Real Estate Law and Asset Protection
for Texas Real Estate Investors

By David J. Willis, J.D., LL.M.
Texas Attorney & Real Estate Broker
2027 Edition, 794 pages

“The most important real estate book you will ever read!” – Attorney Keaton Frieberg, San Antonio

Watch a YouTube video review by San Antonio lawyer Nate Gilbert.

Table of Contents

PART I. CONTRACTS AND CLOSINGS

Chapter 1. – Special Provisions in Texas Residential Contracts
Chapter 2. – Disclosure Obligations of Texas Residential Sellers
Chapter 3. – Disclosure Obligations of Texas Brokers and Agents
Chapter 4. – As Is” Conveyances in Residential Transactions
Chapter 5. – Title Insurance in Texas
Chapter 6. – Earnest Money Disputes
Chapter 7. – Affidavits of Heirship
Chapter 8. – Lis Pendens in Texas 

PART II. DEEDS IN TEXAS

Chapter 9. – Fundamentals of a Texas Deed
Chapter 10. – Common Types of Texas Deeds
Chapter 11. – Warranties and Covenants in Texas Deeds
Chapter 12. – Deeds Creating Co-Ownership in Texas
Chapter 13. – Deeding Property to an LLC in Texas
Chapter 14. – Corrections to Texas Deeds
Chapter 15. – Ambiguous, Disputed, Lost, Forged, and Fraudulent Deeds in Texas

PART III. NOTEWORTHY STATE AND FEDERAL LAW

Chapter 16. – Fraud by Sellers of Residential Real Estate
Chapter 17. – Deceptive Trade Practices Act
Chapter 18. – Executory Contracts in Texas Real Estate
Chapter 19. – The Statute of Frauds
Chapter 20. – The Safe Act and Dodd-Frank
Chapter 21. – Mortgage Loan Fraud
Chapter 22. – Money Laundering in U.S. Real Estate

PART IV. CREATIVE TRANSACTIONS IN TEXAS REAL ESTATE

Chapter 23. – Seller Financing in Texas Residential Transactions
Chapter 24. – Assumptions in Texas
Chapter 25. – “Subject To” Transactions
Chapter 26. – Wraparound Transactions in Texas
Chapter 27. – Due-on-Sale Considerations
Chapter 28. – Lease -Options, Lease-Purchases, and Preferential Rights
Chapter 29. – Adverse Possession in Texas

PART V. LLCs, PARTNERSHIPS AND JOINT VENTURES

Chapter 30. – LLC Formation in Texas
Chapter 31. – The Series LLCs: An Overview
Chapter 32. – Registered, Protected, & Ordinary Series
Chapter 33. – Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreements In LLCs
Chapter 34. – LLC Tax And Banking Issues
Chapter 35. – Piercing The Veil
Chapter 36. – Partnerships and Joint Ventures In Texas

PART VI. TRUSTS IN TEXAS REAL ESTATE

Chapter 37. – Basic Principles of Living Trusts
Chapter 38. – Living Trusts for the Homestead
Chapter 39. – Investor Land Trusts

PART VII. ASSET PROTECTION STRATEGIES

Chapter 40. – Asset Protection in Texas
Chapter 41. – Two-Company Structure for Real Estate Investors
Chapter 42. – Graphics of Asset Protection Structures
Chapter 43. – Anonymity Strategies in Texas Real Estate
Chapter 44. – Assumed Names
Chapter 45. – Homestead Protections in Texas
Chapter 46. – Equity Stripping for Asset Protection

PART VIII. RESIDENTIAL LEASING AND EVICTIONS

Chapter 47. – The Texas Realtors Residential Lease
Chapter 48. – Security Deposits in Residential Leases
Chapter 49. – Eviction of Residential Tenants

PART IX. RESIDENTIAL FORECLOSURES IN TEXAS

Chapter 50. – Commencing a Texas Residential Foreclosure
Chapter 51. – Conducting a Texas Foreclosure Sale

Chapter 52. – Redemption Rights after Foreclosure in Texas
Chapter 53. – Post-Foreclosure Litigation in Texas

PART X. TEXAS REAL ESTATE LITIGATION

Chapter 54. – Real Estate Litigation in Texas
Chapter 55. – Partition of Texas Real Estate
Chapter 56. – Mediation

PART XI. JUDGMENTS IN TEXAS

Chapter 57. – Judgments in Texas
Chapter 58. – Fraudulent Transfers to Avoid Creditors
Chapter 59. – Charging Orders in Texas
Chapter 60. – Lien Release and Removal

PART XII. ASSIGNMENT OF REAL ESTATE INTERESTS

Chapter 61. – Assignments: General Process and Principles
Chapter 62. – Assignment of Real Estate Notes and Liens
Chapter 63. – Assignment (Wholesaling) of Residential Contracts
Chapter 64. – Assignment of LLC Membership Interests

PART XIII. TOPICS OF INTEREST TO INVESTORS

Chapter 65. – Hard-Money Lending in Texas
Chapter 66. – Personal Guarantees in Texas Real Estate
Chapter 67. – Letters of Intent in Texas Residential Real Estate

Book Reviews

“A practical guide for attorneys and anyone getting into real estate. Recommended! ” — Attorney Nathaniel Gilbert, San Antonio 

“The most important real estate book you will ever read!” — Attorney Keaton Frieberg, New Braunfels

“David and his books are my first resource. A must read. ”— Attorney Donald Jones, Dallas

“David offers a wealth of sage advice with keen insights.” — Attorney Brian Gutierrez, Bryan

“This book is amazing! Many great tips and creative solutions.” — Attorney Zachary Copp, Dallas

“Extremely informative real. Very well done.” — Attorney Christopher Barber, Houston

“David is one of the best. A must read!” — Attorney Paul Spielvogel, The Woodlands

“What a great resource! “ — Attorney John Andrews, Dallas

“The best reference for need-to-know real estate law in Texas.” — Attorney Jason Kraus, Houston

“I frequently refer to this book. Extremely helpful.” — Attorney Lisa Galvan, San Antonio

“A terrific resource!” — Attorney Kathleen Crook, El Paso

“A great tool! Investors should have a copy of this book.” — Attorney Paul Katz, Boulder

“Impressive. Benefits real estate investors and attorneys.” — Attorney James Robert Smith, Houston

“Excellent! “ — Attorney J. Thomas Black, Houston

“A fantastic book for lawyers and all real estate professionals!” — Attorney Kevin J. Smith, Houston

“Perfect for someone who wants to learn more about contracts, different types of deeds, creative transactions and asset protection strategies.” — Attorney Richard Weaver, Houston

“Definitely helped when I took the board certification exams.” — Attorney Derek Pershing, Houston