When you are under contract to buy a home in Texas, the title company will issue a document called a Title Commitment. This document is essentially a promise from the title company to issue an insurance policy provided certain conditions are met. While there are four main parts (Schedules A, B, C, and D), Schedule […]
Category: Real Estate Law
Should You Hire a Lawyer When Buying a House in Texas?
For most Texans, purchasing a home is the single largest investment they will ever make. While real estate agents are essential to the process of finding a home and navigating the initial offer, they are not licensed to provide legal advice. Many buyers wonder if the standard paperwork is safe enough to sign on its […]
The $10 Deed Tradition in Texas
If you have ever reviewed a Texas deed, whether it’s a General Warranty Deed or a Special Warranty Deed, you likely noticed a peculiar phrase regarding the purchase price. Instead of seeing the actual sales price (such as $350,000), the document likely states the property was sold for “$10.00 and other good and valuable consideration.” […]
How to Know If a Foreclosure Has Occurred
In the world of real estate, understanding the status of a property’s title is crucial. Whether you are an investor looking for a deal or a neighbor curious about a nearby home, identifying a foreclosure requires a basic understanding of how Texas real property records are organized. Unlike some states that rely heavily on judicial […]
Do Property Managers Need a License in Texas?
In the Texas real estate world, the line between needing a professional license and operating independently is often drawn at the property’s front door. While the rules may have felt like the Wild West prior to 2011, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) now strictly regulates who can handle rents and deposits for residential properties. […]
Property Deeds vs. Car Titles
Many people assume that owning a home is just like owning a car—that there is a single piece of paper you hold onto to prove you own it. However, in Texas, the legal reality of property deeds and vehicle titles couldn’t be more different. Understanding these distinctions is critical for anyone buying or selling assets […]
The Legal Checklist for Private Car Sales
While most people choose to trade in their vehicles at a dealership to avoid the hassle, selling a car to a private party can often net a higher price. However, unlike a dealer transaction, the burden of ensuring the legal paperwork is handled correctly falls entirely on you. In Texas, a handshake deal isn’t enough; […]
Bonding Around Contractor Liens in Texas
Facing a surprise mechanic’s lien right before a major real estate closing or refinance can be a nightmare. While many people might try filing a lawsuit to have the lien removed, there is a far more efficient statutory process in Texas that allows for bonding around the lien. What Does It Mean to “Bond Around” […]
What is a Wraparound Loan?
A wraparound loan, or wraparound transaction, is a specific type of owner finance real estate sale. It is primarily used when a buyer cannot secure traditional bank financing or when the seller has an existing, low-interest mortgage that they do not want to pay off immediately. How a Wraparound Transaction Works In a standard owner […]
How to Sell Your Duplex or Four-Plex as a Condo
Many property owners who own a multi-unit building like a four-plex eventually consider selling the individual units to different buyers. While the idea of simply drafting a deed for each unit may seem simple, converting a multi-unit property into individual, separately sellable residential units requires a formal legal process that establishes a condominium regime. The […]