Grayson County Public Records /Grayson County Property Records

Grayson County Property Records

What Is Grayson County Property Records

Grayson County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Grayson County, Texas. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records in Grayson County are maintained primarily by the Grayson County Clerk's Office, which is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing public access to these vital documents.

The purpose of property records is multifaceted:

Establish legal ownership and chain of title
Provide public notice of property interests
Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
Facilitate real estate transactions
Support property taxation and assessment

Pursuant to Texas Property Code § 13.001, all instruments concerning real property must be recorded to provide constructive notice of their contents. This statute establishes the legal framework for property recording in Texas, requiring that deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting real property be properly recorded with the county clerk to be enforceable against subsequent purchasers.

The Grayson County Clerk maintains property records dating back to the county's establishment, with online records available from 1915 to the present. These records document the history of land ownership and development throughout the county and serve as essential resources for property owners, real estate professionals, researchers, and the general public.

Are Property Records Public Information In Grayson County?

Property records in Grayson County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) establishes the fundamental right of access to government records, including property records. Additionally, Texas Property Code § 11.004 specifically mandates that county clerks maintain public records of real property ownership.

The legal basis for public access to property records includes:

Property ownership is a matter of public record by statutory design
Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
Public records support proper functioning of real estate markets

Any member of the public may access property records in Grayson County without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the fundamental principle that property ownership information should be transparent and available to all citizens.

The Grayson County Clerk's Office maintains these public records and provides both in-person and online access options. While the records themselves are public, certain personal information within those records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections under Texas law.

Grayson County Clerk's Office
100 W. Houston St.
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4211
Grayson County Clerk

How To Search Property Records in Grayson County in 2026

Searching property records in Grayson County can be accomplished through several methods. The county provides comprehensive access options to accommodate various research needs and preferences.

For in-person searches:

Visit the Grayson County Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
Complete a records request form at the public counter
Provide specific information about the property or document you seek (owner name, property address, legal description, or document number)
Staff will assist in locating the requested records
Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for standard copies)

For mail or email requests:

Download and complete the records request form from the Grayson County website
Include specific information about the property records needed
Send the completed form to:

Grayson County Clerk's Office
Attn: Real Property Division
100 W. Houston St.
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4211
Grayson County Clerk

Include payment for applicable fees (check payable to "Grayson County Clerk")
Provide return address or email for delivery of records

For telephone requests:

Call the Real Property Division at 903-813-4211
Provide specific information about the property records needed
Staff will advise on search options and fees
Arrange for payment and delivery of records

The Grayson County Clerk's Office processes record requests in the order received. Standard processing time is 3-5 business days, though complex searches may require additional time. Expedited service may be available for an additional fee.

How To Find Property Records in Grayson County Online?

Grayson County offers comprehensive online access to property records through its official public search portal. This system allows users to search and view property records from any location with internet access. The online deed records search system provides access to records dating from 1915 to the present.

To search property records online:

Visit the Grayson County Public Search portal
Select the appropriate search method:
- Quick Search - for basic searches by name or document number
- Advanced Search - for detailed searches using multiple criteria
- Property Search - for searches by property address or legal description
Enter the relevant search criteria:
- For name searches: last name, first name (or business name)
- For document searches: document number, document type, recording date
- For property searches: address, subdivision, lot/block, or legal description
Review the search results list
Click on individual documents to view details
Download or print documents as needed (fees may apply)

The online system provides access to various property record types, including:

Deeds and transfers
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Liens and judgments
Plats and surveys
Easements and restrictions

According to the Grayson County Clerk's online search instructions, users should note that records prior to 1915 are not available online and must be researched in person at the County Clerk's Office. Additionally, some recent documents may be in processing and not yet available in the online system.

For technical assistance with the online search system, users may contact the Real Property Division at 903-813-4211 during regular business hours.

How To Look Up Grayson County Property Records for Free?

Grayson County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost. These free resources allow citizens to conduct basic property research without incurring fees, though charges may apply for official copies or certified documents.

Free in-person access:

Visit the Grayson County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
Use the public access terminals available in the office
Request assistance from staff for locating specific records
View documents on-screen at no charge
Note that printing or obtaining certified copies will incur fees

Free online access:

Access the Grayson County Public Search portal
Create a free user account (requires email address)
Conduct basic searches using available search criteria
View document index information at no charge
View document images (fees may apply for downloading or printing)

Additional free resources:

Grayson County Appraisal District - Provides free access to property tax appraisal records, ownership information, and property characteristics
Grayson County GIS Mapping - Offers free access to geographic information system maps showing property boundaries, ownership, and other spatial data
Grayson County Tax Office - Provides free access to property tax payment status and history

While basic access to property records is available at no cost, fees apply for:

Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
Certified copies ($5.00 for first page, $1.00 for each additional page)
Document recording ($26.00 for first page, $4.00 for each additional page)
Research assistance ($10.00 per name/transaction searched)

These fees are established pursuant to Texas Local Government Code § 118.011, which authorizes county clerks to collect reasonable fees for services provided.

What's Included in a Grayson County Property Record?

Grayson County property records encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.

Real property records, maintained by the County Clerk, include:

Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
Deeds of trust and mortgages
Releases and satisfactions of liens
Mechanic's and materialman's liens
Federal and state tax liens
Judgments affecting real property
Easements and rights-of-way
Plats and surveys
Restrictions and covenants
Powers of attorney
Probate documents affecting real property
Mineral leases and royalty agreements

Property tax records, maintained by the Grayson County Appraisal District and Tax Assessor-Collector, include:

Property valuations and assessments
Tax rates and jurisdictions
Payment history
Exemptions and special valuations
Tax liens and delinquencies

Each property record typically contains detailed information, including:

Legal description of the property (metes and bounds, lot/block, survey)
Names of grantors and grantees (sellers and buyers)
Date of transaction
Consideration paid (may be stated or implied)
Restrictions or reservations on the property
Filing information (date, time, document number)
Property identification numbers
Physical address (if assigned)

The content and format of property records are governed by Texas Property Code § 11.001, which establishes requirements for instruments concerning real property. This statute ensures consistency and completeness in property documentation throughout Texas counties.

How Long Does Grayson County Keep Property Records?

Grayson County maintains property records permanently, in accordance with state retention requirements. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission establishes records retention schedules that counties must follow, and property records are designated as permanent records due to their ongoing legal and historical significance.

Retention periods for various property-related documents include:

Deeds and property transfers: Permanent
Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent
Liens and judgments: Permanent
Plats and surveys: Permanent
Easements and restrictions: Permanent
Property tax records: Permanent for tax rolls; 10 years for payment records
Building permits: Life of structure plus 3 years
Zoning records: Permanent for maps; 5 years after superseded for variance requests

The permanent retention of property records is mandated by Texas Local Government Code § 203.042, which requires county clerks to preserve all records relating to real property indefinitely. This ensures the continuous chain of title and protects property rights across generations.

While all property records are retained permanently, the format and accessibility may vary:

Current records (approximately last 20-30 years): Maintained in digital format with online access
Older records (1915-present): Digitized with online access
Historical records (pre-1915): Maintained in original format or microfilm, accessible only in person

The Grayson County Clerk's Office has implemented a comprehensive records management program to ensure the preservation and accessibility of property records. This includes climate-controlled storage, disaster recovery planning, and ongoing digitization efforts to improve access to historical records.

How To Find Liens on Property In Grayson County?

Finding liens on property in Grayson County requires searching multiple record sources, as liens may be filed by various entities and recorded in different locations. The county provides several methods to conduct lien searches.

To search for liens through the County Clerk's Office:

Access the Grayson County Public Search portal
Select "Advanced Search" option
Enter the property owner's name or property legal description
Filter document types to include:
- Tax liens
- Mechanic's and materialman's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax liens
- Child support liens
- Homeowner association liens
Review search results for active liens
Note that release or satisfaction documents indicate liens that have been cleared

To search for tax liens specifically:

Contact the Grayson County Tax Assessor-Collector
Provide the property address or identification number
Request information on any delinquent taxes or tax liens
Note that property tax liens automatically attach to property with delinquent taxes

Grayson County Tax Assessor-Collector
Sherman Office
100 W. Houston St.
Sherman, TX 75090
903-813-4251
Grayson County Tax Office

For comprehensive lien searches, particularly for real estate transactions, many professionals utilize title companies that conduct thorough examinations of all potential encumbrances. These searches typically include:

County Clerk records for recorded liens
District Court records for judgment liens
Federal Court records for federal tax liens and judgments
Tax authority records for property tax liens
Municipal records for utility liens and code enforcement liens

Under Texas Property Code § 51.0001, liens must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice. However, certain liens, such as property tax liens, attach automatically without recording. Therefore, a comprehensive search should include multiple sources to identify all potential encumbrances on a property.

What Is Property Owner Rule In Grayson County?

The Property Owner Rule in Grayson County follows Texas state law regarding property ownership, rights, and responsibilities. This rule encompasses several key principles that govern how property is owned, transferred, and encumbered within the county.

Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:

Notice Requirements: Under Texas Property Code § 13.002, properly recorded instruments provide constructive notice to all persons of the existence of the instrument. This means that once a document affecting property rights is recorded with the Grayson County Clerk, all parties are legally considered to have notice of its contents, whether or not they have actually seen the document.
Recording Priority: Texas follows a "first in time, first in right" principle for property interests. As established in Texas Property Code § 13.001, unrecorded instruments are binding between parties and their heirs but are void against subsequent purchasers for valuable consideration without notice. This means that properly recording documents establishes priority of interests.
Homestead Protections: Texas provides strong homestead protections under the Texas Constitution Article XVI, Section 50. These protections limit the types of liens that can be placed against a homestead property and establish specific requirements for valid liens against homesteads.
Property Tax Responsibilities: Property owners in Grayson County are responsible for paying property taxes assessed by various taxing authorities, including the county, cities, school districts, and special districts. The Texas Property Tax Code establishes the framework for property taxation, including assessment, collection, and enforcement procedures.
Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must provide certain disclosures to potential buyers as required by Texas Property Code § 5.008. These disclosures include information about the property's condition, known defects, and other material facts.
Adverse Possession: Texas law recognizes adverse possession, which allows a person to gain ownership of property by openly occupying it without the owner's permission for a specified period (typically 10 years under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.026).

Property owners in Grayson County should be aware of these rules and regulations to protect their property rights and fulfill their legal obligations. The Grayson County Clerk's Office provides information and resources to help property owners understand and comply with these requirements.