June 21, 2007 — Austin

The leader of the state’s largest not-for-profit professional association, the Texas REALTORS^®, today affirmed the organization’s conclusion that the 80th Texas Legislature did a good job for homeowners.

Avis Wukasch, chairman of the board, said, “While the 80th session had its share of political intrigue and controversy, behind all the headlines legislators did take some important steps toward helping both long-time homeowners and those Texans who are struggling to afford their first home.”

During the recently ended 80th Texas Legislature, Texas REALTORS^® championed mortgage fraud legislation to help fight consumer abuses, which contribute to Texas’ high foreclosure rate. The Texas REALTORS^® was also 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.

largest not-for-profit professional association, the Texas REALTORS^®, today affirmed the organization’s conclusion that the 80th Texas Legislature did a good job for homeowners.

Avis Wukasch, chairman of the board, said, “While the 80th session had its share of political intrigue and controversy, behind all the headlines legislators did take some important steps toward helping both long-time homeowners and those Texans who are struggling to afford their first home.”

During the recently ended 80th Texas Legislature, Texas REALTORS^® championed mortgage fraud legislation to help fight consumer abuses, which contribute to Texas’ high foreclosure rate. The Texas REALTORS^® was also 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, the Texas REALTORS^® was a chief proponent of property-tax relief. Texas ranks No. 42 in homeownership, and high property taxes are partly to blame for the low ranking, Wukasch said. “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.”