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 […]
Category: Real Estate Law
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 […]
Can Squatters Take Over Your Home While You’re Gone?
In a recent move, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Bill 621 into law, a sweeping piece of legislation that abolishes squatter rights in the state and grants law enforcement the authority to immediately remove squatters from properties. The issue of squatters and adverse possession is a topic of significant debate, and while Florida has taken […]
How Wholesaling Works in Texas
Wholesaling is a popular but sometimes controversial real estate strategy. While it can be a legitimate way for investors to profit without significant upfront capital, it also raises legal and ethical concerns, especially when improperly executed. This article will break down how wholesaling works, potential legal pitfalls, and relevant regulations that investors should be aware […]
Affectionately Called ‘The Love Test’ Deed
Converting separate property into community property is a significant legal decision that often comes with pressure from a spouse. At our firm, we humorously refer to these situations as “You Don’t Love Me Unless You Put Me on the Deed” deeds. While this action might be a show of love and commitment, it carries legal […]
Can Contractors Attach a Lien to a Homestead in Texas?
Homeowners in Texas often worry about contractors threatening to place a lien on their property when payment disputes arise. Fortunately, Texas has some of the strongest homestead protections in the country, making it extremely difficult for contractors to attach a valid lien to a homestead. Below, we break down the requirements for contractor liens and […]
US Mail and Its Importance in the Law
The mail may seem like a relic of the past in our digital age, but it remains a cornerstone of legal practice. Whether it’s sending demand letters, eviction notices, or lien filings, the U.S. Postal Service plays a vital role in ensuring that critical legal communications are delivered effectively. Below, we explore how different types […]