What can I do if a seller didn't disclose a defect before I bought my home?

Texas law generally requires sellers to disclose known material defects. If a seller knowingly concealed a problem, you may have a claim for damages or, in some cases, rescission of the sale.

How are boundary disputes resolved in Texas?

Boundary disputes are typically resolved through a review of the property's recorded survey and chain of title, followed by negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, a formal lawsuit seeking a court determination of the correct boundary.

Can I back out of a real estate contract in Texas?

It depends on the contract terms, including any contingencies (such as financing or inspection periods) and applicable deadlines. Missing a contractual deadline can forfeit your right to cancel without penalty.

What is specific performance in a real estate dispute?

Specific performance is a legal remedy where a court orders a party to actually complete the sale as agreed, rather than simply paying damages — commonly sought when a seller refuses to close on a valid contract.

Do you handle landlord-tenant disputes as well as property litigation?

Yes. We represent both landlords and tenants in lease disputes, evictions, and related matters throughout Cleburne and the surrounding counties.

Does McArthur Hammond McGee only handle real estate matters in Cleburne?

No. While we're based in Cleburne, we also handle real estate transactions and litigation in Hood, Somervell, Hill, Erath, Tarrant, Bosque, and Parker Counties.

How much does a real estate litigation attorney cost in Texas?

Costs depend on whether the matter is a straightforward transaction or contested litigation, and how far a dispute proceeds. We discuss expectations clearly during a consultation.

Large stately Texas estate home at golden hour with manicured lawn and oak trees

All Practice Areas

03 · Practice Area

Texas Real Estate Transactions & Litigation Lawyer

McArthur Hammond McGee, Attorneys at Law

Overview

McArthur Hammond McGee, Attorneys at Law is a Texas-based law firm handling real estate transactions and real estate litigation, including purchase and sale disputes, boundary and title disputes, breach of contract claims, and landlord-tenant matters throughout Johnson County and the surrounding region, including Hood, Somervell, Hill, Erath, Tarrant, Bosque, and Parker Counties.

Real estate is one of the largest financial commitments most people ever make — a home, a piece of land passed down through a family, a commercial property that represents years of work. When a transaction goes smoothly, you barely think about the legal side of it. But when a deal falls apart, a boundary line is disputed, or a seller hides a defect they were legally required to disclose, that same property can turn into the center of a serious legal fight.

At the Texas-based law firm of McArthur Hammond McGee, Attorneys at Law, our lawyers are dedicated to providing you the guidance you need to help resolve your legal matters — whether you need a transaction handled correctly from the start, or you're already in a dispute that needs to be resolved.

We work with buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and property owners across Johnson County and the surrounding counties, on matters ranging from routine closings to contested litigation over property rights.

If a real estate deal has gone wrong, or you're facing a dispute over property lines, title, or a contract, don't wait to get legal guidance. Texas real estate disputes often involve strict contractual deadlines, and delay can limit your options.

Why It Matters

Why a Texas Real Estate Lawyer Matters

Real estate law is heavily shaped by local recording offices, county appraisal districts, and the specific court handling your county's civil docket.

We know the Johnson County property records and courts.

Title issues, easement disputes, and recorded liens all run through local systems we work with regularly.

We understand rural and semi-rural property issues.

Boundary disputes, mineral rights, easements, and agricultural exemptions are common across Johnson, Hood, Parker, and the surrounding counties — and require different expertise than a downtown condo dispute.

We move quickly when deals are at risk.

Real estate contracts often have tight deadlines for objections, inspections, and financing contingencies. We're positioned to respond fast.

We understand the region's property landscape.

From ranch land to new residential developments, we understand what's actually being bought, sold, and disputed in this part of Texas.

What We Handle

Real Estate Matters We Handle Across Texas

Purchase & Sale Agreement Disputes

When a buyer or seller fails to perform, disputes over earnest money, financing contingencies, or closing timelines can require formal legal action to resolve.

Failure to Disclose / Property Defects

Texas law requires sellers to disclose known material defects. When a buyer discovers a serious issue — foundation problems, water damage, or other defects — after closing that the seller knew about and failed to disclose, legal remedies may be available.

Boundary & Title Disputes

Disputes over where a property line actually falls, encroachments, or defects in a chain of title are common in rural and semi-rural counties where properties have been subdivided or passed down over generations.

Easement Disputes

Access rights, shared driveways, and utility easements frequently become contested — particularly on rural properties where informal arrangements were never properly documented.

Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Eviction proceedings, lease disputes, security deposit disagreements, and habitability claims all fall under Texas landlord-tenant law, which sets specific procedures both sides must follow.

Breach of Real Estate Contract

When either party to a real estate contract fails to meet their obligations, the non-breaching party may be entitled to damages, specific performance (forcing the sale to go through), or contract rescission.

Contract Drafting & Transaction Support

Not every real estate matter is a dispute. We also assist with drafting and reviewing purchase agreements, leases, and other real estate contracts to prevent problems before they start.

What's at Stake

What's at Stake in Unresolved Real Estate Disputes

Real estate disputes that go unaddressed can compound quickly:

Earnest money can be forfeited if contractual deadlines are missed
Undisclosed property defects can become far more expensive to remedy the longer they're left unaddressed
Boundary and easement disputes can affect a property's value and marketability
Delayed eviction or lease disputes can result in ongoing financial loss for landlords
Statutes of limitations apply to most real estate claims, and waiting can eliminate your right to recover at all

The Process

How Real Estate Litigation Typically Unfolds

Initial case review

We review the contract, title documents, and the facts of the dispute to determine what claims or defenses apply.

Demand & negotiation

Many real estate disputes are resolved through a formal demand letter and negotiation before litigation is ever filed.

Filing suit

If negotiation fails, a lawsuit is filed in the appropriate county civil court.

Discovery

Property records, inspection reports, communications, and financial documents are gathered to build the case.

Mediation or settlement

Many cases resolve at this stage rather than proceeding to trial.

Trial

When no resolution is reached, the matter proceeds to trial before the court.

Where We Serve

Serving Texas & the Surrounding Counties

While we are based in Texas, we regularly handle real estate transactions and litigation throughout the wider region:

Johnson County

Cleburne — our home county and civil courts

Hood County

Granbury-area property and title matters

Somervell County

Glen Rose-area boundary and land disputes

Hill County

Hillsboro-area property disputes

Erath County

Stephenville-area real estate transactions

Tarrant County

Fort Worth-area real estate litigation

Bosque County

Meridian-area rural land matters

Parker County

Weatherford-area real estate litigation

Recording offices, appraisal districts, and civil court procedures vary from county to county. Familiarity with these local systems means fewer delays when a transaction or dispute needs to move quickly.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Action

Talk to a Texas Real Estate Lawyer Today

Whether you need a transaction handled the first time correctly, or you're already facing a dispute over property, title, or a contract, the right legal guidance now can prevent a much larger problem later.

Contact McArthur Hammond McGee, Attorneys at Law today to discuss your case and your options.

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Other Disciplines

Criminal Probate / Fiduciary Litigation Estate Planning General Civil Litigation Family Law Tickets/Citations Mediation