Need Assistance with Dallas, TX Deal - Title Issues

[Alex Harris]

Hi BP,

I'm having an issue with this virtual wholesale deal I have in Dallas, TX.  I'm not sure if I'm looking for knowledge to complete the deal or for feet on the ground locally. I found a buyer (who was using an investor friendly agent which I agreed to pay a fee since the buyer doesn't speak any english and its not necessarily the best deal).  Anyways all the contracts were in place and the title work was being done, then 3 days before closing the attorney stated the property was also owned by somebody else.

The other owner is an heir of the seller's mother's ex husband. His son is now on the title.

ISSUE # 1 - I have the son's name and address's but that's it. The phone numbers that I have looked up are all bad. I need to get in contact with him to have him sign documents but need some local assistance. The Realtor is going to be out of town for the next 2 weeks. I need somebody on the ground to ideally work with me to make contact and get doc's signed.

ISSUE # 2 - The son also converted to a different religion and changed his name.  The attorney said he also needed documents to prove and show the name change but said "we'll cross that road when we get there". I don't like that kind of talk because I like to get my ducks in a row. The son converted about 15-20 years ago.  What documents would he need to bring.

ISSUE # 3 - The attorney was recommended by the Realtor.  I tend to work with attorneys who focus their practice on investor types of deals and assignments.  This attorney was recommended  because he was "familiar" with assignments.  His tone when we last spoke is that the deal is over, which I don't accept until its over.  I'm also wondering if another title attorney would make this a little easier.  He stated that if we found the son, the son would have to bring 2 people (who have known him for a while) with him to sign with a notary.  I've been thru this before in another state and 2 witnesses weren't required.  He also stated he's worked with people who have changed their name for citizenship or marriage, but not religious conversion.  I don't think it should make a big difference, just an extra document or something. Just wondering if he's making this harder than it has to be or already is.

Thanks again guys and I hope you can help.  

[Hattie Dizmond]

@Alex Harris

#1...if the phone numbers are bad, it's likely the address is bad as well.  I'd check 

www.intelus.com

The prices for their searches are reasonable and the information is generally reliable.  PM me, if you would like, with the address you currently have for the guy, and I'll at least tell you whether it would be a safe place for someone to go knocking on the door!

#2...if he changed his name legally, he will have an official name change certificate from the State of Texas, along with a newly issued birth certificate.  That's all that should be needed.

#3...Yes, he's making it harder than it needs to be.  With the proper identity docs from the State of Texas (see #2), there is no reason you would need witnesses.  Why he changed his name is irrelevant.  He may have changed it just because he didn't like it.  Who cares. 

Bigger question...why are you using an attorney, instead of a title company?  The vast majority of closings in Texas are handled by title companies.  The big ones (Stuart, Chicago, Old Republic, etc.) handle so many closings there is basically nothing they haven't already seen and worked through.