It’s not always easy to tell how national real estate news pertains to Texans. That’s why we’re providing links to articles from other sources, along with comments to help you put them in perspective.

Foreclosures are one thing not bigger in Texas
Foreclosure and delinquency rates are lower than most other states
For the first time in almost three years, the number of homeowners falling behind on their loans is declining, indicating that the foreclosure crisis might finally be nearing an end (Report: Fewer people falling behind on home loans, by Alan Zibel, Associated Press/Austin American-Statesman, Feb 19, 2010). According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, more than 15% of U.S. homeowners with a mortgage have missed at least one payment or are in foreclosure. In Texas, an estimated 8% of homeowners were behind on their mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2009. Texas has 2% of homes in foreclosure, making Texas just one of seven states with foreclosures at that rate or lower.

Texas is the destination state
Texas ranked No. 1 five years running
The 42nd Annual Magnet States Report identified Texas as the No.1 destination state in the U.S (Allied Van Lines Announces 42nd Annual Magnet States Report, MSNMoney.com, Jan. 4, 2010). According to the report, which tracks U.S. migration patterns by determining net relocation gains (inbound moves minus outbound moves), Texas finished 2009 in first place with a net relocation gain of almost 2,000. Arizona and North Carolina placed second and third, with net relocation gains of 566 and 564, respectively. The report goes on to say that Texas has maintained first place for five years due to the solid employment base, low tax rates, and affordable housing.

Fast recovery in Texas
Four major metros make top ten
According to Forbes Magazine, the four major Texas metros are in the top ten cities projected to recover quickly from the economic recession nationwide (America’s Fastest Recovering Cities, by Francesca Levy, Forbes Magazine, Nov. 19, 2009). The list ranked the 100 largest metropolitan statistical areas according to their recent unemployment rate, gross metropolitan product, foreclosures, home prices, and homes sales. San Antonio ranked second, followed by Austin (third), Dallas (sixth), and Houston (eighth). Other Texas cities to make the list included El Paso and the McAllen-area, ranking 43rd and 48th, respectively. Common threads among the thriving cities include local economies fed by multiple industries and stable housing fundamentals. “Texas didn’t have as big of a boom,” said Dr. Jim Gaines, research economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. “So we’re not having anywhere near the kind of bust.”

Texas cities top EPA's list of energy-efficient homes
Of all U.S. Energy Star homes, 28% are in Texas
No city in the U.S. has more Energy Star-rated homes than Houston, which boasts 144,000 of the energy-efficient properties. (Energy Star homes reach 1 million, EPA says, Los Angeles Times, Nov. 9, 2009). The Dallas-Fort Worth area has the second most Energy Star rated houses. San Antonio (eighth) and Austin (14th) also make the EPA's list of the top 20 markets. The EPA says that owners of Energy Star homes save about $200 - $400 per year on utility costs.