NARPM Houston Chapter News

HOUSTON CHAPTER MEETINGS WILL BE ON THE THIRD WEDNESDAY

Margo Broughton — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 21:34:36 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Houston NARPM!!!

We wanted to let you know the 2025 Houston Chapter meetings will be on the third Wednesday of each month this year. It was necessary to make this change so we would have access to the larger meeting space at the venue. The venue has not change!

The meeting will continue to be 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at:

Cadillac Bar

1802 Shepherd Dr.

Houston TX 77007

We look forward to seeing you at the first meeting on January 15!

Texas Legislature Updaes

Paula Cleveland — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 05:10:39 GMT

Texas Legislature 2023

The 88th Legislature’s regular session began Jan. 10 and runs through May 29. Republicans again control both chambers. From the state budget to immigration and education policy, we focus on what Texans need to know about the biennial lawmaking session. You can find the elected officials who represent you here. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get all the latest session news.

Registration for the State Conference is open!

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 13:51:41 GMT

The Texas State Chapter of NARPM is pleased to announce that registration to our State Conference is now open! Please note the conference is taking place in September of this year in San Antonio. Follow this link for further details: www.texasnarpmconference.com

Texas Realtors- Property Management Companies & Changes to EPA's RPP Rules

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 20:13:34 GMT

Property Management Companies & Changes to EPA's RPP Rule

April 11, 2022 | Texas REALTORS® Staff

The Environmental Protection Agency’s 2008 Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires specific training and certification when performing certain work with pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978.

Does Your Property Management Company Need Certification?

If your property management company performs any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, it is performing a regulated renovation requiring certification, including remodeling and repair/maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, painting preparation, carpentry, and window replacement. That part of the rule has not changed. However, the EPA broadened the rule to also require certification for these administrative actions:

Soliciting and evaluating contractor bids
Applying for permits, as appropriate
Granting contractors access to the property
Overseeing contractor work on the property
Informing tenants of renovation activity
Verifying completion of renovation activity
Remitting payment to the contractors.

Firm Certification vs Individual Certification

If your company is subcontracting the renovation work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to other firms, your firm needs only to complete the firm certification. However, you are still responsible for ensuring the renovating firm that is selected for the renovations is certified and has at least one certified renovator on staff.

To become a certified firm, submit a short application and fee of $300 to the EPA. The firm certifications are good for five years. Go to epa.gov and click Apply Now to get started. First search for your firm to make sure it doesn’t have a current or pending certification. Then you can begin an application to certify a new firm using the link provided at the bottom of the Results page.

If your company engages in any of the regulated renovation or demolition work that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978—not just the administrative actions included in the bulleted list above—your property management company employees may need to obtain individual certification as certified renovators.

They can complete the renovator certification by taking a one-day course in addition to the firm certification. The certified renovators are responsible for on-the-job training of individuals who will participate in the renovations. Such training must be documented, and the documents must be retained. Find an RRP training class or provider in your area at epa.gov.

Get More Information

The National Lead Information Center provides a hotline for more information on becoming certified 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday at 800-424-5323.

Penalties for a failure to maintain required documents can reach $40,576 per violation, per day and “knowing violations” can result in criminal penalties of up to $50,000 per violation per day, or imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, in addition to or in lieu of civil penalties.

NARPM Sues CFPB over Eviction Rules

Mon, 10 May 2021 17:19:13 GMT

NARPM and others have filed a lawsuit and motion for temporary restraining order against CFPB in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee for doubling down on the unlawful eviction moratorium issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last September. The plaintiffs, including NARPM, are represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance. The plaintiffs in this case seek a declaratory judgment setting aside and invalidating the CFPB rule and an emergency temporary restraining order preventing CFPB from enforcing its rule pending further action in the case. More information about the case is available here.

Click the link below to read the blog post:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/8N3Olv9YBth0nD6_ThEOrg

NARPM Legislative and Educational Conference Registration is Open!

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 21:14:49 GMT

A Voice for the Vision

NARPM Legislative and Educational
Conference Registration is Open!

Join us May 17-18, 2021 - Click HERE to register!

Topics Include*:

Eviction Moratorium
What Happens When Disaster Strikes?
Legislative Updates
Fair Housing Claims: Examples from the Real World
And more...

Also join us for:
- Breakout Education Sessions with NARPM Partner Sponsors
- In-Person & Virtual Happy Hour – Wine Down with Us!

Location
Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill (formerly Washington Court Hotel)
525 New Jersey Ave NW
Washington, DC 20001
Room block pricing closes April 14, 2021

Registration Fees
In-Person: $195
Virtual: $95

* Tentative Topics - Subject to change

Click HERE to Register!

RSVP now to meet your Legislators!!

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 22:37:49 GMT

RSVP now for virtual REALTOR® Day meetings

REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol is a cornerstone event in the association’s advocacy efforts.

This event is usually held in person at the Texas Capitol during the legislative session; however, Texas REALTORS® is adapting this year’s event by hosting virtual meetings with members of the 87th Texas Legislature in March and April.

The 2021 legislative session looks different than years past, and the need for REALTORS® to advocate for Texas real estate is greater than ever.

How to participate

Visit texasrealestate.com/realtorday to RSVP for meetings with your state senator and state representative and to add the Opening Session and Closing Session to your calendar.

· March 15, 10-11 a.m.: Opening Session

· March 15-April 9: Meetings with Texas legislators—Scheduling is based on each legislator’s availability.

· April 9, 2-3 p.m. Closing Session

When are the meetings?

Texas REALTORS® is scheduling meetings with the offices of all 181 legislators. Meeting times and dates will be based on the legislators’ availability.

Please contact Jami Sims for questions about scheduling meetings with legislators.

Who will lead the meetings?

REALTORS® who serve as Key Contacts on the Texas REALTORS® Legislative Contact Teams will lead the discussions with legislators.

Please contact Joanna Ramirez for questions about how REALTORS® can join a Legislative Contact Team.

Legislative Liaison Update

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 18:54:52 GMT

In this edition …

This edition of Legislative Liaison focuses on a new federal COVID-19 relief bill, elections in North Texas, and Legislative updates.

Quick hits

As of 8 a.m. Monday, Texas REALTORS® is following 1,211 of 3,721 bills filed so far this session.
The Texas Senate will reconvene at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2, and the Texas House will reconvene at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2.
Follow Texas REALTORS®’ Gov’t Affairs team on Twitter: @TXRealtors_GA
2021 Texas REALTORS® Legislative Priorities book: texasrealestate.com/issues

New federal relief bill includes state and local aid

The U.S. House of Representatives early Saturday passed President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan legislation, which next moves to the U.S. Senate. This would be the sixth major coronavirus relief package passed by Congress.

The legislation includes …

$20.3 billion in new money for rental assistance (on top of the $25 billion allocated in December)
An extension of the eviction and foreclosure moratorium and forbearance for federally guaranteed mortgages through Sept. 30, 2021
$10 billion for a Housing Assistance Fund that will allow state housing finance agencies to help homeowners with COVID-19 hardships.

Read more from NAR about the legislation.

HD 68 win makes a full House

On Tuesday, February 23, TREPAC-supported candidate David Spiller won the special election in House District 68 with 62.9% of the vote to replace now-Sen. Drew Springer.

Turnout was 6.62% across the 22-county rural North Texas district.

This fills the last vacant seat in the Texas House of Representatives. This also completes the game of political dominos that began when former Congressman John Ratcliffe (TXCD-06) was appointed as National Intelligence Director. Texas Sen. Pat Fallon won the special election to replace Ratcliffe, then-Rep. Drew Springer won the race to replace Fallon.

Election dates set for CD 6

Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an order for a May 1 special election to replace the late U.S. Representative Ron Wright (R-Arlington), who represented Congressional District 6 covering Ellis and Navarro counties and the southeast corner of Tarrant County.

Candidates must file with the Texas Secretary of State by March 3. Early voting begins April 19. As of Monday morning, 11 candidates have filed for the CD 6 seat and four others have expressed interest.

The filed candidates include Susan Wright, who is the widow of the late Congressman Wright, and freshman state Rep. Jake Ellzey, who lost to Wright in the 2018 Republican primary for the CD 6 race.

Lege committees hold multi-day storm response hearings

Thursday and Friday brought marathon simultaneous hearings for the Senate Business & Commerce Committee and a joint meeting of the House State Affairs and House Energy Resources committees regarding the utility outages in February.

The energy leaders who testified included ERCOT CEO Bill Magness, Public Utility Commission Chair DeAnn Walker, and Railroad Commission Chair Christi Craddick.

In the Senate hearing, ERCOT’s Magness was in the hot seat for about six hours, followed by PUC’s Walker, who was questioned into the night on Thursday. In the House hearing, critique largely focused on the lack of communication from agencies/companies to consumers.

See the schedule of upcoming committee meetings for the Senate here and for the House here.

Lt. Gov.’s 31 priorities

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced his 31 top priorities for the legislative session on Tuesday.

Following the Governor's direction, ERCOT reform and power grid stability is high on the list of priorities for the Senate to address along with statewide broadband access, protecting state-held personal data, removal of racist restrictions from deeds, and redistricting.

See the full list here.

House begins referring bills

The Texas House started referring bills to committees last week. This is a promising step to see the legislative process moving forward, as the Legislature has been making slow, deliberate steps due to COVID-19 precautions and the severe weather and utility outages.

Texas REALTORS® continues to review every bill as the March 12 filing deadline approaches.

Judge rules CDC eviction moratorium unconstitutional

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 21:04:15 GMT

A judge in Texas has struck down the CDC Eviction Moratorium (see below for the opinion). The judge ruled that the moratorium is unconstitutional and the CDC is ordered to not apply or enforce the order moving forward. As you know, NARPM has participated in 3 cases challenging the CDC eviction moratorium. While this was not one of those cases, we will nonetheless keep a close eye on it. We expect CDC to appeal, and we will be sharing more information as we get it. In addition to the court's opinion, here is press coverage from The Hill.

Judge rules CDC eviction moratorium unconstitutional | TheHill

PPP returns, giving a 'crucial' lifeline to Houston businesses

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:00:00 GMT

PPP returns, giving a 'crucial' lifeline to small, underserved Houston businesses

The Paycheck Protection Program, a federal stimulus meant to keep small businesses afloat during the pandemic, came back online Monday at 8 a.m. Businesses that received the low-interest, forgivable loans from the first iteration of the program in 2020 will soon be able to apply for a second, and restaurants and hotels will soon be able to qualify for larger loans proportional to their payroll costs.

The program is open to businesses with 500 or fewer employees, which are eligible for first-draw loans of up to $10 million, while second-draw loans are limited to businesses with 300 or fewer employees and capped at $2 million. For their second-draw loans, restaurants and hotels can receive as much as 3.5 times their average monthly payroll, while all other loans are limited to 2.5 times. The funding is part of a second, $284 billion, relief bill signed into law last month.

This time, following criticism that the first round of the program served disproportionately few minority-owned businesses, it began a little differently. It rolled out first with community institutions, which tend to have stronger relationships with minority communities.

“For smaller businesses, first-time applicants, community institutions and minority businesses, this round of funding is designed to correct the issues of the first round of PPP funding,” she said. “While it still may not be perfect, seize this opportunity to get funding.”

rebecca.schuetz@chron.com;

Houston Chronicle

Houston Construction Execs Push Back On Data

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 04:33:21 GMT

Houston Construction Execs Push Back On Data Saying City Led U.S. In Construction Jobs Lost

Houston’s construction industry took a bigger hit than any other major city in the U.S. as the coronavirus pandemic raged in 2020, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

The economic uncertainty of the pandemic, in tandem with the energy downturn, is considered to blame for the slowdown in construction activity and subsequent job losses. While the numbers are dire, some construction executives in Houston pushed back against the data, saying they don’t see that much pain in the market and are continuing to add jobs and move forward on schedule themselves.

From November 2019 to November 2020, the Houston metropolitan statistical area lost more construction jobs than any major metro area in the country — 22,500 jobs or 9% of the local construction job market, according to an AGC analysis of government data.

That figure was well ahead of the second hardest-hit location, New York City, which lost 16,700 jobs, or Midland, Texas, which came in third at 9,800 jobs. Nationally, large numbers of contractors have had to lay off workers once they complete projects that started before the pandemic, because private owners and public agencies are hesitant to commit to new construction, the AGC said.

AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson told the Houston Chronicle that the Houston construction industry has likely been left much weaker than other parts of the country because the downturn in the energy sector suppressed demand for construction workers.

Incoming 2021-2022 AGC Houston Chairman John Marshall said that while he doesn’t know for sure, he also believes that challenges in the energy sector prior to the pandemic contributed to job losses in Houston. Combined with economic uncertainty, it isn’t surprising that projects were delayed or canceled in 2020, taking jobs with them.

“I think it's that continued uncertainty, almost being exponential on top of [the energy downturn],” Marshall said. “I think it's the uncertainty that's really driving the slowdown.”

Marshall is a vice president at Houston-based Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, and said the firm has seen some projects slow down or be pushed back because of the pandemic, though few have actually been canceled outright. Commercial development projects have been more likely to hit the brakes than public works, which have continued mostly as usual, Marshall added.

In terms of where job losses have hit hardest, Marshall said that delayed or slowed projects have forced subcontractors to bear the brunt.

“We've seen the effects of COVID on subcontracting firms, which can ripple through the owners that we work for, and how that causes people to react. So it continues to be the big influencer,” Marshall said.

Some construction companies and subcontractors have fared better. GT Leach Construction President Gary Leach said that his firm briefly laid off two people earlier in the pandemic, but has since rehired them. The company actually increased its total staff in 2020 because things have been so busy, he said.

Leach said that the AGC’s number of job losses in Houston surprised him to the point that he questioned the accuracy, as it didn’t add up to what he has seen in daily business life.

“It really surprised me. I mainly work in the residential high-rise area [and] hospitality, and we've actually added more jobs this year,” Leach said. “I've never been busier.” con't article by link

https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/construction-development/houston-construction-execs-push-back-on-data-saying-city-led-us-in-construction-jobs-lost-107341?rt=79892&utm_source=outbound_pub_4&utm_campaign=outbound_issue_45147&utm_content=outbound_link_1&utm_medium=email

Latest and Greatest NARPM Classes to Consider

Paula Cleveland — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 18:46:30 GMT

NARPM 2021 Education Classes are Open for Registration!

#NARPMSmart will improve your property management business! 2021 Education Courses are open for registration and here's the January & February 2021 lineup!

Click HERE to see even more classes and sign up today! Members receive a 5% discount on course fees, when you register for 2 or more courses at a time.

Christmas Celebration

Paula Cleveland — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 00:27:39 GMT

This year's Christmas gathering was one to remember.

We celebrated good friends, our leaders and sweet relationships in a wonderful setting with lots of laughs. The venu was beautiful and the Housotn skyline magnificent. If you missed the Houston Chapter December event, we missed you too!

Have no fear we are already planning for 2021 and we expect it to be an eventful and powerful year for even more change and opportunities to grow our businesses. Join us this coming January 21 for our first meeting and get onboard learning, networking and engaging. Watch for the agenda and who will be presenting in the new year. Merry Cristmas and Happy New Year too!

FHA EXTENDS FORECLOSURE AND EVICTION MORATORIUM

Paula Cleveland — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 19:15:44 GMT

FHA EXTENDS FORECLOSURE AND EVICTION MORATORIUM FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMEOWNERS FOR ADDITIONAL TWO MONTHS

Extension Through August 31, 2020, Provides More Security for Homeowners Impacted by the Coronavirus Outbreak

WASHINGTON - Today, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced a two-month extension of its foreclosure and eviction moratorium through August 31, 2020, for homeowners with FHA-insured Single Family mortgages. This extension provides additional security and peace of mind to homeowners that they will not lose their homes while they are trying to recover financially.

FHA’s Single Family foreclosure and eviction moratorium extension applies to homeowners with FHA-insured Title II Single Family forward and Home Equity Conversion (reverse) mortgages, and continues to direct mortgage servicers to:

Halt all new foreclosure actions and suspend all foreclosure actions currently in process, excluding legally vacant or abandoned properties; and
Cease all evictions of persons from FHA-insured Single Family properties, excluding actions to evict occupants of legally vacant or abandoned properties.

“While the economic recovery is already underway, many American families still need more time and assistance to regain their financial footing,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson. “Our foreclosure and eviction extension means that these families will not have to worry about losing their home as they work to recover from the financial impacts of COVID-19.”

“FHA is committed to working with borrowers impacted by COVID-19 and this second extension of the foreclosure and eviction moratorium is another sign of the unprecedented steps HUD is taking to assist those impacted by this terrible pandemic,” said Acting Federal Housing Commissioner Len Wolfson.

Homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages should continue to make their mortgage payments during the foreclosure and eviction moratorium if they are able to do so, or seek mortgage payment forbearance pursuant to the Coronavirus Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act from their mortgage servicer, if needed.

Pursuant to the CARES Act, FHA requires mortgage servicers to:

Offer borrowers with FHA-insured mortgages up to a year of delayed mortgage payment forbearance when the borrower requests it. FHA does not require a lump sum payment at the end of the forbearance period
Assess borrowers who receive COVID-19 forbearance for its special COVID-19 National Emergency Standalone Partial Claim before the end of the forbearance period. The COVID-19 National Emergency Standalone Partial Claim puts all deferred mortgage payment amounts owed into a junior lien which is only repaid when the borrower sells the home, refinances the mortgage, or the mortgage is otherwise extinguished.

https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_20_081

3 Ways Property Management Companies Can Help Residents During Covid-19

Paula Cleveland — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 19:22:44 GMT

Check out this video in which Marc shares 3 unique ways in which property management companies can proactively help residents during COVID-19.

A Property Managers COVID 19 Survival Guide

Paula Cleveland — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 19:18:01 GMT

Is it possible for your property management company to not only survive, but also to thrive during the COVID-19 crisis?

In order to make 2020 a successful year we recommend having a plan. This PM Survival Guide is designed to assist your property management company with creating that plan

Rather than worrying and having anxiety, focus on what you can control. These are 5 parts of your business you can start to control today.

check out this great Survival Guide here:

5 Tips on ADA Compliance for your Website

Paula Cleveland — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 19:13:10 GMT

June 11, 2020 • News

Written By: Lisa Noon, CAE, RCE

We’re hearing more and more about companies being contacted by law firms with complaints about the company’s website and its compliance with ADA Title III rules. These types of what are called “drive by” complaints can be hard to fight and very expensive for a property manager, so it’s always a good idea to periodically check your website for compliance. How do you do that? Here are a few tips:

Go to WAVE, a reputable web accessibility evaluation tool that you can access free of charge. All you have to do is type in your website address and in seconds, you’ll have a report that shows exactly where errors and alerts appear. Don’t be surprised if your logo gets flagged for missing alternative text – this is fairly common! The goal is to bring your error count down to as close to zero as possible; if it’s really high, you could be in danger of receiving a demand letter from a plaintiff’s attorney.
Add an accessibility policy to your website. In 2020, not having a policy page has been a common source of complaint and lawsuit. The more specific you can be, the better – click here for a useful article with a sample policy.
Test your website with actual users who are disabled. What does that mean? Typically, the ADA looks for ways you can make your website easier for those with visual limitations, physical disability (are not able to use a mouse or keyboard), or have hearing disability. Some specific examples of each are:

Visual – the viewer could have the ability to increase text sizes or magnify the screen, change background and text colors (for those who are color blind), or the ability to have the computer read web pages out loud. For example, you should always have text behind every graphic on your page, even if it’s your logo, so it can be read aloud to the user. Is your site compatible with screen reader technology?

Physical – can the user tab through menus and links through their keyboard instead of the mouse?

Hearing – do you provide transcripts of audio information and captioning for videos?

Hire a consultant to remediate your website. There are no plug-ins, toolbars, widgets or any other immediate ‘fixes’ that will make your website instantly accessible. Ask your consultant if your site complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0, Levels A and AA – the most common measures of what constitutes an accessible website.
Remember that some states and even some localities have their own accessibility laws, so check with your attorney to see if that might apply to your company’s site.

This list is not all-encompassing; needless to say, there is a lot to ensuring a compliant website, and it may even require a complete redesign. Watch for an article in the upcoming July 2020 issue of Residential Resource for more information.

HAR.com - Virtual Events

Paula Cleveland — Mon, 18 May 2020 21:46:29 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought dramatic change to the way REALTORS® are doing business today and will do business for years to come. With that in mind, HAR has assembled the greatest thought leaders from the real estate industry to present a series of virtual events designed to prepare our REALTOR® members for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this new environment.

Click Here for full lineup!

Open Houst changes for Houston Market

Paula Cleveland — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:51:28 GMT

When Will In-Person Open Houses Return to HAR.com?

The HRIS board (which is over HAR.com and the MLS) voted to begin displaying in-person open houses again when the governor declares Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan. That is expected to be Monday, May 18, assuming the numbers he is reviewing look like progress is being made. We have everything in place to be able to immediately reenable the entering of in-person open houses in Matrix and the display of them on HAR.com as soon as he declares Phase 2.

In the meantime, we are recommending that any REALTOR who holds an in-person open house also consider doing a Virtual Open House (www.har.com/virtual). There is still a significant part of the population that is not yet ready to go to an in-person open house, so holding a Virtual Open House as well allows you to reach both groups of people, which maximizes your exposure to potential buyers. Plus, the Virtual Open House is recorded so interested consumers can view the property outside of just the hours you are holding the in-person open house. To date, 634 Virtual Open Houses have been held with nearly 4,200 people in virtual attendance.

Good News update for Texas - COVID 19

Paula Cleveland — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:48:18 GMT

ICYMI: Even With Increased Testing, Texas’ Positive Case Percentage is Declining

Texas has been focused on reopening responsibly, and our efforts to increase testing capacity and contact tracing efforts have allowed our citizens to safely return to work.

Because of increased testing, we have seen an increase in positive cases – as to be expected. The great news is, even with increased testing, the positivity rate is down. This means that even though we are testing more people, the percentage of people testing positive is decreasing.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services

In fact, the positivity rate has decreased 15% since Governor Abbott began reopening Texas, and it’s down 2/3 from its peak in April. Over the weekend, the positivity rate dropped below 5% for the first time since the beginning of April.

Just as important as positivity rates are COVID-19 hospitalization rates. In my home of Montgomery County, hospitalizations have shown a downward trend since May 1^st.

Source: Montgomery County Public Health District.

In the state overall, hospitalizations have not spiked since the state reopened, and there are currently 17,000 available beds.

Plus, Texas has the lowest death rate per capita of the top ten U.S. states by case count.

Bottom line? While the mainstream media continues to manipulate the statistics and distort facts to misrepresent the situation in Texas, we’ve been able to open up our economy safely, without an increase in positive case percentage.

NAR Chief Economist Podcast

Paula Cleveland — Mon, 04 May 2020 20:10:11 GMT

Exclusive Interview With Dr. Lawrence Yun, NAR Chief Economist

In the current climate, there is a lot of misinformation and uncertainty in the marketplace. In this episode, Brian welcomes back NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun to get an update on the ongoing effects of the Coronavirus on the economy and housing. Informed by the very latest data, this special podcast will give you clarity and perspective on today’s real estate landscape.

Tune in Tuesday, May 5 at 12:01 a.m. PDT on your favorite podcast app!

Provisions for Realtors and Consumers

Paula Cleveland — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 17:53:47 GMT

Congress passed an econnomic relief package on March 27, 2020 with overwhelming bipartisan support. As more guidance is released by the administraion on how these new progrmas will be implemented, updates will be provided.

https://narfocus.com/billdatabase/clientfiles/172/21/3613.pdf

Cleaning surfaces and wrappers for best food practices

Paula Cleveland — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 15:52:57 GMT

Please watch for better, safer food practices

Harris County Changes- Affects for Prop Managers and Service Providers

Paula Cleveland — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 21:13:03 GMT

New orders are out for Harris County and other counties may be close behind. For now please see the attached document for review on how it affects property managment companites and service providers.

200324-Stay-Home-Work-Safe-Order-by-the-County.pdf

Ongoing Updates for Houston Chapter Members

Paula Cleveland — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 18:58:46 GMT

Hello everyone,

We are in a new normal and want to help you do business in the new climate. We will be changing our regular chapter meetings that meet at Camp Hope to webinars in May and July. Our ongoing topics will be extremely relevant as the climate continues to change in how we will be taking care of business. Our Bi-Monthly Webinar hosted by HAR will continue as scheduled. See the Events page for more details when announced. We have the following updates:

April HAR Webinar Speaker: Jason Waggoner, Acutraq

April NARPM Class – April 28 (Schedule expected to change)

May Regular Chapter Mtg – Conference Mtg Speaker: Amy Karnes, Broker/Owner. Topic: Property Management - Buying, Selling and Starting Over.

July Chapter Mtg – Conference Mtg Speaker: Marc Cunningham, Broker/owner. Topic: to be determined as the date gets closer

Our News page of the website is available to every member for help, information and support. Please log in often and look for updates, downloads and property management leader Q & A discussions.

We are listening and want to share as much knowledge and understanding as possible. As members, you have full access to the membership directory in Houston and at the National level. NARPM Pod cast is also addressing legislative changes and updates as the days turn in two weeks.

How to tell if you have Coronavirus?

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:33:09 GMT

https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/486006-how-to-tell-if-you-have-coronavirus

Suspension of Evictions and Foreclosures Through April 2020

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 15:30:19 GMT

https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/488227-trump-orders-hud-to-suspend-evictions-and-foreclosures

President Trump on Wednesday directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to suspend evictions and foreclosures through April as Americans grapple with the fallout of the coronavirus.

HUD Adopts updated NOTICE on Assistance Animals

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 13:35:45 GMT

A must read for all property managers. As a NARPM Affiliate vendor, Petscreening is helping us make sense of HUDs ruling

Yesterday, HUD released the rental housing industry’s long anticipated updated Notice on assistance animals in housing accommodations.

PetScreening was notified directly by HUD’s Enforcement Office about the new Notice and commented that our service’s feedback played an important part in the development of the Notice. Our Pack truly appreciates the positive working relationship we have developed with HUD, and we believe this Notice is thoughtful and well-intended to all parties involved.

With the changes set forth in the Notice, we believe there has never been a better time to continue using our services. For example, in this Notice, HUD has now adopted ADA’s guidelines pertaining to service animals in housing accommodations. This details the appropriate two-question review process specific to service animals. The Notice also maintains the FHAct’s guidelines for support animals and its distinctly different two-question and third-party documentation review process. Housing providers will now need to navigate the difference between service animals and support animals which includes a different permissible review process for each each type of animal.

We have included access to our Chief Legal Counsel’s analysis of the HUD’s FHEO-2020-01 Notice. It’s noteworthy that this Notice is effective immediately. All of our existing clients will not experience any interruption in our service and need to do nothing more than continue focusing on their daily management business.

Woof regards,

The PetScreening Pack

7 Reasons to Start Your Taxes Early

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 13:09:54 GMT

Make tax filing less stressful and potentially save money by starting early.

Key takeaways

Filing your taxes early could protect you from identity theft.
Getting started ahead of time gives you plenty of time to look for opportunities to reduce your taxable income.
If you end up owing money, starting early can mitigate some of the sticker shock since you'll have time to plan how to make the payment.

Tax season is upon us with tax forms arriving in inboxes and mailboxes. Tackling your 2019 tax return may be a dreaded chore (because of complexity or the prospect of owing additional tax) or a welcome event (because you are due a refund). Either way, getting started early may help make your tax-filing season less stressful and potentially save you some money.

1. Protect yourself from identity theft

Filing your tax return as soon as possible is one of the best ways to guard against tax-related identity theft. For the scheme to be successful, a criminal files a fraudulent return and collects a refund in your name before you file your return. If you file your legitimate return before a crook tries to file one for you, the fraudulent return is rejected.

If you haven't received the necessary tax documents from an employer, financial institution, charity, or some other source, be proactive and ask for them. On the other hand, if you owe a payment with your return and you need time to raise the money, you can file your return early and instruct the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to deduct the amount from your bank account or debit card, or charge your credit card, on a specified date—right up until the filing deadline. (The deadline is April 15, 2020, for your 2019 taxes.)

2. Lower your taxable income

You have several options for potentially reducing your taxable income with a contribution to a tax-advantaged account up until the tax deadline. The sooner you make a contribution, however, the sooner you'll be able to invest your contribution and give that money the chance to grow tax-deferred.

One opportunity available to many taxpayers is a contribution to a traditional IRA. A contribution to a traditional IRA may reduce taxable income and, in turn, 2019 taxes for those eligible for the tax deduction.1 The tax-deductible contribution limit for the 2019 tax year is $6,000. For those who are age 50 and over, the limit is $7,000.

It isn't necessary to have a job to have a traditional IRA. A nonworking spouse, as long as their spouse has earned income, can contribute to a Roth or traditional IRA. The amount of a married couple's combined contributions can't be more than the earned compensation reported on their joint return.

Self-employed individuals and freelancers can open a Simplified Employee Pension plan—more commonly known as a SEP IRA—even if they also have a full-time job as an employee. Those who earn money freelancing or running a small business on the side could take advantage of the potential tax benefits from your side gig. With a SEP IRA, contributions may be tax-deductible, just like with a traditional IRA, but the SEP IRA has a much higher contribution limit. The contribution amount varies based on income. For 2019, the contribution limit is 25% of eligible compensation (or 20% of eligible compensation for the self-employed2) or $56,000, whichever is lower. The deadline for 2019 contributions is the tax deadline—April 15, 2020. If you file an extension, you'll have until October 15, 2020, to make the contribution for 2019.

Consider speaking with a tax advisor to determine the impact of SEP IRA contributions on the tax deductibility of contributions to a traditional IRA in the context of your personal situation.

3. Review your 2018 tax return

Looking back at your 2018 tax return can give you a great head start on what you'll need in order to prepare your return for 2019. You can see which financial institutions should be sending you tax documents, which charities you might have contributed to, and which deductions you might again be eligible to claim.

Here's another benefit to taking time to review your 2018 return: If you spot an error, you can file an amended return and possibly get back some money you thought was long gone.

4. Take into account significant life events

Got married? Had a child? Divorced? Retired? Bought a new home? All of these and many others can have a significant impact on your tax return. Consider the effects they might have on your tax liability and how you file your return. If you are unsure of the effects, consult a tax professional. Newly married couples, for example, are typically better off filing a joint tax return, but there are circumstances, such as one spouse owing back taxes or having large medical bills, when filing separately may make sense.

5. Make a checklist

After reviewing last year's return and any significant life events from 2019, make a checklist of items you need to prepare before filing your return. By starting early, you'll give yourself time to compile all the information you need and to explore potential tax-saving deductions and strategies.

6. Avoid "sticker shock"

The last thing you want is to get to the bottom line and see an unexpected large balance owed to the IRS. If you wait until the last minute to prepare your taxes, you may not have time to raise the cash for the payment. Filing for an extension won't help. You still have to pay what you owe by the filing deadline or face a penalty and interest.

Last-minute surprises may become more common as larger numbers of Americans earn self-employment income from things such as driving for a ride-sharing service, renting out a room in their home, or performing consulting services. People engaged in these types of income-producing activities are typically required to pay estimated taxes each quarter (i.e., 4 times a year). If you're new to self-employment and failed to make quarterly payments, you'll probably need time to plan for any additional taxes due.

7. Catch errors in tax documents

Tax preparation software is great at filling out forms and calculating your tax liability, but it doesn't always spot reporting errors in tax documents sent to you. Unless you catch them yourself, they could significantly impact your tax bill.

For example, suppose you received money from a lawsuit settlement or a sweepstakes prize and it was reported on a Form 1099-MISC. The amount should appear in Box 3, "Other income," but if the issuer mistakenly placed it in Box 7, "Nonemployee compensation," it would be considered self-employment income and subject to an additional 15.3% self-employment tax. Another example is Box 7 on Form 1099-R, which may contain a letter or number code as well as a check box for IRA, SEP, or SIMPLE distributions. The entries can make a difference in how you report the distribution and if it's taxed.

If you can't determine on your own what the proper entries should be on the forms you receive, you should consult a tax professional.

Start as soon as you can

By starting your tax return now and giving yourself time to resolve questions and issues that might arise, you may find the process less anxiety-producing and may discover some opportunities to help lower your tax bill.

FIDELITY VIEWPOINTS
– 01/28/2020
7 MIN READ

Liability Related to a Tenant with a Home-Based Business

Paula Cleveland — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 20:24:15 GMT

NARPM® Radio:

Your tenant operates a home-based business and the house floods, damaging his equipment. What is your liability? Your owner's liability? You might be surprised. Find out in this podcast by attorney* Harry Heist, available on NARPM® Radio.

Simply open either Podbean or Apple Podcasts (iTunes). There are many more episodes to help you grow your property management knowledge (and we add new shows regularly!), so subscribe today!

(*Remember that estate law varies from state to state, so always contact your attorney for specific legal advice in your area.)

New Year, New Real Estate Laws

Paula Cleveland — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 04:48:38 GMT

Several new real estate-related laws passed in 2019 by the 86^th Texas Legislature took effect on Jan. 1, 2020. These include the following REALTOR®-supported bills that benefit Texas real estate consumers.

Expanded Access to Home Equity

As of January 1, property owners may now use agricultural land as collateral for a home equity loan (House Bill 1254, authored by Rep. Jim Murphy and sponsored by Sen. Kelly Hancock).

In 2017, voters approved a REALTOR®-supported constitutional amendment to modernize the home equity lending process for property owners. This new law further updates those provisions to allow more homeowners the ability to access the hard-earned equity in their homes while maintaining the strong consumer protections in the Texas Constitution.

More Transparency in Property Taxes

Several pieces of the monumental property tax reform legislation from 2019 (Senate Bill 2, authored by Sen. Paul Bettencourt and sponsored by Rep. Dustin Burrows) took effect January 1 to be in place for the 2020 tax year:

Changes the rollback rate from 8% for local taxing entities and gives voters more of a say in the tax rates that determine property tax bills
- Most cities and counties will be subject to a 3.5% rollback rate
- Most cities and counties will have automatic elections if they exceed the rollback rate
Renames the “effective rate” to the “no-new-revenue tax rate” and renames the “rollback rate” to the “voter-approval tax rate,” clarifying what these important tax rates mean for taxpayers
Requires central appraisal districts to create online databases to provide more information to taxpayers. (CADs in counties with less than 200,000 population have until the 2021 tax year to comply.) The databases will …
- Show property owners how proposed tax rate changes would affect their bills
- Make it easy for taxpayers to submit comments via an online form
- Provide information about when and where a property owner’s local taxing entities

Property Tax Exemption

A new law provides a temporary property tax exemption for property owners in areas that have been declared disasters by the governor. This will help property owners struggling in the wake of disaster and provide these taxpayers more immediate relief.

The new law is the result of the passage of State of Texas Proposition 3, which voters approved in November 2019. This constitutional amendment was on the ballot after the 86^th Texas Legislature passed House Bill 492 and House Joint Resolution 34 (authored by Rep. Hugh Shine and sponsored by Sens. Larry Taylor and Paul Bettencourt, respectively).

Flood Protection Funding

In November 2019 election, voters also passed a constitutional amendment known as State of Texas Proposition 8. This one was on the ballot after the passage of Senate Bill 7, authored by Sen. Brandon Creighton and sponsored by Rep. Dade Phelan.

The resulting new law effective January 1 created a Flood Infrastructure Fund to develop flood mitigation infrastructure, which will help communities better withstand future flood events and create a more resilient Texas in preparation for future flooding.

More New Laws in 2020

Visit the website of the Legislative Reference Library of Texas to see lists of all the bills from the 86^th legislative session and provisions from other bills that became effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Contact Jaime Lee, director of advocacy communications, for more information about any of these legislative changes.

Source: Texas Realtor Staff -https://www.texasrealestate.com/members/posts/new-year-new-real-estate-laws/

Texas Relocation Report

Paula Cleveland — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 02:00:00 GMT

The Texas Relocation Report is based on data from the American Community Survey and the American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as U-Haul National Migration Trend reports. The report analyzes county relocation data for the 43 largest demographic areas in Texas.

New Fair Housting Action Plan

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Realtor® Leaders Meet with Secretary Carson, Pass Sweeping New Fair Housing Action Plan

WASHINGTON (January 8, 2020) – Leadership from the National Association of Realtors® met with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and other senior Department officials on Wednesday in Washington to discuss fair housing issues just hours after unanimously passing a new plan to tackle the issue.

The meeting, which included CEO Bob Goldberg and President Vince Malta, allowed NAR to reiterate its commitment to partnering with HUD to advance fair housing protections, while the two sides agreed to work jointly on public service announcements and other proactive initiatives to communicate the importance of housing access for all Americans.

The 2020 NAR Leadership Team Meet with HUD Secretary. From left: President-elect Charlie Oppler, President Vince Malta, HUD Secretary Ben Carson, CEO Bob Goldberg, Immediate Past President John Smaby, First Vice President Leslie Rouda Smith, Vice President of Association Affairs Mabel Guzman, and Vice President of Advocacy Christine Hansen.

“NAR has been active in our pursuit of innovative new policies and partnerships that will help us preserve the fundamental right of housing in America,” said NAR President Vince Malta, broker at Malta & Co., Inc., in San Francisco, CA. “While we have long been a champion of the Fair Housing Act, recent incidents have underscored the progress our nation must still make. That’s why I am proud to announce that our association’s Leadership Team has voted today to approve an action that will directly ramp up and reinvigorate NAR’s fair housing commitment.”

The new NAR initiative, abbreviated ‘ACT,’ will emphasize Accountability, Culture Change and Training in order to ensure America’s 1.4 million Realtors® are doing everything possible to protect housing rights in America. Specifically, the nation’s largest trade association will take new actions to ensure members uphold the fair housing standards incorporated in NAR’s Code of Ethics; begin integrating fair housing into all conferences and engagements; and form partnerships with fair housing advocates to pursue shared goals around accountability and training, among countless other initiatives.

“NAR’s Code of Ethics and its adherence to fair housing are the cornerstones of our commitment as Realtors®,” said Goldberg, NAR’s Chief Executive. “With this new plan, we will see more robust education focusing on core fair housing criteria, unconscious bias, and how the actions of Realtors® impact communities. A partnership with government officials and fair housing advocates will allow us to further promote equality as we continue to work to diversify our industry.”

The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Real Estate Market - Record for 2019

Paula Cleveland — Thu, 09 Jan 2020 04:22:24 GMT

THE HOUSTON REAL ESTATE MARKET CHARGES ACROSS THE FINISH LINE FOR A RECORD 2019

December marks the biggest percentage increase of the year in home sales

HOUSTON — (January 8, 2020) — Low mortgage interest rates, healthy employment growth and a stable supply of homes created fertile ground for the Houston real estate market, which blossomed to record levels in 2019. Single-family home sales for the full year surpassed 2018’s record volume by nearly five percent. December delivered the year’s strongest percentage increase in single-family home sales. However, as 2020 gets underway, housing inventory has shrunk slightly, which could narrow options for consumers that may be hoping to buy a home in the new year.

According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ (HAR) latest annual report, 2019 single-family home sales rose 4.8 percent to 86,205. Sales of all property types totaled 102,593, which represents a 4.3-percent increase over 2018’s record volume and marks the first time that total property sales have ever broken the 100,000 level. Total dollar volume for 2019 climbed 6.7 percent to a record-breaking $30 billion.

“During the latter half of 2019, we had a sense that we were headed toward a record year for Houston real estate, but no one expected it to be this strong a finish,” said HAR Chairman John Nugent with RE/MAX Space Center. “Townhomes and condominiums had a roller coaster ride and the luxury market cooled a bit, but overall, 2019 was a phenomenal year. As long as the Houston economy remains healthy and we see some growth in housing inventory, we expect 2020 to get off to a positive start,” he added.

Single-family home sales for the month of December jumped 14.3 percent to compared to December 2018. The strongest sales activity took place among homes priced between $250,000 and $500,000, which rocketed 27.2 percent. Homes in the $150,000 to $250,000 range ranked second place, climbing 13.7 percent. The luxury segment, consisting of homes priced from $750,000 and above, increased 12.7 percent.

Prices of single-family homes set new December highs. The median price (the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less) rose 4.6 percent to $251,000 while the average price went up 2.5 percent to $312,922. Despite those highs, pricing increases in general began to show moderation as the end of the year drew to a close.

2019 Annual Market Comparison

Economic uncertainty loomed as 2019 began, with federal workers on edge about the continuing government shutdown and escalating trade friction with China. The Houston real estate market entered 2019 with constrained inventory. However, the housing supply grew almost immediately, rising from a 3.6-months supply in January to a peak of 4.3 months in June and July. Months of inventory estimates the number of months it will take to deplete current active inventory based on the prior 12 months sales activity.

Real estate records were set throughout the year, with July going down as Houston’s greatest one-month sales volume of all time – 8,918 single-family units sold. A record high average price of $322,143 was reached in May while a record high median price of $252,700 was achieved in June.

By the time the books were closed on December transactions, a record 86,205 single-family homes had sold across greater Houston in 2019. That represents an increase of 4.8 percent from the previous record of 82,229 in 2018.

On a year-to-date basis, the average price rose 2.3 percent to $305,959 while the median price increased 3.2 percent to $245,000. Total dollar volume for full-year 2019 rose 6.7 percent to a record-setting $30 billion.

December Monthly Market Comparison

The Houston housing market generated positive readings across the board in December with the exception of inventory. Single-family home sales, total property sales total dollar volume and pricing were all up compared to December 2018. Month-end pending sales for single-family homes totaled 5,796, an increase of 22.7 percent versus one year earlier. Total active listings, or the total number of available properties, rose 3.6 percent from December 2018 to 38,504.

Single-family homes inventory narrowed slightly from a 3.5-months supply to 3.4 months. For perspective, housing inventory across the U.S. currently stands at a 3.7-months supply, according to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Source: HAR.com