Real estate transactions and property matters involve some of the largest financial decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re buying or selling property, negotiating a commercial lease, developing land, or dealing with a boundary dispute, you need legal guidance that protects your investment and keeps the deal moving forward.
At The Talley Law Firm, we bring practical experience to real estate matters throughout the Greater Houston area. From straightforward residential closings to complex commercial transactions and property disputes, we provide clear guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Have a real estate matter? Schedule a consultation to discuss your transaction or property issue and get practical guidance for your next steps.
Our Real Estate Services
We assist property owners, buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and developers throughout the Greater Houston area with practical legal solutions.
Real Estate Transactions
Residential and commercial purchase and sale transactions. Contract review, title examination, closing coordination, and ensuring your interests are protected throughout the process.
Commercial Leases
Lease negotiation and review for landlords and tenants. Office, retail, industrial, and special-use properties. Protecting your position on rent, build-out, renewal options, and exit provisions.
Development & Construction Risk
Legal guidance for land development projects. Zoning and land use issues, construction contracts, contractor disputes, mechanic’s liens, and risk allocation throughout the development process.
Eminent Domain
Representation for property owners facing condemnation. Challenging the government’s right to take, negotiating fair compensation, and ensuring you receive full value for your property.
Property Tax Valuation Disputes
Challenging excessive property tax appraisals. Informal hearings, Appraisal Review Board protests, and judicial appeals to ensure your property is fairly valued for tax purposes.
Easements, Boundary & Title Disputes
Resolving property conflicts between neighbors and co-owners. Boundary line disputes, easement rights, adverse possession claims, and title defects that cloud ownership.
Why Choose The Talley Law Firm for Real Estate Matters?
Transaction experience. We’ve handled real estate matters ranging from residential purchases to complex commercial deals. We understand what can go wrong in a transaction and work to identify and address issues before they derail your closing.
Business perspective. Real estate is often part of a larger business picture. Our experience with business formation, contracts, and commercial matters means we can address real estate issues in context—whether that’s structuring ownership for liability protection or coordinating a property acquisition with business succession planning.
Local knowledge. We practice throughout the Greater Houston area and understand the local market, common title issues in the region, and how to work effectively with local title companies, surveyors, and other professionals involved in real estate transactions.
Practical solutions. Not every real estate issue requires litigation. We focus on resolving disputes efficiently—through negotiation when possible, and through court when necessary—to protect your interests without unnecessary delay or expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for a real estate closing?
Texas doesn’t require attorney involvement in residential closings, and many routine transactions proceed with just a title company. However, legal review is valuable when there are unusual contract terms, title issues, seller concessions, or anything that deviates from a standard transaction. For commercial transactions, legal representation is strongly recommended given the complexity and stakes involved.
What should I look for in a commercial lease?
Key issues include the rent structure (base rent, CAM charges, percentage rent), who pays for what maintenance and repairs, build-out allowances, renewal and expansion options, assignment and subletting rights, exclusivity clauses, and termination provisions. Landlord-drafted leases heavily favor the landlord—tenant-side review can identify and negotiate more balanced terms.
How do I challenge my property tax appraisal?
You must file a protest with your county’s Appraisal Review Board by May 15 (or within 30 days of receiving your notice, whichever is later). The process starts with an informal meeting with an appraiser, then proceeds to a formal ARB hearing if needed. Preparation matters—you’ll want comparable sales data, photos of property condition issues, and documentation of any factors that reduce your property’s value.
What can I do if the government wants to take my property?
Property owners have rights in eminent domain proceedings. You can challenge whether the taking serves a legitimate public purpose, negotiate the compensation offered, and demand a jury trial on the value if negotiations fail. The condemning authority must pay fair market value, but their initial offer is often below what the property is actually worth. Legal representation can help ensure you receive full compensation.
My neighbor’s fence is on my property. What can I do?
Start with a survey to confirm the boundary location. Many boundary disputes can be resolved through negotiation—the neighbor may not realize the fence is misplaced. If the encroachment is intentional or the neighbor won’t cooperate, Texas law provides remedies including removal of the encroachment and, in some cases, damages. Be aware that long-standing encroachments can create adverse possession claims, so don’t wait too long to address the issue.
How much does real estate legal work cost?
Costs vary by matter type. Contract review and simple residential closings can often be done at flat fees. Commercial transactions, lease negotiations, and litigation matters are typically billed hourly based on complexity. We provide clear estimates upfront so you can make informed decisions about when legal involvement makes sense for your situation.
Ready to Discuss Your Real Estate Matter?
Every property situation is different. Schedule a consultation to discuss your transaction, dispute, or property issue and get practical guidance for your next steps.
This page provides general information about real estate law in Texas and is not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the information here may not apply to your specific circumstances. For advice about your situation, please schedule a consultation.