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Rumor Patrol: There is NO Homestead Tax Amendment On the Ballot in 2012
Each year at about this time, many HAR members receive bogus emails claiming there is an election this May to keep the homestead tax cap for elderly and disabled homeowners in Texas. It is important for you to know such emails are inaccurate, and there will be NO homestead tax amendment on the ballot in May or any month in 2012. This is for a good reason: The issue was resolved by the Texas...
Signs in the Public Right of Way May be in the Wrong Place
by Vince Ryan, Harris County Attorney
Bandit signs.
You see them at many of the thousands of intersections in Harris County. They pop up overnight, particularly on weekends. They advertise goods and services ranging from credit repair to cash for gold to home improvement loans. They sometimes advertise homes for sale or rent. They may be hand-lettered or professionally printed, but if they are on...
Political Stars Share Insights
HAR Board Chairman Wayne Stroman welcomes the volunteers attending the Governmental Affairs Political Advocacy Briefing.
Political insiders and aspirants alike who attended the Houston Association of REALTORS®‘ (HAR) annual political advocacy briefing were enlightened on the important and effective role REALTORS® play when they are involved in their Association’s political process.
The afternoon program...
HAR Offers Recommendations on Houston’s Proposed Land Development Regulations
At its January 2012 meeting, the HAR Board of Directors approved recommendations to City of Houston officials currently drafting changes to Chapter 42 of the Code of Ordinances. The changes relate to the city’s land development regulations and would include the expansion of the city’s “urban area” from Loop 610 to Beltway 8, clearing the way for developers to more easily subdivide lots...
State and Local Officials Speak to Business Issues Subcommittee at HAR
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett discusses issues impacting the county with members of TAR's Business Issues Subcommittee
On January 26, the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) held its January 2012 Business Issues Subcommittee meeting at the offices of HAR. TAR’s Business Issues Subcommittee is comprised of REALTOR® volunteers from across the state of Texas who weigh issues of importance...
Relationships Play Key Role With Members of Congress
Did you know that for each of the 100 U. S. Senators and 435 U. S. Representatives there is a REALTOR® in your Congressional district who plays a vital role in communicating REALTOR® issues to your member of Congress? Through the National Association of REALTORS® grassroots communications network, there are 535 Federal Political Coordinators who are appointed to serve in this important...
Houston City Council Approves High Rise Limits – Chapter 42 Overhaul on the Horizon
In its last meeting of 2011, the Houston City Council approved restrictions on residential towers which would abut certain single-family residences.
The restrictions will generally require high rises to be built at least 30 or 40 feet from surrounding homes, depending on the street sizes. The restrictions would apply to buildings greater than 75 feet in height built along local and collector...
TREC: New Year Brings Big Changes for Broker Applicants
At its October meeting, the Texas Real Estate Commission adopted rules that change the requirements to obtain a real estate broker license in the state of Texas effective January 1, 2012. Amendments to the rules driven by the passage of Senate Bill 747 establish requirements for “active experience” to qualify for a broker license.
The Commission approved these changes to strengthen the qualifications...
REALTORS® Oppose Funding Payroll Tax Cut On the Backs Of Homeowners
On Saturday, December 17, the U.S. Senate approved a two-month extension of a payroll tax cut that is due to expire at the end of December. But did you know that as part of the Senate’s proposed plan, the cost will fall on people who buy a house or refinance their mortgage starting in 2012?
The proposal is found in H.R. 3630, the “Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2011.” Under Title...
2011 NAR Legislative and Regulatory Year in Review
During 2011, the REALTOR® Legislative and Regulatory Agenda has focused on ensuring the continued flow of capital into the real estate market, preserving residential and commercial property ownership, and protecting the business interests of its members. NAR recently released a status update for each of these areas of legislation.
Ensuring the Flow of Capital into the Real Estate Market
Restructuring...
