No Deed on Record - RE Taxes Paid

[Lesorr]

What is the name of your state? TX

In 1972, my parents purchased some vacant land in Horizon City, in El Paso County, Texas, which was going to be developed into a residential community. The purchase was made through a true installment contract, where the deed would not be recorded until all payments were made under the contract (i.e., no deed of trust).

Payments were faithfully made under the contract until 1978. In Sept. 1978, the final payment was made, and in Dec. 1978, the seller, Horizon Corporation, sent my parents an original deed to be recorded in the land records. Unfortunately, my parents didn't understand the importance of this document, and the deed was never recorded. We do not know where the original deed is now.

I have checked the El Paso County land records, and not surprisingly, there is no deed to my parents in the land records. However, my parents are listed as the owners by the Tax Assessor's office, and they have been paying the real property taxes for the last 40 years.

The property has not been developed, and it is not worth more than when my parents purchased it. However, my parents are doing estate planning, and they would like to get their affairs in order.

Assuming that we cannot find the property developer, how can my parents get legal, as well as equitable, title to the property?

Any assistance in this matter would be most appreciated.