The Directors of the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (TBLS) recently announced that it appointed Stephenson Fournier partner Chris Hanno to its Real Estate Law Exam Commission. His three-year term runs from March 24, 2023, through February 1, 2026. Mr. Hanno will...
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Determining the value of oil and gas leases
The Texas energy industry has a rich and colorful past, with wildcat rigs out searching for oil and gas in the first half of the 20th century. Fortunes were made in the old days by gambling if there was oil or gas and how much. Technology has refined exploration...
Proper planning avoids partnership disputes
It is unfortunate that many partnerships are doomed from the start or run into trouble down the line. Problems often arise over differing philosophies regarding growth strategy, branding and culture. While different but complementary skill sets are an asset, some...
The origins of Texas’ business-friendly reputation
One of the major attractions of Texas to businesses across the US and the rest of the world is its low tax burden. While it is easy to see how lower tax liability is attractive, few investors wonder why Texas is like that. The history of taxes in Texas offers a...
Houston is the 3rd largest industrial market in the first half of 2021
On August 11th, Houston’s growth as an industrial player received national attention once again. Coming in at $1.93 billion in transactions, the city of Houston is the third-largest industrial real estate market in the country. The report also notes that Dallas came...
What makes a successful sub-development?
August 2022 expects to see the completion of a new housing development in Forney, Texas. What makes this development news noteworthy is that it represents a unique effort to stand out to prospective buyers by adding luxurious amenities such as, in this case, a massive...
Is now the time to sell a business?
With Congress' ongoing discussions about the federal budget, there could be significant changes to the tax code, possibly including increases in capital gains tax rates. If significant changes to the capital gains tax move forward, you may think 2021 is the right time...
Franchises Part 3: Fee structures and opening
Franchises are a shortcut to becoming a small business owner, in that it provides structure, a business plan and a marketing system. While you will be a part of a more extensive system, you will also be a business owner, and that means opening will require a great...
Is “urban sprawl” a development opportunity?
Many have mixed feelings on the concept of “urban sprawl.” Many critics highlight concerns of social and environmental issues closely tied to the origins of expanding suburban developments surrounding cities. However, in the reality of 2021, urban sprawl appears to be...
Why are people talking about a California-to-Texas business migration?
A recent article for the Dallas Morning News went to great lengths to explain the current trend of tech companies moving to Texas from California. Many attribute this trend to several reasons, such as: Favorable taxation policies for people and businesses Texas is...