The Tyler area saw a 17.27 percent increase in home sales in September compared to the same time a year ago.

Last month, 258 homes were sold in the area, compared to 220 sold in September 2010, according to figures released Tuesday from the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors.

read more: http://www.texasrealestate.com/web/3/31/News/102711.cfm

Real estate agents in Lubbock had a strong September, racking up home sales nearly 40 percent better than a year ago, according to figures released by the Lubbock Association of Realtors.

And preliminary indications suggest October is on track for another good showing.

read more: http://lubbockonline.com/business/2011-10-12/hub-city-realtors-post-strong-september-sales-numbers%23.tphedbl17gc

Effective Sept 1 2011, Changes in "Texas Homestead Exemption," Law

Effective September 1, 2011, the State is now asking for you to submit a copy of your driver’s license and vehicle registration with your form. Both the DL & registration address MUST MATCH the physical address of the property you are claiming as your homesteaded property.

Visit your county's central appraisal district website for specific details.

http://appraisaldistrict.net/county.asp

A new, bipartisan effort on Capitol Hill could put energy costs and savings squarely into standard mortgage underwriting equations. A bill introduced Oct. 20 would force the big three mortgage agencies to take account of energy costs in every loan they insure, guarantee or buy. It would also require them to instruct appraisers to adjust their property valuations upward when accurate data on energy efficiency savings are available.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/mortgage-lenders-could-soon-take-homes-energy-costs-into-account/2011/10/24/gIQAyxjPPM_story.html