Texas REALTORS®, lawmakers address homeowners’ needs
The 80th Texas Legislature listened to REALTORS®’ concerns, taking important steps toward helping both long-time homeowners and those Texans who are struggling to afford their first home. During the regular legislative session, which ended May 28, 2007, Texas REALTORS® championed mortgage fraud legislation to help fight consumer abuses. The Texas Association of REALTORS® also was successful in urging lawmakers to pass several measures reforming the property-appraisal process for homeowners. And Texas REALTORS® supported an amendment that provides property-tax relief to homeowners 65 years and older, and those who are disabled.

In the special legislative session last summer, Texas REALTORS® were chief proponents of property-tax relief. Texas ranks No. 42 in homeownership, and high property taxes are partly to blame for the low ranking. “What legislators did, both last year in the special session and this year in the regular session, are steps in the right direction toward meaningful property-tax relief for Texans,” says Avis Wukasch, chairman of the board, Texas Association of REALTORS®.

Source: Texas Association of REALTORS®