Recent Blog Posts
Executory Contracts in Texas Real Estate
Not every real estate contract is as simple as a property sale. Different types of real estate arrangements exist, and different laws and regulations may come into play when entering into and seeking to enforce such contracts. Read on below to learn about executory contracts in Texas real estate transactions and how they are… Read More »
Seller Duty to Disclose in Texas (TREC Seller Disclosure)
Buying a home is a stressful and often overwhelming experience. Besides wading through the financial and legal fine print, buyers often experience nagging doubts about whether the ultimate purchase is the right thing to do. After all, buying a house is the biggest financial investment most people will make in their lives. The last… Read More »
Adverse Possession in Texas
Real estate law is about more than buying, selling, and renting. There are a number of unusual and archaic features to Texas real estate law, including little-known pathways to obtaining property rights. Under certain circumstances, parties who “squat” on unclaimed property may actually have a venue for legal ownership. Below, our seasoned real estate… Read More »
Employees vs. Independent Contractors
Business owners looking to save money and overhead costs often wish to classify as many workers as possible as independent contractors. Unlike employees, independent contractors are not protected by overtime laws, they are not guaranteed certain benefits, they require less training and supervision, etc. However, employers are not free to characterize workers as either… Read More »
Are Verbal Contracts Binding?
We’ve all heard the old adage “a handshake is as good as a contract.” From a legal perspective, is it true now, if it ever was? Can a verbal agreement, or in modern times, an informal agreement made via text message or email, qualify as a binding contract? Continue reading to learn about how… Read More »
Suit to Quiet Title
Real estate transactions are not always straightforward. Sometimes, the actual ownership of a piece of property is not entirely clear. When property is acquired via a quitclaim deed or adverse possession, other parties in interest may arise and try to claim ownership. In Texas, a putative property owner can file an action in court… Read More »
Difference Between a Deed and a Deed of Trust
Many Texans have purchased real estate with assistance through a bank loan. Most Texans may be unaware, however, that Texas is a “deed of trust” state. Deeds of trust operate similarly to mortgages in other states, but with notable differences. It is important for any purchaser of real estate, whether residential or commercial, to… Read More »
What is a Deed Without a Warranty?
When you purchase a piece of real estate, you are taking the deed to the property. The deed provided by the seller typically includes certain “warranties.” Under certain circumstances, however, a seller may offer a deed without warranty or a deed with “special” or limited warranties. Continue reading for a discussion of the legal… Read More »
Are Non-Competes Enforceable in Texas?
Non-compete agreements, also called non-competition agreements, non-competes, or covenants not to compete, restrict an employee or officer’s right to compete with their employer after leaving the company. They are often included in employment contracts or offers. Non-competes are intended to protect companies from the risk that an employee will quit and work for a… Read More »
Protecting Intellectual Property Through Copyright
Not all forms of theft are physical. For many businesses, their intellectual property is their livelihood. You rely on your original creations, your reputation, and your brand to succeed. When someone appropriates your material without license or authorization, they are not only stealing money from the coffers of your business; they are doing potential… Read More »
