Real Estate Law

Protecting consumers.

Real Estate Law in Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley

Real estate transactions in Texas come with their own set of rules — title questions, deed forms, statutory protections, and tax implications that vary by county. Whether you’re buying, selling, transferring family property, or dealing with a contractor dispute, the Michael Gonzalez Law Firm helps you handle real estate matters carefully and protect your investment.

Services We Provide

Deed preparation: warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds
Lady Bird deeds (enhanced life estate deeds)
Transfer on Death deeds
Title research and chain-of-title issues
Property disputes and boundary issues
Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act claims involving real property
Real estate transactions and contract review

Texas-Specific Issues That Matter

Texas has unique real estate laws that surprise people from other states. Community property rules affect what one spouse can transfer alone. Homestead protections shield certain property from creditors but require specific procedures. Lady Bird deeds — uncommon outside Texas — let property pass to beneficiaries without probate while preserving the homeowner’s full rights during life. Choosing the wrong deed form can create unexpected tax liability or expose property to creditors. Get the form right the first time.

How We Work

We review the situation, identify the right legal instrument for what you’re trying to accomplish, prepare the documents, and handle recording with the appropriate Cameron County office. For disputes, we evaluate the facts honestly and tell you whether litigation makes financial sense before filing anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a warranty deed and a quitclaim deed?
A general warranty deed transfers ownership and includes title guarantees from the grantor. A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has — which could be everything, or nothing — without any guarantees. Title insurance is generally available with warranty deeds, not quitclaim deeds.

Do I need a Lady Bird deed or a Transfer on Death deed?
Both can pass property to beneficiaries without probate, but they work differently and serve different planning needs. A Lady Bird deed retains more flexibility during life and may have Medicaid implications worth considering. A Transfer on Death deed is simpler but more rigid. We help you choose what fits your situation.

Can I prepare my own deed?
You can. Whether you should is a different question. Texas county recorders accept properly formatted deeds without requiring an attorney. But a deed mistake can cloud your title for decades — far more expensive to fix later than to prepare correctly the first time.

Free Consultation — Hablamos Español

Call (956) 572-6792 to schedule a free initial consultation. Hablamos español. We’ll review your situation and recommend the right approach.

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