Answers to common questions about Dallas-Fort Worth real estate investor title and escrow services. Every answer is subject to the specific facts of your transaction, title underwriting, and applicable law.
Important Note: These answers are general educational information based on typical DFW real estate transactions. Every transaction is different, and title and escrow outcomes depend on the specific facts of each property, the parties, the transaction structure, title underwriting guidelines, and applicable law. These answers do not constitute legal advice, a title opinion, or a commitment to insure. Consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your transaction.
A DFW title company handles the title search, identifies any liens or encumbrances, prepares the title commitment, coordinates the closing process, and facilitates issuance of title insurance. For investor transactions specifically, the title company must be familiar with double closings, assignment transactions, creative finance structures, and other transaction types common in the DFW real estate investment market. Learn more about DFW investor title services.
The timeline for a title commitment in Dallas County depends on the property's history and the current workload of the title department. A typical commitment can take several days to several weeks. Investors should discuss timelines with their title company when opening an order. For a faster initial look at a property, investors can request a free Property DNA Report.
Some title companies will handle wholesale transactions; others will not. Wholesale transactions typically involve either an assignment of contract or a double closing structure, each with specific title and escrow requirements. The title company must be comfortable with the specific structure and able to issue appropriate title insurance for the end buyer, subject to title and underwriting requirements. Learn about Dallas wholesale title closings.
A double closing involves two separate real estate transactions that close on the same day: the investor buys from the seller and simultaneously sells to the end buyer. The title company coordinates both transactions, manages settlement statements, and ensures appropriate title insurance for the end buyer. 1st Option Title handles double closings throughout the DFW metroplex, subject to title and underwriting requirements. Learn about double closing services.
Assignment of contract is permissible in Texas when the original contract does not prohibit assignment and when the assignment complies with applicable regulations, including TREC rules. The title company must be able to handle the assignment structure and issue appropriate title insurance, subject to title and underwriting requirements. Learn about assignment transactions.
Yes, 1st Option Title handles seller-financed and owner-financed closings throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, subject to title and underwriting requirements. The title company ensures the seller's lien is properly recorded and that existing liens and priorities are addressed. Learn about owner financing closings.
A subject-to transaction involves the buyer taking ownership of the property subject to the existing mortgage, continuing payments on the seller's existing loan. Subject-to transactions are permissible in Texas but require specific underwriting review. Not all title companies or insurers will approve subject-to transactions, and each is evaluated based on the specific facts and underwriting guidelines. Learn about subject-to transactions.
Various liens can affect a property's title in Dallas-Fort Worth: mortgage liens, judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and child support liens can all create title issues. The title search identifies these liens, and the curative approach depends on the type and nature of each lien. Learn about title problems and curative solutions.
A title defect is any issue that affects the condition of title. Common DFW title defects include unreleased mortgages, chain of title gaps, probate issues, judgment liens, and forged documents. Many title defects can be resolved through documentation, underwriting, or legal proceedings, depending on the specific issue. Learn about DFW title problems and solutions.
Cash buyers in Texas are not required to purchase title insurance, but owner's title insurance is strongly recommended. Without it, the buyer could be personally responsible for defending their ownership against covered title defects that existed before their purchase. Learn more about owner's title insurance.
A Property DNA Report from 1st Option Title provides publicly available property research information including ownership history, tax records, and property characteristics. DFW investors can use it to research properties before committing to a deal. A Property DNA Report is not title insurance, a title commitment, a title search, or a legal ownership opinion. Request a free Property DNA Report.
Our team aims to provide Property DNA Reports within 1 hour during normal business hours, depending on the property and current workload. This turnaround time is not guaranteed, but we work to deliver information quickly to support informed decision-making. Never rely on a Property DNA Report as a substitute for a formal title search or title insurance.
Yes. From our Garland office at 1795 Northwest Hwy, we serve investors throughout Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Denton, and Tarrant counties, including all DFW communities. Learn more about our Texas office.
Scott Horne is the founder of 1st Option Title and also practices through Horne & Associates, P.C., a separate Dallas-area law firm. 1st Option Title and Horne & Associates are separate legal entities. This distinction is important for understanding the legal relationship between the title company and legal counsel.
Never trust wiring instructions sent by email without independent verification. Always call 1st Option Title's Garland office directly at (972) 271-1700 and ask for extension 100 to verify any wire instructions before sending funds. 1st Option Title will never change wiring instructions via email.
Contact 1st Option Title to discuss your specific DFW investor transaction.