Outlook for the Texas Economy
Torres, Dotzour & Day No. 2046, Technical report, 27pp (10/13/2014)
A report with numerous charts depicting important Texas economic indicators. Each month a graph is highlighted with an explanation of its purpose and the kinds of data used to compile it.
"Electronic Transactions: When Email Becomes a Contract"
Fambrough No. 2073, Tierra Grande reprint, 7pp (10/7/2014)
Texas law governing electronic records is in its infancy. Just as a heads up, the judge in one case ruled that several email messages between the buyer and the seller and their brokers, taken together, constituted a contract.
"Gridlocked: Tackling Texas Transportation Troubles"
Goodin No. 2075, Tierra Grande reprint, 7pp (10/7/2014)
The number of vehicles in Texas is growing exponentially, but the gasoline tax we pay at the pump is not. Funds for new highways and bridges, and for maintenance of existing infrastructure, are decreasing.
"Life After Economic Data Revision"
Anari No. 2076, Tierra Grande reprint, 8pp (10/7/2014)
Each month employment numbers are released. A month later, revised figures are released. But wait! They’re still not final. What’s going on here?
"Oil Prices Lead, Land Prices Follow"
Anari & Gilliland No. 2077, Tierra Grande reprint, 6pp (10/7/2014)
It’s no surprise that the oil and gas industry has a noticeable effect on Texas real estate. New Center research reveals a strong correlation between oil prices and prices for rural land.
"Payroll Tax Rules"
Stern No. 2078, Tierra Grande reprint, 4pp (10/7/2014)
Most licensed real estate professionals are considered independent contractors for tax purposes. But it can’t hurt to refresh your memory regarding the differences between an independent contractor and an employee.
"The Pendulum Swings: Dodd-Frank's Impact on the Housing Market"
Gaines No. 2072, Tierra Grande reprint, 7pp (10/7/2014)
No more no-doc/low-doc loans, folks. The Dodd-Frank Act requires additional documentation and makes lenders liable for a buyer’s ability to repay the loan.
"What To Do About All This Fracking Water"
Hunt No. 2074, Tierra Grande reprint, 7pp (10/7/2014)
In the fracking process, water is used to break up shale and free trapped oil and gas. Once the project is finished, the water can be reused as is, treated and recycled, or disposed of.
Summary Report: 28th Annual Legal Seminar on Ad Valorem Taxation
Pope No. 2071, Special report, 5pp (10/1/2014)
Highlights of the 2014 legal seminar on ad valorem taxation sponsored by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
Monthly Review of the Texas Economy
Anari & Dotzour No. 1862, Technical report, 15pp (Revised 9/26/2014)
How does the Texas economy compare with the national one? This report looks at all the angles with a particular focus on employment and unemployment. It includes rankings of various industries by employment.
Rights and Responsibilities of Mineral Cotenants
Fambrough No. 843, Special report, 10pp (8/22/2014)
Co-tenancy in a mineral estate creates questions for co-owners and mineral lessees.
Understanding the Condemnation Process in Texas
Fambrough No. 394, Special report, 20pp (Revised 8/22/2014)
Explains where the power to condemn comes from, which entities have this power, what the Texas condemnation procedure is and how property rights are best protected.
"Branding Small-Town Texas"
Hunt No. 2064, Tierra Grande reprint, 7pp (7/3/2014)
Buda, Kyle and San Marcos are among the fastest-growing towns in Texas. City officials hope to maintain a small-town feel while welcoming residents and businesses eager to leave the hustle and bustle of Austin behind.
"How Homebuyers Shop"
Dotzour No. 2067, Tierra Grande reprint, 6pp (7/3/2014)
Don’t worry about the Internet luring your clients away. A National Association of Realtors survey reveals that real estate professionals continue to play a huge role when it comes to people purchasing a home.
"Just Add Water"
Gilliland No. 2066, Tierra Grande reprint, 6pp (7/3/2014)
Failure to plan is planning to fail. That’s why Texas has projections of water supplies and needs through 2060. Plus, all regions of the state have detailed plans for acquiring emergency supplies during extreme droughts.
"Major Metros, Border Cities: Comparing Housing Markets"
Torres & Gaines No. 2065, Tierra Grande reprint, 10pp (7/3/2014)
Comparing Houston’s or Dallas’ economies to Laredo’s or El Paso’s may not be apples to oranges, exactly. Granny Smith apples to Gala apples may be a better analogy.
"Part-Time Pitfalls"
Stern No. 2070, Tierra Grande reprint, 4pp (7/3/2014)
Real estate professionals who own and manage rental properties part time must meet the tax law’s “material participation” and documentation requirement to be eligible to deduct rental losses.
"Rising Flood Insurance, Sinking Home Values"
Anari No. 2068, Tierra Grande reprint, 6pp (7/3/2014)
Flood insurance premiums are rising thanks to federal legislation requiring them to reflect actual flood risk. A Center study shows that increases in insurance and other housing costs ultimately reduce home values.
"Whose Water Is It Anyway?"
Fambrough No. 2069, Tierra Grande reprint, 6pp (7/3/2014)
Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? The state owns nearly all the water in Texas. However, state law and statutes spell out circumstances in which landowners may use water on their property for limited purposes.
24th Annual Outlook for Texas Land Markets
Pope No. 2063, Special report, 6pp (5/6/2014)
Summary of the 24th Annual Outlook for Texas Land Markets seminar held in San Antonio, Texas, on April 17–18, 2014.
"Closing the Gap: How Housing Market Conditions Affect Negotiations"
Anari No. 2056, Tierra Grande reprint, 3pp (4/3/2014)
A study of sales data reveals how an area’s housing inventory affects prices. When months of inventory is high, buyers have an advantage and usually pay less for homes.
"Major Metros, Border Cities: Comparing Economies"
Torres & Gaines No. 2057, Tierra Grande reprint, 6pp (4/3/2014)
Texas’ economy is massive and strong. But there are big differences between the economies of its major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) and Border MSAs. These differences center on economic diversity.
"On the Water Front: Flood Insurance Reform Means Higher Premiums"
Gilliland No. 2059, Tierra Grande reprint, 3pp (4/3/2014)
Legislation aimed at tackling the National Flood Insurance Program’s $24 billion debt will end subsidies for nearly 440,000 program participants and base premiums strictly on a property’s risk levels.
"Penalty-Free IRA Withdrawals for Home Purchase"
Stern No. 2058, Tierra Grande reprint, 1pp (4/3/2014)
Generally speaking, the IRS won’t let you pull money out of an IRA penalty free unless you’re 59½. But first-time homebuyers and those who haven’t owned a home in the past two years can withdraw money to use toward purchasing a home.
"Property Tax Protest & Appeal"
Gilliland No. 2062, Tierra Grande reprint, 2pp (4/3/2014)
If your property tax bill makes you scream, take heart. Texas’ Property Tax Code allows you to appeal to your local appraisal board if a property is not assessed at fair market value or if other properties in your area are assessed differently.
"Purchasing Power: The Business of Buying Electricity"
Hunt No. 2061, Tierra Grande reprint, 3pp (4/3/2014)
Businesses buying electricity in Texas need to do some serious homework to get the best deal. With different types of electric providers and pricing methods varying widely as well, there are no easy comparisons to be made.
"Yellen at the Helm: Where to From Here?"
Dotzour No. 2060, Tierra Grande reprint, 3pp (4/3/2014)
Janet Yellen appears committed to the Fed’s mandate to maximize employment and keep prices stable. Don’t look for her to raise interest rates until unemployment gets closer to 5 percent.
Housing Bubbles and Economic Fundamentals
Torres No. 2047, Technical report, 20pp (1/10/2014)
A detailed report on the relationship between housing bubbles and economic fundamentals.
"Bubble Vision"
Torres No. 2048, Tierra Grande reprint, 5pp (1/7/2014)
When price expectations exceed actual outcomes and when people believe prices will continue to increase indiscriminately, warning lights should come on.
"Dodd-Frank's Impact on Manufactured Housing"
Hunt No. 2052, Tierra Grande reprint, 3pp (1/7/2014)
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection act was intended to protect low-income homebuyers but may instead limit their choices. Expectations are that the bill will seriously damage the manufactured home industry by making it more difficult for buyers to obtain financing.
