Once you purchase your own home, you probably think that you can do just about anything you want with your own property. However, people living in the Plano, Texas, area frequently learn the hard way that there are rules controlling what they do with their property....

When you rent a property, the landlord will almost always require a security deposit. The deposit that you pay protects the landlord against losses if you break the lease, fail to pay rent or damage the property. When you move out, the seller typically has to return...

When you signed the five-year lease for your space in a commercial office building, a mixed-use development or a shopping center, you never imagined that you would have any need or desire to leave before the term was up. However, things change.  Maybe you need more...

Whether you have a big, rural property or a tiny parcel within city limits, every square foot of your property contributes to its overall value. The size and location of your real estate can directly influence what you are able to sell it for in the future. Of course,...

One of the keys to avoiding issues with your residential tenants is simply to screen them as well as possible. It’s hard to find the “ideal” tenant that will never have a conflict, but you avoid high-risk tenants and help to lower the odds that a dispute will happen. ...

If you are considering leasing space in a shopping center or other commercial development, a good move to make is to insist that a non-compete or exclusive use clause be inserted into the lease that you sign. The reason for this is pretty simple: You don’t want to...

Trimming trees is crucial for both the health of the tree and the safety of your family. Large, heavy branches overhanging a home, garage or yard can pose a serious threat. If a storm hits, how much do you worry about those branches coming down? If you do, you’re...

As a Texas land developer or business owner who has plans for a particular parcel of land, you must conform to zoning and land use regulations for project approval. The restrictions and requirements can hinder development if your plans do not fit with the intended...

Purchasing a home is often a dream come true, but for some new homeowners, it turns into a nightmare. While there are assurances in the home-buying process, they do not guarantee you will not find issues with the home after the purchase. A seller's disclosure is a...

When renting a place to a tenant, you may worry about following the law to the letter.  Learning more about what the Fair Housing Act states can help you stay aware of these guidelines.  Prevention from discrimination  Outlined in the Fair Housing Act is a list of...