Dimmit County, TX Property Records

    Dimmit County is located in South Texas near the Texas-Mexico border. The county has a population of over 8,000 residents. It has about 1,330 square miles ot land area, and its economy is based on oil and gas investments and agricultural production. Notable communities in the county include Carrizo Springs, Asherton, Big Wells, and Catarina.

    The county's real estate market includes residential, ranch, agricultural, and mineral-related properties. The average home value in Dimmit County is approximately $131,000, down about 2.6% from the previous year. Home value in the county is lower than the statewide average of $302,000. As such, Dimmit County homes are considerably more affordable than homes in the state.

    Despite the low housing costs in Dimmit County, affordability remains a concern for some residents. According to the Federal Reserve Economic Data, about 35% of households in Dimmit County are housing-burdened. Such households spend 30% or more of their income on housing costs. These households cannot afford other necessities such as food, education, and health care.

    In Dimmit County, property assessments and parcel data are handled at the county level. The Dimmit Central Appraisal District maintains property values, parcel maps, and ownership information for taxation purposes. For detailed parcel inventories, check the appraisal district's website or visit their office.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Dimmit County Clerk's Office is the custodian of all official land records in the county. The clerk serves as the official county recorder, recording, indexing, and preserving documents in the recording office. The clerk's contact details and area of jurisdiction are listed below:

    Coverage - All land and property records in Dimmit County.

    What Dimmit County Property Records Include

    Dimmit County property records include official public documents that track property ownership, transfers, financing, and legal interests in real estate within the county. The clerk's office prepares documents that include:

    • warranty deeds,

    • quitclaim deeds,

    • deeds of trust,

    • mortgage releases,

    • mechanic's liens,

    • tax liens,

    • subdivision plats,

    • easements,

    • affidavits,

    • and judgments.

    In Texas counties, including Dimmit County, land records are documented in a recorded land title system. Under the system, the county clerk records and indexes documents chronologically. Interested persons can trace ownership history and review documents that affect a property's legal status. The system only displays notice of land documents; it does not guarantee a title. To verify the title, individuals should conduct an official title search or contact a title insurance company.

    Land records in Dimmit County date back to the late 1800s. Some records filed after 2003 are available to the public online. Individuals may access older records and historical archives in person, either in physical record books or on microfilm.

    How to Access Dimmit County Property Records

    To access land records in Dimmit County, you can use multiple channels, including online portals, in-person visits, phone requests, and other request methods.

    Online Access

    Search for Dimmit County property records via the Online Records Search platform. You are required to register for an account to access the portal. Enter the search criteria, then click the button below to search the records. You can preview your purchase before finalizing it and remove any unwanted items.

    In Person

    You may visit the clerk's office to access property records and seek assistance from knowledgeable staff at:

    • Dimmit County Clerk's Office: 103 North 5th Street, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834

    Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding county holidays.

    For easy record retrieval, you should provide the property address, parcel identification number, or owner's name when visiting the office. Contact the clerk's office to learn more about the current fee and accepted payment methods.

    By Phone or Email

    You may contact the Dimmit County Clerk's Office at (830) 876-2323 (opt. 5 then select 2) or by email for public inquiries.

    By Mail/Overnight

    You can obtain copies of property records from the Dimmit County clerk by mail. Gather essential information, including the property address, parcel ID, and owner's name. Prepare a written request letter that states which records you need. Contact the clerk's office in advance by phone to confirm pricing and instructions on how to pay and receive copies.

    Mail the documents, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, to the Dimmit County Clerk, 103 North 5th Street, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    At this time, electronic recording of land documents is not available in Dimmit County. Professionals, including title companies, law firms, and lenders, should submit land records in person or by mail. They should contact the county clerk's office for current recording requirements, filing fees, and document submission instructions.

    Offices in Connection to Property Research

    Property assessments, payment records, tax rates, and zoning classifications are examples of records essential for thorough property research. These records are not kept at the county clerk's office. The county's Central Appraisal District handles property assessment, parcel information, and exemption data. More resources are available at the property appraiser's website or at their office.

    The Tax Assessor-Collector bills and collects real and personal property taxes in the county. For payment records, delinquent taxes, and tax collection services for the county and other local taxing entities, contact the tax collector's website or visit their office. If you are interested in building permits, zoning information, and land-use regulations, contact the relevant municipal departments where the property is located.

    For statewide comparisons of tax rates and property values, you may also consult reports published by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

    Step-by-Step: How to Pull a Deed Online

    You can search and review deeds and other property records in Dimmit County by following these steps:

    • Visit the online records search platform.

    • Create a new account to use the portal.

    • Enter the required search criteria, such as grantor name, grantee name, document number, or filing date.

    • From the search results, select the image that matches the specified criteria.

    • Pay the applicable fee to purchase the document image or request a certified copy if needed.

    Cities & Towns in Dimmit County (and Their Record Custodian)

    The county clerk's office handles property records in Dimmit County municipalities, including Carrizo Springs, Asherton, and Big Wells.

    City/County Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    The Dimmit Central Appraisal District is responsible for appraising taxable property within the county. The district maintains appraisal records, ownership information, parcel data, and exemption records used for tax assessments. It also provides property search tools and information related to protests, exemptions, and appraisal notices.

    You can conduct a property search through the appraiser district's website. Through the search platform, you can view an interactive map and use the taxpayer portal. A drop box is also available at the office for any documents that need to be dropped off.

    The Dimmit County Tax Assessor-Collector handles property tax billing and collections. You can download the current tax rate from the tax assessor-collector's website.

    Dimmit County-Specific Nuances

    Property research in Dimmit County generally follows the standard Texas county recording system, but several local factors may affect how records are reviewed:

    • The County Clerk records land records for all municipalities within the county.

    • Since Dimmit County is part of the Eagle Ford Shale region, some property research may involve mineral rights, oil and gas leases, royalty interests, and related filings.

    • Many properties in the county involve ranch land, agricultural acreage, and open-space valuation records.

    • Property values and tax-related parcel records are maintained separately by the Dimmit Central Appraisal District.

    • Tax payment records and delinquent tax information are maintained by the Tax Assessor-Collector rather than the county clerk.

    • For historical property records, visit the county clerk's office in person.

    • No separate “Land Court” exists in Dimmit County. For property-related legal matters, visit the District Courts in the county.

    Typical Contents of a Dimmit County Property Record

    You can find the following information in a typical Dimmit County property record:

    • Deeds

      • Names of the grantor and grantee (seller and buyer)

      • Legal description of the property (lot, block, survey, or metes and bounds)

      • Consideration amount (the declared purchase price or transfer value)

      • Recording date and instrument number

      • Prior recording references

    • Deeds of Trust and Mortgage Documents

      • Names of the borrower and lender

      • Loan amount and repayment terms

      • Recording details and instrument number

      • Release or reconveyance information when the loan is satisfied

    • Plats and Surveys

      • Subdivision or survey name

      • Lot and block numbers

      • Boundary measurements

      • Plat references and filing dates

    • Encumbrances and Legal Notices

      • Easements (utility, drainage, or access rights)

      • Liens, including mechanic's liens and tax liens

      • Restrictive covenants affecting property use

      • Notices of lis pendens related to pending litigation

    Other documents recorded in property records may include affidavits, powers of attorney, assignments of liens, and corrective deeds.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    In Dimmit County, any change to property ownership or legal interests must be recorded with the county clerk's office. Commonly recorded documents include:

    • warranty deeds,

    • quitclaim deeds,

    • deeds of trust,

    • easements,

    • lien releases,

    • assignments,

    • and plats.

    Before recording a document, it must generally meet Texas recording requirements. Begin by preparing a new document (maybe a quitclaim or warranty deed) that reflects the changes to the old document. On the new document, include a legal description of the property, names and addresses of the grantor and grantee, proper notarization, and other requirements.

    Pay the recording fees and any applicable charges, such as deed documentary stamp tax and indexing fees, to the Dimmit County Clerk. You may submit the documents in person at the clerk's office during business hours, weekdays, except on holidays. Alternatively, you may mail the documents to the county clerk's office. For mail submissions, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope in the request to ensure the original document is returned to you.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    Follow the checklist, listed below, to perform comprehensive property records in Dimmit County:

    • Identify the correct registry or county office that maintains the desired records. Search the county clerk's office records to locate deeds, liens, plats, and related documents.

    • Gather all essential information for the desired property. It is crucial to have access to information such as the parcel ID number, owner's name, instrument numbers, and recording dates.

    • Review ownership details, title records, plats, easements, liens, and restrictive covenants that affect the property.

    • Confirm parcel details with the Dimmit Central Appraisal District.

    • Check tax account information for the specific property through the Dimmit County Tax Assessor-Collector's office.

    • Review all documents to ensure that the chain of title is unbroken and free from liens, omissions, judgments, and encumbrances.

    Appendix A: Cities and Communities in Dimmit County

    Dimmit County has three municipalities, consisting of three cities.

    • Cities: Carrizo Springs, Asherton, and Big Wells.

    *Dimmit County also has several census-designated places. However, they exist only for mailing or census purposes. They are located in a part of the larger city, with no government or official boundaries separate from the municipality. (Wikipedia)

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals