As we watch the Houston Astros approach the end of the regular season, folks in Washington D.C. are talking about two significant changes that could affect us all. Senator Bernie Sanders has sponsored the 99.5 Percent Act (99.5% Act) and the Biden Administration is working on the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act. While …
Continue reading “Don’t Look Now, but its Estate Tax May be Changing”
In the past, a common method of seller financing was through a Contract for Deed. In this transaction the seller and purchaser enter into an agreement that the purchaser will make payments over time and once a certain amount is paid the seller will deed the property to the purchaser. If you have previously or …
I enjoy reading my friend Mike Bradley’s Facebook post on home inspections. While they are humorous on the one hand, it is sad to think some homes are not inspected and expensive issues not found. Home inspections are a visual evaluation of a home from roof to foundation (Possibly basement, but rare in Texas). It’s …
While I love Tom Selleck and his Sackett movies, I do not believe he (or anyone in Hollywood) should be giving me financial advice. There is currently a marketing blitz targeting seniors to entice them into reverse mortgages. But, like the old saying goes, “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.” …
Last night I took my youngest son, Billy, to a Huntsville Independent School District Meeting. He is working on his Eagle Scout requirement and needed to attend a public meeting. Last night’s topic was on the recently passed bond and an overview of the construction process moving forward. While a very exciting time in Huntsville, …
What would you do if you found out someone filed a fraudulent deed with regards to your property? A deed filed by a minor or a person forging a signature of a deceased person purporting to convey the property. Such a fraudulent deed is a void deed, but that does not mean it has no …
One of the more common questions I get asked is “Do I need a survey for this transaction?” or “Will my old survey work?” In true lawyer-fashion….the answer depends. It is very important to have a good legal description of the property when performing a title exam. A street address or Tax I.D. number are …
I am asked quite often “where do you come up with your articles?” or “Do you purchase your articles?” The truth is from my clients. Almost every article I have written came from a question one of my clients asked. It occurred to me long ago that if this person has this question, then someone …
