Branch Property Search speeds up the hunt for local offices by merging the County Equalization Department portal (https://bsaonline.com/?uid=399) with a branch locator that accepts searches by postcode, zip code, city, or region. Users can instantly find a branch near me, view branch hours search results, and pull contact details like the main phone (517) 279‑4312 or email lyndsey@assessingsolutions.com from the property branch database. The tool also offers a branch address lookup for the Assessors at 31 Division St, Coldwater, MI 49036 and a branch map search highlighting nearby branches. With a branch code lookup feature, you can verify the branch identifier and retrieve the official branch listing without leaving the page. This fast local branch finder reduces travel time and ensures you connect with the right office for property tax inquiries.
Branch Property Search also integrates the Register of Deeds records, providing a seamless office branch search for deed requests and verification. By entering a zip code or using the search by city option, the branch results page returns the nearest branch address, hours, and a branch contact search listing for the Deeds office at 23 East Pearl St, Coldwater, MI 49036. The branch availability checker shows real‑time open hours and lets you schedule visits, while the branch name search helps locate specialized services like notary or record retrieval. Access to the branch directory search empowers homeowners, agents, and researchers to retrieve accurate property data quickly and confidently.
Search Branch County Property Records
The Branch County Equalization Department runs the public property records portal that powers every Branch Property Search in the county. Users can open the Branch County Search site at https://bsaonline.com/?sitetransition=true&uid=483 to look up parcels, owners, tax values, and sales history. The portal is free, runs on the BSA Online platform, and serves all townships and the city of Coldwater.
Follow this step-by-step method to run a Branch Property Search from the official Equalization portal:
- Open the portal at https://bsaonline.com/?sitetransition=true&uid=483 in any modern browser.
- Choose a search type from the menu: Parcel Number, Owner Name, Property Address, or Business Name.
- Type the full or partial value into the search box. Partial matches return a results list.
- Pick the correct parcel from the drop-down list to load the record card.
- Review the data fields on the parcel card, including owner, mailing address, SEV, taxable value, and sales.
- Use the print or download option to save a copy of the record for your files.
The Equalization Department also lists every township assessor on its page, so users can route questions to the right local office. If the online record is unclear, call the Equalization Department at (517) 279-4312 during regular business hours for help.
What the Branch County Equalization Department Does
The Branch County Equalization Department is the county office that supports every township assessor and keeps the assessment rolls balanced. It does not set individual tax bills, but it makes sure that assessed values follow state law and that ratios match across the county. The office also maintains the public Branch Property Search portal used by residents, buyers, and real estate agents.
Roles of the Equalization Office
The Equalization Department studies sales, divides parcels into classes, and publishes equalization ratios each year. It also runs audits, files state forms, and posts the Township Assessors list online. Property owners can email the department at lyndsey@assessingsolutions.com to ask about assessment rules, valuation methods, or to request a copy of the township assessment roll.
Township Assessors in Branch County
Branch County has sixteen townships and one city, and each unit has its own assessor. The Equalization page on the county site keeps an active list of every assessor name, phone number, and email. This list is updated each year and is posted under the Public Act 660 of 2018 audit rule. Users can look up assessor details and reach the local office without driving to the county seat.
| Township | Assessor | Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algansee | Erica Ewers | 1048 Campbell Rd, Quincy, MI 49082 | 517-639-9074 | ewersed@dmcibb.net |
| Batavia | Melissa Lane (SM Assessing) | 20 W. Chicago St, Coldwater, MI 49036 | 517-279-0014 | smassessing@frontier.com |
| Bethel | Karen Smith | 986 Weaver Rd, Bronson, MI 49028 | 517-369-9124 | ksmith61157@gmail.com |
| Bronson | Melissa Lane (SM Assessing) | 20 W Chicago St, Coldwater, MI 49036 | 517-279-0014 | smassessing@frontier.com |
| Butler | Erica Ewers | 1048 Campbell Rd, Quincy, MI 49082 | 517-639-9074 | ewersed@dmcibb.net |
| California | Erica Ewers | 1048 Campbell Rd, Quincy, MI 49082 | 517-639-9074 | ewersed@dmcibb.net |
| Coldwater | Russell Siler | 319 Sprague Rd, Coldwater, MI 49036 | 517-279-9388 Ext# 1 | russellsiler@coldwatertownship.com |
| Gilead | Karen Smith | 986 Weaver Rd, Bronson, MI 49028 | 517-369-9124 | ksmith61157@gmail.com |
| Girard | Marcia Bail | 160 Wheaton Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49015 | 269-962-7959 | m.a.bail@comcast.net |
| Kinderhook | Anne Richmond | 6233 Windrift Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-870-4587 | richmondassessing@yahoo.com |
| Matteson | Anne Richmond | 6233 Windrift Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-870-4587 | richmondassessing@yahoo.com |
| Noble | Karen Smith | 986 Weaver Rd, Bronson, MI 49028 | 517-369-9124 | ksmith61157@gmail.com |
| Ovid | Melissa Lane (SM Assessing) | 20 W Chicago St, Coldwater, MI 49036 | 517-279-0014 | smassessing@frontier.com |
| Quincy | Erica Ewers | 1048 Campbell Rd, Quincy, MI 49082 | 517-639-9074 | ewersed@dmcibb.net |
| Sherwood | Marcia A Bail | 160 Wheaton Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49015 | 269-962-7959 | m.a.bail@comcast.net |
| Union | Anne Richmond | 6233 Windrift Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 | 269-870-4587 | richmondassessing@yahoo.com |
The full list with names, addresses, and direct phone numbers lives on the official Branch County government site.
How the Branch County Property Search Portal Works
The BSA Online portal that powers a Branch Property Search loads parcel data straight from the county’s equalization files. It updates when township assessors submit their rolls, and the same dataset feeds the county GIS map. Users can search by parcel number, owner name, address, or sale date, and the results page shows a small map preview, owner data, and a link to the full record card.
Searching by Parcel Number
Every parcel in Branch County has a unique parcel number that starts with a township code. Entering the full number returns one record, which saves time when looking up a known property. Users can copy a parcel number from a tax bill, a deed, or a prior search and paste it into the box.
Searching by Owner Name
Name searches work best with the last name first. Partial matches return every record with that string, and the list will show the owner’s mailing address next to the parcel. This is helpful for tracking multiple properties owned by the same person or business.
Searching by Address
Address searches accept street number and street name, with or without a city. The portal sorts by parcel ID so similar addresses stay grouped. If a road has both a number and a name, the portal will return all matches and let you pick the right one.
Delinquent Tax Search
Users can also run a free Delinquent Tax Search through the BSA Online portal under Online Services. Type in the last name of the property owner, or click the down arrow to search by parcel number or address instead. Searching for tax information online is free.
Reading Assessment Data on the BSA Online Portal
Each parcel card on the Branch Property Search portal shows the data fields the township assessor enters. The card splits into sections: parcel info, owner info, valuation, sales, and tax info. Knowing what each field means helps users compare parcels and spot changes over time.
Understanding SEV and Taxable Value
SEV stands for State Equalized Value. It is fifty percent of the market value set by the assessor, and the state adjusts it each year. Taxable Value is the number used to compute the tax bill. Under Michigan’s Proposal A, Taxable Value rises each year by the rate of inflation or five percent, whichever is lower, until the property sells. A Branch Property Search will show both numbers so buyers and owners can see the gap.
Sales History and Parcel Details
The sales section lists the last few transfers, the sale price, the sale date, and the document number that recorded the transfer. Parcel details include the legal description, lot size, frontage, depth, zoning code, and any exemptions. Exemptions such as Principal Residence, Homestead, or Qualified Agricultural lower the Taxable Value on the parcel card.
| Field | Meaning | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel Number | Unique county ID for the parcel | Equalization Department |
| Owner | Current record owner of record | Equalization Department |
| SEV | State Equalized Value | Township Assessor |
| Taxable Value | Value used for tax bills | Township Assessor |
| Exemptions | Homestead, Principal Residence, Ag | Township Assessor |
| Sales History | Recent transfers with price and date | Register of Deeds |
| Legal Description | Lot, block, and subdivision data | Equalization Department |
This table shows the most common fields a Branch Property Search will return. Townships may add fields such as square footage, year built, or last inspection date.
Branch County GIS Map Viewer
The Branch County GIS Map Viewer is a separate tool that puts parcels on top of aerial photos, road layers, and floodplain data. It links to the same parcel data as the Branch Property Search portal, so a click on a map parcel opens the same record card. The GIS tool is helpful when a street address is missing or when checking property lines. The viewer is hosted at https://coldmigis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e199740a86724a2c97f08026dba2f65a.
Layers and Tools
The GIS Viewer lets users turn layers on and off. Common layers include parcels, road centerlines, school district lines, zoning, floodplains, wetlands, and section corners. The user can also search by parcel ID from inside the map and center the view on a specific address.
Measuring Tools and Print Features
The map has tools that measure distance and area in feet, acres, or square feet. Users can drop pins, draw lines, and print the map with the parcel outline and ownership overlay. The print version includes a scale bar and north arrow for use in real estate listings or appraisal reports.
Branch County Register of Deeds Records
The Branch County Register of Deeds holds the official land records for the county. This office records deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other land documents. The recorded documents create the chain of title that the Branch Property Search valuation data refers to in the sales history section.
Deeds, Mortgages, and Liens
Recording a deed with the Register of Deeds puts the public on notice that ownership has changed. Mortgages, land contracts, mechanic liens, and federal tax liens are also recorded here. Users can request a copy of any document by using the grantor name, grantee name, or recording date.
| Document Type | Recorded By | Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty Deed | Register of Deeds | Grantor or Grantee name |
| Quitclaim Deed | Register of Deeds | Grantor or Grantee name |
| Mortgage | Register of Deeds | Borrower name |
| Mortgage Discharge | Register of Deeds | Borrower or lender name |
| Mechanic Lien | Register of Deeds | Property owner name |
| Land Contract | Register of Deeds | Buyer or seller name |
| Plat | Register of Deeds | Subdivision name |
This table lists the most common document types the Register of Deeds records. Document copies are available for a fee set by the state recording fee schedule.
Branch County Treasurer and Tax Payments
The Branch County Treasurer bills and collects property taxes for all townships and the city of Coldwater. The Treasurer’s Office uses the valuation data shown on a Branch Property Search record card to print tax bills each summer and winter. Paying on time avoids late fees and stops the property from going to the annual March tax sale. The Treasurer’s Office can be reached at (517) 279-4321.
Pay Property Taxes
Property owners can pay tax bills by mail, in person, or through the Treasurer’s online portal. The Treasurer accepts checks, cash, money orders, and credit cards. Mortgage companies that pay on behalf of borrowers receive a copy of the bill directly from the Treasurer’s Office. Anyone with questions about the amount due can call the Treasurer’s Office for a payoff quote.
Delinquent Taxes
Taxes that remain unpaid after the February deadline become delinquent. The Treasurer publishes a list of delinquent parcels before the March tax sale. Buyers at the sale take subject to any existing liens. Owners can stop a tax sale by paying all back taxes, fees, and interest before the start of the sale.
Appealing a Property Assessment
A Branch Property Search is often the first step for owners who believe their assessment is too high. The assessment notice mailed each February shows the SEV, the Taxable Value, and the classification. Owners have the right to appeal the value to the local March Board of Review and, after that, to the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
March Board of Review
The March Board of Review meets in the township or city where the property sits. The board hears appeals on valuation, classification, and exemptions. The letter mailed with the assessment notice lists the dates, times, and location of the local board. Owners can appeal in person, by letter, or by filing the state form 618 with the township assessor.
Michigan Tax Tribunal
An owner who is not happy with the March Board decision can file a petition with the Michigan Tax Tribunal. The petition must be filed by the deadline printed on the board’s decision letter. Most residential appeals are filed as small claims, which are heard without attorneys and cost a small filing fee. The Tribunal decision is final at the state level and can be appealed to the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Housing Market Snapshot for Branch County
A Branch Property Search can be paired with sales trend data to see where the market is moving. Zillow reports the average home value in Branch County, MI at $208,940, up 8.1% over the past year. The data helps buyers, sellers, and appraisers check if a listed home is priced near the county average.
Sales prices from the past year show how each township compares to the county average. Refer to the BSA Online portal and the Register of Deeds for current township-level sales data. Reading these numbers with a Branch Property Search gives a fuller picture of the market.
- Average home value: $208,940
- One-year change: +8.1%
- Largest population center: City of Coldwater
Branch County Search Tips and Common Pitfalls
Running a Branch Property Search is simple, but a few tips make the data easier to read. First, confirm the parcel number with the township assessor before relying on a sale price. Second, check both the SEV and the Taxable Value to see the difference between market value and the number used to set the tax bill. Third, read the exemptions to see if the property still claims Principal Residence status, since removing it can change a bill.
Matching Names and Mailing Addresses
Owner names on the Branch Property Search can show a trust, a business, or a person’s full legal name. The mailing address may be a bank, a management company, or a property management firm. Cross-checking the name with the Register of Deeds records clears up who really owns the property.
Checking for Recent Updates
The portal updates when assessors submit new rolls, but there is a short lag between sale and update. If a recent sale has not yet posted, the Register of Deeds can confirm the transfer. Users can also call the Equalization Department to ask when the next data load will happen.
Branch County Recorder Search Forms and Documents
The Register of Deeds accepts many standard Michigan deed forms, including grant deeds and quitclaim deeds. Local versions of these forms are available on the county site, along with cover sheets and recording fee schedules. The form set covers most transfers, but a real estate attorney should review documents for trusts, life estates, and land contracts.
Cover Sheets and Recording Fees
Michigan law requires a standard cover sheet on most documents recorded with the Register of Deeds. The cover sheet lists the grantor, grantee, tax ID, and the number of parcels. Recording fees are set by state law, and the county posts the current schedule on its site. Users can pay by check, money order, or credit card at the recording counter.
Return Address and Indexing
Documents that come in by mail are returned by regular mail unless the user includes a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Register of Deeds indexes documents by grantor, grantee, and parcel number, and the same index feeds the Branch Property Search sales history on the BSA Online portal.
Branch County Search and Tax Sale Process
Each year, parcels with unpaid taxes go through a public auction run by the Branch County Treasurer. The tax sale gives bidders a chance to buy a lien on the property, not the property itself. Most buyers use the Branch Property Search portal and the Register of Deeds data to research parcels before bidding.
Steps Before Bidding
Pull the parcel card, check the SEV, Taxable Value, and exemptions, and read the sales history. Open a Register of Deeds search to see if the owner has other mortgages or liens. Then call the Treasurer for a current payoff quote that includes penalties, interest, and fees. These three checks stop bidders from buying liens on parcels that have other claims ahead of them.
After the Sale
The winning bidder receives a certificate of purchase. The original owner has a redemption period to pay off the lien, interest, and fees. If the owner does not redeem, the bidder can apply for a tax deed at the end of the redemption period. A Branch Property Search is useful at every step, from the first research pull to the final check before bidding.
Branch County Search and Public Act 660 of 2018
Public Act 660 of 2018 requires each township to post certain documents on its own website or on the county site. Branch County posts these documents for any township that does not run its own site. The list covers assessment rolls, Board of Review minutes, and other public records.
What the Rule Covers
The rule covers assessment rolls, the Annual Financial Report, and Board of Review minutes. Townships also post the tentative budget and a summary of the equalization study. Each of these documents helps residents see how their tax bill is set.
Where to Find the Documents
Users can find the public documents on the Branch County Equalization page under each township name. The list is updated each year, and the county flags the most recent update date. The Branch Property Search portal does not host these files, but the data fields on the parcel card are pulled from the same rolls.
Branch County Search and Michigan State Tax Commission
The Michigan State Tax Commission sets the rules for property assessment in the state. The Commission publishes an annual Property Tax and Equalization Calendar that lists key dates for assessors, equalization directors, and treasurers. The calendar covers the mailing of assessment notices, the Board of Review dates, and the start of the tax sale season.
Why the Calendar Matters
The calendar gives owners a clear window to appeal, pay taxes, and pull records. The dates change each year, so owners should check the latest version on the Michigan Department of Treasury site. The Branch Property Search record card shows the current SEV, and the calendar explains when the next change takes effect.
Equalization Studies
Each year, the Michigan State Tax Commission runs an equalization study to check that assessments reflect market value. The study uses sales from the prior two years and produces a county equalization factor. The factor is applied to the SEV on the next tax bill, and a Branch Property Search card will show the updated SEV after the factor is posted.
Branch County Search Across Townships and the City of Coldwater
A Branch Property Search covers every parcel in the county, from rural farms to city lots. Each township has its own assessor and its own set of records, but the portal merges them into a single search. The city of Coldwater runs a separate city assessor, but the data still flows into the same portal.
City of Coldwater Records
Coldwater is the county seat and the only city in the county. City parcels are linked to the Coldwater Post Office and school district. The city assessor uses the same field format as the townships, so the Branch Property Search card looks the same for city and rural parcels.
Rural Township Records
Rural townships cover a much larger area and have lower sales counts. Many rural parcels are farms with Qualified Agricultural exemptions. The Branch Property Search card shows the exemption, which lowers the Taxable Value, and the SEV, which reflects the market value before the exemption.
Contact, Local Details, and Map
The Branch County Equalization Department serves as the main contact for assessment and valuation questions. The Register of Deeds serves as the main contact for deeds, mortgages, and recorded documents. Both offices sit in downtown Coldwater, the county seat.
Branch County Equalization Department
Official Website: https://branchcounty.gov/
Direct Public Search Portal: https://bsaonline.com/?sitetransition=true&uid=483
Property Tax Estimator: https://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,1607,7-238-43535-155001–,00.html
Main Phone: (517) 279-4312
Fax: (517) 279-6494
Official Email: lyndsey@assessingsolutions.com
Physical Address: 23 E. Pearl St., Coldwater, MI 49036
Mailing Address: 23 E. Pearl St., Coldwater, MI 49036
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (doors close at 4:45 pm)
Staff:
Lyndsey Shembarger, Equalization Director (C: 269-519-4526)
Kelsee Edwards, Equalization Deputy Director (kedwards@branchcounty.gov, Ext 6488)
Samantha Dey, Equalization Technician (sdey@branchcounty.gov, Ext 6490)
Branch County Treasurer’s Office
Official Website: https://branchcounty.gov/
Main Phone: (517) 279-4321
Fax: (517) 279-6454
Physical Address: 31 Division St., Coldwater, MI 49036
Mailing Address: 31 Division St., Coldwater, MI 49036
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (courthouse doors close daily at 4:50 pm)
Staff:
Steven Rutz, Treasurer
Kelli Talbot, Chief Deputy Treasurer
Mandy Hubbard, Deputy Treasurer
Brooke Kline, Deputy Treasurer
Branch County Register of Deeds
Official Website: https://branchcounty.gov/
For document searches, recorded land records, and recording questions, contact the Register of Deeds office through the official Branch County website directory.
Branch Property Search – Quick Help for Finding Records and Offices
Looking up a parcel, owner name, tax value, or recent sale in Branch County? Use the Equalization Department’s portal at bsaonline.com for free access. The site shows parcel numbers, mailing addresses, and current assessed values. If you need official copies, contact the assessor’s office at (517) 279‑4312 or email lyndsey@assessingsolutions.com. For deed searches, the Register of Deeds office offers an online link and can be reached at (517) 279‑4320 or ncenters@branchcounty.gov. Both offices sit on Division Street in Coldwater, MI.
How do I search a property parcel by address or owner name?
Open the portal bsaonline.com. Choose “Search by Address” or “Search by Owner.” Enter the street address or the full name, then click “Search.” Results list the parcel ID, legal description, taxable value, and last sale price. Print or save the page for your records.
Where can I find the nearest Branch County tax assessor office?
The main office is at 31 Division St, Coldwater, MI 49036. Call (517) 279‑4312 to confirm hours before visiting. The office is open Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m.‑4 p.m. If you need after‑hours help, email lyndsey@assessingsolutions.com for a response the next business day.
What steps are required to request a certified copy of a deed?
Visit the Register of Deeds website and click the “Certified Copy Request” form. Fill in the property’s legal description, your contact info, and the purpose of the request. Pay the fee online or in person and include a valid ID. The office processes requests within 3‑5 business days and mails the document to the address you provide.
Can I view recent property sales and tax assessments online?
Yes. After logging into the BSA portal, select “Sales History” for a parcel. The page shows buyer, seller, sale date, and price. For tax assessment details, click “Assessment” to see current taxable value, land and improvement values, and any exemptions applied.
What should I do if the online portal shows an error or missing information?
First, clear your browser cache and try again. If the problem persists, call the assessor’s help line at (517) 279‑4312 or email lyndsey@assessingsolutions.com. Provide the parcel ID and a brief description of the issue. Staff typically resolve online errors within one business day.
