Ask how the seller received title
If the answer is a TODD, request the recorded copy and identify every named beneficiary.
Protect the contract timeline
Realtor guide to selling property after a TODD
A Texas agent can reduce surprises by sending the recorded TODD for title review before promising a closing date. The title team should evaluate the deed, title chain, beneficiary evidence, liens, estate exposure, and underwriting requirements as early as possible.
Every closing is subject to title review, underwriting approval and satisfaction of the file’s requirements.
Texas probate attorney ownershipFile-specific title and underwriting reviewServing properties across Texas
01 · Closing question
Before or when the listing begins
Open title early
An early review creates time to resolve recording, survivorship, lien, estate, or underwriter questions before a buyer’s deadline controls the file.
Avoid a guaranteed date
Use a timeline that allows for title requirements. A deed’s existence alone does not prove the file is ready to insure.
Keep counsel involved
The beneficiary may continue with existing probate or real-estate counsel. WG Title can coordinate the closing file with that attorney.
02 · Closing question
A clean handoff to title
The recorded TODD
Include all pages and recording information.
The people and property
Send beneficiary contact details, property address and county, and the date of death.
The deal
Send the contract or proposed terms, lender information, option and financing dates, and target closing date.
Known complications
Flag a prior title rejection, probate, creditor issue, divorce, later deed, deceased beneficiary, or dispute without attempting to resolve it yourself.
Your practical next step
Send the file before the deadline becomes the problem
Agents can submit the deed review with the beneficiary’s contact information and explain their role in the notes. WG Title serves properties across Texas and coordinates with the parties already involved.
Start the reviewSecure deed review
Let’s look at your file.
Send the deed to a title team that regularly works with inherited-property closings.
The form accepts one optional deed file. Additional sensitive records should wait for instructions from our team.
214-620-2055
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Central
Submitting a deed requests a title and closing review. It does not create an attorney-client relationship, provide a legal opinion or guarantee a closing date. You may continue working with your own attorney.
Request a deed review
Tell us how to reach you. Add your deed if it’s handy.
Quick answers
Questions about this TODD closing issue.
When should an agent open title on a TODD property?
As early as practical—ideally before making a firm closing-date promise. Early review gives the title team time to identify and work through file requirements.
Should the agent decide whether the TODD is valid?
No. The agent should collect the recorded document, disclose the issue to the title team, and let the title and legal professionals handle their respective roles.
Can WG Title coordinate with the seller’s attorney?
Yes. WG Title welcomes coordination with the beneficiary’s existing attorney, agent, lender, and other transaction professionals.
When title and probate overlap
What if I need to probate the estate?
A Transfer on Death Deed addresses only the Texas real property it validly covers. Other assets, creditor issues, a disputed or ineffective deed, or the need for a court-appointed representative may still require probate. WG Title reviews the title and closing requirements; a Texas probate attorney determines the right court process.
Texas estates can follow different paths. The will, heirs, debts, disputes, property, and required authority all affect which option may fit.
Independent administration
An executor or administrator can handle most estate work without asking the court to approve each step.
Dependent administration
The court supervises the administration and generally approves major actions as the estate moves forward.
Muniment of title
A qualifying will may be admitted as evidence of title without opening a full estate administration.
Small estate affidavit
Some limited intestate estates may use a statutory affidavit when all requirements are satisfied.
Affidavit of heirship
This records family-history evidence that may help with certain real-property title issues; it is not a court administration.
Determination of heirship
A probate court can formally identify the heirs when there is no valid will or a judicial heirship finding is needed.
Keep working the file