Contract for Deed Prevalence Study

The Justice Center and the LBJ School of Public Affairs completed a major study for the Texas Legislature on the use of contracts for deed in Texas colonias. The study estimated the number of outstanding contracts for deed and examined title irregularities associated with informal land sales and intestate inheritance. Faculty and students conducted more than 1300 in-person interviews with colonias residents in seven border counties and three counties in Central Texas.

The project was funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

Additional information:

William Wayne Justice Center to join the LBJ School of Public Affairs on contract for deed study in Texas colonias

New report on status of low-income homeowners in Texas colonias and informal housing settlements issued by the University of Texas

Gandara, Ricardo. “Informal contracts still put many Texas homeowners at risk, UT study shows.” Austin American Statesman 21 October 2012

Homeownership Without a Net