With rising concerns about crime and safety, many Texas homeowners wonder if they can install gates and restrict access to their neighborhoods. While it may seem like a simple solution, the legal and logistical hurdles involved especially when public streets are involved make it a far more complicated proposition. Here’s what you need to know […]
Category: Real Estate Law
Is It Legal to Take Sand From a Beach in Texas?
If you’ve ever walked along the Texas coast and wondered whether it’s legal to scoop up a bit of beach sand for a backyard project or even contemplated rolling up in a truck to load up for construction you’re not alone. The short answer is: no, it’s not legal. Texas law is quite clear and […]
When HOA Power Goes Too Far: The Legal Headaches Homeowners Face
Many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) are supposed to help maintain community standards and property values. But for many Texans, HOA’s represent frustration, inflated costs, and legal overreach. Homeowners often feel powerless once they enter a dispute. This post explores why HOA’s generate so much resentment and what legal frameworks make these problems so difficult to fight. […]
Spousal Transfers and Asset Protection
In Texas, one of the most common legal questions we receive at Silberman Law Firm involves spouses wanting to add each other to property deeds or, alternatively, remove themselves for asset protection. These decisions can dramatically alter the legal characterization of property—changing it from separate to community property or vice versa. Let’s break down how […]
Are Solar Panels a Good Deal?
Solar energy sounds like a win-win: save on electricity, reduce your carbon footprint, and maybe even earn money by selling power back to the grid. But for many Texas homeowners, the dream doesn’t match the reality. At Silberman Law Firm, we receive regular calls from frustrated clients who claim they were misled by solar panel […]
Do You Have to Be Licensed to Be a General Contractor in Texas?
If you’re new to Texas or planning to hire a general contractor for a renovation or construction project, you might be surprised to learn that things here work a little differently—especially if you’re coming from a state with strict licensing laws like California. No License Required for General Contractors In Texas, general contractors are not […]
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 […]