Development of an online database of Cook County real estate by the recorder of deeds office has generated significant interest among property owners and professionals.

County Recorder Eugene Moore an-nounced recently that the office Web site, www.ccrd.info, was visited 3.7 million times last year by homeowners and agents examining property records.

Sales also have been generated through online accounts that increased in number from 20 to more than 200 during the year, with several more pending applications.

The office recorded 1.41 million documents in 2005, about one percent more than projected, and plans for 2006 include making plats of survey and transfer declarations available online.

Moore expressed his personal goal of gradually increasing the database to include property recordings as far back as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

“The earlier year recordings will be a great source for researchers, especially for students,” he said. “Professional and lay persons alike will be able to walk through the history of real properties throughout Cook County.”

Moore encouraged the public to visit the Web site once or twice a year to “make sure there are no strange recordings against their property,” such as errors that require expeditious resolution.