Dawn Moore's Tip of the Week: Recent Episodes
Dawn Moore
Each week Dawn Moore releases a video and podcast discussing real estate issues current to the market. If you have a topic you'd like covered, reach out to Dawn at tipoftheweek@allegiancetitle.com. We'd love to hear from you! For more information on Allegiance Title Company, visit our website at www.allegiancetitle.com. We are Your Trusted Resource For Results!
Today, Blair discusses why a minor heir can delay the sale of inherited property and the legal steps required before closing can move forward.
Today, Blair discusses key TREC July 1st updates to related forms outside of the contract itself.
Today Blair discusses recent contract changes affecting reporting requirements, notice delivery, contract organization, and broker compensation.
Today Blair discusses key updates to the 1–4 Family Contract, focusing on significant changes to broker compensation and key updates to Texas Realtor’s forms.
Today Blair discusses, Paragraph 7D, the new Paragraph 7I, and the new Seller’s Disclosure About Groundwater and Surface Water Rights.
Today Blair discusses three key updates in the new TREC 1–4 Family Residential Contract agents need to know.
Today, Blair discusses key 2026 TXR and TREC form changes to the IABS and temporary leases.
Today, Blair discusses what qualifies as good funds under the rules and when a deal is legally closed.
Today, Blair discusses the true 11:59 PM deadline for earnest money and option fee delivery and what really happens if either is delivered late under TREC rules.
Today, Blair discusses the upcoming 6.2% decrease in Texas title insurance rates and what it means for consumer savings.
Today, Blair discussesa new FinCEN rule requiring reporting of certain non‑financed residential transfers to entities or trusts starting March 1, 2026.
Today, Blair discusses how the end of subagency changes agency roles, disclosures, and best practices for staying compliant in Texas.
Today Blair discusses that NAR is putting policy making for MLS back into the local MLSs’ hands.
Wishing everyone a year filled with confidence, momentum, and success in every endeavor.
Today, Blair discusses how ChatGPT’s Zillow integration is reshaping listing visibility and why keyword‑rich public remarks now matter more than ever.
Today, Blair explains how AI tools decide which agents appear in searches and why your profile must be on key sites to stay visible in 2026.
We’re truly grateful for each and every one of you, and we wish you a wonderful holiday.
Today, Blair discusses how AI is transforming the way people find real estate agents and why optimizing your bio on all platforms is now critical for showing up in AI-generated answers.
Today, Blair discusses Senate Bill 140, a new Texas law that changes how real estate professionals can contact clients.
Today Blair discusses House Bill 4063, a new Texas law that protects homeowners from fraudulent memorandums of contract.
Today, Blair breaks down a critical update to the MLS policy regarding Delayed Marketing and Exempt Listings.
Today, Blair discusses Texas Senate Bill 17 and who are prohibited from buying real property interests in Texas.
Today, Blair explains what the Buyers can do on a property after closing when the Seller has a leaseback in place.
Today, Blair explains a bill that may help homeowners feel more confident about selling their homes.
Today, Blair takes a moment to acknowledge the grief and the power of people helping people amongst the devastating floods in Kerr County.
Today, Blair discusses the best practices for listing agents to show their listings to unrepresented Buyers.
Today, Blair discusses how objections can protect the Buyer and create any minor drawbacks.
Today, Blair shares what forms of IDs Title Companies can use to notarize individuals at the closing table.
Today, Blair dives into how to fill out your contracts based on HOA resale certificates.
Today, Blair discusses what is necessary to disclose to the buyer if there is an Oil and Gas lease.
Today, Blair dives into what you need to know about subject-to-transactions and the risks associated with them.
Today, Blair shares her heartfelt gratitude for our amazing employees who make Allegiance Title incredible.
Today, Blair discusses when only one spouse or both spouses need to sign sale documents.
Today, Blair discusses how fraudsters can use AI to impersonate a seller and what implications this has for you as the realtor.
Today, Blair discusses when you might use TX Realtors Form 2401, titled Compensation Agreement between Broker and Owner.
Today, Blair addresses a crucial aspect of the closing process, Seller’s proceeds are due and payable to the Seller, not a third party.
Today, Blair Talks about Commission and T-47 Proposed Changes in the TREC 1-4 Family Contract.
Today, Blair dives into performance under a backup contract as the market starts to pick back up.
Today, Blair elaborates on the three ways buyer commission can be paid based on the new Texas Realtor’s Forms FAQs.
Today, Blair dives deeper into our conversation on the Texas Realtor’s form changes FAQs.
Today, Blair continues our conversation on the Texas Realtor’s Forms changes by addressing some of the published FAQs.
Today, Dawn shares some memories and thoughts from her years of producing the Tip of The Week.
Today, Blair discusses the draft Texas Realtor’s Addendum and offering of tiered service levels for various commission amounts.
Today, Dawn suggests how properties might be priced under listing agreements without a commission sharing agreement.
Today, Dawn shares her thoughts on what will be the new way of doing business under the changes mandated by the NAR Settlement.
Today, Blair explains what you need to look for in resale certificates for POA’s and HOA’s.
Today, Dawn reminds us that the covenants and representations in the contract survive closing.
Today, Blair talks about when you need a dollar amount listed on your Non-Realty Items Addendum.
Today, Dawn discusses the settlement and suggests what to do to prepare for the changes.
Today, Dawn, once again, addresses the issue with Associations charging more than the capped fee.
Today, Blair discusses Texas homestead laws and the restrictions around encumbering and transferring homesteads.
Today, Blair explains the changes to commission laws and what it means for realtors and their entities.
Today, Dawn talks about how some POA’s are charging separate fees for information already on the Resale Certificate.
Today, Blair explains the change to the homestead exemption law requiring appraisal districts review homestead exemptions every 5 years to confirm that the recipient still qualifies for the exemption. The process for review will vary between districts.
Today, Dawn talks about what property is sold under our promulgated contract unless the seller excludes or discloses and negotiates the lease assumption.
Today, Blair talks about what the Texas tax relief bill passing means for buyers and sellers who made a transaction during 2023.
Today, Dawn points to the law that limits fees charged by POA and how to save your client money.
Today, Blair explains the risks of subject to’s and assumption loans for all parties involved.
Today, Blair talks about what the November Tax Bill means for taxes collected on closing statements.
Today, Dawn explains how the promulgated contracts affect to what a buyer may object and process for curing such defects.
Today, Dawn points out a particular provision of the contract that warrants some clarification when drafting the contract.
Today, Dawn explains the recent changes and reiterates that notices are still required.
Today, Dawn discusses the impact of a positive vote in November on tax prorations at closing.
Today, Blair talks about the Notice to Purchasers required under Title 4 of the Texas Water Code.
Today, Dawn discusses whether a Seller’s Disclosure Notice is required on a residential property that is being sold for lot value.
Today, Blair explains the proposed Texas Tax Relief Bill and how to prepare for this bill being passed this year.
Today, Blair discusses assumptions loans and the additional steps needed to insure these types of loans.
Today, Dawn provides a reminder on how commission splits are set and how they can be changed.
Today, Dawn discusses the impact when an amendment is delivered simultaneously with a notice of termination of contract.
Today, Blair discusses the different Powers of Attorney used in Texas real estate transactions.
Today, Dawn addresses what issue arises when a repair credit is given at closing and Seller’s obligation under a leaseback.
Today, Dawn explains the difference between the Central Appraisal District’s appraised value and appraisal cap.
Today, Blair stresses that the option fee and earnest money need to be delivered within the time period required under the contract.
Today, Dawn provides valuable insight as to the use of the Addendum for Sale of Other Property by Buyer and why we may see more of it.
Today, Blair answers the question of who is defined as a Foreign Seller for IRS purposes and discusses tax withholdings required by Buyers.
Today, Dawn shares her love and passion of the Dallas Zoo. Dawn is now serving as it’s Chairman of the Board.
Today, Blair discusses Buyer’s ability to inspect the property and why inspections benefit the Seller.
Today, Dawn reminds you of some legislation that your Texas Realtors was instrumental in passing and why it is so helpful to Sellers and Buyers.
Today, Blair discussed the difference between earnest money and option fee, the time periods to deliver funds and the consequences for not delivering funds in both a primary and back up contract.
Today, Dawn answers some questions she received about how prorations and required adjustments are handled under paragraph 13 of the Contract.
Today, Blair discusses the importance of the interest rate that the buyer submits on the third-party financing addendum.
Today Dawn answers the question, “What date do you insert in the T-47, survey date or acquisition date?”
Today, Blair explains a title company’s, buyer’s and seller’s role in prorating property taxes.
Today, Dawn addresses changes in three contract addenda to help you become familiar with them before mandatory use.
Today, Blair discusses the remaining changes made to the new contract which will be available on ZipForms January 3.
Today, Dawn discusses a few minor changes as well as the addition of the new paragraph 6E (11) which potentially conflicts with paragraph 6E (7).
Today, Dawn addresses the purpose and impact of the change to Paragraph 3A of the contract.
Today, Dawn explains what happens when an agent writes a contract using the old forms, after the new forms become mandatory.
Today, Dawn reminds agents what is included in the contract and how to handle transfer of security (“Smart”) devices.
Today, Dawn discusses how property taxes are handled at closing when they become due in October.
Today, Dawn explains when a notice of termination is necessary and when a release of earnest money is required.
Today, Dawn points out the impact of the new notice requirements in the Seller Temporary Residential Lease.
Today, Dawn gives you two options – get written amendment between co-brokers to MLS offering or enforce your Buyer’s Representation Agreement.
Today, Dawn addresses the negotiation and payment of the HOA charges associated with a transfer of the Property.
Today, Dawn reminds you that the fee for obtaining and updated Resale Certificate from a Property Owners’ Association is capped at $75.00 by law.
Today, Dawn answers questions she often gets about commission splits between cooperating brokers.
Today, Dawn discusses the use of the a different lease agreement form when Seller wants a longer leaseback term.
Today, Dawn emphasizes why an estate plan should be created to assure your property goes where you want it after death.
Today, Dawn cautions the consequences of early performance and what Buyer’s in particular need to do to protect their rights under the contract.
Today, Dawn further clarifies how fees associated with a transfer of property in an HOA are to be allocated between Buyer and Seller.
Today, Dawn explains how a buyer can avoid defaulting under a contract requiring the full waiver based on insufficient funds.
Today, Dawn addresses concerns about rising property taxes and prorations for the current year between a seller and buyer at closing.
Today, Dawn explains the effect of a quitclaim deed and why it is not acceptable to convey properly using a quitclaim deed.
Today, Dawn clarifies the most important purpose for using the Addendum Regarding Fixture Leases.
Today, Dawn cites the HOA law about subdivision information and encourages everyone to order it prior to the contract.
Today, Dawn reminds Buyers and Sellers to consult their insurance agents to ensure adequate coverage during a leaseback.
Today, Dawn stresses the importance of having inspections done when acquiring property.
Today, Dawn reminds us that contract amendments that resolve contingencies also need to include a waiver of that contingency.
Today, Dawn clarifies whether a notice in itself is sufficient to evoke the consequences or acknowledgment and agreement by Seller is required.
Today, Dawn reminds agents to access TREC’s new HOA listing website which makes certain information on HOA’s easily accessible.
Today, Dawn answers several questions about a buyer’s right to terminate under the condominium contract.
Today, Dawn answers questions about title monitoring services currently being widely advertised.
Today, Dawn explains the new homestead exemption law that will take effect on January 1, 2022.
Today Dawn reminds you that in order to exercise the kick out provision in the Sale of Other Property, you must use a backup contract.
Today, Dawn explains why it is prudent to obtain a Buyer’s rep agreement when representing a Buyer.
Today, Dawn explains what is a Lady Bird Deed and compares it to a Transfer on Death Deed.
Today, Dawn provides valuable knowledge as to passage of title upon the death of the owner.
Today, Dawn answers the question of will the title company accept and why, a late paid option fee.
Today, Dawn clarifies what a Seller’s Lease back is to help you negotiate and prepare your buyer and seller for their obligations.
Today, Dawn answers some frequently asked questions regarding the new laws covering PID notices.
Today, Dawn addresses the confusion over who pays for the fees HOA’s charge for transferring the property to a new owner.
Today, Dawn reminds of the changes in law that require a new contract with PID disclosures and the new laws governing the HOA.
Today, Dawn explains how the new PID disclosure law impacts the new TREC contract and notice requirements, effective September 1st.
Today, Dawn addresses the tactic of waiving the option period and relying on other outs under the contract.
Today, Dawn discusses the new laws that will go into effect September 1st which will add transparency into the management structures and standard practices of the HOA management companies.
Today, Dawn and Blair, her daughter, share an exciting announcement about our merger with FirsTitle. Blair Moore Raggio will continue leading Allegiance alongside Dawn with this exciting news.
Now that Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday, Dawn discusses how this will affect the days your earnest money and option fee are due.
Today, Dawn addresses the provisions regarding Association documents in the Condo contract that are different than those covering Association documents in the One-to-Four contract.
Today, Dawn discusses the use of “love letters” and why they can cause issues in the transaction.
Today, Dawn highlights issues we’ve seen in this multiple offer market with quick closings and the need to extend closing, and suggests how to handle both.
Today, Dawn provides clarity on the risks and unintended consequences of waiving the financing contingencies under the contract.
Today, Dawn discusses certain practices that are used in this low inventory/multiple offer market that should be fully understood before used.
Today, Dawn tells how a Buyer can assure that Seller no longer has access or control of any smart devices conveyed with the Property.
Today, Dawn exposes some recurring issues with payment and deposit of the option fee and what to do when it is paid to the wrong party.
Today, Dawn discusses the contractual obligation to credit the earnest money and option fee in a particular order and it controls over an incorrectly signed receipt by escrow agent.
Today, Dawn explains a common misunderstanding as to what is waived under the appraisal addendum and, alternatively, how to protect a buyer!
Today, Dawn discusses issues surrounding multiple offers coming from this high-demand, low-inventory market.
Today, Dawn discusses obligations of the Seller and rights of Buyers on an as-is property sale during a strong seller’s market.
Today Dawn emphasizes that financing is a contingency in favor of the Buyer. It is not an obligation of the Buyer.
Today, Dawn discusses the change in the Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in a Property Owners Association which will be available with the new contract.
Today, Dawn discusses the Addendum Regarding Residential Leases which will be available and required with the new contract when the Property is subject to a Residential Lease.
Today, Dawn discusses the Addendum Regarding Fixture Leases which will be available and required with the new contract.
Today Dawn discusses paragraph 10C in the new contract, which addresses the transfer of smart devices in the home.
Today Dawn completes her series discussing approved changes to the TREC contract with today’s focus on the changes in paragraphs 18 through the last page of the contract.
Today Dawn continues her series discussing approved changes to the TREC contract with today’s focus on the changes to paragraph 10 and addition of Subparagraph C.
Today Dawn continues her series discussing approved changes to the TREC contract with today’s focus on the changes to paragraph 5.
Today Dawn continues her series discussing approved changes to the TREC contract with today’s focus on the changes to paragraph 4.
This week in the spirit of Halloween, Dawn shares some of her scary title nightmares… but hope you will get a laugh.
Today, Dawn discusses when a notice of termination is required to preserve the right to terminate under a contract contingency.
Today, Dawn addresses the impact of the term “time is of the essence” as it relates to Buyers right to terminate.
Last week, Dawn Moore and Dale Petroskey, President & CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, discussed the "New Normal" in Dallas from real estate and business perspectives in a Facebook Live stream. Blair Moore Raggio moderated the conversation.
Today, Dawn discusses the need to strictly adhere to the contract with regard to delivery of option check.
Today, Dawn addresses the contractual requirement for the T-47 to be notarized prior to delivery to the Buyer.
Today, Dawn re-addresses the impact of having no option period either through non-payment or late payment.
Today, Dawn presents the proposed revisions to the contract regarding how the option fee is to be handled.
Today, Dawn addresses the misconception that Buyer is in default when a Buyer sends a termination notice under a non-existent option.
Today Dawn readdresses this new policy and advises of the consequences for failure to abide by the rules.
Today, Dawn clarifies whether solar panels attached to the roof convey with the property.
This week, Dawn discusses best practices for structuring an offer higher than the listing price in a way that will protect both Seller and Buyer.
Today, Dawn addresses this new policy, which became effective May 1, 2020, and discusses the difference between a Coming Soon and a “pocket” listing.
Today, Dawn addresses the necessity of the Covid-19 Addendum due to the recent spike in positive cases, and how this could affect a projected closing date.
Today, Dawn addresses possible ramifications of a listing agreement expiring during or after a contract is submitted.
Today, Dawn offers some suggestions on how to be creative in a multiple offer market as well as some associated risks
Today, Dawn discusses the new provision which has been proposed by TREC and suggests how to handle prior to adoption of change.
Today, Dawn addresses questions related to the “force majeure” provisions of the Covid-19 addendum and the importance of Buyer and Seller working together toward a successful closing.
Today, Dawn discusses the functions of paragraph 21 and the need to provide a physical or electronic address for communication with the parties to the contract.
Today, Dawn addresses the long-awaited adoption by MLS of NAR’s Clear Cooperation Policy and also discusses updates in closing processes to protect the health and safety of the participants.
Today, Dawn addresses recurring questions regarding the effect of the Addendum for Sale of Other Property and Waiver of Contingency.
This week, Dawn addresses frequently asked questions about the new Model Covid-19 Certification and suggests some best practices.
This week, Dawn and her daughter, Blair Raggio, offered thoughts and answered some questions about use of the new Texas Realtors Covid-19 addendum.
Today, instead of our normal Tip of the Week video, Dawn speaks from her heart about discomfort and grief.
This week Dawn addresses modifications made in the closing process due to COVID-19, as well as what impact it has on the contractual obligations under the contract.
Today, Dawn addresses some important questions about buying property from an iBuyer turned Seller, and the special addendums they add to the contract upon sale.
This week, Dawn addresses the objections and cure periods under the contract, and how the Closing Date is extended to accommodate.
This week, Dawn explains the difference and discusses the Fair Housing Act’s requirement for making reasonable accommodations in dwelling spaces.
Today Dawn reminds licensees of the effective date of the new Third Party Financing Addendum and the Addendum for Authorizing Hydrostatic Testing.
This week Dawn addresses the three steps that are necessary to make a contract binding and thus what should be inserted for Effective Date.
This week, Dawn again addresses important to know disclosures provided in resale certificates.
This week, Dawn addresses the importance of ordering the Resale Certificate prior to entering into a contract, so that the Buyer may be made aware of any current violations of covenants and restrictions.
This week, Dawn addresses whether or not there is an “expiration date” for condominium resale certificates, and what information the HOA is required to give when the documents are ordered.
This week, Dawn addresses condominium sales and how to best deal with the HOA documents, Resale Certificate and Right of First Refusal.
This week, Dawn addresses what issues Buyers and Sellers could face if the Seller’s Disclosure Notice is not updated to the new form, which was effective September 1st.
This week, Dawn addresses the misconception that the wording in the Amendment is sufficient alone to extend the option period.
Due to popular request, we are once again airing this Tip, which was originally shared in January 2019. In this episode, Dawn addresses the new Addendum Concerning Right to Terminate due to Lender's Appraisal and suggests a couple of options Buyer has in terms of cash down payment and loan amount that would circumvent use of the new Addendum.
This week, Dawn addresses what both license holders should advise their clients to do when closing on a “smart” home!
This week, Dawn addresses what issues may arise when a Seller vacates a property earlier than the "expected".
This week, Dawn addresses what responsibilities a beneficiary has to complete the Seller's Disclosure Notice when the property is being sold, and how title will show in the tax office.
This week Dawn addresses electronic closings, how the process works and what is required to close remotely.
This week Dawn addresses the issue of timing when the contract calls for possession upon closing and funding.
This week Dawn addresses the non-realty items addendum and offers a few suggestions on how to include these items in the contract without causing a lender issue and still protecting the Buyer.
CBS 11 News recently aired a story on wire fraud and home buying. Allegiance Title CEO, Dawn Moore, weighs in on the topic in this story by CBS 11 Investigative Reporter, Alanna Autler.
This week Dawn addresses a question she receives frequently, “When the sale does not take place, why does the title company need a release from the Seller to release the earnest money?”
This week, in place of a Tip, Dawn has a message she would like to share with you about an upcoming event.
In this podcast, Dawn addresses the dangers of Special Provisions. Any special provision should have clearly spelled out consequences for failure to perform under the provision.
In this video, Dawn discusses the new disclosures required of Seller as to previous flooding, flood insurance coverage, and/or if the Seller has received any FEMA or other assistance for flood damage.
In this week’s Tip, Dawn addresses the importance of getting agreements in writing as to what stays with the property when the Seller moves out.
This week Dawn continues her discussion on social engineered emails and addresses how the fraudsters are reaching out to agents via email to obtain their clients' personal and non-public information about the transaction.
This week Dawn addresses specifically what you should be educating your customers on when it comes to wire fraud. In this video, find out how to spot the red flags and what to tell your customers so they do not fall victim to the fraudsters.
This week Dawn discusses the non-realty items addendum and what is the consideration that makes the agreement binding.