A lien is a legal claim on your property by someone you owe money. Think of it as a hold placed on your property that gives the creditor a legal right to ensure a debt is paid. While it doesn’t mean you’ve immediately lost ownership of your property, having a lien can...
It may surprise you to learn that there are certain situations in which another person can gain legal ownership of your land without buying it, inheriting it or receiving it as a gift. That’s through was is a known as adverse possession. Adverse possession is often...
Trees are a beautiful addition to most residential properties. They can provide shade during the hottest part of the year. Trees can boost the overall value and attractiveness of a home. They attract wildlife and may provide fruits or nuts. Unfortunately, when trees...
For some people, water access is critical to their planned land use. A person considering the purchase of a property adjacent to flowing water might benefit from pursuing an easement. Easements can allow them to access and even pump some of the water crossing a...
No one wants to be the person who starts an issue with their neighbor. However, you may find it problematic when your neighbor’s new construction project, such as a driveway, fence, porch or pool, starts crossing into your property line. While you may not have an...
Encroachment and trespassing both involve property boundaries, but they’re not the same. Encroachment means a physical object crosses the line. Trespassing means a person enters land without permission. Texas law treats these issues differently. Knowing the difference...
You purchased a new piece of real estate, and it comes with an easement. This allows someone else to access that land and use it in a specific way. For instance, utility companies sometimes have easements so that they can provide services or perform maintenance....
One reason for disputes between two real estate owners is when an easement has been breached. An easement is an agreement that someone who is not a property owner is allowed to use the land in a specific way. But a violation could cause legal trouble, and it may be...
It’s not unusual for neighbors to run into disputes over property boundaries. One of the more serious situations is when a neighbor extends their property onto your land. This can involve building a structure, expanding a driveway or placing a fence across the...
Jointly owned real estate can be a very valuable asset. But it can also cause some conflict. The owners may not see things in the same light. They may not have the same goals. For example, say that two people inherit the same property from their parents. Perhaps it’s...
