There’s something about living in Texas. Maybe it’s the rich history of our state, or the great food, or the nice people. One thing’s for sure, we’ve currently got it made when it comes to our economy – especially with regard to housing.

While the rest of the country is slowing down, that’s a descriptor that just doesn’t apply to the Lone Star State these days. Consider that, in cities all over Texas, record-setting numbers when it comes to the housing market have become the norm.

Consider that, in Austin, 2,019 homes sold in December – a 7% increase from the year before – boosting the total number of 2005 sales to 24,539. That’s an 18% increase from 2004, which also happened to be another record year. Also in Austin, the median price of a single-family home jumped 10% to $170,000. Overall, the 2005 year-end median price increased 6% to $164,000.

In Houston, 2005 total property sales increased 8.9% over the same period in 2004, according to the Houston Association of REALTORS®. And, the average sales price for a single-family home in 2005 was an incredible $188,221, or a 5.7% increase from last year. The median single-family home price of $142,000 also increased by 5.1% over 2004.

In San Antonio, the new-home market had record highs for quarterly housing starts with 4,392 single-family houses being built in the fourth quarter of 2005, according to industry analyst Metrostudy. That was a whopping 50.3% increase over the fourth quarter of 2004.

And, in Lubbock, where the economy has been growing at about 2.5% each year for the last 10 years, the number of new home permits nearly doubled, the number of homes sold in 2005 were 50% higher than 1996, and the dollar volume of homes sold was 120% higher in that 10-year timeframe.

Good news for Texas, but not others
In contrast, a recent government report found that, in general, nationwide sales of existing, or previously occupied, houses fell 5.7% in December to an annual rate of 6.6 million. November sales were at a 7 million rate, and economists had forecast 6.87 million for December.

In a recent Cox News Service story, UBS Investment Research economist Maury Harris forecasted “additional slowing in the housing market, including prices. In turn, the cooling will probably result in a moderation in overall growth.”

 That might happen for Texas at some point, but the market still isn’t showing any signs of slowing down – despite dire predictions from national experts of a housing bubble about to pop. Texas is also the place experts cite as being “low risk” when it comes to investing in housing, according to a recent report by Bloomberg.

Texas wants you anyway
You might not be from Texas but, as Lyle Lovett succinctly explained, Texas wants you anyway. That seems to be happening, as others from around the country discover our state’s appeal.

According to a migration survey of people moving across state lines by Chicago-based moving company Allied Van Lines in its annual Magnet States Report, Texas was ranked the most “magnetic” state in the nation in 2005.

Texas also had the largest number of inbound shipments and the largest net gain in 2005 compared with the previous year.

With all that movement, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise, then, that 2005 was a record-breaking year for Texas home sales in just about every major city.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2006
With an already-thriving Texas that is still building on last year’s momentum, 2006 also promises to be one of positive home gains – and that’s good for all of us. If you’re planning to sell this year, chances are you’ll get your asking price as demand stays high and interest rates remain low.

If you’re considering buying a home this year – whether it’s your first or your 10th – now’s the time. The Federal Reserve raised rates slightly (a quarter-point) on Chairman Alan Greenspan’s last day before retiring at the end of January, and other increases are expected this year.

However, as of February 1, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are a still-low 6.28%. Considering that the housing supply in Texas remains plentiful and that housing is still an affordable proposition all over Texas, it’s clearly a good time to buy.

So, put on that cowboy hat, jeans, and boots and show your Texas pride. Texas is a great state to be in – for its thriving housing market, economy, and vibrant lifestyle.