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TREC Update – 4 Substantive Changes to HOA Addendum
4 substantive changes TREC made to HOA addendum
On May 7, the Texas Real Estate Commission approved several changes to the Addendum for Property Subject to Mandatory Membership in a Property Owners Association (TREC 36-7, TAR 1922). Here are four of the more substantive ones:
In Paragraph A, the form now reflects the recent statutory change that permits a buyer to obtain a resale certificate directly...
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 public...
Political Stars Share Insights
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 was held on February 1 at Smith & Wollensky, which accommodated the 75 members serving on the Governmental...
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...
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...
7 of 10 Proposed Constitutional Amendments Passed by Texas Voters
On Tuesday, November 8, voters from across the state of Texas approved seven of 10 proposed amendments to the state constitution.
Of the three amendments HAR supported, Propositions 1, 2 and 8, Propositions 1 and 2 were passed by Texas voters. Proposition 1, which would provide a property tax exemption for the surviving spouses of totally disabled veterans, passed with 83% support. Proposition 2,...
Houston Property Owner Voting Guide for November 8 Elections
So you are looking to buy or sell a piece of property? Before you do, let us ask you this:
Do you value your private-property rights?
Do you believe protecting Houston’s neighborhoods from the needs of a growing city is an important issue?
Do you believe that homeownership is key to a stronger Houston economy?
The Houston Association of REALTORS® answered “Yes” to all of these questions,...
10 State Constitutional Amendments To Appear on November Ballot
On November 8, Texas voters will decide on 10 amendments to the state’s Constitution. The Texas Legislature passed the 10 proposed amendments while in session earlier this year. Texas law requires constitutional amendments also receive voter approval because the state does not have a citizen-initiated process.
Several amendments concern issues that are important to REALTORS®, the Homestead Exemption...
TAR Drafts Model Response To DTPA Demand Letters
During the recent state legislative session, a new law was passed which clarified a liability exemption for real estate brokerage under the Deceptive Trade and Practices Act (DTPA).
Specifically, the law clarifies a 16-year-old professional services exemption to the DTPA by expressly adding real estate brokerage to the list of professions not subject to liability under the act, as long as the agent...
