Everything Ted Jones said at the State of RGV Real Estate forum

MCALLEN, Texas - Houston-based real estate economist Ted C. Jones gives over 150 presentations a year on economic and real estate trends.

A fixture on his calendar is the annual Edwards Abstract & Title Company’s “State of the RGV Real Estate” forum. This year’s forum took place at the McAllen Convention Center. At the forum Jones pointed out that the Brownsville-Harlingen Metropolitan Statistical Area is one of the top performing MSAs in the nation.

Ryan Peterson, a realtor from McAllen, was impressed with Jones’ presentation. 

“I attended a discussion on the State of Real Estate led by economist Ted Jones, and the insights were truly eye-opening,” Peterson said, on social media.

Peterson highlighted some “key takeaways” that will impact market and investment strategies. He listed these three:

• Brownsville-Harlingen ranks as the 4th top-performing MSA in the nation
• McAllen MSA housing market is back to pre-pandemic levels. Home values have increased 46.9% from 2020 to 2024, even outpacing once-lucrative Austin.
• Commercial real estate is “coming back.” Timing and creativity will be key in navigating opportunities.

Peterson said he sees some challenges and opportunities ahead. He said these are:

• Interest rates: 6-8% is the new normal, with no major rate changes expected for 2-3 years.
• Housing affordability remains a concern, even as home values hold steady.
• Texas ranks 7th nationwide in the State Competitiveness Tax Index, but we are ranked 40th for the worst property tax rates. Ouch. 
• Industrial is picking up with new manufacturing.

So what is next, Peterson asked.

“Now is the time for creative real estate solutions. With vacant big-box spaces sitting idle, we must rethink adaptive reuse strategies. The capital markets freeze is starting to thaw, meaning new opportunities for those who are ready,” he said.

“The timing is everything—housing is stable, commercial is recovering, and smart investors are positioning themselves for the next wave of growth.”

Jones’ recognized specialty is applied real estate research and he has completed numerous mass-appeal assignments. He is a past board member of the National, Texas, and Houston Association of Realtors. 

The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service was present to record Jones’ absorbing presentation. Here it is: