On March 22 eleven local real estate agents, members of the Heartland Association of Realtors, travelled to the State Capitol in Austin to advocate for issues important to homeowners.  They joined over 3,500 realtors from across the state who met with their state legislators to discuss these issues and urge them to support legislation that would help promote home ownership and economic growth in Texas.

The main issues advocated for by the realtors were:

HOA Reform. The realtors advocate that Home Owners Associations should be accountable to their members and not abuse their power.

Right to Farm.  Realtors believe that landowners should be allowed to use their land for agricultural purposes, even if it is located in an area zoned for residential development.

Homestead Exemption. Realtors are working to increase the residential homestead exemption, which would reduce homeowners taxes.

Property Tax Rate Compression. Realtors also support school property tax rate compression, again to lower the tax burden for homeowners.

Infrastructure Development.  Realtors advocate for increased broadband internet access, especially in rural areas; and for projects to ensure that Texas has a reliable water supply for future generations.

Housing Affordability.  Realtors are working for streamlined municipal development permitting, which would help to reduce the time and cost of building new homes.  Realtors also support the creation of a revolving mortgage loan fund, which would provide low-interest loans to first-time homebuyers.

Attending from the Heartland Association of Realtors were:  Heidi Andrade, President; Sheri Wells, President-Elect; Jackie Randall, Government Affairs Director; Gina Jameson, MLS Director; Joy Bowling; Cathryn Davis; Felicia Davis; Pam Dybvad; Sam Guthrie III; Leann Russell; and Laura Tilley, Association Executive.