Navigating the financial requirements of a new lease can be confusing for both landlords and tenants. In Texas, the timing of payments like the first month’s rent and security deposit is often dictated by the terms of the standard Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) residential lease. Understanding these timelines is essential for a smooth move-in…
DetailsThe Information About Brokerage Services (IABS) is a cornerstone of transparency in Texas real estate. While it has long been a mandatory part of the industry, recent legislative shifts and high-profile legal settlements are tightening the rules around how real estate professionals disclose their roles to the public. What is the IABS and When Must…
DetailsA significant shift in Texas real estate law is approaching, aimed at providing consumers with much-needed clarity regarding their relationship with real estate professionals. Starting January 1, 2026, a new law—established by Senate Bill 1968—will officially eliminate subagency in all real estate transactions across the state. What is Subagency? In traditional real estate terms, subagency…
DetailsDetermining the appropriate application fee is a balancing act for Texas landlords. You must cover the rising costs of background checks and employment verification without deterring qualified applicants. Based on recent industry observations and firm experience, here is a breakdown of the current landscape for rental application fees. Understanding the Market Average In the current…
DetailsTenant application fraud has become an increasingly sophisticated challenge for Texas landlords and property managers. Based on years of experience in the field, the firm has observed a significant evolution in the tactics used by fraudulent applicants to bypass traditional screening methods. The Rise of Falsified Documentation In years past, verifying a tenant’s income was…
DetailsIn Texas, where property taxes (known as ad valorem taxes) are notoriously high, homeowners often seek ways to manage their appraised property values. A common strategy employed by savvy investors and homeowners is choosing to purchase and renovate an older home rather than buying new construction or an existing, untouched resale. This approach can lead…
DetailsWhen a borrower defaults on a mortgage, the bank’s goal is to recoup the outstanding debt, typically through a public foreclosure auction. If the property fails to sell to a third party buyer at the foreclosure auction, ownership usually reverts to the lender though a credit bid. This property then becomes a Real Estate Owned…
DetailsIn the real estate market, some sellers, particularly banks, turn to auction companies when a property fails to sell through traditional listings. While these auctions are heavily marketed as a way to generate excitement and potentially secure a higher price, they are often viewed as primarily a marketing scheme with specific risks and rules that…
DetailsA new law, Texas Senate Bill 17 (SB 17) and codified in Chapter 5, Subchapter H of the Texas Property Code, took effect on September 1, prohibiting certain non-citizens and non-permanent residents from designated “hostile” countries from purchasing real property in Texas. While the law is broad, its impact has been most immediately felt by…
DetailsWhen a landlord seeks to evict a tenant in Texas who does not have a formal written lease (i.e., an oral rental agreement), the required notice period depends entirely on the reason for the eviction. A common misconception, even among some judges, is that a 30-day notice is always required for an oral or month-to-month…
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