In 2005, the Texas State Legislature passed HB 1823, which allowed people with a Contract for Deed to refinance their mortgage and convert the Contract for Deed to a Deed of Trust. They were then able to get out from under the terms of the contract, transfer title to their name, and assume full responsibility for their property and their lives. There were a number of steps homeowners had to take to comply with the law, and they were obviously responsible to pay the mortgage, but it gave homeowners greater power over their property. ACORN, which supported HB 1823, praised...