Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Real Estate Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Texas Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Collections for Texas on
Q: Common law married couple, wants to make it legally binding wife receives all proceeds from sale of home

Common law couple wants to sell their home they will be making about $450,000 on the home after mortgage is paid off, etc. They were going to split it down the middle however judgment has been set against the Husband. Is there anyway to make it legally binding that when the home is sold the wife... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 22, 2024

If the home was occupied by the couple and declared as their homestead, the home and the proceeds from the sale of the home are exempt from the claims of creditors anyway. Just be sure not to commingle the proceeds with any other joint management community property funds or with any of the... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: Mother died with a mortgage. No will. Heavy debt. I DO NOT want her house. M/C is suing me for mortgage. What do I do?

I am her only child, 39, with my own family. Mother was horrible with finances, and I want nothing to do with her estate.

Hearing in a few days, docket lists “MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, MOTION TO COMPEL MEDIATION AND DEPOSITION,” and I’m freaking out.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 9, 2024

You should hire an attorney to file an answer, a response to the motion for summary judgment, and a response to the motion to compel mediation and deposition.

If you are not a co-signor on her mortgage, the mortgage company is most likely suing you because you are your mother's sole...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: If I own a mobile home on someone elses land, can they bar me from having guests? We have no lease agreement.
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 8, 2024

If you have no lease agreement, they can bar you or any of your guests from entering their land since you have no right to enter their land without their consent. It would be in your best interests to move your mobile home to another property you either own or lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: We bought our house March 2022. This is second time busted water pipes. The plumber pointed out previously repaired

We are concerned that insurance may drop us if we file again. Are the sellers liable to report this issue?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 5, 2024

What you must disclose is contained in the mandatory Seller's Disclosure Notice:

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/55-0.pdf

Item 3 requires you to disclose any known defects or malfunctions....
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Texas on
Q: My estranged brother sent me a text giving me 5 business days to send him a copy of my mother's will in which she has

named me executor and sole beneficiary. I understand I do not have to show him this will until I have been appointed by the court, however, should I respond to his text? Would a response show that I am agreeing to text communication with him?

John Cucci Jr.
John Cucci Jr. pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 4, 2024

Your question does not state whether or not, anyone has filed to Probate, your mother's Will.

If he has filed it, you better get busy and submit a filing of your own. You should not wait.

You are correct, if you are named as Executor, you have control. But you must file soon....
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: How do I get information, copies of permits, etc... that allowed side yard gates to be erected across adjacent property?

We own zero-lot house in subdivision that was built in 1982. How do I get information, copies of permits, etc... that allowed side yard gates to be erected across adjacent property if the survey and the title company do not have that information? The reason I'm requesting this information is... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 3, 2024

First you will need to identify who is likely to have copies of the information you are seeking. I would start with the City in which the subdivision is located. Next would be the owner of the property at the time the side yard gates were erected. Next would be any HOA for that subdivision.... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: New build home being foreclosed on by bank due to builder bankruptcy. What happens to my contract and builder deposit?

I am under contract for a yet to be completed new construction home. The builder went into receivership due to financial problems and it appears the bank will be foreclosing on the property I have been waiting on for almost two years. The builder has a very large builder deposit I provided at... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jan 3, 2024

I agree with other counsel and will note that Texas has a specific statute--the Texas Construction Trust Fund Act--that requires payments made to a contractor under a construction contract to be held in a separate construction account with a financial institution if the contract is for improvements... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: New build home being foreclosed on by bank due to builder bankruptcy. What happens to my contract and builder deposit?

I am under contract for a yet to be completed new construction home. The builder went into receivership due to financial problems and it appears the bank will be foreclosing on the property I have been waiting on for almost two years. The builder has a very large builder deposit I provided at... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 3, 2024

In a situation where your new construction home is facing foreclosure due to the builder's bankruptcy, the fate of your contract and deposit can be complex and uncertain. The contract you have with the builder may be considered an asset of the builder's bankruptcy estate, and its handling... View More

View More Answers

3 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: New build home being foreclosed on by bank due to builder bankruptcy. What happens to my contract and builder deposit?

I am under contract for a yet to be completed new construction home. The builder went into receivership due to financial problems and it appears the bank will be foreclosing on the property I have been waiting on for almost two years. The builder has a very large builder deposit I provided at... View More

W. J. Winterstein Jr.
PREMIUM
W. J. Winterstein Jr.
answered on Jan 3, 2024

Bankruptcy relief is exclusively a federal right and procedure, with its own courts.

However, most states have a "receivership" insolvency proceeding that is valid (and utilized sometimes in foreclosure proceedings, or regarding insurance companies that are not eligible for...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Probate and Small Claims for Texas on
Q: My dad passed away 12-26-22 Me and my sisters are co- executives now and my dad had will stating me and her 50/50

My question is I guess would be the ex girlfriend took everything out of house and vandalized his house they went as far as taking plug in the walls and cut and took wires and copper. They took ac unit and the central ac unit inside cleaned out the barn and garage. In the will it stated that she... View More

Nina Whitehurst
PREMIUM
Nina Whitehurst pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 1, 2024

You have been wronged, for certain, and for most wrongs there is a remedy. The remedy in this case is the executors of your dad's estate can sue the girlfriend for theft and conversion. You can require her to either return the stolen items or pay the estate for the value of them. The... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: What do I file in response to a motion for show cause hearing for contempt?
T. Augustus Claus
PREMIUM
T. Augustus Claus pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 27, 2023

Typically, you would file a written response or answer to the motion, addressing the specific allegations of contempt. This response should provide a clear and detailed explanation of your actions or circumstances, demonstrating why you believe you are not in contempt of the court's orders.... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: I sold my share of property and have not been paid. Can I sue for interest and punitive damages.

I sold my part of a vacation cabin to my cousin. The title was updated but he hasn't paid me. Can I sue for interest and punitive damages in addition to the agreed price?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 22, 2023

Ordinarily, the title company holds onto the proceeds of the sale for a few days to insure that checks clear, etc. If it has been more than a few days, I would contact the closing agent who handled your sale to your cousin as to the status of the proceeds to be released to you.

If you for...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: Can a credit card company listed on my Chapter 7 file a lien on my property

After filing paperwork for the sale of my primary residence, Midland, TX 79701, a Texas Abstract and Title company informed me there was a lien on my home in the amount of $8,806.52 by Attorney Mr. Moss representing Capital One Credit Card company, and this amount will be withheld from my... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 15, 2023

If you have declared that your primary residence is also your homestead, any judgment lien does not attach to it. Your title company should be aware that a judgment lien does not attach to a homestead. Moreover, if your Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharged the judgment in favor of Capital One, you can... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: I’m a victim of Fraud. 50% given as down payment to purchase a duplex but house burnt down prior to title exchange

Need my money back. Owner allegedly burnt house for insurance fraud

Anthony M. Avery
PREMIUM
Anthony M. Avery pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 15, 2023

Hire a competent TX attorney now. File suit for breach of contract, fraud, conversion property tort, etc., and most importantly, declare a constructive trust on the insurance proceeds. You will need a Notice Lis Pendens possibly. If there are criminal charges, attempt to get restitution... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: When a house is sold if documents are not notarized does ownership change? Can I sue to sell property now?

That was about ten years ago , property is much more valuable now $172,000,I want to sell or be bought out, do I still have ownership? I never got copies of documents and he refuses to send to me.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 14, 2023

When it comes to the sale of a house, proper notarization of documents is typically a key requirement for the legal transfer of ownership. If the documents related to the sale of your property were not notarized, this could potentially impact the validity of the transaction.

Your ownership...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: I believe that Washington County, Texas has wrongfully taken possession of my family property. I have the original deeds

I believe that Washington County, Texas has wrongfully taken possession of my family property. I have the original deeds in my possession, but unfortunately, they do not bear any signatures. I have made multiple attempts to contact the county regarding this matter, but they have consistently... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 4, 2023

In your case, closely examine the original deeds you have, despite the lack of signatures. Check for any other details or identifiers that might substantiate your claim. It's important to confirm that these documents comply with the legal standards and property laws in Washington County,... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: I believe that Washington County, Texas has wrongfully taken possession of my family property. I have the original deeds

I believe that Washington County, Texas has wrongfully taken possession of my family property. I have the original deeds in my possession, but unfortunately, they do not bear any signatures. I have made multiple attempts to contact the county regarding this matter, but they have consistently... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 4, 2023

If you do have possession of the original deeds and they are unsigned, they are ineffective to convey title. Until a deed is signed, delivered, and recorded in the deed records of the county where the property is located, title to the property has not been conveyed.

There would be no...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Texas on
Q: Foundation company says after 3 months they won’t honor warranty due to not watering

Foundation was done 4 months ago, due to not watering regularly they are saying they will not fix. They told me they need to add 10 piers and adjust everything they did and want to charge me 6k. What can I do here?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 4, 2023

The warranties provided by many foundation repair companies specifically address drainage, foliage, and moisture issues that can profoundly affect the performance of any building foundation.

If your warranty requires you as the homeowner to properly water the soil around your foundation,...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Texas on
Q: A 2011 will was never filed but signed with two witnesses can I automatically keep the house as homestead I am disable.

I am disabled and cared for My mom and lived in the home. I never filed the will that was made 2011 with 2 Witnesses There is a pending bill for $101,000 in back taxes. The will states that I am the executor and I keep all real estate and belongings I live in the house and don’t work. I only get... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Dec 4, 2023

Unless and until a Will is probated, it does not pass title of a decedent's assets to the heirs named in the Will. You have four years from the date of the decedent (your mom)'s death to probate her Will. Legally, you are allowed to probate a Will without a lawyer; however, in practice,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: My real estate agent broke my property up into two pieces to sell without asking me

I have 23 acres for sale with a house she broke the house off the acreage and is trying to sell it in two pieces and did not ask me if she could do that

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Nov 29, 2023

In the absence of any agreement with your real estate agent to list the property in separate parcels, you ultimately have the legal right to refuse to sign a contract to sell your property in two separate parcels.

Simply tell your agent you are not interested in selling your property as two...
View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.