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Texas Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Nursing Home Abuse and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: A veteran that did three tours in Afghanistan as a marine came home and immediately went to work as an amazing police

Hoa just took this man’s house he’s a single father of two also spent many hours in the hospital with his stick daughter she was in there 6 months but over dirty siding and a tree they set a court date he didn’t even know about now his depression is bad I am his partner and his best friend I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 15, 2023

I'm truly sorry to hear about your friend's situation. Homeowners Associations (HOAs) have certain powers under their covenants and bylaws, but they must also follow the law and proper procedures. If your friend was not properly notified of the court date or the allegations against him,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: my former roommate has admitted to owing me money for covering his portion of bills and now refuses to pay can i sue?

my former roommate got fired and fell behind on bills i agreed to cover it for him with the understanding he pays it back as soon as he can and he tried decently hard of it at first then he totaled his car a few months later and fell even more behind on bills i asked him on multiple occasions when... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 23, 2023

Yes you can sue but it appears he may not have any non-exempt assets to satisfy any judgment you may be awarded.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: will this court date show up on my rental history when I apply for a new apartment?

I just found out today my landlord is taking me to court for back rent when I’ve been waiting months to hear from them so I could apply for rental assistance. They never said anything to me but today all of a sudden my case got filed. After months of not being able to pay the rent.

I... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Sep 21, 2023

You have it right. If there is a judgment against you it will be a public record. However, simply filing an eviction or other case for rent will not show, unless you go to trial and lose.

I hope this helps.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: My neighbor built a fence on my property. I been there 31 years, him 21. Claim it's his property. What do I do?

I've had a demand sent to him but he has failed to remove the fence. Should I file trespassing against him & file against who he claimed did a survey on property without my permission in my absence from my home. Do I have the right to remove the fence myself? I'm a Senior on a fix... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Sep 20, 2023

I would like to know how far his fence encroaches on your land.

The best way to deal with your problem is to get a survey and have the surveyor mark the boundary lines, or hire a lawyer to deal with your neighbor. Then, if his fence is on your land, you should send him a certified letter...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Should buyer insist that spouse of seller sign on conveyance of non-homestead property?

Buying non-homestead property being sold by a married man who acquired it recently (during marriage) and I think his spouse should sign to acknowledge the sale of community property even though only his name is on the deed. Title company says husband will sign Homestead Affidavit and wife will not... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Sep 20, 2023

You are not way off-base. I would require a waiver by the wife, proof of a separate property regime by the spouses, or require that the wife sign the deed. While the Title Company is liable if there is a problem later, I would not want to be making a claim later or needing to deal with a legal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Can an HOA management group, when sending violation letters, add an administration fee to the notice letter?

Our HoA Management company is sending out violation notices with administrative fees tied to the letter. There is nothing about admin fees in our CCRs/Bylaws, nor could i find anything in Texas property code. When asked regarding this issue the management group stated " The administration fee... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Sep 16, 2023

Any inquiry about a HOA and its power and authority starts with looking at the deed that created it. If it is clear that the HOA is not in compliance, then they should not be able to enforce rules that are unlawful or unreasonable.

Notice and an opportunity to be heard are necessary by any...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: The lot next to my property was bought by a lady back in ninety three, and she passed away and her son and his brother

Don't have any interest in the property and want to gift it to me how do I transfer title without a deed or will

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

To transfer ownership of the property without a deed or will, you'll typically need to go through a legal process. Since the previous owner passed away, it's essential to follow these steps. First, you may need to initiate probate court proceedings, especially if the previous owner passed... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Texas on
Q: If not expressly stated in HOA bylaws as non permissible, can I legally have a home standby generator installed?

Since my townhouse area has had at least 3 power outages in the past year, one lasting over three days, resulting in my home being untenable, would any HOA objection to the installation of a home standby generator be enforceable?

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Sep 9, 2023

As long as the installation of the generator does not violate any other rules, you should be OK. I would be concerned with where you place the generator. Most HOAs require you to have any mechanical systems in the back-yard or otherwise placed out of view from the front.

I hope this answers...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: I was wondering if I have a case my ac has been out since may 24

I have multiple work order video and pictures of my ac leaking inside and reading 80 degrees the apartment has came out multiple times saying it fix when it’s not they offer as to transfer but with 250$ fee I don’t believe we should have to pay the 250$ if we’re transferring for something... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

Yes.

You have a case. However, it's not worth much.

If you want to sue the AC company, go to small claims court.

Better is u call and harass the company or make a scene in front of their office for the public to see.

Good luck!

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: How do you find if a deed is JTWROS?

A mother and son owned property, both are listed on the deed. Both have now passed away--the mother first over 20 years ago and the surviving owner one year ago. Title company is asking for a new affidavit of heirship (AOH) for the mother, and her deceased spouse. Current AOH for the mother lists... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

The title company can provide you with a copy of the deed.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Is it legal when an HOA management company sends violation letters and hit the homeowner with an administrative Fee?

EDIT: I have to add this because it seems that they are trying to circumvent the CCRs and bylaws be their response to my email, here is the response: "

Unfortunately, per the contract we hold with the board, there are admin fees assessed to homeowners when sending violation letters.... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Aug 24, 2023

If the HOA has not complied with the HOA rules and regulations, then they can not enforce any citations, fines or other costs.

I would let the HOA know your position, and send any writings or objections by certified mail to assure proper Notice, etc.

I hope this helps.

2 Answers | Asked in Tax Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: If u bury cremated remains, do you get exempt fr/ prop tax if you live in the home & could sell later on?

Ask, do you get exempt from HOA regulations as well? Thank you.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 24, 2023

No. You are only entitled to the exemption if you own and use the property exclusively for the burial of human remains.

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: My mother passed away March 2023. She left no will. I’m am her only child, and am listed as owner of her home now.

Question. My mothers close friend wanted to purchase her home and we agreed to price and paying back taxes/ loan. The friend had an investment company help and do all the necessary documentation etc I was given an offer of 130,000 for her home though it appraised at 242,000 we accepted due to... View More

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Aug 24, 2023

You can definitely BACK OUT.

DO NOT CLOSE and send an email or certified letter to the title company telling them you will not close.

You need to hire an attorney ASAP.

Call me or another real estate attorney here on Justia.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: If you are gifted land that's not fully paid for can that land be used as collateral/down-payment on a new home?

A close friend of mine wants to gift us 1-2 acres for us to put a house on. He is still paying on the land (30 acres total). First, can the 1-2 acres of land be gifted if he is still paying for it? Second, if so can we use that gifted land as collateral or down-payment on the home we want to put on... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 18, 2023

A conveyance to you is subject to the secured debt. If a lender is willing to loan money as a second priority mortgagee, there is no law preventing him from doing that. But the transfer may violate the due on sales clause of the security instrument, thus allowing foreclosure. I would not... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Driveway parking lot and curbside on our home side, is it illegal? Can HOA even break the law?

I have a total of 5 vehicles. 2 front sides of our home, one on each side of the curb, alternate with the rest of the 3 vehicles to avoid 24-hour stationed public street law. The third vehicle parks inside the square of our driveway, across in front of the other 2 vehicles. Is not blocking the... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 16, 2023

Parking in your driveway and along the curbside of your home is typically legal, as long as you're not obstructing traffic or violating any local regulations. However, here's where things can get a bit tricky – your friendly neighborhood Homeowners Association (HOA).

HOAs are...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Texas on
Q: The management of my apartment complex is forcing the tenants to relocate to another of their properties because they're

gutting the complex. If I don't want to live in another one of their apartments and get an apartment on my own somewhere else, do they have to pay out my lease?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 14, 2023

No but they might have to pay any difference between the rent in a new comparable apartment and the rent required under your lease

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: What specialty lawyer would I consult to get information on selling inherited land in West Texas to my siblings?

The land was trusted from my deceased mother to her 5 children and my sister and I want to buy out the land from our 3 other siblings.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 14, 2023

You should contact an attorney who handles real estate transactions in or near the county where the land is located

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: Someone paid the taxes on my late mother's house and moved in. How do I get them out and reclaim my property

She left a will

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 16, 2023

Probate the will. If you inherited the house under the will, file an eviction proceeding to evict the current occupant when the will is admitted to probate.

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Selling a real estate LLC. Is seller indemnified personally?

It's a real estate LLC with a portfolio of properties. I am truly unaware of any issues and do not foresee any. It's just my first time selling an LLC.

Daniel Lopez
Daniel Lopez
answered on Aug 11, 2023

If the LLC in its entirety is being sold typically the liabilities are transferred with it. However, in most (99.9%) of purchase agreements there are clauses that make the seller liable for any actions up to the date of closing. This means that if the buyer gets sued for something that happened... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: My son let his girlfriend move into his house but now wants her to leave What are his/her rights?
Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Aug 7, 2023

Son needs to hire aTX attorney to file suit for possession now. He should not get in a fight or argument until she is out, or she will get leverage.

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