All About TREPAC
The Texas REALTORS® Political Action Committee (TREPAC) backs local, state, and national candidates who protect private-property rights, preserve the dream of homeownership, and support the vitality of the real estate industry.
What is TREPAC?
TREPAC is the political arm of the Texas REALTORS®. It exists to ensure that legislators at every level — local, state, and national — understand the real estate industry and support pro-property, pro-homeownership policies.
When you invest in TREPAC, you are investing in a system that has delivered real results for Texas property owners and REALTORS® for decades. TREPAC-backed legislators have consistently delivered landmark legislation that protects your rights and your clients' rights.
Unlike corporate PACs, TREPAC contributions are voluntary and come from individual REALTORS®, affiliates, and supporters who believe in the mission of protecting private property rights across Texas.
TREPAC Accomplishments
Decades of legislative victories protecting Texas property owners and REALTORS®
Homestead Exemption Increase
Raised to $140,000 for most homeowners and $200,000 for those over 65 or disabled.
End of Subagency
Boosted consumer confidence and added transparency by ending subagency and requiring a written agreement before showings or offers.
Stronger Trespass Protections
Helps property managers maintain security with notice requirements and more substantial trespass penalties.
Historic Property Tax Reform
$18 billion relief package including a $100,000 homestead exemption, $12 billion to lower school tax rates, and a pilot program targeting rental housing and small businesses.
Private Property Rights - Right to Farm
Prohibited municipalities from enforcing overreaching regulations on property owners and reduced limitations on agricultural activity.
Real Estate Deeds Reform
Provided a simple option for property owners to remove unconstitutional covenants from their real estate deeds through their county clerk's office.
Condo Association Transparency
Required condo associations to make books and records open for owners or their representatives.
School Finance Reform
Updated the state's public school finance and property tax systems to lessen the burden on local taxpayers while increasing the state's investment.
Property Tax Reform
Gave taxpayers more information about how tax rates are set and changed the rollback rate from 8% to 3.5%, requiring voter approval to exceed it.
Home Equity Modernization
Reduced maximum home equity loan fees, allowed loans on some agricultural-classified residential properties, and provided refinancing options.
Accommodations in Property Appraisal Disputes
Allowed property owners to participate in valuation disputes via phone instead of in person.
2015 — Constitutional Amendment
Banned any tax on real estate transfers and increased the homestead exemption to $25,000. Repealed a $300 fee that double-taxed brokers.
2013 — Consumer Protection Laws
Enacted critical consumer-protection laws in the property-tax lending industry.
2011 — Private Transfer Fees
Eliminated most future private transfer fees on real estate transactions. Passed HOA-reform bills increasing homeowners' rights.
2009 — Defeated Real Estate Taxes
Defeated multiple proposals to tax real estate, including bills requiring a tax on every deed recorded by the county clerk.
2003 — Stopped Transfer Tax
Defeated a proposal that would have created a 1% real estate transfer tax on the sale or lease of all real property.
2001 — Defeated 8% Sales Tax
Killed legislation that would have levied an 8% sales tax on the sale of all real property — commercial, residential, farm, ranch, industrial, and raw land.
TREPAC Disclaimer
Contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions to the Texas REALTORS® Political Action Committee (TREPAC) and the Texas Association of REALTORS® Federal Political Action Committee (TAR FedPAC) — which makes contributions to the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) — are voluntary and may be used for political purposes. The amount indicated is merely a guideline, and you may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal, and the National Association of REALTORS®, Texas REALTORS®, and its local associations will not favor or disadvantage anyone because of the amount contributed. Until the RPAC annual goal is met, 70% of an individual's contribution goes to TREPAC and may be used to support state and local candidates; the remaining 30% is sent to TAR FedPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 52 U.S.C. 30116. After the RPAC annual goal is met, 100% of an individual's contribution goes to TREPAC. You may contact the Texas REALTORS® political committee administrator at 800-873-9155 for contribution information.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Your TREPAC investment protects property rights and homeownership for all Texans. Every dollar counts — invest today.