Texas Gov. Rick Perry addressed the board of directors of the Texas Association of Realtors during the organization’s annual Winter Meeting held in Austin this week. The meeting included discussions relating to the statewide real estate market and Texas economy, legislative issues affecting Texas homeowners, commercial real estate trends, and professional standards for Realtors.
Gov. Perry’s presentation was a highlight of the five-day event, according to Texas Association of Realtors Chairman Brooke Hunt, who praised the governor for his leadership in issues affecting Texas homeowners, such as property appraisal reform, protection of property tax reductions, and eminent domain.

During his speech, Perry reflected on the real estate crisis of the 1980s in Texas and contrasted conditions in the state today. “People are looking at Texas and asking themselves why our unemployment rate is a full point lower than the rest of the country, why our real estate prices are so stable, and why 1,000 people move to Texas every day,” Perry said. “It’s because we work hard to keep our taxes low and protect the rights of private property owners, which makes this a great place to live and do business.”
Following the governor’s presentation, Texas Realtors also heard from fellow Texan Charles McMillan, 2009 President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). McMillan provided an update on NAR’s work with regulatory officials and legislators to bolster the national housing market.
Taking place while the Texas Legislature is in session, the Winter Meeting is a prelude to the Texas Realtor Legislative Hill Visits, which are scheduled for March 31, where Texas Realtors will speak directly with lawmakers to express their opinions on issues important to homeowners, such as property appraisal reform.