Association News is a favorite feature at Houston Agent because it’s a chance to hear directly from local leaders in real estate. In 2021, our guest contributors shed light on critical topics, including property taxes, barriers to homeownership and what’s ahead for 2022. Look through our top 5 Association News stories to reflect on the unique year in real estate.

No. 5: Realtors and our service to Texans in Winter Storm Uri’s aftermath

Texans are no strangers to natural disasters, facing the likes of hurricanes, tornadoes, flash floods and even wildfires. But the winter storm that raged through Texas in February was a first-of-its-kind event that touched every county in our state. While the full extent of the storm is still being analyzed, there are steps we can take with our clients to help prepare for the next disaster.

No. 4: Show buyers and sellers the value you bring as a Realtor

How can you, as an agent, increase your business during this period of low inventory? For the 10th consecutive month, the Houston housing market has recorded positive sales despite the record-low inventory.

No. 3: Property taxes in Texas – what our clients need to know

Understanding the property tax system in Texas has been a pain point for homeowners for decades due, in no small part, to the lack of available information and challenges with transparency. A survey conducted by Texas Realtors in 2020 revealed that reducing property taxes was one of the top three issues worrying Texans, along with the economy and healthcare (in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic).

No. 2: Houston housing shows resilience through the storms

Despite a global pandemic that took a devastating toll across the United States in terms of lives and livelihoods, real estate throughout Greater Houston has thrived. Early on, as the full scope of the coronavirus pandemic became clear, leadership at the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) reached out to elected officials all across the Houston area to ensure that real estate was designated an essential service.

No. 1: Obstacles and opportunities to growing Hispanic homeownership

Over the past decade, Latinos have accounted for over 40% of household formations, driving demand for homeownership. However, the supply of housing has not kept up with this demand, resulting in prices that push homeownership out of reach for many and make it impossible to get an offer accepted for others, despite the low-interest-rate environment.