Your Trusted Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Your Trusted Katy / Fulshear & Houston Commercial Real Estate Brokerage

Viking Enterprise LLC is part of eXp Commercial, an agent-led, cloud-based commercial real estate brokerage with agents across the globe.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

Looking to invest, buy, sell or lease? We can help.

OUR FEATURED TENANTS & CLIENTS

eXp Commercial - Viking Enterprise Team's real estate network provides unparalleled commercial real estate services to Tenants and Landlords around the Katy- Houston area. Our knowledge, experience, and reputation sets us apart from many firms.


A commercial property owner might have various plans that would necessitate the services of a commercial real estate broker. Some of the common scenarios include:

1. Selling the Property: If the owner decides itā€™s time to sell the property, a commercial real estate broker can help determine the market value, market the property effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price.

2. Leasing Space: For property owners looking to lease out part or all of their commercial space, a broker can help find suitable tenants, negotiate lease terms, and ensure the lease agreements meet all legal requirements and serve the ownerā€™s best interests.

3. Acquiring More Properties: Owners looking to expand their portfolio would benefit from a broker's knowledge of the market, access to listings, and negotiation skills to secure additional properties at favorable terms.

4. Property Management: While not all brokers offer this service, some commercial real estate brokers or their affiliates offer property management services. This can be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a hands-off approach or are managing properties from a distance.

5. Market Analysis: Owners considering future developments, renovations, or rebranding of their property might engage a broker for a comprehensive market analysis. This helps in understanding current market trends, the demand for different types of spaces, and potential returns on investment for various strategies.

6. Refinancing: In situations where a property owner is looking to refinance their property, a commercial real estate broker can provide valuable insights into the propertyā€™s current market value, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and even help in finding the best financing options.

7. Partnership or Investment Opportunities: Owners interested in exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or seeking investors for expansion or development projects might use a broker to find and vet potential partners or investors.

8. Consulting on Zoning and Use Changes: When contemplating a change in the use of the property or dealing with zoning issues, a broker with experience in local regulations and the specific property type can provide guidance and strategic planning assistance.

9. Exit Strategy Planning: For owners looking to plan an exit strategy from their investment, whether itā€™s through a strategic sale or a gradual winding down of operations, brokers can provide market insights, timing advice, and valuation services to optimize the exit process.

In any of these scenarios, the expertise and services provided by a commercial real estate broker can save the property owner time and money, while also providing access to a wider network of potential buyers, tenants, and industry professionals. Give us a call today!

Reviews

šŸ”šŸ¦ Exposing Houstonā€™s Real Estate Tax Loopholes! šŸ¦šŸ”

šŸ¢šŸ’ø Hidden Tax Breaks Cost Harris County Millions! šŸ’øšŸ¢

December 20, 2024ā€¢2 min read

šŸ¢šŸ’ø Hidden Tax Breaks Cost Harris County Millions! šŸ’øšŸ¢

 

šŸ”šŸ¦ Exposing Houstonā€™s Real Estate Tax Loopholes! šŸ¦šŸ”

Did you know landlords in Harris County are getting tax breaks that quietly strip $600 million from local tax rolls every year? Thatā€™s $10 million annuallyā€”gone from schools, police, and hospitalsā€”thanks to a loophole thatā€™s more of a ā€œget-rich-quickā€ scheme than a housing solution. Letā€™s break it down:

The Tax Break Loophole

Public Facility Corporations (PFCs) and Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs) were designed to create affordable housing. Sounds great, right? The problem is the term ā€œaffordableā€ is so loosely defined that it often means no actual rent reduction. Landlords get 100% property tax breaks, and local taxpayers pick up the tab.

Whatā€™s Happening in Harris County?

Three out-of-town agenciesā€”Cameron County, Pleasanton, and SH130 Municipal Management Districtā€”are teaming up with real estate investors to make at least 17 Harris County properties tax-free. Most of these deals happen in secret, without local officials knowing a thing.

Hereā€™s what it looks like:

  • Harris County loses $2.5 million annually just from these deals.

  • Developers use the tax breaks to inflate property values, flip them, and rake in profitsā€”like one developer who made $100 million on a quick sale.

  • Taxing entities like Harris County and the Houston Independent School District are left scrambling to fill the gap.

The Broader Impact

This loophole doesnā€™t just hurt Harris County; itā€™s a growing problem across Texas. State Rep. Gary Gates estimates there are hundreds of similar deals statewide. Some agencies even cold-call property owners, pitching tax exemptions as a way to boost profits without reducing rents.

Whatā€™s Being Done?

The Texas legislature banned ā€œtravelingā€ PFCs in 2023, but existing dealsā€”some lasting up to 99 yearsā€”remain untouched. Local leaders like Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey and County Attorney Christian Menefee are calling for investigations and legal action.

As Ramsey bluntly put it: ā€œThis isnā€™t about helping people find housing. Itā€™s about lining developersā€™ pockets while taxpayers foot the bill.ā€

The Road Ahead

The good news? People are fighting back. Activists, legal experts, and lawmakers are pushing for reforms to close loopholes and ensure that tax breaks actually benefit the communities they claim to help.

Itā€™s clear that Harris Countyā€”and Texas as a wholeā€”needs stricter accountability measures for these programs. Affordable housing is critical, but it shouldnā€™t come at the expense of local taxpayers and public services.

Letā€™s keep the conversation going and shine a light on these shady practices. Together, we can advocate for real solutions that truly serve our communities.

What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments! šŸ’¬

Iā€™m an experienced Commercial Real Estate Broker, please feel free to reach me at 281-222-0433.

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://www.tenantbase.com/advisors/bill-rapp/

https://buildout.com/plugins/3e7ef61d54725c99fd76ca1f4ae24a348c56a0d4/brokers/[email protected]

www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=mortgageviking

https://www.fastexpert.com/agents/bill-rapp-95118/

https://www.homelight.com/agents/bill-rapp-tx-595622?preview=t

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.smartbizloans.com/assist/partner/vikingenterprisellc/expcommercial

https://go.mypartner.io/referral-partner/?ref=001Qk00000JlNcfIAF

https://www.loopnet.ca/commercial-real-estate-brokers/profile/bill-rapp/pwp0fkrb

 

Ā© 2023-2024 Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team

harris county tax breaksPublic Facility Corporations (PFCs))Texas Real Estate loop holesHousing Finance Corporations (HFCs)houston property tax lossesAffordable housing tax exemptions
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clientsā€™ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specificā€™s businessā€™s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

eXp Commercial - Viking Enterprise team real estate network provides unparalleled commercial real estate services to Tenants and Landlords around the greater Katy & Houston MSA area. Our knowledge, experience, and reputation sets us apart from many firms.

A commercial property owner might have various plans that would necessitate the services of a commercial real estate broker. Some of the common scenarios include:

1. Selling the Property: If the owner decides itā€™s time to sell the property, a commercial real estate broker can help determine the market value, market the property effectively, and negotiate with potential buyers to get the best possible price.

2. Leasing Space: For property owners looking to lease out part or all of their commercial space, a broker can help find suitable tenants, negotiate lease terms, and ensure the lease agreements meet all legal requirements and serve the ownerā€™s best interests.

3. Acquiring More Properties: Owners looking to expand their portfolio would benefit from a broker's knowledge of the market, access to listings, and negotiation skills to secure additional properties at favorable terms.

4. Property Management: While not all brokers offer this service, some commercial real estate brokers or their affiliates offer property management services. This can be particularly appealing for owners who prefer a hands-off approach or are managing properties from a distance.

5. Market Analysis: Owners considering future developments, renovations, or rebranding of their property might engage a broker for a comprehensive market analysis. This helps in understanding current market trends, the demand for different types of spaces, and potential returns on investment for various strategies.

6. Refinancing: In situations where a property owner is looking to refinance their property, a commercial real estate broker can provide valuable insights into the propertyā€™s current market value, assist in gathering necessary documentation, and even help in finding the best financing options.

7. Partnership or Investment Opportunities: Owners interested in exploring partnerships, joint ventures, or seeking investors for expansion or development projects might use a broker to find and vet potential partners or investors.

8. Consulting on Zoning and Use Changes: When contemplating a change in the use of the property or dealing with zoning issues, a broker with experience in local regulations and the specific property type can provide guidance and strategic planning assistance.

9. Exit Strategy Planning: For owners looking to plan an exit strategy from their investment, whether itā€™s through a strategic sale or a gradual winding down of operations, brokers can provide market insights, timing advice, and valuation services to optimize the exit process.

In any of these scenarios, the expertise and services provided by a commercial real estate broker can save the property owner time and money, while also providing access to a wider network of potential buyers, tenants, and industry professionals. Give us a call today!

Find the perfect location for your business.

Let us help your business succeed.

šŸ”šŸ¦ Exposing Houstonā€™s Real Estate Tax Loopholes! šŸ¦šŸ”

šŸ¢šŸ’ø Hidden Tax Breaks Cost Harris County Millions! šŸ’øšŸ¢

December 20, 2024ā€¢2 min read

šŸ¢šŸ’ø Hidden Tax Breaks Cost Harris County Millions! šŸ’øšŸ¢

 

šŸ”šŸ¦ Exposing Houstonā€™s Real Estate Tax Loopholes! šŸ¦šŸ”

Did you know landlords in Harris County are getting tax breaks that quietly strip $600 million from local tax rolls every year? Thatā€™s $10 million annuallyā€”gone from schools, police, and hospitalsā€”thanks to a loophole thatā€™s more of a ā€œget-rich-quickā€ scheme than a housing solution. Letā€™s break it down:

The Tax Break Loophole

Public Facility Corporations (PFCs) and Housing Finance Corporations (HFCs) were designed to create affordable housing. Sounds great, right? The problem is the term ā€œaffordableā€ is so loosely defined that it often means no actual rent reduction. Landlords get 100% property tax breaks, and local taxpayers pick up the tab.

Whatā€™s Happening in Harris County?

Three out-of-town agenciesā€”Cameron County, Pleasanton, and SH130 Municipal Management Districtā€”are teaming up with real estate investors to make at least 17 Harris County properties tax-free. Most of these deals happen in secret, without local officials knowing a thing.

Hereā€™s what it looks like:

  • Harris County loses $2.5 million annually just from these deals.

  • Developers use the tax breaks to inflate property values, flip them, and rake in profitsā€”like one developer who made $100 million on a quick sale.

  • Taxing entities like Harris County and the Houston Independent School District are left scrambling to fill the gap.

The Broader Impact

This loophole doesnā€™t just hurt Harris County; itā€™s a growing problem across Texas. State Rep. Gary Gates estimates there are hundreds of similar deals statewide. Some agencies even cold-call property owners, pitching tax exemptions as a way to boost profits without reducing rents.

Whatā€™s Being Done?

The Texas legislature banned ā€œtravelingā€ PFCs in 2023, but existing dealsā€”some lasting up to 99 yearsā€”remain untouched. Local leaders like Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey and County Attorney Christian Menefee are calling for investigations and legal action.

As Ramsey bluntly put it: ā€œThis isnā€™t about helping people find housing. Itā€™s about lining developersā€™ pockets while taxpayers foot the bill.ā€

The Road Ahead

The good news? People are fighting back. Activists, legal experts, and lawmakers are pushing for reforms to close loopholes and ensure that tax breaks actually benefit the communities they claim to help.

Itā€™s clear that Harris Countyā€”and Texas as a wholeā€”needs stricter accountability measures for these programs. Affordable housing is critical, but it shouldnā€™t come at the expense of local taxpayers and public services.

Letā€™s keep the conversation going and shine a light on these shady practices. Together, we can advocate for real solutions that truly serve our communities.

What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments! šŸ’¬

Iā€™m an experienced Commercial Real Estate Broker, please feel free to reach me at 281-222-0433.

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/

https://www.commercialexchange.com/agent/653bf5593e3a3e1dcec275a6

http://expressoffers.com/[email protected]

https://www.tenantbase.com/advisors/bill-rapp/

https://buildout.com/plugins/3e7ef61d54725c99fd76ca1f4ae24a348c56a0d4/brokers/[email protected]

www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=mortgageviking

https://www.fastexpert.com/agents/bill-rapp-95118/

https://www.homelight.com/agents/bill-rapp-tx-595622?preview=t

https://www.houstonrealestatebrokerage.com/houston-cre-navigator

https://www.smartbizloans.com/assist/partner/vikingenterprisellc/expcommercial

https://go.mypartner.io/referral-partner/?ref=001Qk00000JlNcfIAF

https://www.loopnet.ca/commercial-real-estate-brokers/profile/bill-rapp/pwp0fkrb

 

Ā© 2023-2024 Bill Rapp, Broker Associate, eXp Commercial Viking Enterprise Team

harris county tax breaksPublic Facility Corporations (PFCs))Texas Real Estate loop holesHousing Finance Corporations (HFCs)houston property tax lossesAffordable housing tax exemptions
blog author image

Bill Rapp, CRE Broker

I am a Houston commercial broker, with residential experience, as well as a lending background. I have been in the real estate industry for 14 years and counting, and I have worked in many roles within the industry and each has given me a unique perspective of the industry as a whole. My dedication to clients is rooted in this industry knowledge, but also includes my desire to go the extra mile in networking to source off market opportunities for my clients. Me and my team at eXp Commercial have a cutting-edge technology package that gets the widest exposure for each transaction. eXp Commercial offers a nationwide network through which we can deliver the best exposure and professional advice to achieve our clientsā€™ goals while also minimizing their risk. Clients appreciate my methodical method of discovery in our initial consultation. Through which we can get to know each other and their specificā€™s businessā€™s needs and objectives on a granular level. Our processes help navigate each transaction and its potential pitfalls through to a successful outcome for our clients. It is my stated goal to provide our clients with extensive market analysis and expertise that fosters innovative solutions and rewarding commercial real estate opportunities.

Back to Blog

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Let us help your business succeed.

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Katy, TX 77494 USA


9600 Great Hills Trail, Suite 150w Austin, TX 78759 |
855.450.0324 xx255

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27815 Astoria Brook Ln

Katy, TX 77494 USA

901 S Mopac Expwy, Bldg 2, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78746 | 512.474.5557Texas Real Estate Commission

Consumer Protection Notice Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services Reliance Retail, LLC #603091

Texas RS, LLC #9003193 | RESOLUT RE Is Licensed In Louisiana #0995694083