Nature of Land
Refers to the characteristics that define land, including economic and physical attributes.
Economic Characteristics
Include scarcity, improvements, permanence of investment, and area preference (situs).
Physical Characteristics
Include immobility, nonhomogeneity, and indestructibility of land.
Value
The present worth of a property’s future benefits, influenced by objective or subjective factors.
Price
The amount determined by the marketplace for a property.
Market
A place where goods and services are exchanged, establishing stable prices.
Supply
The amount of goods available at a given price in the market.
Demand
The quantity consumers are willing to purchase at a given price.
Factors Affecting Supply and Demand
Include population changes, wage and employment levels, construction costs, and government policy.
Price Movements
Occur when demand decreases (prices fall) or supply decreases (prices rise).
Business Cycles
Comprise four stages:Expansion, Recession, Depression, and Revival.
Real Estate Cycles
Parallel general business cycles but may not coincide exactly.
Real Estate Services
Include selling, leasing, appraisal, property inspection, development, financing, and urban planning.
Multi-Disciplinary Competence
Required in real estate due to its complex and competitive nature.
Property Classification
Categories include residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, special purpose, or mixed-use.
Broker Specialization
Many brokers focus on specific property types.
Legal Framework
Comprises sources of law including the U.S. Constitution, federal and state laws, state constitutions, local ordinances, and court decisions.
Federal and State Regulations
Expand on statutory law in real estate.
Real Estate Law in Texas
Influenced by English common law and Spanish law, governed by the Texas Real Estate License Act.
Texas Real Estate Commission
Oversees the implementation of real estate laws in Texas.
Professional Organizations
Help keep real estate professionals updated on industry practices.
Notable Organizations
Include the National Association of REALTORS®, Texas REALTORS®, and the American Society of Home Inspectors.