Help me find a solid title company

[Michael Tyler]

Our lender is trying to close our refi on a Texas property, but they keep having title company problems. When the lender asks, “Do you have any ideas?” you know the loan is in trouble.

The issue seems to be confusion about the Homestead Act. I’ve been assured by a different Texas-based lender that our situation (CA residents refinancing a 2-unit Texas investment property) is not the problem. The two title companies our current lender has tried both want to place our address of residence as the investment property since we don’t have another Texas residence, and so homesteading issues get them skittish.

Does anyone have recommendations for a good Texas title company (preferably in Austin but I’ll try anything)? 

[Lydia R.]

@Michael Tyler Owner occupied and homestead are 2 different things. In other states where laws make more sense you can own a home and not declare it your homestead lol. Im not sure if this weird TX law is whats causing you issues but I did double check and yes, the county will consider the property your homestead for tax purposes if it is the only property you own in TX. Super weird, who comes up with this stuff?