Real Estate Attorney for Home Buyers and Sellers in Houston, TX

Often, yes, when the deal has any wrinkle. Your agent markets the home, negotiates price, and keeps the process moving, but Texas agents can't give legal advice or write custom contract language. An attorney reviews the contract and addenda, explains your rights and deadlines, checks title, and drafts special terms. Agents and attorneys work well together, and many agents welcome a legal review on complex deals. Francisca coordinates with your agent so you get both sets of skills. Bring her in before you sign, when changes are still easy.

Yes. A Texas attorney can represent you in a home purchase or sale, including negotiating the contract, handling deadlines, and reviewing title and closing documents. What an attorney doesn't usually do is the marketing side of an agent's job, such as listing the home on the MLS, scheduling showings, or holding open houses. Many buyers who already found a home and many for-sale-by-owner sellers only need the legal side. Francisca can step in at any point in the process, though the earlier she starts, the more she can shape the contract.

Yes. Texas lets owners sell their own homes, and many do. You'll still need a purchase contract, a seller's disclosure notice, any required notices such as a MUD notice, and a title company to close. Most for-sale-by-owner problems come from a weak contract, missed disclosures, or a buyer who can't actually close. Francisca prepares or reviews the contract, makes sure your notices are complete, and works with the title company through closing. You keep control of the sale and avoid a listing commission.

The answer turns on why the deal ended and what the contract says. The title company holds the earnest money until both sides agree on who gets it. If a buyer ends the contract during the option period or for a reason the contract allows, such as a financing problem, the buyer usually gets the earnest money back. If a buyer backs out without a contract reason, the seller may be entitled to keep it. Disputes over earnest money are common, so clear terms and on-time notices matter.

Closing costs are negotiable and set out in the purchase contract. Buyers usually pay their own loan costs, such as origination fees and the lender's title policy, while the contract says who pays for the owner's title policy and other items. Title insurance premiums in Texas are set by the state, so they're the same at every title company. Property taxes and HOA dues are usually prorated to the closing date. Francisca reviews the closing disclosure before you sign so the numbers match your contract.

A municipal utility district, or MUD, is a local district that builds and runs water, sewer, and drainage systems for a neighborhood, often in newer areas outside city limits. MUDs pay for that work with bonds and a property tax that's added to your city, county, and school taxes. The MUD rate can raise your yearly tax bill noticeably. Texas requires sellers to give buyers a MUD notice describing the district's tax rate and bonds. Review it before you sign, not after.

A title commitment is the title company's promise to insure the property, along with a list of requirements and exceptions. It shows who owns the home, any liens or judgments that must be cleared, and easements or restrictions that will stay with the property. The standard Texas contract gives buyers a short window to object to title problems. If you miss it, you may accept issues you didn't notice. Francisca reviews the commitment and survey and offers title issue guidance when problems appear.

Yes. Deals that fall outside the standard forms need custom terms. Seller financing needs a note, deed of trust, and terms that follow Texas lending rules, and some arrangements on homes are heavily regulated. A leaseback, where the seller stays in the home after closing, needs a written lease with clear move-out, deposit, and damage terms. Francisca drafts these documents and the contract addendums that tie them to the sale. She also handles deeds and owner financing for the full transaction.

Yes. Francisca works by video, so you can review the contract, negotiate, and ask questions from anywhere. Most documents can be signed electronically, and many title companies offer mail-away or remote closings for buyers who can't be there in person. That makes it easier to buy before you move. After closing, you may also want to place the home in a revocable living trust so it passes to your family without probate. Tell Francisca your closing date early so she can plan around your move.