Real County, TX Property Records

    Real County is a Hill Country county on the Edwards Plateau, approximately 100 miles northwest of San Antonio. Its population at the 2020 U.S. Census was 2,758, with 2025 estimates near 2,745 and essentially flat. The county seat is Leakey (pronounced LAY-kee), a city of approximately 315 residents. Camp Wood is the county's largest city. The county was created in 1913 from parts of Edwards, Bandera, and Kerr Counties. It is named for Julius Real, a former Texas State Senator.

    The Frio River passes through the county and through Leakey, making the area a significant Hill Country recreation destination. Tubing, fishing, and camping on the Frio draw visitors from San Antonio and Austin. The 1918 Real County Courthouse in Leakey was built from local limestone. Tourism, ranching, and hunting lease income are the primary economic drivers.

    The housing market reflects Hill Country demand. The median home value is approximately $173,500, well above what the median household income of approximately $45,417 would suggest, reflecting demand from outside buyers. According to Federal Reserve Economic Data, an estimated 29–33% of households are cost-burdened.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records

    The Real County Clerk maintains all official land records in Real County. The office is located at the Real County Courthouse in Leakey, Texas.

    What County Property Records Include

    The County Clerk maintains all instruments affecting the ownership and encumbrance of real property. Recorded documents include:

    • Deeds: Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, trustee deeds, and correction deeds.

    • Deeds of Trust: The primary mortgage instrument in Texas conveys a security interest to a trustee on behalf of a lender.

    • Releases and Reconveyances: Discharge instruments releasing liens or deeds of trust once obligations are satisfied.

    • Oil and Gas Leases: Mineral leases, assignments, ratifications, and releases.

    • Easements and Rights-of-Way: Pipeline easements, utility easements, and access rights.

    • Mechanic's and Materialman's Liens: Filed under Chapter 53, Texas Property Code.

    • Powers of Attorney: Including durable and real-property-specific instruments.

    • Assignments: Including assignments of leases, rents, and mineral interests.

    • Lis Pendens: Notices of pending litigation affecting title.

    • Subdivision Plats: Plat maps of subdivisions within the county.

    How to Access Real County Property Records

    You can access Real County property records online, in person, by phone, and by mail. The process depends on the type of record you need.

    Online Access

    Real County property records are available online through TexasFile, a statewide records portal. Select Real County from the county list and search by grantor or grantee name, instrument number, document type, or recording date. Most deed, deed of trust, release, and lien instruments recorded in recent decades are indexed and available as scanned images.

    Property ownership, valuation, and exemption data are available through the Real County Appraisal District at realcad.org. The portal allows searches by owner name, property address, and legal description. This is the appropriate resource for assessed values, exemption status, and current ownership; it does not replace the County Clerk's deed records for title research.

    In Person

    While online portals are often the most convenient option, you can visit the relevant offices directly for certified copies, recording, or research assistance

    By Phone

    You can make inquiries, request general information, and ask about copy fees by phone

    By Mail/Overnight

    You can submit documents for recording or request copies of recorded instruments by mail. Before mailing a document for recording, ensure it is properly titled, acknowledged before a notary, includes the grantee's mailing address, and contains a complete legal description. Standard recording fees apply: $26.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page. Texas does not impose a realty transfer tax.

    To request copies of recorded documents, send a written request with sufficient identifying information (grantor/grantee name, approximate date, and document type).

    You may also request property record data from the Real County Appraisal District by mail to 763 S. US Hwy 83, Leakey, TX 78873. Include a clear description of the property or information requested.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Real County supports e-recording of property documents through authorized third-party providers. E-recording is primarily used by title companies, lenders, and legal professionals. Contact the County Clerk's office at (830) 232-6210 for information on approved e-recording services and submission requirements

    What's Not at the County Clerk's Office

    • Property Appraisal: Real County Appraisal District (Lori Fetterman, Interim), 763 S. US Hwy 83, P.O. Box 158, Leakey, TX 78873. Phone: (830) 232-6248.

    • Property Taxes: Tax Assessor-Collector Terrie Pendley, 474 R.R. 337 W., P.O. Box 898, Leakey, TX 78873. Phone: (830) 232-6210. Real County Tax A/C collects property taxes.

    • Texas RRC

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

    To research a property deed using online resources:

    • Search TexasFile: Go to Texasfile and select the county. Search by grantor/grantee name, document type, and date range.

    • Identify the instrument: Note the volume and page number or instrument number and recording date.

    • Retrieve a copy: Download images if available. If not, contact the County Clerk at (830) 232-6210 or mail a request to P.O. Box 898, Leakey, TX 78873.

    • Verify appraisal data: Cross-reference the parcel at realcad.org for assessed value, ownership, and exemption status.

    • Check mineral interests: Search the Texas RRC for well locations and production data.

    • Confirm tax status: Verify current tax payment history with the Tax Assessor-Collector or appraisal district.

    Cities & Towns in Real County

    • Leakey: County seat. Location of the county courthouse. On the Frio River. Named for pioneer settler John H. Leakey.

    • Camp Wood: Largest city. On the Nueces River. Named for Camp Wood, a former U.S. Army outpost.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    • Real County Appraisal District: (830) 232-6248.

    • Tax Assessor-Collector (Terrie Pendley): (830) 232-6210. Collects property taxes.

    • Texas Comptroller

    County-Specific Nuances

    • Hill Country demand exceeds local income: Real County's median home value of $173,500 significantly exceeds what the median household income of $45,417 would support locally. Second-home and vacation buyers from San Antonio and Austin drive demand well above what long-term residents can afford. Researchers should interpret median statistics with caution.

    • Frio River access easements: Properties on or adjacent to the Frio River may be subject to recorded river access easements, flood easements, and recreational-access agreements. The Frio River is subject to Texas surface water law and TCEQ regulations. Search these instruments in addition to standard deed and mortgage records.

    • Named "Real" County after Julius Real, not an adjective: Real County is named for Julius Real (1860–1944), a Texas State Senator from Kerrville. The name is pronounced as a proper name, not the English adjective.

    • Texas uses a County Clerk, not a Recorder of Deeds: The County Clerk is the statutory custodian of all recorded land instruments under the Texas Local Government Code.

    • Texas uses deeds of trust, not traditional mortgages: Search for "deed of trust" rather than "mortgage" when examining encumbrances.

    • Severed mineral estates are common: A deed to the surface does not convey mineral rights unless explicitly stated. Mineral ownership must be traced through a separate chain of instruments.

    • Texas homestead rights: Both spouses must sign a deed or deed of trust conveying or encumbering the homestead.

    • Community property state: Property acquired during marriage is generally owned equally by both spouses.

    • Agricultural land exemptions: Land qualifying for ag appraisal is valued on productive capacity rather than market value. Assessed values may be substantially lower than market value.

    Typical Contents of a Real County Property Record

    • Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Releases:

      • Standard conveyance

      • Lien instruments.

    • Ranch and Hunting Leases:

      • Lessor and lessee

      • Description of leased premises

      • Term

      • Hunting rights

      • Annual payment.

    • River Access and Recreation Easements:

      • Parties

      • Description of the Frio or Nueces access corridor

      • Permitted use

      • Term.

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the County Clerk in person, by mail, or through an approved e-recording service.

    Documents must satisfy the following requirements:

    • Acknowledgment: Must be acknowledged before a notary public; dated on or after execution.

    • Legal Description: Complete legal description referencing the appropriate survey, abstract number, and block/lot designations.

    • Legibility: 8.5 x 11 inches, clearly printed, with a 3-inch top margin on the first page.

    • Grantor/Grantee Names: All parties identified by full legal name.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    • Identify the parcel: Obtain the legal description from the deed, tax records, or the county appraisal district.

    • Search the grantor/grantee index: Use TexasFile or the County Clerk's in-office index.

    • Retrieve deed documents: Trace all deeds in the chain of title. Review for legal description accuracy, warranty covenants, and reservations.

    • Search for encumbrances: Search for deeds of trust, mechanic's liens, lis pendens, and other recorded encumbrances.

    • Review oil and gas instruments: Search for mineral-related instruments. Determine whether the mineral estate has been severed from the surface estate.

    • Check Texas RRC records: Visit RRC for active wells, operators, and production data.

    • Verify appraisal and tax status: Confirm assessed value, exemption status, and tax payment history.

    • Confirm homestead status: Determine whether the property carries a homestead exemption.

    • Review plat records: For subdivided properties, confirm plat recording.

    • Obtain certified copies: Confirm the current fee schedule with the Clerk before mailing payment.

    Appendix A: Municipalities in Real County

    Real County, TX, has 2 incorporated cities and is comprised primarily of scenic Hill Country ranches and unincorporated rural communities.

    • Cities: Leakey (County Seat) and Camp Wood (Largest city).

    • Unincorporated Communities and Historic Areas: Nueces Canyon area, Frio River valley, Hill Country ranchland, Lost Maples natural area, Scenic mountain landscapes, historical mission sites, and scattered ranch properties throughout the county. Real County consists primarily of sparsely populated Edwards Plateau terrain with scenic natural attractions. The total county population is 2,758 as of the 2020 census.

    Real County consists primarily of unincorporated ranches and Hill Country landscape, with no government or official boundaries separate from the county. (Wikipedia)

    Appendix B: Key Contacts & Portals