how can i buy or sell land in texas without an agent or lawyer?

by Jerald Towne 10 min read

From a legal perspective, you do not need to hire a real estate attorney when you purchase or sell land or property. In fact, you do not even have to involve a real estate agent as you can draw up a legal agreement directly with the other party involved in the transaction.

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How do I Sell my Land in Texas?

While there are ways around this, such as selling your land directly to a cash buyer, let’s take a closer look at the documents you’ll need to be aware of in this guide to sell land in Texas. The first document you’ll need, and perhaps the most important one of all, is a purchase agreement.

Should you sell your Texas home without a realtor?

If you sell a house worth $236,700 — the median home value in Texas — that’s over $7,100, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits. Selling without a real estate agent, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort. However, selling FSBO has risks.

Can I Sell my Land Without a realtor?

Selling land without a realtor is basically hassle-free and can be done if you know what you’re doing. Learn how to sell your property without a realtor fast here. Selling land directly to the buyer is the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to sell.

Do you need a lawyer to sell land and property?

Do You Need a Lawyer to Sell Land and Property? From a legal perspective, you do not need to hire a real estate attorney when you purchase or sell land or property. In fact, you do not even have to involve a real estate agent as you can draw up a legal agreement directly with the other party involved in the transaction.

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Can you sell land in Texas without a realtor?

You can write the contract yourself. They don't need to be very complicated. Or, you can opt to use the Texas Real Estate Commission's 'Unimproved Property Contract. '

Can you sell land without estate agent?

Private house sales no estate agent There are a number of websites that will allow you to list your property for free – such as House Ladder or Property Sell – and advertising via social media, the local newspaper and in local shops will all help market your home as much as possible without incurring a cost.

Can property be sold without an agent?

6 Answers. Hi Joanne, as long as you could find a direct buyer all by yourself, the rest would be easy and you need not engage any agent at all.

What is the process of selling a piece of land?

Here are the 9 steps for selling land and vacant lots.Step 1: Understand Who Your Buyer Will Be & What They Need to Know. ... Step 2: Have the Land Ready. ... Step 3: Choose Your Price Carefully. ... Step 4: Offer Financing. ... Step 5: Use Online Listings Targeted to Lot & Land Buyers. ... Step 6: Show Your Property At Its Best.More items...

Why do you need an estate agent?

An estate agent can help you with the whole sale process and deal with all parts of the sale chain as well as the negotiating process. The estate agent can provide a for sale sign outside your house, something you may have to arrange yourself through a private sale.

What does home conveyancing mean?

Conveyancing is the branch of law specifically relating to the legal side of moving home. Conveyancers are lawyers that specialise in the legal side of moving home. A conveyancer will go through the legal process to transfer the property ownership from one person to another.

Can I sell my house in Texas without a realtor?

In Texas, selling your house without a real estate agent is possible, and it could save you a lot of money in agent commission fees. The average realtor commission rate in Texas is 4.50% to 6.00%. If you sell a house worth $302,700 — the median home value in Texas — you'd pay more than $13,600 to real estate agents.

What is a conflict of interest in real estate?

Real estate agents have a fiduciary obligation to each client, so there's an expectation that client interests will be served as first priority. A conflict of interest occurs when an agent has competing interests or loyalties which conflict with the interests of the client.

How do you make an offer on a house without a realtor?

Remember, your offer becomes your legally binding purchase contract.Step 1: Land on your offer price. ... Step 2: Document the details. ... Step 3: Include contingencies. ... Step 4: Offer earnest money. ... Step 5: Make your asks. ... Step 6: Lay out the timeline. ... Step 7: Include any addenda. ... Step 8: Deliver the offer to the seller.More items...•

How do you sell land by owner in Texas?

The Documents You Will Need To Sell Land By OwnerPurchase Agreement. The first document you'll need, and perhaps the most important one of all, is a purchase agreement. ... Disclosure Document. ... Contract For Sale. ... Deed. ... Other Relevant Documents. ... Avoid Documents, Sell As-Is to Cash Buyer.

How can I sell my land online for free?

Sell Your Land Online for Free There are a number of real estate listings on Craigslist and it may be a good option for selling your land. Other sites would include backpage.com, classifiedads.com, and the like.

What do you call someone who sells land?

Most buyers and sellers refer to him or her as their salesperson, agent, broker, Realtor, or some pet name that is best left to the imagination. The monikers are all interchangeable.

What do you say when you buy a piece of property in Texas?

Once you have purchased a piece of property, congratulations! You are coming to the state that Texans love with a fierce and loyal passion. We’re sure you’ll soon see why. It doesn’t take long to appreciate the many things that make Texas great, from our beautiful rolling landscapes to the incomparable Southern culture to the friendliness and hospitality you’ll find everywhere.

Do you need a surveyor to buy land in Texas?

Usually, land purchases in Texas have either an existing boundary survey or have a new boundary survey performed by a registered land surveyor before you can close on it. Here at Texas Acres, we take care of that step for you ahead of time, and we can usually provide you with survey drawings of your tract so that you’ll know exactly where your boundaries are.

Do Texas acres have owner financing?

When you purchase property through Texas Acres, you get a team who will help you through every aspect of the buying process, and we even offer owner financing on most of our properties. Contact us today to get started.

Does Texas have oil and gas rights?

Be aware that most properties in Texas do not come with the oil and gas mineral rights. However, we are careful to try and not purchase or sell land that does not protect our buyers from having the surface minerals, such as coal and gravel, from being mined out from under them.

Do you need a title policy to buy Texas acres?

You’ll also need research to be done on the title of the land, ensuring that no one will be able to come back down the road and claim to be the owner. This is called a title policy, and it will protect you by researching whether there are any liens on the property. Again, when you buy from Texas Acres, we already own all of the properties we have for sale and have had the title work checked, simplifying the process for you. Of course, you may still purchase a new title policy, if you wish.

How long does it take to sell a house without a realtor?

Time is money, and selling your land or real estate property without a realtor can save you both. It takes an average of 45-60 days to close on a house, so the house isn’t officially sold until well after that time period. When you sell directly to the buyer, the process is much quicker.

What does a realtor do when selling a house?

When you’re selling a home, the real estate agent does a lot of the behind the scenes work to make things happen. He/she makes the phone calls, gathers the documents, sends the emails and schedules the meetings to make the transaction run smoothly. If you’re not working with a realtor, you’re in charge of all of those things.

What to do when you understand the buyers who are most likely to buy your home?

When you understand the buyers who are most likely to buy your home, you can equip yourself with the information that is the most relevant to them. If young families have purchased most of the vacant lots in the area, having info about the local schools, restaurants and shopping areas could help seal the deal. If the nearby lots have been sold for commercial real estate, providing buyers with demographics and other information that will help them make their decision.

How to make a vacant lot look presentable?

First impressions are a big deal in real estate, and a vacant lot has to work much harder to impress a buyer than a lot with a beautiful house on it. Cut the grass, pick up trash, and make the lot look presentable. Some owners even plant wildflowers to add color and beauty to their lot.

Why do sellers provide financing?

Many sellers will provide financing so that the purchase process is easier on both ends. Owners who are selling their homes would never take smaller, monthly payments towards their home, which means buyers must go to the bank for a loan for a large amount.

Is it smart to sell a house?

Working with a real estate agent is a very smart move when it comes to selling a house. Selling a home can be complicated and time-consuming, and taking advantage of the agent’s expertise, resources and networking can help you make a quick and profitable sale. But selling vacant land is much different. Land is land.

Can you finance a property when you sell it?

Owners who are selling their land or real estate property, however, may offer financing so that the buyer can avoid taking out a large loan and pay the seller in smaller monthly payments. This option allows the buyer to avoid high interest rates from the bank, provides the option for a smaller down payment and can bypass the need for the bank to dig into past work and credit histories.

What is the difference between a real estate attorney and a real estate agent?

Compared to an agent, a real estate attorney is in a position to give you the most unbiased representation possible.

What is the purpose of a real estate attorney?

The real estate attorney’s objective is to ensure that the Buyer or Seller are protected through the contract and associated documents, not to ensure that the sale is finalized.

What documents do real estate attorneys draft?

In addition to drafting contracts and ancillary documents concerning the purchase or sale of a home, real estate attorneys are equipped to draft documents such as promissory notes and deeds of trust for use in seller-financed transactions as well as personalized documents for unconventional transactions.

What has led to a shortage of housing in Texas?

The influx of people moving to the State of Texas has led to a shortage of housing opportunities. This shortage has contributed to the rise in housing prices and created a seller’s market. Texas homeowners have been taking advantage of the situation and real estate agents have been taking advantage of the homeowners.

What happens if a transaction doesn't close?

If the transaction doesn’t close, they aren’t paid. This means agents are motivated to “seal the deal,” which on the surface may sound like a good thing. But that motivation may cause an agent to push for a closing that might not be in your best interest.

Can a real estate agent fill out a form?

You can probably infer that a real estate attorney is better equipped to provide you with legal guidance than an ordinary real estate is. Agents can fill out the promulgated forms provided by Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), but they can neither draft personalized forms nor modify substantially modify the existing forms. They also cannot provide legal advice regarding those “standardized forms”—only a licensed attorney may do that.

Is a real estate attorney good for Texas?

Benefits of a Real Estate Attorney. Many Texas homeowners are realizing the benefit of selling their home by using a real estate agent do not outweigh the cost associated with the agent’s services. In fact, the same services provided by real estate agents can be done just as effectively by the homeowner with a little help from a Texas Real Estate ...

Can I sell my house in Texas without a realtor?

You will have to list your house with a Texas state licensed flat fee MLS real estate broker and offer a buyers agent commission but you still retain the right to sell FSBO. Flat fee MLS listings are for hands-on sellers that aren’t afraid of learning and getting involved with all aspects of the sale of their homes.

What documents do I need to sell my house without an agent in Texas?

Some documents to have on hand are paid tax receipts, warranty deed, current mortgage, any receipts for improvements to the home, and any warranties for appliances or work that was done to the property. 5. List Your House on the MLS. There are companies in Texas that will list your home in the MLS for a fee.

Do I need a lawyer to sell my house in Texas?

Unlike in some states, Texas does not require that sellers involve a lawyer in the house – selling transaction. And if you are selling your house without a real estate agent (a “for sale by owner” or FSBO), it may be useful to hire an attorney to help with the legal paperwork.

Is it hard to sell a house without a realtor?

The real estate agent is typically in charge of negotiating and getting the property through closing. Selling your home without a real estate agent can be done, and for many it is an easy and cheaper option. But it’s not without extra work, and it does come with the risk of getting less money for your home.

Who pays closing costs in Texas?

How much are closing costs in Texas? Though all the taxes, fees, lender charges and insurance add up, generally neither party pays 100% of all the closing costs. Instead, the seller will typically pay between 5% to 10% of the sales price and the buyer will pay between 3% to 4% in closing costs.

Do you have to pay taxes when you sell a house in Texas?

The most common capital gains tax rate is 15 percent. The most you could be taxed on your Texas home sale is 20 percent. This would apply if you make more than $434,550 for single filers or $488,850 for those filing jointly. In this instance, a $250,000 home sale would trigger a $50,000 capital gains tax payment.

What paperwork is required to sell a house?

Basics first: to sell your house, you’ll need to provide your solicitor with some ID to show you are who you say you are. This is usually proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, plus photo identification (e.g. passport or driving license).

How does a realtor work in Texas?

How realtor commissions work in Texas. Traditionally, both the buyer's agent and the listing agent are paid a commission by the homeowner. When sellers work with a realtor, they negotiate a commission as part of the listing agreement.

How much less does a FSBO home sell for?

Research shows that FSBO homes typically sell for about 6% less than those listed with agents AND you'll still usually be on the hook for offering a competitive buyer's agent commission. FSBO homes also often take longer to sell and are more likely to fall out of contract after accepting an offer.

What is FSBO selling?

Selling without a real estate agent, known as listing For Sale By Owner (FSBO), is a viable option for experienced home sellers who are willing to put in the time and effort. However, selling FSBO has risks.

What is the average realtor commission rate in Texas?

In Texas, the average realtor commission rate is 4.50% to 6.00%. If you sell a house worth $242,000 — the median home value in Texas — that’s over $7,300, which is a huge chunk of your potential profits.

What is buyer agent commission?

A buyer’s agent's commission is an incentive for realtors to show your house to their clients. If you don't offer a commission that is competitive compared to similar homes in your area, then your home could be shown less. Agents may prioritize taking buyers to homes with a commission.

How to find out what your house is worth?

To get an accurate idea of what your house is worth, look at comparable listings in your area.

Do you get commission from flat fee MLS?

If you choose to use a flat-fee MLS company, you'll have to offer a buyer's agent commission. The MLS is how real estate agents find homes for their clients, and typically a buyer's agent commission is included to incentivize these realtors to show the house to their clients.

How long does it take to close a real estate transaction?

Closing. After you sign a contract in which you agree to a real estate transaction, you normally have to wait a few weeks for the lender to appraise the property and complete the loan underwriting process. On the day of the loan closing, you sign the actual sale documents.

Do real estate agents have lawyers?

However, real estate laws vary from state to state and most real estate agents are not practicing lawyers. While real estate agents have a broad knowledge of real estate transactions, an opinion based on prior real estate experience and state law are two entirely different things.

Can you sue a real estate agent?

Legal issues can arise after you complete a real estate transaction and, in some states, you have the right to sue your real estate agent, the seller or even the home inspector if problems emerge with the home after the completion of the sale. If the real estate attorney facilitated the sale, then the attorney already has prior knowledge of the sale, which makes any litigation much easier to complete. While many real estate transactions move smoothly without the involvement of an attorney, people involved in sales that go awry often end up wishing that they hired an attorney.

Do you sign the deed at closing?

On the day of the loan closing, you sign the actual sale documents. Problems sometimes arise with regard to titling or the condition of the property between the contract date and the closing date. In some instances, unwitting buyers receive a quit claim deed at closing rather than a warranty deed.

What to do if a friend sells your house?

But if you have a friend who owns a home and that friend is going to sell you the property, you would likely want to hire a real estate attorney to help prepare documents and make sure that those documents not only protect you, but are filed correctly to protect your interest in the property . The good news for you is that many real estate attorneys ...

What happens if you don't have a commitment letter from the lender?

Next, if you are getting a mortgage and don’t have a firm commitment letter from the lender, you’ll want to work with the lender to make sure your financing will go through once the property has appraised out in value. Once your financing is locked in, you’ll be able to satisfy that mortgage contingency.

Do you have to hire a real estate attorney if you have a friend who owns a home?

But if you have a friend who owns a home and that friend is going to sell you the property, you would likely want to hire a real estate attorney to help prepare documents and make sure that those documents not only protect you, but are filed correctly to protect your interest in the property. The good news for you is that many real estate attorneys will charge you a flat fee for preparing the documents and handling the closing.

Do you need a title search for a friend's home?

Your attorney (or in states that use “closing attorneys”) can conduct or assist you with the closing, but you will still need a title search done to make sure that your friend owns the property, subject to any liens that are discovered and to know the status of the title to the home. The title company can assist in the closing as well. If you are using a lender, the lender will insist that you pay for a lender’s title insurance policy, but we think it’s a good idea to buy an owner’s policy as well. That way, you’ll be protected just in case someone or something unexpected pops up that is a covered item under a title insurance policy.

Which states require a real estate attorney to be present at closing?

These include Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia. Keep in mind that these rules can vary by region within states, too.

Why do you need an attorney when selling a house?

You’re the heir or executor of a property whose owner is now deceased. You’re selling a house with an uncooperative partner. You have judgments or liens on the property.

What is the job of a real estate attorney?

The job of a real estate attorney is to negotiate and make a transaction come together in a peaceful manner that’s fair and amenable to all parties. A real estate attorney takes over after the selling price and terms have been established by the real estate agents in the contract and all parties have signed.

What is the education required for real estate agents?

As part of agents’ licensing education, they’re taught and tested on real estate contracts used within their state, many of which also require continuing education courses and/or certifications on subjects such as ethics, buyer’s agency, distressed property sales, and more.

Who attends closing with real estate agent?

In case any last-minute issues crop up, the attorney will attend your closing along with your real estate agent and possibly a representative from your lender.

Does realtor.com make commissions?

The realtor.com ® editorial team highlights a curated selection of product recommendations for your consideration; clicking a link to the retailer that sells the product may earn us a commission.

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Obligations to The Client

  • A real estate agent’s obligations to his or her client are somewhat limited, and he or she may not necessarily be working in your best interest. For example, a real estate agent can represent both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction, or could even bethe buyer, which obviously could leave you in a very vulnerable position. Attorneys, on the other hand, have a very clear duty to the…
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Compensation

  • Real estate agents are almost exclusively paid by commission, which they will only receive if the transaction closes. If the transaction doesn’t close, they aren’t paid. This means agents are motivated to “seal the deal,” which on the surface may sound like a good thing. But that motivation may cause an agent to push for a closing that might not be in your best interest. An a…
See more on farahlegal.com

Legal Counsel

  • You can probably infer that a real estate attorney is better equipped to provide you with legal guidance than an ordinary real estate is. Agents can fill outthe promulgated forms provided by Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), but they can neither draftpersonalized forms nor modifysubstantially modify the existing forms. They also cannot provide l...
See more on farahlegal.com

Benefits of A Real Estate Attorney

  • Many Texas homeowners are realizing the benefit of selling their home by using a real estate agent do not outweigh the cost associated with the agent’s services. In fact, the same services provided by real estate agents can be done just as effectively by the homeowner with a little help from a Texas Real Estate Attorney. Additional Resource: Do I Need a Real Estate Attorney?by Je…
See more on farahlegal.com