Mable,

I am from CA. I would like to know what security document you use in NY. In CA, we use deed of trust only. Mortgage in CA is legal but nobody still use it. I think the people in FL still use mortage because I heard the "three words protection" in FL news.

In CA, both of them can be found in county recording department.

Andy

Depending on where you're searching in New York, you may be able to find what you need on PropertyShark.com It's one of the best sources for finding information that's all in one place.