The Gavel Strikes in Austin

1
The Gavel Strikes in Austin

• The 84th Texas Legislature convened on January
  13, and while much of what is going on is
  procedural and not specifically germane to real
  estate, your HAR Governmental Affairs team is
  monitoring activities and will keep you informed.
• After a dozen years of stable leadership, this
  session is marked by new faces in every major
  statewide office. There are also 24 freshmen
  representatives and 8 freshmen senators. 
• After all the special-election chips fall, the
  Texas House will likely have 98 republicans and
  52 democrats the Texas Senate will have 20
  republicans and 11 democrats.
• But, dont fall in to the trap of only looking at
  a members party. There are lots of ways to break
  down the Legislature urban/rural
  coastal/inland arid/moist shale areas/non-shale
  areas. Plus, members from a particular area may
  band together for local legislation. 
• For a copy of TARs 2015 Public Policy Statements
  and Legislative Priorities, see
  http//bit.ly/1CHvRr3.

2
Zillow-Trulia Merger Review May Get Sticky

• Much of the discussion about the Federal Trade
  Commissions review of the pending Zillow-Trulia
  merger has centered around the share of
  advertising dollars that both parties command and
  the percentage of consumer traffic they
  represent.
• But another factor may play into the FTCs
  analysis on whether the merger might harm
  competition in the real estate portal space.
• Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com routinely cut
  deals with many of the nations largest
  brokerages and franchisors to purchase
  advertising at favorable prices that helps them
  capture more leads from the popular search
  portals. These arrangements, which give larger
  real estate companies an edge, may complicate the
  FTC review.
• When examining possible adverse competitive
  effects, the FTC considers whether those effects
  vary significantly for different customers
  purchasing the same or similar products. Such
  differential impacts are possible when sellers
  can discriminate by raising prices for certain
  targeted customers, but not to others.
• The possibility of price discrimination could
  weigh on the FTC approval of the merger or lead
  it to impose specific conditions before agreeing
  to sign off on the deal.
• Read more about this story from Inman News at
  http//bit.ly/1xMfRzc.

3


This Way to Your Career!

• HAR REALTOR Launch Your Path to Success
• HAR announces a new initiative to assist
  REALTORS in their career path to success! This
  intensive three-day class offers insights into
  how to handle your transaction from contract to
  closing. The program will include tools such as
• Prospecting - How to Create Business
• Buyer and Seller Expectations - Understanding
  your role before, during and after the
  transaction
• Insight into the ancillary roles by subject
  matter experts such as appraisers, inspectors,
  lenders, title companies, home warranty reps and
  much more.
• You will have hands-on, interactive experience to
  help you with your business before you even have
  business. A light breakfast and lunch are
  included in the program.
• Date Wed. - Fri., February 18, 19 20
• Time 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Location HAR Central
• Investment 129
• Register at www.har.com/edu

Questions? 713-629-1900 ext. 6