How To Search for McKinney Property Records

For those looking for a piece of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, McKinney is a great choice. However, before buying or investing in any property, it's vital to review property records. They provide crucial information, including ownership history, appraised values, liens, taxes, zoning classifications, foreclosures, amenities, and other details needed to make informed decisions. McKinney property records are public, meaning anyone can view them or get copies. The key to finding what you need is knowing where to look. Use the list of resources below to search for McKinney property records.

Collin County Clerk

The Collin County Clerk maintains official copies of documents related to real property ownership and transfers in the City of McKinney. These include deeds, plats, mortgages, easements, liens, subdivision maps, and more. You can look up this information online using the Clerk's Official Records Search tool. Searches may be done by name (grantor or grantee), subdivision, document type, or document number. There is also an advanced search option for refined results. If you prefer to access and get copies of these records in person, you may do so at the County Clerk's Office, located at Suite 2106, 2300 Bloomdale Rd., McKinney, TX 75071. Note that copy fees may apply. You can call (972) 548-4185 or email ctyclerks@collincountytx.gov for questions and general assistance.

Collin Central Appraisal District

The Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD) is responsible for identifying, listing, and valuing all taxable property within the City of McKinney. The appraisal district is a valuable resource for comprehensive property information, including ownership details, legal descriptions, structural features and characteristics, valuations, and recent sales. The CCAD offers a Property Search tool that lets you find this information online by name, address, ID, and other criteria. There is also an interactive map tool that you can use to explore parcel boundaries and view related information. If you prefer in-person services, you can visit the CCAD's office at 250 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney, TX 75069. You can also call (469) 742-9200 or (866) 467-1110 (toll-free) for questions and general assistance.

Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector

The Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property tax collection for McKinney and is an excellent resource for tax-related property records, including tax statements, payment histories, delinquency status, and more. You can search for this information online by name, address, account number, ID, description, and other criteria using the tax office's Tax Account Lookup tool. You may also visit the Tax Assessor-Collector's McKinney Office at Suite 2302, 2300 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071 to access and copy records in person, or call (972) 547-5020 for questions and general assistance.

Collin County Courts System

The Collin County Court System is another great resource for property records, particularly records related to legal proceedings, such as foreclosures, title disputes, landlord/tenant cases, and civil judgments. You can access these records online using either the county's Case Lookup and Court Schedules platform or the state-provided Re:SearchTX tool (note that registration may be required for this option, and fees could apply). You may also search for and get copies of records in person at the Russell A. Steindam Courts Building, located at 2100 Bloomdale Rd., McKinney, TX 75071. You can contact the Collin County District Clerk's Office at (972) 548-4320 or the County Clerk's Office at (972) 548-4185 for questions and general assistance.

McKinney property taxes are a major funding source for various local government services, including police and fire departments, public schools, community health services, parks and recreation, road maintenance, trash collection, and more. The Collin Central Appraisal District establishes the taxable value of properties in McKinney, while the County Tax Assessor-Collector handles tax billing and collection. Property values are estimated using a combination of sales comparisons, cost approaches, and income approaches (for commercial properties). The estimated value is then multiplied by the combined tax rates set by the city, counties, school district, and other local taxing entities to calculate the tax bill.

Tax statements are sent out each October and must be paid in full by January 31st of the following year. Partial payments are allowed as long as the total amount is settled by the deadline; you also have the option to pay the city, county, and school district portions of the tax bill separately. The Tax Assessor-Collector also provides a quarterly installment payment option for eligible senior (65+) and disabled homeowners, with payments due on January 31st, March 31st, May 31st, and July 31st. Late payments begin accruing penalties and interest from February 1st (or immediately after a missed quarterly installment), with a 7% rate and monthly increments. If the full balance remains unpaid by June 30th, an additional 20% penalty is added, and the account is referred to a delinquent tax attorney for collection. The property may ultimately be sold at a tax sale. The Collin County Tax Assessor-Collector offers several options for paying your property taxes, including online (via credit card or e-check), by mail, by phone at 1-877-264-7533, or in person at their McKinney office.

Assessments

The Collin Central Appraisal District (CCAD) performs annual assessments of properties in McKinney to establish their taxable values. Mass appraisal methods, such as comparing similar properties, evaluating construction costs, and analyzing potential income (where applicable), are used to estimate a property's fair market value. The CCAD may also conduct field visits, physical inspections, aerial surveys, and permit reviews to ensure accuracy. All properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning the taxable amount reflects the property's full estimated market value rather than a reduced or partial figure. Assessments are effective as of January 1st each year.

Residential property owners typically receive a Notice of Appraised Value in April (notices for commercial properties are usually sent in May), outlining their property's assessed market value. If you disagree with the valuation, you can request an informal review with the appraisal district. If the issue isn't resolved informally, you may file a formal protest with the county's Appraisal Review Board. Note that the protest must be filed by May 15th or within 30 days of the notice's mailing date, whichever is later. You can contact the CCAD's Taxpayer Liaison Officer at (469) 742-9200 for inquiries and assistance with filing a protest.

Appraisals

McKinney 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

McKinney, Texas, has a median effective property tax rate of 1.51%, higher than the national median of 1.02% but below the Texas state median of 1.67%. The city's average annual tax bill is $7,060, which is significantly higher than the national average of $2,400.

Here's a look at how McKinney'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 McKinney are higher than the national average, and some residents may struggle to meet their tax obligations. Fortunately, several exemptions are available to qualifying homeowners in the city that can help reduce the financial burden. These include:

• Homestead Exemption: Reduces the taxable value of a homeowner's primary residence.
• Over-65/Disabled Exemption: Reduces the taxable value of the primary residence of seniors aged 65 and older, individuals with qualifying disabilities, and their surviving spouses.
• Disabled Veterans Exemption: Provides partial to full tax relief for disabled veterans based on their disability rating. Surviving spouses of service members killed in action and first responders who died in the line of duty may also qualify.

You can contact the Collin Central Appraisal District at (469) 742-9200 or (866) 467-1110 (toll-free) for additional details or assistance with applying for an exemption.

Permits are required to construct, enlarge, remodel, move, or demolish structures in McKinney. Cosmetic work and minor repairs, like painting, carpeting, replacing fixtures, or installing cabinets, are usually exempt. The McKinney Building Inspections Department manages the city's permitting process. You can apply for necessary permits, make payments, schedule inspections, and perform other permit-related actions online using the city's Citizen Self Service portal. You may also visit the building inspections office at 401 E. Virginia St., McKinney, TX 75069 for in-person services, or call 469-617-4800 for questions and general assistance.

Common types of permits issued in McKinney include:

• Building Permits: Required for constructing, adding to, renovating, or demolishing a structure.

  • Residential Building Permits: Issued for residential structures (single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units)
  • Commercial Building Permits: Issued for commercial properties.
  • Fence Permits: For installing a new fence or replacing an existing one.
  • Pool Construction Permit: For installing in-ground or above-ground swimming pools and spas.

• Trade/Specialty Permits: Required for work on specific systems within a building and may be issued separately from a general building permit.

  • Electrical Permits: Required for the installation, alteration, or repair of any electrical wiring or equipment.
  • Mechanical Permits: Required for the installation or replacement of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
  • Plumbing Permits: Required for the installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, including gas lines.

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.

Located just 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney is a principal city in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. The city is recognized for its high quality of life, strong economy, and charming historic downtown. It also boasts several natural and cultural attractions, including the 212-acre Erwin Park and the Texas Music Revolution, a premier country music festival held annually in the city's downtown area.

McKinney, Texas, has a population of 195,308 residents. The city has 88,397 housing units, with approximately 95% occupied and 61% owner-occupied. The city has a wide range of housing options, including single-family homes, condos, apartments, historic homes, and luxury estates. Popular housing styles include Craftsman, Traditional, Colonial Revival, Southwestern, and Contemporary. The average home value in McKinney, TX, is $486,253, down 5.4% from previous years. Note that actual home prices can vary considerably across McKinney. Here are examples of home values in different McKinney neighborhoods:

• Creek Hollow $365,048
• Creekview Estates $499,685
• Glenwood Estates $393,608
• High Pointe $345,707
• McKinney Heights $345,548
• Sandy Glen $362,335
• Timber Creek $430,904
• Woodberry Estates $417,940

The McKinney, Texas, real estate market is slightly competitive and buyer-leaning, with declining prices and rising inventory. Homes typically go under contract in about 47 days from listing, and about 12.5% of listed homes sell above the listing price. However, even though buyers currently have the upper hand, the market isn't overly sluggish: properties in desirable neighborhoods still attract a lot of attention and sell quickly.