges over time, providing useful insights for long-term monetary planning and funding choices.
Entry to complete and correct tax info is important for sustaining a clear and environment friendly property market. It empowers property homeowners to know and handle their tax obligations, whereas additionally offering vital info for potential patrons, lenders, and researchers. Challenges can come up when tax info is incomplete or inaccurate, doubtlessly resulting in disputes or monetary problems. Due to this fact, the County’s dedication to sustaining correct and accessible tax information is significant for making certain the soundness and integrity of the native actual property market. This knowledge contributes to a fairer and extra knowledgeable setting for all stakeholders concerned in property transactions inside Champaign County.
5. Recorded Liens
Recorded liens signify a vital element of Champaign County property information, signifying a authorized declare towards a property for an excellent debt. These liens, recorded throughout the county’s official information, function public discover of the encumbrance and set up a precedence declare towards the property’s title. Understanding the character and implications of recorded liens is important for anybody concerned in actual property transactions or analysis throughout the county. The existence of a lien can considerably impression a property’s marketability and may finally result in foreclosures if the underlying debt stays unpaid. A number of sorts of liens generally seem in property information, together with tax liens (ensuing from unpaid property taxes), mortgage liens (securing a mortgage mortgage), mechanic’s liens (for unpaid development work), and judgment liens (ensuing from courtroom judgments). As an example, a contractor who performs renovations on a property however doesn’t obtain full cost could file a mechanic’s lien. This lien attaches to the property and turns into a part of the general public document, doubtlessly impeding future transactions till the debt is settled. Equally, unpaid property taxes may end up in a tax lien, which takes priority over different liens and may finally result in the property’s sale at a tax public sale.
The presence of recorded liens complicates property transactions. A title search, an ordinary process in actual property transactions, reveals any current liens. Consumers and lenders usually require clear title, which means the property is freed from encumbrances. Due to this fact, current liens have to be glad earlier than the sale can proceed. Contemplate a situation the place a property is topic to a mortgage lien and a judgment lien. If the property is offered, the proceeds from the sale should first be used to fulfill the mortgage lien (usually the senior lien), adopted by the judgment lien, earlier than the vendor receives any remaining funds. Understanding the precedence and implications of several types of liens is important for shielding the pursuits of patrons, sellers, and lenders. Failure to handle excellent liens can result in authorized disputes and monetary losses.
Recorded liens present essential details about a property’s monetary historical past and authorized standing. Their presence inside Champaign County property information serves as a vital threat evaluation device for potential patrons and lenders. Whereas the existence of a lien doesn’t essentially point out a problematic property, it necessitates additional investigation to know the character and implications of the encumbrance. Accessing and deciphering lien info empowers stakeholders to make knowledgeable choices, mitigate potential dangers, and make sure the safe switch of property rights. The correct and well timed recording of liens contributes to the general integrity and transparency of the Champaign County property market, fostering belief and facilitating clean actual property transactions.
6. Switch Paperwork
Switch paperwork represent important parts of Champaign County property information, formally documenting the change of possession of a property. These paperwork, together with deeds, quitclaim deeds, and different devices of conveyance, present the authorized document of property transfers and set up the chain of title. They’re meticulously recorded throughout the county’s official information, making a everlasting and publicly accessible historical past of possession. This meticulous recording course of ensures transparency and facilitates the verification of possession claims, defending the rights of present and future property homeowners. The cause-and-effect relationship is evident: a switch of possession necessitates the creation and recording of a switch doc, which, in flip, updates the property information and displays the change in title. For instance, when a property is offered, the vendor executes a deed conveying possession to the client. This deed, as soon as recorded with the county, turns into a part of the official property document and serves as proof of the switch.
The significance of switch paperwork as a element of Champaign County property information can’t be overstated. They supply the authorized framework for establishing clear title and resolving potential possession disputes. Contemplate a situation the place two events declare possession of the identical property. The recorded switch paperwork, establishing the chain of title, develop into essential proof in figuring out official possession. Moreover, these paperwork typically include vital particulars relating to the transaction, such because the sale value, easements, covenants, and different situations affecting the property. This info could be important for property valuation, tax evaluation, and land use planning. A radical understanding of switch paperwork allows stakeholders to navigate the complexities of actual property transactions, assess dangers related to property possession, and make sure the safe and legally sound switch of property rights. For researchers, these paperwork present useful insights into historic land possession patterns and neighborhood improvement.
Correct and accessible switch paperwork are elementary to the integrity of Champaign County property information. They contribute to a secure and clear actual property market, facilitating knowledgeable decision-making and lowering the potential for disputes. Challenges can come up when paperwork are lacking, incomplete, or include errors. Due to this fact, the County’s dedication to sustaining correct and readily accessible information is essential for shielding property rights and making certain the sleek functioning of the native actual property market. By offering a transparent and everlasting document of possession modifications, switch paperwork play an important position in establishing belief and confidence in property transactions inside Champaign County.
7. Mapping Information
Mapping knowledge types a vital reference to Champaign County property information, reworking textual descriptions and authorized boundaries into visually accessible representations. Geographic Data System (GIS) know-how integrates property information knowledge, together with authorized descriptions, parcel boundaries, possession info, and assessed values, onto maps. This integration offers a strong device for visualizing property info and understanding spatial relationships. The cause-and-effect relationship is evident: correct mapping knowledge depends on the exact property information, whereas the maps, in flip, improve the usability and accessibility of these information. As an example, a developer contemplating a land buy can use mapping knowledge to shortly visualize the parcel’s measurement, form, and site relative to surrounding infrastructure, zoning districts, and pure options. Equally, county officers can use GIS maps to investigate property values, assess tax income potential, and plan for infrastructure improvement.
The significance of mapping knowledge as a element of Champaign County property information extends past easy visualization. It empowers stakeholders with enhanced analytical capabilities. Overlaying a number of knowledge layers on a map, equivalent to floodplains, zoning laws, and historic land use, offers a complete understanding of a property’s context and potential dangers. Contemplate a situation the place a property is positioned inside a delegated floodplain. Mapping knowledge makes this info readily obvious, alerting potential patrons and lenders to the related flood dangers. This spatial context is essential for knowledgeable decision-making in actual property transactions, city planning, and environmental administration. Moreover, mapping knowledge facilitates environment friendly property evaluation and tax administration, permitting for correct valuation and equitable distribution of tax burdens. The power to visualise property boundaries and traits simplifies the evaluation course of and reduces the potential for disputes.
Correct and accessible mapping knowledge enhances the worth and utility of Champaign County property information. It promotes transparency and facilitates knowledgeable decision-making for a variety of stakeholders, together with property homeowners, potential patrons, authorities businesses, and researchers. Challenges can come up when mapping knowledge isn’t synchronized with property information, doubtlessly resulting in inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Due to this fact, sustaining knowledge integrity and making certain common updates are essential. By offering a spatial context for property info, mapping knowledge empowers people and organizations to navigate the complexities of the true property market and contribute to a extra environment friendly and clear system of property possession and administration inside Champaign County.
8. Public Entry
Public entry to Champaign County property information types a cornerstone of transparency and accountability throughout the native actual property market. Open entry ensures that people, companies, and researchers can get hold of essential property info, fostering knowledgeable decision-making and selling truthful market practices. This accessibility empowers stakeholders to conduct due diligence, confirm possession claims, assess property values, and perceive historic tendencies. The next sides discover the important thing parts and implications of public entry to those information.
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On-line Portals and Databases
Many counties, together with Champaign County, present on-line portals permitting handy entry to property information. These portals usually provide searchable databases the place customers can retrieve info by property tackle, proprietor title, parcel quantity, or different identifiers. On-line entry eliminates the necessity for in-person visits to authorities places of work, saving time and assets. For instance, a possible purchaser can shortly entry property tax info, possession historical past, and recorded liens on-line, facilitating a extra environment friendly and knowledgeable buying course of.
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Bodily File Rooms and Workplaces
Whereas on-line entry is more and more prevalent, bodily document rooms inside county places of work stay an necessary useful resource. These places home unique paperwork and supply entry to information that will not but be digitized. Researchers and people requiring licensed copies of paperwork typically make the most of these bodily repositories. Visiting a bodily document room could also be mandatory for accessing historic information, surveying plat maps, or acquiring official documentation for authorized proceedings. The provision of each on-line and bodily entry choices ensures complete entry for various wants.
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Freedom of Data Act (FOIA) Requests
The Freedom of Data Act (FOIA) offers a authorized framework for accessing authorities information, together with property information. People can submit FOIA requests to acquire particular info not available via commonplace channels. This mechanism is especially necessary for investigative journalists, researchers, and people searching for info associated to authorities actions or particular properties. FOIA requests could be essential for uncovering potential irregularities, making certain authorities accountability, and selling transparency in property-related issues.
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Potential Limitations and Prices
Whereas public entry is usually assured, some limitations could exist. Sure delicate info, equivalent to private contact particulars or particular safety measures, could also be redacted to guard privateness. Moreover, accessing copies of paperwork or using particular companies could incur charges. Understanding these potential limitations and related prices is important for successfully navigating the method of accessing Champaign County property information. Navigating these limitations typically requires understanding particular laws and procedures, and searching for help from county officers or authorized professionals if mandatory.
Public entry to Champaign County property information is key to a clear and environment friendly actual property market. The assorted entry strategies, from on-line portals to bodily document rooms and FOIA requests, cater to various info wants. Understanding these strategies and their potential limitations empowers people, companies, and researchers to successfully make the most of these useful assets. This accessibility contributes to knowledgeable decision-making, truthful market practices, and finally, a extra sturdy and equitable property market inside Champaign County. By selling open entry, the county fosters public belief and ensures accountability in property possession and transactions.
9. Historic Data
Historic information represent a useful element of Champaign County property information, providing a window into the previous and offering essential context for understanding the current. These information, typically encompassing paperwork relationship again a long time and even centuries, hint the evolution of land possession, property use, and neighborhood improvement. The cause-and-effect relationship between historic information and present property info is critical: previous transactions, authorized choices, and land surveys form present possession boundaries, property rights, and land use laws. For instance, a historic deed would possibly reveal an easement granting entry to a neighboring property, a proper that continues to impression present property homeowners. Equally, historic maps and surveys could be essential for resolving boundary disputes or understanding modifications in river programs or roadways that have an effect on property strains.
The significance of historic information as a element of Champaign County property information extends past particular person properties. They supply a wealthy tapestry of data for researchers, historians, and genealogists, illuminating patterns of settlement, financial improvement, and social change. Analyzing historic property transactions can reveal intervals of financial increase and bust, shifts in agricultural practices, and the expansion of city facilities. As an example, researching historic information would possibly uncover the unique goal of a constructing, its architectural significance, or its position in the neighborhood’s historical past. This info could be invaluable for preservation efforts, city planning initiatives, and historic analysis tasks. Accessing and deciphering historic information typically requires specialised information and assets. Native historic societies, libraries, and archives can present useful help in navigating these complicated assets and extracting significant insights.
Sustaining and preserving historic information is essential for understanding the evolution of Champaign County’s panorama and neighborhood. These information present a tangible hyperlink to the previous, providing useful insights for present-day decision-making and future planning. Whereas accessing and deciphering historic information can current challenges, the rewards are vital. They enrich our understanding of the previous, inform present practices, and contribute to a extra nuanced and complete understanding of property possession and neighborhood improvement inside Champaign County. Moreover, digitized historic information improve accessibility for a wider viewers, selling higher transparency and facilitating analysis efforts. Addressing the challenges of preserving fragile paperwork and making certain their long-term accessibility stays a precedence for sustaining an entire and correct document of Champaign County’s historical past.
Continuously Requested Questions on Champaign County Property Data
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to entry, interpretation, and utilization of property information inside Champaign County. Understanding these facets is essential for navigating the native actual property panorama successfully.
Query 1: How can people entry property information in Champaign County?
Property information could be accessed via the Champaign County Recorder’s Workplace web site, which affords a web-based search portal. Bodily entry to information can be out there on the Recorder’s Workplace positioned within the Champaign County Courthouse. Further assets, equivalent to native libraries and historic societies, can also maintain related historic paperwork.
Query 2: What info is usually included in property information?
Data usually embrace possession historical past, authorized descriptions, assessed values, tax info, recorded liens, switch paperwork, and mapping knowledge. The particular particulars could range relying on the property and the time interval.
Query 3: How are property taxes calculated utilizing assessed values?
Property taxes are calculated by making use of the native tax fee, decided by varied taxing our bodies, to the assessed worth of a property. The assessed worth represents an estimate of the property’s market price as decided by the County Assessor.
Query 4: What’s a lien and the way does it have an effect on a property?
A lien is a authorized declare towards a property for an excellent debt. Liens can have an effect on a property’s title and should have to be resolved earlier than a sale could be accomplished. Widespread sorts of liens embrace tax liens, mortgage liens, and mechanic’s liens.
Query 5: What are the implications of historic property information?
Historic information present useful context for understanding present property info. They doc previous transactions, authorized choices, and land use modifications that may impression present-day possession, boundaries, and property rights. In addition they provide insights into neighborhood improvement and historic tendencies.
Query 6: How typically are property information up to date?
Property information are up to date repeatedly as transactions happen and new info turns into out there. The frequency of updates could range relying on the kind of document and the recording course of. Common updates make sure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained throughout the information.
Accessing and deciphering property information successfully requires understanding key phrases, processes, and potential limitations. Using out there assets and searching for skilled help when mandatory can facilitate knowledgeable decision-making associated to property possession, transactions, and analysis inside Champaign County.
This concludes the FAQ part. The next part will provide sensible examples and case research demonstrating the purposes of property document info in real-world eventualities.
Ideas for Using Champaign County Property Data
Efficient utilization of property information requires a strategic method. The next suggestions present steering for navigating these assets and maximizing their worth.
Tip 1: Outline Analysis Targets.
Clearly outlined targets streamline the analysis course of. Whether or not verifying possession, assessing property worth, or conducting historic analysis, particular targets focus efforts and guarantee environment friendly use of obtainable assets. For instance, a title search requires a distinct method than researching historic land use.
Tip 2: Establish Related Information Factors.
Property information embody various knowledge units. Figuring out the precise info wanted, equivalent to possession historical past, tax assessments, or authorized descriptions, streamlines the search course of. Understanding the construction and group of those information facilitates environment friendly knowledge retrieval.
Tip 3: Make the most of On-line Assets Successfully.
On-line portals present handy entry to a wealth of data. Familiarizing oneself with the performance of those portals, together with search parameters and out there knowledge fields, maximizes effectivity and permits for complete knowledge retrieval.
Tip 4: Seek the advice of with Professionals When Essential.
Deciphering complicated authorized descriptions or navigating intricate title points could require skilled experience. Consulting with title corporations, attorneys, or surveyors can present readability and guarantee correct understanding of related info.
Tip 5: Confirm Data from A number of Sources.
Cross-referencing info from a number of sources enhances accuracy and reliability. Evaluating knowledge from on-line portals, bodily information, and different related sources helps establish discrepancies and ensures a complete understanding of the property in query.
Tip 6: Keep Correct Data of Analysis.
Documenting analysis findings, together with sources, dates, and particular knowledge factors, ensures accuracy and facilitates future reference. Organized record-keeping helps due diligence and offers a useful audit path.
Tip 7: Respect Privateness and Authorized Restrictions.
Whereas property information are typically public, sure info could also be restricted to guard privateness or adjust to authorized laws. Adhering to those restrictions ensures moral and accountable use of obtainable knowledge.
By following the following tips, people and professionals can successfully make the most of Champaign County property information for varied functions, from actual property transactions to historic analysis. Strategic planning and cautious execution be sure that these useful assets contribute to knowledgeable decision-making and a clear property market.
The next part will conclude this exploration of Champaign County property information by summarizing key takeaways and emphasizing the significance of correct and accessible property info throughout the neighborhood.
Champaign County Property Data
Champaign County property information present a complete and important useful resource for understanding land possession, valuation, and transactions throughout the county. This exploration has highlighted key facets of those information, together with possession historical past, authorized descriptions, assessed values, tax info, recorded liens, switch paperwork, mapping knowledge, public entry, and historic information. Every aspect performs a vital position in establishing clear title, facilitating knowledgeable decision-making, and making certain transparency inside the true property market. Entry to this info empowers people, companies, and researchers to navigate property transactions, assess dangers, and conduct historic analysis successfully.
Correct and accessible property information are important for a secure and clear actual property market. Continued efforts to take care of knowledge integrity, improve accessibility, and combine technological developments will additional strengthen the worth and utility of Champaign County property information, making certain their enduring contribution to the neighborhood’s financial well-being and historic preservation. The meticulous upkeep of those information safeguards property rights, promotes knowledgeable decision-making, and contributes to the general integrity of the Champaign County actual property panorama.
