When considering purchasing a property, understanding local regulation regarding ownership interest is key. However, with a vast array of local laws and regulations that may differ from state to state, navigating the legal landscape can be a difficult to undertaking; especially if you are located in the Dallas area. Here, we provide answers to some of the frequently asked questions regarding ownership interest in Dallas property.

What is the “Four Corners” Rule?

Under the “Four Corners” rule, owners of a piece of real estate property in Dallas must rely on the language of the document that transferred the title to them. This, according to established Texas law, is stated in the notion that the ownership document represents the entirety of the parties’ agreement. Under the “Four Corners” rule, if the agreement regarding the transfer of title is not stated in the document, it will not be enforceable by the court. The rule has been adopted by numerous states in the US, including Texas.

What Does Equitable Title Mean?

Equitable title is an ownership title held by the buyer of real estate. The owner has a legal right to possess, use, and enjoy the property, but does not have legal title. A person with equitable title has the right to bring a lawsuit on the basis of title, but cannot take title to the property until paying the full purchase price.

What Is a Deed of Title?

A deed of title is a legal document that conveys a transfer of ownership interest in a property from one party to another. The deed contains specific information that identifies the party transferring the interest and the party receiving the interest, as well as the specifics and limitations of the interest to be transferred. In most cases, insurers and title companies require deeds of title in order to insure and protect legal interests in a property.

What Is an Escrow Agreement?

An escrow agreement in Dallas is an agreement between two parties involved in a property transaction for the purpose of ensuring that the terms of the transaction are met. In these agreements, a third party is responsible for holding and disbursing funds associated with the property transaction on behalf of the buyer and seller. The escrow provider is responsible for ensuring that the terms of the agreement are followed and that the parties involved are satisfied with the transaction.

What Is a Quitclaim Deed?

A quitclaim deed is used to transfer ownership interest from one party to another. The deed is typed on the county recorder’s form and, as a part of the document, the seller relinquishes all of their rights and interests in the property to the buyer. The deed does not guarantee that the seller actually does own the property in question, and that any title defects or liens will not pass to the buyer.

What Is a Warranty Deed?

A warranty deed is used to transfer ownership interest from one party to another. The deed is typed on the county recorder’s form and is recorded in the appropriate county office, thus creating a legal record of the transfer. The deed includes language that includes the seller’s promises, or warranties, about title to the property, as well as the buyer’s promise to abide by the terms of the deed.

What Is a Special Warranty Deed?

A special warranty deed is used to transfer ownership interest from one party to another. The deed is typed on the county recorder’s form and is recorded in the appropriate county office, thus creating a legal record of the transfer. The deed includes language that includes the seller’s promises, limited to those that occurred during the seller’s ownership of the property, as well as the buyer’s promise to abide by the terms of the deed.

What Is a Title Insurance Policy?

A title insurance policy is a contract that provides protection against losses you might suffer from the expiration or invalidity of the title to a property in case of any title dispute. Title insurance policies are available from a title insurance company that agrees to reimburse losses if a title dispute arises. Title insurance policies cover some or all of the costs associated with defending a claim against a title and can protect you from financial losses related to title disputes.

Topics:

Title Transfer,

Equitable Title,

Deed of Title