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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...
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...
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...
TREC Advisor Newsletter – Oct 2011
The Texas Real Estate Commission’s latest edition of the TREC Advisor Newslatter is now available for download. The newsletter contains several stories that Texas REALTORS® may find valuable, including:
An explanation of the new broker license requirements (Page 1)
A user’s guide to new TREC form changes (Page 3)
How new legislation impacts Broker Price Opinions (Page 4)
Semi-Independent,...
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...
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...
New Homestead Exemption Rules Effective September 1
The application process for a homestead exemption in Texas is about to grow more complex. Earlier this year, the Texas Legislature approved new standards of mandatory disclosure for any one of several kinds of homestead exemptions. Beginning on September 1, 2011, those new rules go into effect.
Prior to September 1, a homestead exemption was relatively easy to obtain; a property owner simply...
TREC Passes Emergency Rules Implementing New Laws
At the Texas Real Estate Commission’s August meeting, the commission took action on several aspects of SB 747. Why should you care? Because this bill contains many provisions affecting salespeople and brokers, including …
Shortening the time you’re allowed to “late” renew your license
Requiring certain brokerages to file a new form
Changing the experience requirements...
Texas Legislative Wrap-Up: Major Wins for Texas Homeowners
The 82ndRegular Session and Special Session of the Texas Legislature have wrapped up, and Texas homeowners scored several major political victories. June 19, 2011 was the deadline for Gov. Rick Perry to veto any legislation passed during the Regular Session. The deadline passed and Gov. Perry chose not to veto any of TAR’s priority legislation passed during the session. Therefore, many...
