Taking Title: Industry Offers Peace of Mind
(Anari) 2pp.
The title industry assures property buyers that their ownership interests are protected. The industry has grown as Texas' economy has thrived. But as evidenced by losses paid, it remains a risky business.
Conservation Easements Revisited
(Gilliland, Nichols) 3pp.
Texas landowners have historically been skeptical of conservation easement tax benefits, but the Pension Protection Act of 2006 and the farm bill passed in 2008 significantly improved those benefits. Landowners may want to take another look at the tax deductions offered by conservation easements.
The H Factor
(Anari) 3pp.
Center research findings indicate that household income and age of the housing stock are the most important factors in determining Texas home prices.
Land Whoa! Hot Markets Cool
(Gilliland) 2pp.
The general decline in economic activity in the aftermath of the financial meltdown threatens Texas land markets. Market observers predict sales volume will diminish, and prices will stagnate in the short term.
'09 Outlook: Nothing Certain but Uncertainty
(Gaines) 5pp.
This year (2009) will not be as good as the past few for Texas housing markets thanks to the global economic recession and capital market collapse. Home sales will continue to dip, as will new home construction, which is expected to fall for at least the next two years. Recovery depends on the home mortgage credit market and the financial sector at large regaining stability.
Psst! Heard About EEMs?
(Hunt) 3pp.
FHA's Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) Program allows the costs of purchasing and installing energy-efficient features to be incorporated into FHA-insured new home loans or refinancing loans.
Beginner’s Luck: Interest-Free Government Loans for First-Time Homebuyers
(Stern) 1pp.
First-time homebuyers may benefit from a $7,500 interest-free government loan for homes purchased and occupied after April 8, 2008, and before July 1, 2009. The loan is repaid over 15 years. The loan balance is forgiven if the home is sold at a loss before the 15-year term ends.
Realtors Without Borders
(Hunt) 2pp.
Selling Mexican real estate to Texans or Texas real estate to Mexicans is easier now than it was. Partnering with cross-border counterparts is essential to success.
Condemnation and Compensation: Landowners’ Rights and the Trans-Texas Corridor
(Fambrough) 2pp.
Property owners who face condemnation of their land for toll roads or other parts of the now-defunct Trans-Texas Corridor should protect their interests by learning landowner rights and knowing the fair market value of their properties -- before the condemnation process begins.
