The Texas housing market enjoyed a remarkable upswing in the middle of this decade. ; Home sales and building accelerated in 2004 as the state's economic engine revved up, generating strong population and employment growth. Historically low interest rates attracted new homebuyers, while the rise...

In both Texas and the U.S., existing-home sales have been rising since March 2009--due in part to a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers. The tax credit has also helped stimulate construction.