Podcast:Texas Talks Published On: Thu Dec 04 2025 Description: Texas housing is shifting fast — and in this in-depth interview, Texas Realtors Vice President of Governmental Affairs Tray Bates breaks down the real forces driving prices, affordability, and policy debates across the state. We cover the post-COVID market cooldown, interest-rate shocks, short-term rentals, global capital flowing into Texas development, and the growing “missing middle” problem affecting first-time buyers.Bates also explains the legislative fights ahead: property-tax reform, permitting delays, lot-size requirements, infrastructure bottlenecks, and the strategic plan Texas Realtors will take into the 90th Legislature. If you want a clear, candid, insider look at Texas real estate from someone who lives it every day, this conversation lays out exactly what’s happening and what comes next. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks Follow us on social mediaX: @Texas_DispatchInstagram: thetexasdispatchLinkedIn: The Texas DispatchTikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas DispatchYour source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism.https://thetexasdispatch.com