Texas Real Estate Transactions: Buying, Selling, & Leasing

Ranches are some of the more complex types of real estate in regards to environmental law. If you purchase, sell, lease, or run a business through a ranch, you may need to adhere to animal care and health regulations, local environmental ordinances, zoning laws, and renovation procedures.

If you are selling, purchasing, or developing a business, environmental regulations will affect your potential profit, your company’s value, and various aspects of your business model. We can assist you with regulated business operations to protect you from potential legal issues and help ensure your long-term success.

No matter the type of Texas property or business your transaction involves, you will greatly benefit from an environmental lawyer who is experienced in real estate law. Our attorney at McPherson Law Firm PLLC has practiced commercial real estate law for over two decades. He has the experience you need to draft and close contracts for the sale, purchase, and use of environmentally affected properties or environmentally sensitive business operations.

Texas Development and Construction Laws You Should Know

More and more, state and local laws restrict or otherwise influence construction and development plans.

These restrictions often include:

• Rules limiting impervious cover
• Well-spacing requirements
• Stormwater discharge management
• LEED standards

In cases of urban redevelopment, Texas laws are even more restrictive. While “horizontal” growth (in which investors and developers expand and build outside of urban areas) is relatively restriction-free, “vertical” growth (renewing/redeveloping urban areas) presents a host of legal, financial, and environmental hurdles.

Mr. McPherson has the experience needed to guide clients through this maze of regulations, helping developers and construction firms comply with environmental requirements while bearing in mind their effects on profitability. Alternatively, if you are selling property for the purpose of urban redevelopment, we can ensure you receive the amount to which you are entitled.

Understanding Lending Against Contaminated Properties

Some federal laws (e.g. CERCLA) provide safe harbor for lenders or prospective purchasers who complete a certain level of due diligence prior to closing the purchase. Under Texas law, however, landowners are always responsible for the environmental condition of their land.

When a lender forecloses a lien on real property, therefore, they insert themselves into the ownership chain of title and assume all subsequent environmental risks. At McPherson Law Firm PLLC, we help borrowers and lenders close transactions that use contaminated properties, or environmental business risks, as loan collateral.

Local Considerations for Real Estate Transactions in Dallas

Real estate transactions in Dallas come with unique challenges, particularly when environmental issues are involved. Dallas has strict zoning laws and environmental codes that affect how properties can be developed or repurposed. Local ordinances and requirements from the TCEQ can influence the transaction

For example, before completing a deal, it's essential to evaluate any existing environmental liabilities, such as fines or contamination issues, that could affect the property's future. In addition, properties near waterways or flood-prone areas may be subject to specific stormwater management regulations.

At McPherson Law Firm, we understand the local landscape and can guide you through Dallas’s environmental and zoning laws. With our help, you can avoid costly legal issues and know that your real estate transaction aligns with all local, state, and federal regulations.

Personalized Guidance on Real Estate Transactions in Dallas

Navigating real estate transactions in Dallas requires a solid understanding of local laws and regulations. Conducting thorough due diligence, including environmental assessments, is vital to protecting your investment and avoiding unexpected issues. Zoning regulations enforced by the Dallas City Council can directly impact what types of structures can be developed or modified, influencing your ability to maximize property value. Partnering with our experienced team means that we can help you maintain compliance with regulations, streamline your transaction, and help you avoid potential legal challenges.

At McPherson Law Firm, we are dedicated to guiding clients through the complexities of real estate transactions in Dallas. Whether you're buying, selling, or leasing property, our deep knowledge of local regulations allows us to provide tailored advice that meets your specific needs. Let us help make your next real estate transaction smooth.