One common problem that crops up with property boundary issues is when one property owner builds a fence and the other person says that it’s on their property. They believe that their neighbor is trying to encroach on their land or even illegally steal some of that...
Real Estate Disputes
4 times you need a land surveyor
Do you think you know where the boundaries of your property lie? Can you trust the seller of a property you want to buy to accurately tell you where that property meets the neighbors’ properties? If you want to be accurate, you need a land surveyor. Here are some...
Understanding the importance of a party wall agreement
Americans are living closer together than ever – not just in urban areas, but in many suburban areas as well. That means the walls that separate our properties can have a big effect on our quality of life – and can be the source of serious disputes. These common or...
What is a prescriptive easement?
Prescriptive easements can significantly affect land ownership and use. Understanding the concept of a prescriptive easement, how one is established, and its implications for property owners is essential for anyone involved in real estate or land use. In Texas, a...
Can private owners restrict access to a Texas lake?
Lakes come in all shapes and sizes in Texas. Some lakes are small and may only hold water during certain parts of the year. They may dry up when the weather is hot or rain is scarce. Other lakes cover numerous acres and are present year-round regardless of...
Should I allow my neighbor to use part of my property?
Suppose you have a big yard that you are not currently using. Your neighbor, whose yard is considerably smaller, has a child who is a rising young soccer star. One day, you notice that the child’s soccer goal has been moved to a section of your property. Should you...
Mitigating boundary dispute tensions before they escalate
Real estate boundary disputes can quickly escalate into major conflicts, creating tension between neighbors and potentially leading to costly legal battles. Proactively addressing these issues and seeking resolution before they escalate is not always possible....
Your legal options if you suspect home inspector negligence
When purchasing a home, hiring a home inspector is an important step in ensuring that the property does not have any hidden problems. However, there are situations when a home inspector may fail to identify significant defects or issues within the property. If this...
Can a property owner prevent access to a stream or river?
Water access can be crucial for someone's agricultural endeavors or use of their property. People sometimes select specific parcels because they are close to reliable sources of water. The properties that actually contain streams or rivers can be both prohibitively...
What if you disagree with the results of a land survey?
Land surveys are often used before real estate transactions are finalized or to solve boundary disputes – but what happens when you think a surveyor’s report is wrong? Whether the survey directly conflicts with a previous survey (and puts you at a disadvantage) or...