Whether you like the “Big Beautiful Bill” or not, it has resolved an important estate tax issue. Before the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), the Federal estate tax exemption set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was set to sunset or end on December 31, 2025. However, the BBB has raised the Federal …
Not too many folks in our area are farming, however, there are tree farms and a lot of ranching families. Farming and ranching aren’t just jobs. They’re a way of life, often passed down through generations. But without a proper estate plan in place, that legacy can slip away—sometimes in just one generation. All too …
This has been the wettest Summer in a long time. The recent rains have resulted in flooding in areas not previously affected and unfortunately, in deaths in the Hill Country. While there are a number of possible reasons, highway expansion, construction of new homes/subdivisions, silt build up in area lakes and creeks, the resulting flooded …
Continue reading “Read Your Insurance Policy – It is Hurricane Season”
As the 89th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature draws to a close, I thought it might be interesting to provide a legislative report covering significant bills impacting real estate matters in Texas. Senate Bill 17 SB 17 is one of several measures introduced this session aimed at restricting certain types of foreign ownership of …
Continue reading “Real Estate Matters In The 89th Regular Session”
My Mother has always stressed the importance of water conservation to my family. As long as I can remember she said “Water is the most precious resource and we are going to run out.” There is a case before the Texas Supreme Court that could dramatically change ground water rights in Texas. So, in this …
In the past, I have written articles on Pipelines and Eminent Domain. These were very popular and with another Kinder Morgan pipeline coming through Walker County, I have written a follow up on pipeline negotiations. Thank you to Tiffany Dowell Lashmet with the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service for allowing me to use her article …
Many folks decide to go into or open a new business everyday. It is part of the American culture to be an entrepreneur. While it is wonderful to “be your own boss,” it does come at a cost and with risk. Following fast on the heels of a decision to go into a particular kind …
Big Brother, Federal Government Regulation, is coming to residential real estate transactions. This is on the heals of the Corporate Transparency Act (discussed in an earlier column). Issued on February 7, 2024, with a stated purpose of “combat[ing] and deter[ing] money laundering in the U.S. residential real estate sector by increasing transparency, the Residential Rule …
Continue reading “Federal Regulation of Residential Real Estate”
It is time of year again, Sam Houston State University Fall semester has begun. With the start of a new Fall semester, there is a flurry of activity with regard to rental property. Whether you own an apartment complex, rent house(s) or just rent a garage apartment, there are some things you should consider as …
Continue reading “Landlord and Tenant Relationships – Tis the Season”
Several years ago, my family took a trip to New York City. While there the Boys and I visited Central Park, a wonderful 843 acres of landscaped greenery in the middle of Manhattan. I was curious as to how Central Park was created and found it to be a good educational opportunity for the Boys. …
Continue reading “Preserving our Past Through Conservation Easements”
