How To Search for Frisco Property Records
Frisco's rapid growth and strong economy make it a prime location for real estate investment. However, you should always check property records before investing in or buying property. These records offer a wealth of real estate information that you can use to do proper research and make informed decisions, including ownership history, assessed values, liens, tax details, zoning designations, foreclosure filings, amenities, and more. Property records are public information in Frisco, meaning anyone can view them or obtain copies. The key to finding what you need is knowing where to look. This is quite important because Frisco spans two counties: the eastern and central portions are in Collin County, while the western and northern sections are in Denton County. Use the list of resources below to find various types of Frisco property records.
County Clerks
Frisco is spread across Collin and Denton Counties. The County Clerk in each of these counties keeps official copies of documents related to property ownership and transfers in the city. These include deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, maps, easements, and other related recorded documents. Each county clerk offers a records search tool that you can use to look up this information online. Searches can be done by name, document type, document number, or subdivision; there is also an advanced search option that offers additional criteria to narrow search results. You can also search and request copies of records in person at the clerk's office of the county where the property is located. Note that copy fees may apply. Here are the addresses and contact numbers for the Collin and Denton counties' clerk's offices and links to their record search tools:
Collin County Clerk's Office
Suite 2106, 2300 Bloomdale Road
McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: (972) 424-1460 ext. 4185
Denton County Clerk's Office
1450 E McKinney Street
Denton, TX 76209
Phone: (940) 349-2012
Appraisal Districts
The Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD) and Denton Central Appraisal District (DCAD) are responsible for identifying and valuing real property in the City of Frisco for tax purposes. Note that each appraisal district covers only properties within its own county: CCAD values Frisco properties in Collin County, while DCAD handles those in the Denton County portion. The appraisal districts are excellent sources for detailed information on property ownership, features, valuations, and sales history. Each office offers an online search tool that you can use to look up this information by name, account number, address, and other search criteria (though specific criteria may vary by county). You can also visit the relevant appraisal district's office to access property records in person. Here are the addresses and contact numbers for the Collin and Denton counties' central appraisal districts and links to their online search tools:
Collin Central Appraisal District
250 Eldorado Parkway
McKinney, TX 75069
Phone: (469) 742-9200, (866) 467-1110
Denton Central Appraisal District
3911 Morse Street
Denton, TX 76208
Phone: (940) 349-3800
County Tax Assessor-Collectors
Property tax billing and collection in Frisco is primarily handled by the Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector. However, the Denton County Tax Office also bills and collects taxes on behalf of certain local taxing authorities (in the Denton portion of the city). These offices provide lookup tools to find tax-related property records online, including current and past tax bills, payment histories, and outstanding balances. Each county tax assessor-collector also maintains an office location in the City of Frisco that you can visit for in-person services. Here are the addresses, contact numbers, and links to the online search tools for the Collin and Denton counties' tax assessor-collectors' Frisco offices:
Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector, Frisco Office
Suite 1000, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd.
Frisco, TX 75034
Phone: (972) 547-5020
Denton County Tax Assessor-Collector, Frisco Office
Suite 401, 5533 FM 423, Frisco
TX 75034-8975
Phone: (940) 349-3500
County Court Systems
The Collin and Denton County Court Systems are also valuable resources for Frisco property records, particularly documents related to legal cases, such as foreclosures, title disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and civil judgments. Both counties offer online case search tools that you can use to look up records for their respective court systems. The Texas Judicial Branch also provides a centralized Re:SearchTX tool that you can use to search for these records online, though account registration is required. You may also get copies of these records in person by visiting the court where the case was filed. Below are the addresses and contact numbers of the Collin and Denton County court buildings, and direct links to their case search tools:
Collin County Courts Building
2100 Bloomdale Rd.
McKinney, TX 75071
Phone: (972) 424-1460 ext. 4320 (District Clerk) and (972) 424-1460 ext. 4185 (County Clerk)
Case Lookup and Court Schedules
The county also has a subcourthouse in Frisco, located at 8585 John Wesley Dr., Frisco, TX 75034
Denton County Courts Building
1450 E McKinney Street
Denton, TX 76209
Phone: (940) 349-2200 (District Clerk) and (940) 349-2012 (County Clerk)
Frisco Property Taxes
Frisco property taxes are a crucial source of funding for various local government services, including public schools, police and fire departments, community health services, trash collection, parks and recreation, road maintenance, and more. The Collin and Denton central appraisal districts establish the taxable value of properties in the city (depending on the property's location within Frisco), while the county tax assessor-collectors handle tax billing and collections. A property's value is typically determined using a combination of the sales comparison approach (evaluating recent sales of similar properties), the cost approach (estimating the cost to rebuild the property), and the income approach (estimating the property's potential to generate rental or investment income). The final tax bill is calculated by multiplying the property's established value by the total combined tax rate set by the city, county, school district, and other local taxing authorities.
Tax statements are typically mailed out each October and are due by January 31st of the following year. Partial payments may be accepted, but the full balance must be paid by the deadline. Quarterly payments are also available for eligible seniors (65+) and disabled homeowners, with payments due on January 31st, March 31st, May 31st, and July 31st. Late payment penalties and interest kick in from February 1st (or after any missed installment for quarterly payments) and increase monthly. Continued nonpayment can result in tax lien enforcement, and the property can eventually be sold at a tax sale. There are several options for paying your Frisco property taxes, including online, by mail, over the phone, and in person. You may call any of the following numbers for assistance:
- Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector: (972) 547-5020.
- Denton County Tax Assessor-Collector: (940) 349-3500.
Assessments
The Collin and Denton central appraisal districts conduct annual assessments of properties in Frisco to determine their taxable value. These valuations rely on mass appraisal methods, including sales comparisons, cost analysis, and income potential, to estimate fair market value. The appraisal districts may also use a combination of field visits, physical inspections, aerial imagery, and permit activity reviews to verify property details and ensure accuracy. Properties in Frisco are assessed at 100% of their fair market value, meaning that their taxable value is based on their full established value, not a discounted or partial amount. Valuations are effective as of January 1st each year.
Property owners usually receive a Notice of Appraised Value (notices for commercial properties may be sent in May). If you disagree with your property's assessed value, you can request an informal review with the Collin or Denton Central Appraisal District, depending on which office conducted the assessment. If the issue isn't resolved informally, you can file a formal protest with the county's Appraisal Review Board. Note that protests must be filed by May 15th or within 30 days of the mailing date of your value notice, whichever is later. You can call any of the following numbers for general inquiries and assistance with filing a protest:
- Collin Central Appraisal District: (469) 742-9200, (866) 467-1110 (toll-free).
- Denton Central Appraisal District - Appeals Department: (940) 349-3890.
Appraisals
Frisco assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair value of property by comparing it with similar properties that have recently sold in the local area. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.
Tax Rates
The median effective property tax rate in Frisco, Texas, is 1.44%, above the national median of 1.02% but lower than the Texas state median of 1.67%. However, because the city is spread across different counties, the average annual tax bill varies by location: $8,529 for properties in Collin County and $9,155 for those in Denton County, both significantly higher than the national average of $2,400.
Here's a look at how Frisco's tax rate compares to other counties in Texas:
- Bexar County 2.03%
- Dallas County 1.74%
- El Paso County 2.01%
- Grayson County 2.09%
- Harris County 1.66%
- Kendall County 1.25%
- Lubbock County 1.86%
- McMullen County 1.12%
- Potter County 2.16%
- Starr County 0.79%
- Stonewall County 3.00%
- Tarrant County 1.70%
- Travis County 1.65%
- Webb County 1.54%
- Winkler County 1.22%
Exemptions
Property taxes in Frisco are well above the national average, and some homeowners may struggle to cover their tax bills. Fortunately, several exemption programs are available to eligible city residents that can help reduce the financial burden. These include:
- Homestead Exemption: Available to Frisco homeowners who occupy their property as their primary residence, reducing the home's taxable value.
- Over 65/Disabled Persons Exemption: Available to homeowners who are either 65 or older or disabled, and provides a reduction in their property's taxable value.
- Disabled Veterans Exemption: Available to disabled veterans, with exemption amounts based on their disability rating, up to a full exemption. Surviving spouses of service members killed in action and first responders who died in the line of duty may also qualify for this exemption.
You can contact any of the following numbers for general questions or help with tax exemptions:
- Collin Central Appraisal District: (469) 742-9200 or (866) 467-1110 (toll-free).
- Denton Central Appraisal District: (940) 349-3800.
Frisco Building Permits/Inspections
You need a permit to build a new structure in Frisco or to remodel, improve, alter, or demolish an existing one. Cosmetic updates and minor work, like painting, installing cabinets, carpeting, or replacing light switches and faucets, are usually exempt. Permits are issued by the Frisco Building Inspections Division, and you can use their Plans and Permits Portal to apply for one, submit plans, schedule inspections, and make necessary payments. However, you'll need to create a user account to use the portal. If you prefer in-person services, you can visit the division's office, located on the 3rd Floor, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco, TX 75034-3239. You can also call (972) 292-5301 for general inquiries and assistance.
Common types of permits issued in Frisco include:
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Building Permits: Required for construction, renovation, or structural repairs.
- Residential Building Permits: For homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory buildings.
- Commercial Building Permits: For business and commercial properties (including multi-family units).
-
Trade Permits: Required for specific systems within a building, even if no general building permit is issued.
- Electrical Permits: For installing, upgrading, or repairing electrical systems.
- Mechanical Permits: For installing or modifying heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- Plumbing Permits: For installing, altering, or replacing water lines, sewer connections, gas piping, water heaters, and other plumbing systems.
When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.
Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.
Real Estate in the City of Frisco
Frisco is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., serving as a bedroom community for the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and standing out as a major employment and economic hub in its own right. The city is recognized for its high quality of life, thriving economy, and family-centered neighborhoods and is home to several sports venues and headquarters, including the Dallas Cowboys' training facility ("The Star"), Toyota Stadium, Riders Field, and the Comerica Center. It also boasts attractions like the Museum of the American Railroad (one of the largest historic rail collections in the country) and the National Videogame Museum.
Frisco, Texas, has a population of 200,509 residents. The city has 86,733 housing units, with approximately 95% occupied and 66% owner-occupied. The city offers a wide range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhomes, condos, apartments, luxury homes and estates, and active adult communities. Popular housing styles include Craftsman, Tudor, Ranch, Mediterranean, Farmhouse, Transitional, and Contemporary. The average home value in Frisco, TX, is $661,265, representing a 3.9% decrease from previous years. Keep in mind that actual home prices can vary considerably by area in Frisco. Here are examples of home values in different Frisco neighborhoods:
- Chapel Creek $1,662,207
- Griffin Park $701,487
- Heather Ridge $751,989
- Heritage Village $566,631
- Kings Garden $470,586
- Newman Village $1,356,790
- Shaddock Creek Estate $1,061,378
- Starwood $1,150,549
The Frisco, Texas, real estate market is relatively balanced, neither strongly favoring buyers nor sellers, with steady demand, rising inventory, and slightly cooling prices following a period of rapid growth. Homes typically go under contract in around 44 days of listing, and approximately 13% of listed homes sell above the listing price.