Common Title Issues in Real Estate

 Posted on June 19, 2025 in Real Estate

Buying a new real estate property is an exciting opportunity. However, issues with the title to the property can turn a simple purchase agreement into a much more complicated affair. To avoid wasting your time and money, you can work with a Texas real estate attorney to resolve outstanding title issues.

Having a knowledgeable legal advocate at your side is paramount for protecting your rights. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we have more than 15 years of experience representing clients in real estate transactions, so you can take comfort knowing that your case will be handled by an accomplished attorney. Our firm can take legal action to facilitate the purchase of a real estate property.

Who Owns the Property?

The question of ownership over a property can be more complicated than it initially appears. In most cases, you would assume that the person who bought the property is the sole owner – and in most cases, you would be right. However, defects in the title can muddle ownership rights. 

If your real estate property has an unknown easement, someone else might have the right to access a part of your property. Mechanic’s liens can also give contractors or subcontractors a claim over your property that must be resolved. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we can file a quiet title action to help establish your ownership over the property.

What if There Are Boundary Disputes?

At some point before, during, or after the purchase of your real estate property, you may get into a dispute with your neighbors about where your property begins and ends. If this matter is not addressed swiftly, it could boil over into a full-blown legal dispute. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we can provide you with legal advice and advocacy to help clarify the boundaries of your property.

To establish the true boundary lines of your property, our attorney can review various documents, such as the deed and any historical records. If necessary, we can help you get a full survey of your property and represent you in negotiations with your neighbor.

What Can I Do About Chain of Title Issues?

A property’s chain of title is important for historical record-keeping. It establishes all of the parties who owned the property before you and for how long. Past title issues can have an impact on your present ownership of your property. A simple error or typo in a property’s historical records can create confusion over the chain of title, which may have to be fixed before you can move forward with a purchase.

At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, we can take a close look at a property’s chain of title to protect your rights. If there are any discrepancies or gaps in a property’s ownership, we can help address those defects in the closing of the transaction.

Contact a Comal County, TX Real Estate Attorney

Issues in a real estate property’s title can slow down a transaction. If these issues are glossed over, you could be exposed to liability later down the line. At Geoff Mayfield, Attorney at Law, our Wilson County, TX residential real estate lawyer can protect your interests with shrewd legal advice and effective representation. Call our offices at 210-535-0870 to schedule a free consultation.