Texas: demographically different

Demography ; Texas

Texas housing: a boom with no bubble?

Housing - Prices ; Housing - Finance

Hot housing market catching cold in Texas

The Texas housing market enjoyed a remarkable upswing in the middle of this decade. ; Home sales and building accelerated in 2004 as the state's economic engine revved up, generating strong population and employment growth. Historically low interest rates attracted new homebuyers, while the rise in nontraditional mortgages fueled the market's strength as more Texans were able to obtain financing even if they had flawed credit or lacked down payments. The state's homeownership rate reached a record 66 percent in 2006, up from 61.8 percent 10 years earlier.Economic conditions - Texas ; Housing - Prices ; Construction industry

Cloud over commercial real estate is slowly lifting in Texas

Every segment of the Texas commercial property sector suffered during the recession of 2009. Demand withered for space in offices, warehouses and retail centers, pushing up vacancy rates and lowering rental rates. Private nonresidential construction dropped sharply, reaching near-record lows. The global financial crisis temporarily brought lending to a halt. Commercial-mortgage-backed securities (CMBS) lending dried up in Texas and the U.S. as it became clear that repackaging suspect loans didn't lower risk. Banks also became wary of adding CRE loans to their books, especially in Texas, where the share of these assets exceeded the national average. ; While the recession appears to be over, commercial activity is a trailing indicator and, given still-tight credit conditions, remains a potential drag on economic recovery. Significant declines in property values and rents have raised concerns about impending defaults and foreclosures as loans come due, posing risks to the banking sector and the economy as a whole. Indeed, the share of nonperforming CRE loans at Texas banks is rising. In a positive sign, the lower rents and prices are beginning to stir demand for space as well as investor interest. In addition, sectors of the economy that drive real estate demand have turned the corner, suggesting the bottom is near.Real estate development ; Real estate investment ; Construction industry ; Mortgage loans ; Texas ; Global financial crisis

Midyear update: major metros driving Texas expansion

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas ; Business cycles ; Maquiladora ; Employment ; Unemployment ; Retail trade

Empty spaces: are Texas office markets on the road to recovery?

Real property ; Office buildings

Will office real estate in Texas ever recover?

Real property ; Texas

Texas dodges worst of foreclosure woes

The housing bust leaves in its wake elevated foreclosure levels in Texas and the U.S. Like other consequences of the bust, including declines in construction and existing-home sales, foreclosures have been less severe in Texas. While the nation's foreclosure rate has grown nearly sixfold over the last four years, Texas' has climbed only marginally. ; Housing markets in Texas and the U.S. have shown signs of stabilizing in recent months. Home sales and construction starts are beginning to tick up, thanks in large part to low mortgage rates and the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Despite the improvement, segments remain weak, especially the higher-priced move-up market. Foreclosures are likely to persist in 2010--a concern because they can add to inventories and put downward pressure on home values. However, expectations are for Texas' foreclosures to remain low compared with the nation as a whole.Economic conditions - Texas ; Foreclosure ; Housing - Prices ; Mortgage loans