Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — Edwards Abstract and Title Co. hosted its 22nd annual State of Real Estate Forum on March 5, 2026, bringing together real estate professionals, developers, and community leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley.
Mark A. Lewis, president of Edwards Abstract and Title Co., opened the event by welcoming attendees and thanking industry partners and staff. “Good morning, everyone, and thank you for being here,” Lewis said. “My name is Mark Lewis. I’m president of Edwards Abstract Company, and on behalf of our entire team, I’d like to welcome you to our 22nd annual State of Real Estate Forum.”
Lewis emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration in the industry. “Now more than ever, we recognize that you have many options. Your trust and loyalty mean everything to us, and we remain committed to earning that trust every single day,” he said. He also thanked the company’s underwriting partner, Stewart, and recognized Edwards Abstract team members attending the event.
Lewis said the forum provides an opportunity for professionals to exchange ideas and prepare for future industry developments. “This forum brings together leaders and professionals to share insights, strengthen relationships, and look ahead to what’s next for our industry,” he said before introducing Edwards Abstract CEO Byron Jay Lewis.
Byron Jay Lewis addressed the audience and noted the large turnout. “We have nearly 600 people here this morning, making this our largest State of Real Estate Forum to date,” he said. “That really speaks to the strength of this community and the value of coming together.”
Lewis said the event was created more than two decades ago to connect industry professionals and encourage collaboration across the Rio Grande Valley. “We started this Real Estate Forum more than two decades ago as a way to bring the industry together, to share ideas, and to strengthen the relationships that help move our region forward,” he said. He added that the forum helps participants gain perspective on economic conditions and the future of the regional market.
The keynote speaker was economist Dr. Ted Jones, who has participated in the forum for two decades. Byron Lewis described Jones as “a nationally recognized economist and a trusted voice in real estate” who has spent decades helping professionals understand economic forces affecting the market.
During his presentation, Jones discussed national economic conditions and their potential impact on real estate. He said the economy was in better condition than the previous year. He also discussed the growing energy demands associated with modern infrastructure, such as data centers, and expressed skepticism about the human role in climate change.
Jones raised concerns about federal debt and its economic impact. He said that for every new dollar of federal debt, the economy only saw about a 15-cent return. He also stressed the importance of domestic industrial and automotive manufacturing, stating that those sectors generate strong economic returns.
The presentation also addressed international trade and the economic relationship between the United States and Mexico, including the role of tariffs and cross-border commerce.
The event concluded with Byron Lewis thanking Jones for his continued participation in the forum and presenting him with an award recognizing 20 years of contributions to the annual event.
