Buying from a friend

[Raoon Kundi]

I am buying from a friend. The house is in Texas. What is the cheapest way for me to close this ownership transfer transaction? Please share details and any tips and tricks.  I trust the friend but do want to hedge against any issues. 

Is it true that existing titles can be transferred at a lower cost than generating a new title deed?

Your thoughts, personal anecdotes, advice ... All is welcome. 

[Patricia Steiner]

Lesson Learned:  There is no thing as buying from a friend.  This is a business transaction and it needs to be handled as such.  I have seen family members do each other in over these transactions and once-time friends unload their problem properties on to a buddy.  The savings isn't worth the potential liability.  Handle your business like a business and you'll avoid a repeated "lesson learned."