Texas REALTORS® applauded Gov. Greg Abbott for prioritizing real estate-related issues in his State of the State address on Feb. 2.

Among the topics mentioned in Abbott’s address: housing affordability, tax reform, water infrastructure and private property rights. These issues all appear in Texas REALTORS’® Legislative Priorities for the 89th Texas Legislature.

“The governor’s recognition of these pressing real estate issues in his State of the State address is a testament to the vital role housing and property rights play in Texas, and we appreciate his leadership on these topics,” Association Chair Christy Gessler said in a press release.

“[Our] policy priorities reflect the voice of all Texans, not only those in the real estate profession, and Governor Abbott’s commitment to these issues will reinforce Texas’ status as a great place to live and do business.”

Here’s how Texas REALTORS® proposes to work on some of these issues — and what Abbott said about each in his Feb. 2 address.

Housing affordability

There are several ways the association aims to tackle limited inventory at lower price points, including filing bills that increase paths to homeownership and aiding workforce training programs, the latter of which intends to increase consumer incomes.

This legislative session, Texas REALTORS® will lobby for legislation that supports down payment assistance programs, the creation of a state-funded no- or low-interest revolving mortgage loan fund, public-private investment in housing supply, increased access to capital for land development, affordable insurance premiums and the elimination of processes and requirements that hinder the development of new housing.

Abbott echoed that sentiment in his State of the State, saying, “We need to make it easier to build, slash regulations and speed up permitting.” He also suggested offering a one-year tax exemption on home improvements that would make homeownership more affordable, like heating and air conditioning.

Tax reform

While Texas REALTORS® supports finding ways to lower property taxes, the association will lobby against legislation that aims to decrease property taxes by putting any tax on real estate transactions.

Instead, Texas REALTORS® suggests the projected budget surplus could allow the state to grant refund checks to property owners.The association also aims to educate consumers on the ways local budgets impact their bills.

In his address, Abbott said he wants “at least $10 billion in new property tax relief,” adding that the state should ban loopholes that allow local authorities to increase property taxes, saying, “No taxing entity should be able to raise your property taxes without a two-thirds approval by voters.”

Water infrastructure

Drought, flooding and severe weather have all impacted Texas’ water supply in the past several years, demonstrating a need for improved water infrastructure.

Texas REALTORS® supports investment in aging infrastructure, prioritizing both new and existing water supplies, exploring new technologies in clean water and investment in sustainable practices. It also supports improved flood warning systems, levees and dams.

Abbott stated he would “Texas-size” the $1 billion investment into water and infrastructure projects last legislative session.

Private property rights

Texas REALTORS® will lobby against all legislation that could threaten private property rights for Texans, including forced annexation (when one city expands its territory, thereby incorporating residents and their homes) and eminent domain (when the government takes private property for public use).

Additionally, the association supports reform laws that ensure HOA operations are “transparent and user-friendly” and opposes laws that prevent property owners from removing squatters from their homes or land.

Abbott also stressed the need for “stronger laws to immediately remove and prosecute squatters” in his address.