Questions about property ownership can bring your plans to a halt. Whether you want to sell, refinance, or pass your home on to your children, title issues can create unnecessary complications. The Keller Firm helps property owners resolve these challenges throughout Texas.
Is Your Home Ownership in Question?
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to talk to a Texas Real Estate attorney:
- You're ready to sell or refinance, but a title defect is stalling the process.
- You suspect title fraud.
- You inherited a house but don't have the paperwork to prove you're the legal owner.
- A lien appeared on your property that you've never seen before or know isn't right.
- A title company is unable to insure your home because of a "cloud" on the title.
- You and your family members can't agree on what to do with a shared property.
- You found a "gap" in your property's history, or someone is making a claim against your deed.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it may be time to take a closer look at your legal options. A Texas real estate attorney can assess your position, identify potential risks, and guide you through the next steps—whether that involves strategic negotiation, targeted resolution efforts, or pursuing relief through litigation when appropriate.
Understanding Property Disputes in Texas
Which type of dispute are you dealing with?
-
Clouded Title & Title Defects in Texas: This is a catch-all for anything that affects clear title to a property.
- Co-Ownership Disputes: A disagreement between two or more property owners over the use, management, sale, or ownership of real estate.
-
Inherited Property & Heirship Disputes in Texas: This happens when an owner passes away without a will (or the will wasn't probated), leaving the "chain" of ownership broken.
- Liens Affecting Your Title in Texas: These are legal "red flags"—like old mortgage or contractor claims—that will likely have to be cleared before you can move forward with a sale.
When to Contact a Real Estate Attorney
As soon as you realize there's a title or ownership issue, you should reach out to a Texas real estate attorney. These issues don't just "go away" over time—in fact, they usually get harder to fix the longer they sit. There are also legal deadlines that can affect your rights. A real estate attorney can look at your specific situation and tell you exactly what your options are.
Unsure Which Category Applies to Your Situation?
Title issues can take many forms. Please contact us and share the details of your issue.
Common Questions
Q: Can I just sell my house if the title is clouded?
A: Selling a property with a clouded title is challenging. Most buyers will not proceed without title insurance, and title companies typically will not issue a policy if a title defect exists. The title issue generally must be resolved—often through a corrective deed or a court order—before the sale can be completed.
Q: How long does it take to fix a title issue?
A: The timeline depends on the specific issue. Some matters can be resolved quickly, such as through an Affidavit of Heirship or simple documentation. More complex problems may require a quiet title lawsuit, which can take several months or even years. It is important to begin addressing the issue as soon as it is discovered.