Being served with a lawsuit can be stressful, and many defendants assume that if they don’t answer immediately, they’ll face an automatic judgment. While it’s always best to respond by the deadline, missing the answer deadline doesn’t always mean the worst-case scenario. However, before filing an answer, there are two critical issues you should consider: […]
Author: Philip Silberman
When Is It Legal to Sign Someone Else’s Name?
There may come a time when you can’t be physically present to sign an important legal document. Maybe you’re traveling, hospitalized, or just unavailable. In those situations, is it legal for someone else to sign your name? The short answer is: yes, under specific circumstances. Let’s explore when and how it’s done legally in Texas. […]
How Do You Keep Owners of an LLC in Texas Anonymous?
Many business owners in Texas prefer to keep their LLC ownership anonymous for privacy reasons. Fortunately, Texas law allows for certain structuring methods to maintain confidentiality. This article explains how to form an anonymous LLC in Texas, maintain confidentiality, and comply with state regulations. How to Set Up an Anonymous LLC in Texas Texas does […]
The Better Way to Wholesale
Wholesaling real estate has become an increasingly popular strategy for investors looking to make money without directly purchasing property. However, it’s also an area rife with legal pitfalls, misunderstandings, and compliance issues. Many wholesalers operate in a legal gray area, particularly in states like Texas, where licensing requirements and advertising regulations complicate the process. Below, […]
Is There Such a Thing as the “Double Close?”
In the world of real estate wholesaling, one of the most common questions wholesalers ask is: “Can you do a double close?” While the term “double close” may sound simple, it’s actually one of the most misunderstood and legally problematic tactics in real estate. Many wholesalers attempt to use double closings to maximize profits, but […]
Loan Acceleration & Due-on-Sale Clauses: When the Bank Can Call Your Mortgage
Mortgage borrowers often assume that as long as they make their payments, their lender won’t interfere with their property ownership. However, loan acceleration and due-on-sale clauses can create unexpected financial and legal challenges. In Texas, banks can accelerate a loan if the borrower defaults, and in rare cases, they may also enforce a due-on-sale clause […]
Doing Title Research the Manual Way
Conducting a title search is a critical step in any real estate transaction, helping buyers and lenders confirm ownership history and uncover any potential issues with the property. In Texas, title searches can range from simple reports in major counties where there is lots of title data to labor-intensive manual searches in rural areas. This […]
Texas Mobile Home Guide: Who Regulates, What to Check, and How to Sell Legally
Buying or selling a mobile home in Texas involves more than just exchanging money and signing a piece of paper. Many buyers and sellers run into legal trouble because they fail to check ownership records, liens, or follow the correct process for transferring ownership. This guide covers who regulates mobile homes in Texas, what to […]
Selling a Minor’s Property in Texas: Here’s What You Need to Know!
In Texas, minors cannot legally enter into contracts or sell real estate because they lack legal capacity. However, if a minor inherits or is gifted real estate, there may come a time when selling the property is necessary. Texas law provides a legal pathway for this process under Texas Estates Code § 1351.001. This article […]
Who Really Owns That Property? Here’s How to Find Out Fast
Whether you’re a homebuyer verifying ownership, a neighbor frustrated by an abandoned lot, or an investor researching potential purchases, finding out who owns a property is an important step. Many people mistakenly rely on the county appraisal district, but while this can be a helpful starting point, it’s not always accurate. This guide explains how […]