Texas REALTORS® secured major legislative victories during the 89th Texas Legislature, successfully advancing key bills that protect private property rights, streamline real estate transactions and support a robust housing market. These wins reflect the influence of committed and ongoing advocacy and the collective effort of Realtors across the state who engaged with lawmakers at the Texas Capitol and in their local communities.

At the heart of this session’s success was the passage of SB 1968. This legislation was the top priority for our association. It updates statutory language to better reflect the way real estate transactions are conducted today, providing clarity around broker responsibilities and improving consumer understanding of agency relationships.

The legislation brings long-needed clarity to the duties and responsibilities of real estate agents and brokers. SB 1968 protects consumers while supporting the professional standards that Realtors uphold every day. It’s a significant win for our members and the clients they serve.

In addition to SB 1968, Texas REALTORS® championed and helped pass several other critical measures:

• Homestead/Property Tax Relief: Significant property tax relief passed this session, with an increase to the statewide residence homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, and an additional increase for seniors and disabled homeowners, taking their exemption to $200,000. For small businesses, there is a massive increase in the business personal property tax exemption — which will now be $125,000, up from $2,500. These provisions require voter approval in a constitutional-amendment election in November.
• Reducing Barriers to Housing Development: Texas continues to be in high demand, with over 1,000 people moving to the state every day. Legislation supported by Texas REALTORS® will make it easier to build higher-density housing in some areas, convert unused commercial properties to residential, build more mixed-use and multifamily projects, and reduce regulatory barriers to housing affordability.
• Homeowner Association Oversight: Texas REALTORS® supported updates that give property owners more transparency and fairness in their interactions with HOAs, including capping certain fees and imposing limits on enforcement actions.
• Protecting Properties: Texans deserve to know their homes and properties are safe and secure. Texas REALTORS® supported legislation to ensure that squatters can be removed immediately by local law enforcement, and fraudsters who make fake documents or try to sell or rent someone else’s home will face stiff penalties.

This session was a perfect example of what happens when strategy, relationships and grassroots engagement come together. Our legislative team worked with Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, lawmakers and their staffs to answer their questions, bring them the real estate industry perspective, provide data, and promote Realtor-backed policies. I’m incredibly proud of how hard everyone in the association worked to accomplish our goals.

Our organization has always been member-driven. Involvement from Texas REALTORS® remains the cornerstone of our association’s legislative success. Thousands of Realtors from across the state attended Realtor Day at the Texas Capitol, providing critical local input and advocating for the association’s legislative positions with their district representatives and senators.

Beyond Realtor Day, many members testified on legislation, met with their elected officials, and engaged with lawmakers in their own communities. That effort helps build relationships and reinforce the value Realtors bring to the table.

As Realtors, we speak from experience and represent real people who face legitimate issues in their districts. That’s why grassroots engagement — locally and at the Capitol — makes such a difference.

Our work doesn’t stop at the end of the legislative session. In fact, there’s a special session right around the corner. Members and the public can rest assured that Texas REALTORS® will be there, protecting their interests. We also will monitor the implementation of new laws and lay the groundwork for the next regular session in 2027.

Additionally, the association is already planning for the next cycle of Realtor engagement through education, local advocacy training, and continued support for TREPAC, which helps elect candidates who understand the important role real estate plays in our economy.

Whether it’s at the Capitol or in local communities, Realtors are always working to protect property rights and promote a strong real estate market. With a long list of legislative wins and even more opportunities ahead, one thing is clear: Texas REALTORS® remains one of the most effective and respected advocacy organizations in the state.

Christy Gessler is Chairman of Texas REALTORS®.