Austin Real Estate Attorney

Q: Do I need a real estate attorney for a closing in Texas?

A real estate attorney in Texas isn’t legally required at closing, but having one is highly recommended. A lawyer can review your sales contract, title paperwork, and closing documents to ensure your interests are protected and that you fully understand the terms.

Real estate is a big part of life in Austin, Texas. Whether you’re buying your first home, managing a commercial property, or dealing with a dispute, having an experienced Austin real estate attorney can make all the difference. At J Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC, we serve clients across the Austin metro and surrounding suburbs, handling everything from purchases and sales to title issues, landlord-tenant matters, and HOA disputes. Our team pairs deep knowledge of Texas real estate law with responsive, results-driven service—and we’re local. Visit our Austin office at 1106 Clayton Ln Ste 565, Austin, TX 78723.

Austin Real Estate Attorney Legal Services

Residential Real Estate Transactions

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial moves you’ll make. In Austin, these transactions involve complex contracts, disclosures, and title work—where even small mistakes can be costly. Our real estate attorneys review agreements, deeds, and closing documents to protect your interests and ensure compliance with Texas law. While an attorney isn’t required at closing, having one helps prevent surprises and catch problems early. J. Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC provides clear guidance so your home sale or purchase is completed smoothly and with confidence.

Commercial Real Estate Transactions

Commercial real estate deals can be even more complex than home sales. If you are buying an office building, leasing a retail space, or investing in Austin commercial property, our firm is here to help. Commercial contracts often have detailed terms about rent, build-out allowances, and zoning requirements. An experienced real estate attorney Austin will ensure you fully understand your agreement before you sign.

We assist business owners and investors with negotiating and reviewing commercial leases, purchase contracts, and financing agreements. Our attorneys check that the contract terms match your expectations and protect your interests. We also look out for any local zoning or land use rules that might affect your plans for the property. By working with J Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC, you get clear advice and practical solutions so your commercial real estate transaction is set up for success.

Partition Actions

When two or more people own property together, disagreements can happen. Maybe you inherited land with relatives or own an investment property with a partner, and now you cannot agree on what to do with it. Partition actions are legal cases that resolve such deadlocks by splitting the property among owners or forcing a sale. Texas law (Texas Property Code § 23.001) gives any joint owner of real estate the right to file a partition action in court to obtain their fair share of the property.

Our attorneys guide clients through partition actions with sensitivity and skill. First, we explore solutions outside of court, if possible. If a lawsuit is necessary, we will file the partition action for you in the appropriate Texas court. The court can order the property to be divided physically (if it’s land that can be split) or sold with proceeds divided among the owners. We make sure your interests are represented so you receive a fair outcome.

Landlord-Tenant Disputes (Landlord Representation)

As a landlord, it can be frustrating when a tenant doesn’t follow the lease. You might encounter issues like unpaid rent or property damage. In landlord-tenant disputes, we represent landlords (not tenants) to protect your rights and investment.

Texas has specific laws for landlord-tenant relationships. Our attorneys advise landlords on handling common problems within the bounds of the law. If a tenant isn’t paying rent or is breaking the lease, we can send proper notices and demand letters to urge compliance or prepare for further action. We also handle disputes over security deposits, repair obligations, and lease terminations. We aim to resolve issues efficiently and professionally, often without going to court. But if a lawsuit becomes necessary, we are prepared to fight for you.

Evictions for Landlords

When a tenant refuses to leave after violating a lease or not paying rent, an eviction is the legal process a landlord must use to regain possession. Evictions in Texas have strict procedures. For example, Texas Property Code § 24.005 generally requires that a landlord give the tenant at least a three-day written notice to vacate before filing an eviction lawsuit. Missing a step, like not giving proper notice, can delay your case or cause it to be thrown out, costing you time and money.

Our firm helps landlords through the eviction process from start to finish. We make sure you have given any required notices correctly and on time. Then we prepare the eviction petition and file it in court. We represent you at the eviction hearing to present the evidence clearly to the judge. If the court grants an eviction order, we will guide you through the steps to enforce it and help you regain possession of your property. Evicting a tenant can be stressful, but with an experienced Austin real estate attorney handling the details, you can regain control of your property as quickly as possible.

HOA Issues

Many homes in the Austin area are part of a Homeowners Association (HOA). HOAs create rules for the neighborhood to maintain property values and community standards. Unfortunately, sometimes homeowners and HOAs come into conflict. You might feel that the HOA is imposing unfair rules or fines, or perhaps you are on an HOA board dealing with a homeowner who ignores the covenants. These HOA issues can significantly affect your property rights and peace of mind.

Our real estate lawyers know Texas HOA laws and can help resolve these disputes. Texas Property Code Chapter 209 protects homeowners to ensure HOAs follow fair procedures. We can review your HOA’s bylaws, covenants, and correspondence to determine your legal standing. If you are a homeowner, we can communicate with the HOA on your behalf or defend you if the HOA has taken improper actions. The goal is always to find a reasonable solution—through negotiation or, if needed, through legal action—that protects your property rights and resolves the conflict. With J Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC’s guidance, HOA disputes can be handled effectively so you can enjoy your home without ongoing stress.

Zoning and Land Use Matters

Austin’s zoning laws decide how property can be used and developed. They set limits on things like building height, lot size, and business use, often requiring city approval. Our attorneys help property owners understand zoning rules, apply for variances or rezoning, and resolve permit or land use disputes. J. Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC works to protect your property rights while helping you move your project forward legally and efficiently.

Title Disputes

A title dispute occurs when someone questions who owns a property due to old liens, recording errors, or competing claims from heirs or previous owners. These issues can delay a sale or threaten your property rights. Our firm reviews deeds, title reports, and court records to find the root of the problem. When possible, we negotiate settlements such as paying off liens or buying out small ownership interests. If a dispute requires court action, we file a quiet title lawsuit to confirm ownership and clear invalid claims, giving you confidence in your property’s title.

Frequently Asked Questions about Austin Real Estate Law

Do I need a real estate attorney for a closing in Texas?

A real estate attorney in Texas isn’t legally required at closing, but having one is highly recommended. A lawyer can review your sales contract, title paperwork, and closing documents to ensure your interests are protected and that you fully understand the terms. They can catch any issues, for example, a cloud on the title that needs clearing early, and help resolve them, protecting your investment and preventing unwelcome surprises at closing.

How can a real estate attorney help with contract disputes in Austin?

Contract disputes are common in real estate transactions. For example, a buyer or seller might breach the agreement by missing a closing deadline or failing to disclose known property defects. An Austin real estate attorney can protect your interests by reviewing the contract, explaining your rights, and pursuing a resolution. Depending on the situation, they may negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit (seeking damages or specific performance) to enforce the agreement. Having an attorney involved ensures the dispute is handled correctly, whether through out-of-court negotiation or in court, so you have the best chance at a fair outcome.

How does an Austin real estate attorney assist in commercial real estate transactions?

Commercial real estate transactions in Austin (such as buying an office building or leasing a retail space) tend to be more complex than residential deals, with lengthy contracts covering rent terms, build-out allowances, and zoning requirements. An experienced real estate attorney will help by reviewing, explaining, and negotiating the fine print to ensure the agreement aligns with your interests and goals. They also check for any local land use or zoning rules that might affect your plans for the property and ensure the deal complies with Texas law. Having a lawyer involved protects your interests and helps prevent costly mistakes in high-value commercial transactions.

Can a real estate lawyer help with landlord-tenant disputes in Austin?

Yes. If you’re a landlord dealing with a problematic tenant – for instance, a renter who isn’t paying rent or is violating the lease – an Austin real estate attorney can help you handle the dispute properly. Texas law sets strict eviction rules. An attorney will make sure you follow all required steps and can send proper notices or demand letters to encourage the tenant to comply. If the issue isn’t resolved, your lawyer can represent you in court to evict the tenant and lawfully regain possession of the property. Throughout the process, they work to protect your rights and make what can be a stressful ordeal as quick and efficient as possible for the landlord.

Why Choose J Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC?

The right real estate attorney in Austin can greatly impact your results. J. Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC stands out for responsiveness, experience, and a results-driven approach. Our team answers calls and emails promptly, explains your options clearly, and builds a practical strategy tailored to your case. With years of experience handling Texas real estate matters, we understand local laws and common challenges in the Austin market. We work to make the process straightforward and stress-free, guiding you through each step with clear communication, honest advice, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.

Contact a Real Estate Attorney Austin for a Consultation

If you are facing a real estate matter in Austin, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Baker Law Group, PLLC today to schedule a consultation. We will listen to your needs and explain how we can help. We serve clients in Austin and surrounding areas, including Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville.

Let us use our experience and dedication to help you. With J Baker Law Group Texas, PLLC on your side, you will have a trusted real estate lawyer Austin residents can count on, ready to fight to protect your property rights and guide you toward a successful resolution.

Austin Real Estate Attorney

Table of Contents: