Expert resources on Texas title insurance, escrow, closing, investor transactions, creative finance, commercial real estate, and property rights. Built by a team with decades of Texas real estate experience.
TDI Rate Update: The Texas Department of Insurance ordered a 6.2% reduction in basic title-insurance premium rates effective March 1, 2026. Under the current rate schedule, the approximate basic premium on $268,500 of coverage is about $1,612. Learn more about the 2026 rate reduction.
25 in-depth articles covering every major Texas title and real estate topic. Click a topic below to read the full article.
Texas title insurance basics, TDI rates, and what buyers and sellers need to know about coverage.
The Texas escrow and closing process, what to expect, and how title companies handle your transaction.
Title and closing strategies for Texas real estate investors, including assignments and creative finance.
Texas owner financing structures, homestead considerations, and regulatory compliance for sellers.
Subject-to transactions in Texas: title handling, due-on-sale clauses, and legal considerations.
Texas wraparound mortgage structures, title company handling, and legal risks.
Texas commercial title insurance, escrow, 1031 exchanges, and due diligence.
Texas farm and ranch title considerations including mineral rights, water rights, and agricultural exemptions.
Texas probate, heirship, Lady Bird deeds, TODDs, and how title passes at death.
Texas homestead protections, community property, mineral rights, and easements.
Texas creative finance structures, legal considerations, and title company coordination.
The March 1, 2026 TDI rate reduction and how it affects Texas closing costs.
How to choose a Texas title company based on experience, service, and transaction type.
Breakdown of Texas closing costs including title premiums, escrow fees, and recording charges.
A Texas real estate agent's guide to title commitments, common issues, and working with title companies.
Texas mechanics liens, their impact on title, and how they are resolved at closing.
Texas HOA liens, super lien priority, and what title companies require at closing.
Texas 1031 exchange closings, working with qualified intermediaries, and title coordination.
How Texas title searches work across 254 counties and what liens they uncover.
Texas foreclosure and REO title considerations, curative work, and resale issues.
Texas homestead protections and spousal joinder requirements under the Texas Constitution.
Texas Lady Bird deeds and Transfer on Death Deeds: estate planning tools and title implications.
Texas due-on-sale clauses and their impact on creative finance transactions.
Using Property DNA Reports for Texas real estate due diligence and research.
Texas usury laws and interest rate limits affecting owner financing and creative finance.
Texas tax sales, tax deeds, redemption rights, and title insurance after tax sales.
Texas title insurance protects against covered title defects that existed before the policy was issued. Texas regulates title insurance rates, and premiums in Texas are set by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI).
Read Texas ResourceThe Texas escrow and closing process involves title search, commitment, and coordination between buyer, seller, lender, agents, and the title company. Texas is an attorney-involved closing state in some respects.
Read Texas ResourceTexas is a prime market for real estate investors, but title and closing considerations differ from other states. From investor-friendly title companies to creative finance structures, here is what Texas investors need to know.
Read Texas ResourceOwner financing (seller financing) in Texas allows the seller to finance part or all of the purchase price. Texas law permits this structure, but there are important legal, regulatory, and title considerations.
Read Texas ResourceSubject-to transactions in Texas allow a buyer to take title to a property while the seller's existing mortgage remains in place. These transactions raise legal, title, and due-on-sale considerations that require careful handling.
Read Texas ResourceCreative financing in Texas includes subject-to, seller financing, wraps, assumptions, lease options, and hybrid structures. Each raises unique legal, regulatory, and title considerations specific to Texas law.
Read Texas ResourceThe Texas Department of Insurance ordered a 6.2% reduction in basic title-insurance premium rates effective March 1, 2026. Here is how the new rates affect your closing costs.
Read Texas ResourceTexas property rights encompass homestead protections, community property, mineral rights, water rights, easements, and restrictive covenants. Understanding these rights is essential for any real estate transaction in Texas.
ReadBefore you buy, before you invest, know more about the property. 1st Option Title offers free Property DNA Reports for Texas properties. A Property DNA Report is not title insurance, a title commitment, a title search, or a legal ownership opinion. It is an informational research report to help you make informed decisions.
Order a Free Texas Property DNA Report1st Option Title handles transactions of all types across Texas. Simple closing or complicated deal, we are ready.