April 2007

The governor appointed several new members to the Real Estate Center Advisory Committee in 2006-07. Here's a profile on each.

Accurate market data and analysis and creative marketing strategies will be critical to the success of independent living, assisted-living and nursing home developments. A hugh wave of demanding baby-boomer retirees...

Texas tax laws provide seniors protection against rising tax levies. The need to raise revenue for schools has driven property tax reform since 1970.

The Texas water plan foresees adequate supplies well into the future for most areas. Agriculture in the Panhandle and High Plains may face unmet needs in a severe drought. Investors...

Results of a Tierra Grande readership survey.

Inflation has both positive and negative effects on property owners' wealth. Price appreciation increases owners' equity, but inflation makes mortgage rates rise, which lowers demand for properties. Real Estate Center...

Owning property as contenants creates a unique relationship that may not be beneficial to all parties. Each cotenant must know his or her rights and responsibilities for the relationship to...

Megachurches -- churches with an average weekly attendance of 2,000 -- are springing up across Texas. Their church leaders look for large parcels with abundant parking potential. Former retail, industrial...

Texas' average annual population increase of 400,000 from 2000 to 2005 increased to 579,000 from 2006 to 2006. Facts support the contention that 120,000 to 160,000 people moved to Texas...

Homeowners can receive tax credits for certain energy efficiency property and improvement expenditures. The nonbusiness energy property credit expires at the end of 2007; the residential energy-efficient property credit expires...