Houston Real Estate Lawyer

Representing Your Interests

Whether you are facing a dispute with your lender, a title issue with a past owner, a foreclosure, or a lien against your property, our experience at Jarrett Law Firm, PLLC, will find a solution you can live with. We know that purchasing real estate is often the largest expenditure you make as a consumer. Property ownership also comes with issues that run the gamut from taxes to estate planning. Even a dispute with your neighbor over a fruit tree is real estate law.

Staying abreast of the latest laws and regulations is not always possible as a consumer, but with an experienced attorney on your side, you can trust that you are making good decisions about your ownership contracts and agreements.

If you are buying or selling homes or land, no longer want to co-own property with others, or are thinking about how to protect your home against mechanics and judgment liens, give us a call at Jarrett Law Firm, PLLC. We focus on real estate issues, from owning your own home to commercial real estate transactions and every related financial endeavor you may become involved in with your real estate and/or lender. Call 346-683-2240 today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney. We work with clients in Houston and the surrounding area.

What Are the Main Differences Between Residential Real Estate and Commercial Real Estate?

Whether you’re a home or business owner or you’re interested in investing in the Houston real estate market, residential and commercial real estate have their own challenges and legal issues to be aware of. It’s first important to understand how the use of the property affects what legal issues may come up. For example, an owner of a residential property may need an attorney who can inform them of the Texas landlord-tenant laws before they draft a lease. Someone who is interested in buying a commercial property may need information and guidance surrounding zoning laws and ensuring due diligence is handled before the purchase goes through.

In general, transactions and disputes involving residential properties are less complex than those that deal with commercial properties, but that doesn’t mean you should represent yourself. When your financial interests are on the line, you need the help of an experienced attorney who knows how to review and enforce real estate contracts, help you with title and financing challenges, and provide knowledgeable legal counsel so you can make informed decisions at every step of the process.

What Are Some Common Real Estate Disputes?

When you’re involved in a Texas real estate dispute, it can feel like it takes over your entire life. You may be worried about losing your home or being forced to pay thousands of dollars in damages in a civil case. However, real estate disputes are very common, and working with an attorney can help you navigate these challenges while protecting your mental health and your financial investment. Some of the most common real estate disputes an attorney can help with include the following.

Breach of Contract

Real estate transactions involve complex contracts, and both parties must adhere to the terms or face penalties. A breach of contract dispute can result in a civil claim, and an attorney can help you litigate the dispute or negotiate a fair settlement offer.

Ownership Disputes

Whether you’ve invested in a rental home with a friend or inherited a family home with siblings, sharing ownership often makes sense. However, conflicts can arise when co-owners don’t see eye to eye on decisions about the property. This situation is common in Texas, where joint property ownership is often tied to family inheritances, business ventures, or even divorces. You need an attorney that knows how to resolve disputes while protecting your property rights.

Landlord-Tenant Issues

Real estate investors commonly rent out properties, whether residential or commercial, as a way to build equity in the properties and generate an income stream. However, this means you’re trusting your property to someone else who may or may not take proper care of it. When there are disputes regarding unpaid rent, lease violations, or evictions, an attorney can help.

Lien Removal

An attorney can help remove a lien from your property by negotiating with the lien holder, challenging the lien’s validity if it’s improperly filed or unenforceable, or filing a lawsuit to remove the lien if necessary. They can also ensure the lien is properly released and filed with the county clerk once resolved. Some of the types of liens that our firm typically assists clients with include:

• Mechanic and Materialmen (M&M) Liens
• Judgment Liens Against the Homestead
• Fraudulent Liens

Inherited property

In Texas, if heirs disagree on what to do with inherited property, they can resolve the dispute through various avenues, including negotiation, mediation, or a court-ordered partition action. If an agreement can’t be reached, a partition action can be filed in court to either divide the property or force its sale. You need an attorney who can help you resolve this dispute and make sure you walk away with your fair share.

What Can You Do If Your Property Is Facing Foreclosure?

Facing foreclosure of a property is extremely stressful — especially if it is your primary residence. It’s imperative that you do everything in your power to fight the foreclosure and explore alternatives that can help you keep your home. Working with a real estate lawyer is a major part of this.

If you’re concerned about the future of a mortgage loan, you need an experienced attorney to walk you through your options, including:

• Trustee sales and foreclosures
• Loan modifications and deferments
• Third-party buyers
• Cash for keys programs (deed in lieu)
• Selling your property

Sometimes, applying for a loan modification is the answer to prevent foreclosure, and other times, a deferment makes sense. Without an attorney guiding you through this process, you are alone in the negotiations. Lenders do not think about your interests when negotiating alternatives to mortgage payments. Third-party buyers may offer you money for your home, but without letting your attorney look over a contract, you could be throwing away thousands.

The financial industry does not represent you, but Houston business law firm Jarrett Law Firm, PLLC, exists to represent you and your interests. We protect you from costly mistakes and litigation.

Why Should You Work With a Real Estate Attorney?

Hiring an attorney when buying or selling a home or business is the best way to protect your interests during this larger-than-life transaction. Jarrett Law Firm, PLLC, is positioned to protect your interests as we work specifically for you and your needs.

Any transaction that involves large amounts of money changing hands needs an experienced lawyer at the helm. Mechanics liens, judgment liens, title disputes, purchase/sale agreements, co-ownership, deeds and titles, and myriad other issues rely on complicated laws that you must take into account in your financial dealings. If you don’t understand the law or employ someone who does, you can easily lose significant amounts of money.

We work with land and title ownership disputes, liens on property, disputes with your lender, and everything involving your real property. If an HOA is suing you for damages because of delinquent assessments or if you owe back property taxes and the county is trying to take your home, you need an attorney who can provide aggressive legal representation and protect your interests. There is no dispute that we back down from. We fight for your rights as a property owner. Call our Houston law office at 346-683-2240 to schedule a free consultation and find out more.