Defining a Fixture in Real Estate In real estate, a fixture is any item of personal property that has been attached to the real property in a way that it becomes a part of the real property. Several examples include HVAC systems, built-in appliances like dishwashers, and even speakers mounted to a wall. The key […]
Author: Philip Silberman
Pretend Sales to Circumvent Homestead Protection
In Texas, homestead protections are a powerful legal shield designed to prevent homeowners from losing their primary residence to creditors. However, some unscrupulous lenders have attempted to find creative ways to get around these protections, often through “pretend sales” and other complex documents. These schemes are designed to give lenders a claim on a homesteaded […]
How Long Does It Take a Judge to Rule?
After a bench trial, where a judge, rather than a jury, hears the case and makes a decision, clients often ask when they can expect a ruling. It’s a common misconception that a judge will give an immediate decision. The reality is that it’s quite rare for a judge to rule from the bench. Instead, […]
Is an Offer of Admission a Binding Contract?
The season of college and private high school admissions brings a wave of excitement and tough decisions for students and parents. An offer of admission feels like a final step, but is it a legally binding contract? This question often arises when a school or a student changes their mind after an acceptance letter has […]
Suing Realtors For Overcharging Commission
A recent change in real estate rules has sparked a new wave of legal questions, particularly for homebuyers in Texas. Prior to July, Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in places like Texas automatically included a 3% buyer’s agent commission. This practice has since changed following a lawsuit alleging anti-competitive practices. Now, Realtors are no longer able […]
Can You Make Your Will Conditional on a Beneficiary Action?
When drafting a will, many people want to leave their assets to beneficiaries with certain conditions attached. This raises a crucial question in estate planning: are these conditional bequests legally enforceable? The short answer is yes, it is legally enforceable to include conditions in a will. However, while it is possible, it can lead to […]
How to Handle Personal Property in a Real Estate Transaction
When buying a residential property, you’re not just purchasing the land and the house; you may also want to acquire certain personal items, such as refrigerators. This can be a point of confusion because there’s a legal distinction between real and personal property. Properly addressing personal property in a real estate transaction is crucial to […]
When Things Go Missing: Hotel Liability
When you travel, hotels offer a variety of convenient services, including laundry service. But what happens when you send out your clothes and they, along with some valuable items you accidentally left in them, go missing? A common assumption is that the hotel is liable for any and all losses. However, the legal reality is […]
How to Keep Property Ownership Anonymous
In today’s world of online data and searchable public records, many Texans are concerned about privacy—especially when it comes to real estate. While it’s impossible to make property ownership completely invisible, there are a few strategies to help reduce the public footprint of your ownership. Use “Current Owner” on Appraisal Records The most visible source […]
Why Ownership Records at the Appraisal District Don’t Matter
One of the most common misconceptions among Texas property owners is that the local appraisal district determines legal ownership of real estate. While appraisal district websites are often the easiest way to look up property information online, they do not control or verify who legally owns property in Texas. The Role of the Appraisal District […]