When a buyer goes under contract to purchase a home in Texas, they gain specific rights to inspect and investigate the property. These rights are clearly outlined in the standard Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) One to Four Family Residential Contract, particularly in Paragraph 7. This contractual agreement provides buyers with a crucial period for…
DetailsWinning an eviction case at the Justice of the Peace (JP) court is a significant victory for a landlord. However, it’s not always the final step. A tenant can appeal the ruling within five days, moving the case to the county court level. This starts the process over “de novo,” or as a completely new…
DetailsWhen it comes to selling a home in Texas, the process of providing a previous survey to the buyer just got a little easier. Thanks to new rules from the Texas Department of Insurance, the requirements for the T-47 Affidavit have been streamlined, making it a more convenient process for sellers. The Old Way: A…
DetailsA key part of successful property management is minimizing the time a rental property sits vacant between tenants. Most property management companies have a streamlined process for “turning over” a property to get it ready for its next resident. This ensures the home is in top condition and ready to be marketed for lease as…
DetailsYes, it is possible to hold rental properties within a retirement account, and many people do so to diversify their investment portfolio. This is typically done through a self-directed IRA (Individual Retirement Account). While this strategy offers some significant advantages, it also comes with specific rules and potential complexities that every investor should understand. Setting…
DetailsWhen considering a new home, many buyers are drawn to the appeal of a brand-new house. Builders often create beautiful, shiny new communities in more affordable, outlying areas. While the low entry price and pristine condition are attractive, there are significant risks to be aware of, especially if your time horizon for ownership is short.…
DetailsA major legal shift in mid-2024 has changed how real estate commissions are handled in residential sales across Texas. Following a lawsuit that challenged traditional commission practices as anti-competitive, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and its members implemented new procedures for disclosing and paying buyer’s agent commissions. These updates are reflected in the latest…
DetailsMany landlords see renter’s insurance as a benefit only to the tenant—but it also offers a layer of protection for property owners. Requiring tenants to carry renter’s insurance can significantly reduce the landlord’s risk exposure when things go wrong. First Line of Defense in Liability Claims One of the biggest advantages of renter’s insurance for…
DetailsReal estate buyers in Texas often ask a critical question: What happens if I want to back out of a deal after the option period ends? The answer depends on whether there are any other valid termination rights remaining and whether you’re prepared to navigate potential legal consequences. The Option Period: Your Primary Out In…
DetailsIf you’re a landlord or property manager, handling emergency repairs is part of the job. But in the chaos of a busted pipe or water leak, it’s easy to make a costly mistake especially when calling in remediation companies. These firms offer critical emergency services, often during off-hours or in the wake of disasters, but…
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