1993 

Seller Disclosure  Required a seller of residential property to use a promulgated property condition disclosure form, thereby decreasing liability on the seller and real estate licensee

Lock Law Enhancements Superseded common-law requirements for residential tenant security by specifying what types of security devices a landlord must provide to a tenant, thereby decreasing liability on landlords and brokers.

1995    

Tort Reforms: DTPA Amendments A number of pro-real estate amendments passed, including: defendant can compel a plaintiff to mediate; commercial real estate was effectively removed from DTPA liability; improved additional proof requirements on plaintiffs; and added penalties for the plaintiff’s refusal of reasonable settlements

1999    

Commercial Lien Commercial brokers and appraisers may secure a commission with a lien against the   property.

Licensing of Mortgage Brokers Mortgage brokers for the first time are licensed by the state of Texas for the benefit of consumers.

Do Your Dues!

2005

Minimum Services Codifies regulations relating to a minimum level of service a real estate broker must provide to a consumer.

Eminent Domain Protects Texans against government entities that
may want to seize their private property on behalf of other private ventures that may be more lucrative.

2006

Property Tax Reduction The largest in Texas history, reduces property taxes in excess of $15.7 billion by the year 2010.

2007

Tax on Personal Autos Exempts personal vehicles that are also
used for business purposes for the production of income from the required rendition for ad valorem tax purposes.

2009  

Property Appraisals The most significant appraisal reform since
1979, provides additional oversight, uniform standards and helps to slow down the pace of increasing property appraisals.

Transfer Tax Defeated multiple proposals to tax real estate, including several bills requiring the creation of a tax on every deed recorded by the county clerk.

2011 - Quick check on REALTOR® priority bills

Senate Bill 1353, which clarifies the professional services exemption to the Deceptive Trade Practices Act to include real estate brokers and salespersons, has been signed by the governor and became effective on May 28.

House Bill 8 (private transfer fees), Senate Bill 747 (TREC housekeeping), and Senate Bill 1000(self-directed, semi-independent status for TREC) are all still awaiting the governor’s signature. If he does not sign or veto the bills by June 19, they become effective without his signature.