By Tara Jordan   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

What was the most visited website of 2010? Facebook, according to a recent release from Experian Hitwise. Facebook exceeded Google not only as the top visited website, but also as the most searched item of the year. Here are additional statistics as reported by Facebook:

• There are more than 500 million active users
• 50% of those active users log in every day
• The average user has 130 friends
• People spend more than 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook
• There are more than 900 million objects that interact with pages, groups and events
• The average user is connected to 80 community pages
• The average user posts about 90 pieces of content each month
• There are more than 30 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) shared each month.
• Facebook is integrated with over 200 million websites, including 80 of comScore’s U.S. Top 100 websites
• More than 200 million users access Facebook from mobile devices and those mobile users are twice as active

According to iStrategeylabs, of the top 10 U.S. metropolitan areas, Houston saw the second largest growth of Facebook users, growing 66.1% from 2010 to 2011, less than 1% behind Chicago at 66.8% growth. The demographic group with the most growth was college students, up 233.6% in one year and the fastest growing demographic group joining Facebook was age 18-24.  And, according to the 2010 NAR Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers, the largest group of homebuyers was first-time home buyers aged 25-34, accounting for 56% of buyers. A study by e-Marketer shows there are more than 206.2 million internet users just in the U.S. That means 71.2% of that Web audience is active on Facebook. And the 2010 NAR Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers shows that in the last three years, 90% of homebuyers used the Internet.

So Facebook speaks for itself with its growing popularity and use, but how can real estate professionals incorporate it into their businesses and how can they generate a real return on their investment? Here are some tips:

TIME
The biggest cost of Facebook is time. It would then make sense to monitor the amount of time spent on Facebook and perhaps incorporate that into your daily schedule so that it is easier to maintain, track and account. Perhaps consider setting aside 30 minutes in the morning and/or 30 minutes in the evening, for example.  

BE CONSISTENT
You have probably come across “friends” that constantly post about things that don’t matter and you probably have also come across “friends” that flood you with business mentions or opportunities. Don’t be that “friend.” A good mix may be one business-related post to every four personal posts. Also be consistent. Since peak Facebook traffic times are studied to be around 9 a.m., post regularly at that time or consider something like “Tara’s Tuesday Tip?”

ENGAGE
Acknowledge that Facebook is an opportunity for you to easily and very inexpensively reconnect with past friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances, neighbors, etc. The 2010 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows that 48% of home buyers found their agent through the referral of a friend or family member and 87% of them would use or recommend their agent again in the future. Facebook can be a great way to stay in touch with clients and for them to recommend you as well. As in any other relationship, you must engage with your “friends.” That means stay in touch, ask questions, make posts that are engaging, and also take time to respond to others and their posts. Remember, you are creating a relationship.

BE YOURSELF
While there are many marketing companies that offer to maintain and manage your Facebook account, instead be you. If you are not authentic, how can you create a relationship? Even if it is your business or fan page, you must be you. 

ADVANCED TIPS
For those of you more seasoned with Facebook, generating leads and establishing or re-establishing relationships, contemplate other pages for such issues as: 

• Community
• City interests
• County
• History
• Subdivisions
• Area

Like your personal Facebook page, be careful not to push your business. Consider that like any other special interest group or charity work: business is a bi-product of your volunteering efforts.

For those most Facebook advanced, consider Facebook Ads. They have and are becoming increasingly popular and effective. You are able to target a specific status, location or demographic. Facebook Ads is on par with Google AdWords, cost-per-lead, cost-per-customer and cost-per-click advertising. Here is the example Facebook uses: 

“Over 12 months, CM Photographics generated nearly $40,000 in revenue directly from a $600 advertising investment on Facebook. Of the Facebook users who were directed to CM Photographics’ website from the ads, 60% became qualified leads and actively expressed interest in more information.” The ad read “Recently Engaged? CM Photographics would love to be a part of your event. Mention this ad for $500 off.” The ad was targeted at an audience that had just changed their Facebook status to “engaged.”

HAR offers Facebook101, Advanced Social Media and a Social Media Designation. For more information, please visit: www.har.com/edu

By Carlos P. Bujosa   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

There are many things that we all want but far fewer that we need. One of those needs for HAR members though is our real estate license obtained through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). After a system upgrade, TREC had some problems with the database, which caused some delays for license renewals. The good people at TREC have streamlined the process somewhat and are taking steps to fix the problem as quickly as possible.

With more than 500 million active users on Facebook, anyone looking for business would have to consider the social media site as a prime location.  As the saying goes, “fish where the fish are.”  That being said, many still have difficulty figuring out how to monetize or generate business from being active on Facebook.

Speaking of generating business, the ubiquitous nature of the Internet offers many opportunities for REALTORS®, but it also means that some MLS rules and guidelines need to be addressed in light of the Internet. One such rule is the prohibition for one agent or broker to advertise another broker’s listing without their prior written consent. The IDX rules can become confusing so read more about it to help clarify what you can and cannot do.

One of the highlights of the commercial real estate year is the annual CCIM Forecast Competition, which will be held on February 25.  It’s a great event that provides useful information and some healthy competition for our commercial agents. Plus, you can receive four hours of MCE credit. I hope you’ll attend this event to hear the latest and greatest about Houston commercial real estate.

As with any organization, one of the primary on-going issues is succession planning and leadership development. HAR has addressed this by offering the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP) each year. It is a limited enrollment program but offers so many opportunities and benefits for those who are accepted. You will have the chance to hear from political, business and community leaders and learn more about the greater Houston area.

Finally, and possibly most importantly, all of our residential members visit the Members Only site probably more than anywhere else on HAR.com. HAR redesigned the site to be cleaner and more modern and began a transition period at the beginning of December 2010, with the plan to switch everyone over to the new design by the deadline of January 31, 2011.  Make sure you are familiar with the new site since you have now likely been switched over to it. Fortunately, we will be having a webinar to help you with the new site.

As you can tell, HAR is starting off the new year with a bang. As always, make sure to let us know if there’s ever anything we can do to help you in your business.

May you have a prosperous February.

By Rita Klein   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Due to its overwhelming success, the Houston Association of REALTORS® will once again offer the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP). This nine-month program has been created specifically for those who wish to further themselves as a leader both personally and professionally.

The mission of the TRLP is to develop community and organizational leaders to become contributors to their community and their businesses and enrich their personal and professional lives. Participants will learn about their communication skills, how to lead a team and work within a team, understand multi-cultures, and how to grow their real estate business while learning about their community, government, and business partners.

The leadership program offers participants the opportunity to meet other motivated leaders and to share intensive learning experience that focuses on community issues and leadership skills. The purpose is to prepare the next generation of REALTORS® to meet future challenges. The program provides participants with lectures, seminars, guest speakers, group discussions and leadership exercises that address vital issues affecting REALTORS®.

To graduate from the leadership program, REALTORS® are expected to attend ALL full-day sessions.  (Dates are tentative and will be confirmed before program begins.)
Session 1 – March 24-25, 2011
Learning to Lead (Overnight Retreat held in Galveston)
Session 2 – April 21, 2011
Understanding Your Style of Leadership
Session 3 – May 26, 2011
Key Lessons in Leadership & Business Planning
Session 4 – June 23, 2011
Leadership across Differences
Session 5 – July 21, 2011   
Spokesperson Training
Session 6 – August 18, 2011
Time Management, Balance and Renewal
Session 7 – September 22, 2011
Law, Legislature and Leadership (Austin Bus Trip)
Session 8 – October 20, 2011
H-Town Day
Session 9 – November 4, 2011
Graduation, Evaluation & Feedback

Are you interested in being part of the Leadership Program offered at the Houston Association of REALTORS®?

The program costs $495 and is limited to 24 participants. Payment is NOT due until the first session and may be broken down into installments. You must complete an application, which is available by contacting the HAR Training and Member Profitability Department at (713) 629-1900 ext. 263 or online at www.har.com/membertraining under the Leadership Program tab titled “Get Involved.” Applications must be received by Friday, February 25, 2011. All completed applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Selection Task Force for approval.  

Questions?
Please call Rita Klein at (713) 629-1900 ext. 263 or e-mail her at Rita@har.com.

By Rita Klein   Mon, Jan 31, 2011

More clients.
Better results for your clients.
Better results for yourself.

That is what you can count on with higher-level negotiation skills! 

Negotiation training is one of the most important focus areas for every successful business. Many leading universities and colleges have negotiation training programs for undergraduate and graduate students, and many companies offer negotiation training in the corporate world. The Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI) is now the leading negotiation training company in the real estate industry.

As in other businesses, negotiation skills are fundamental to real estate success.  Many agents recognize the need for higher-level negotiation skills to deliver better results for their clients. In addition, more advanced negotiation skills help protect clients throughout the home buying/selling process.  And improved results and protection for clients naturally leads to better results for agents! 

Based on the very positive feedback from thousands of agents after taking our groundbreaking “Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®)” designation course, the Real Estate Negotiation Institute is proud to announce the premier negotiation training program in real estate: Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE®).

To earn the MCNE® designation agents must complete the following six courses:
•    Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®) designation course (2-days)
•    Advanced Negotiation Techniques for Listing Agents (1-day)
•    Advanced Negotiation Techniques for Buyer’s Agents (1-day)
•    Mastering Email Negotiations in Real Estate (1-day)
•    Cultural Factors in Real Estate Negotiations (3 hours)
•    Negotiating Across Generations in Real Estate (3 hours)

After successfully completing the MCNE® test, agents are certified by RENI and can advertise to clients that they are truly among the best-trained negotiators in real estate!  And, since negotiation is also a life skill, agents can use their negotiation skills in other areas of life too!

This comprehensive negotiation-training program, designed exclusively for the real estate industry, will help real estate professionals to:
•    Develop a negotiation methodology to use in all negotiations
•    Strategically plan negotiations for better outcomes
•    Persuade others more effectively
•    Confidently handle highly competitive hard-bargainers
•    Negotiate more successfully in writing
•    Handle cultural factors that can make or break negotiations
•    Communicate better across generations
•    Market/advertise unique skills to potential clients

In just three years, almost 1200 agents in Texas have taken the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®) 2-day course, including about 500 from the Houston area. In November of this year, Greenwood King hosted the CNE® seminar for more than 90 of their agents. After the seminar, Lorraine Abercrombie of Greenwood King reported, “Our agents have done nothing but rave about the CNE® training!”

The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is very proud to have HAR as a sponsor of our negotiation training. All six courses for the MCNE® designation program will be offered twice in 2011 at HAR. Tom Hayman, Co-Founder, and CEO of RENI states, “Texas sets the bar for real estate agents across the country. It has been a pleasure collaborating with HAR and I am thrilled to be bringing the entire MCNE® program to HAR agents!  And it is quite possible that the very first MCNE® agent in the country will be from HAR!”

Sign up today to earn your CNE or MCNE!

Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE)

• March 3-4, 2011 OR September 20-21, 2011
• Both sessions will be held at HAR Central
• Cost is $199
• Approved for 9 hours of MCE (09-00-041-7976)

MCNE Electives (Each session is one day)

Advanced Negotiations for Buyers
April 25, 2011 OR October 24, 2011
MCE Pending (Proposed for 6 hours)

Advanced Negotiation for Sellers
April 26 2011 OR October 25, 2011
MCE Pending (Proposed for 6hours)

Negotiations: Generational & Cultural Factors
May 19, 2011 OR November 17, 2011
Approved for 6 hours of MCE

Mastering Email Negotiations in Real Estate
May 20, 2011 OR November 18, 2011
Approved for 6 hours of MCE

All elective classes will be held HAR Central • Cost is $99 per day

*Discounts available for those who purchase the entire MCNE program or elective days all at once.  This discount is only available by contacting the HAR Training Department directly.

MCNE Package Price:  *$495 ($595 if purchased separately)
Elective Package Price: * $349 ($396 if purchased separately) 

• Bundle discounts are available by registering directly through the Training Department at (713) 629-1900 ext. 370.
• Independent Course Registration is available online at www.har.com/edu

By Carlos P. Bujosa   Mon, Jan 31, 2011

By David Mendel   Tue, Feb 01, 2011

The Houston real estate market put the wraps on 2010 with signs of improvement despite six consecutive months of declining sales. Prices of single-family homes across Greater Houston continued their upward march in December while sales volume sustained the smallest reduction since the declines began last July following expiration of the homebuyer tax credit.  The average price achieved an all-time high for a December in Houston and the second highest level for all of 2010.

According to the latest monthly data compiled by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR), December sales of single-family homes throughout the Houston market slipped 3.9 percent when compared to December 2009. Positive sales activity was recorded in three of the five segments of the housing market, with the $150,000 to $250,000 segment experiencing its first growth since last May.

Luxury home sales again helped push the latest pricing gains. The average price of a single-family home edged up 2.2 percent from December 2009 to $221,613 while the December single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—rose 4.0 percent from one year earlier to $157,500.

Foreclosure property sales reported in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) declined 14.3 percent in December compared to one year earlier. Foreclosures comprised 20.1 percent of all property sales in December, remaining consistent with the levels they held for much of 2010. The median price of December foreclosures fell 7.8 percent to $82,750 on a year-over-year basis.

December sales of all property types in Houston totaled 5,131, down 3.0 percent compared to December 2009. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month was basically flat at $1.08 billion.

"We need to carefully watch how the Houston real estate market performs over the next couple of months before being able to truly determine how 2011 might pan out, but the December report contains encouraging signs," said Carlos P. Bujosa, HAR chairman and VP at Transwestern. "A slowdown in declining sales and improvement in pending sales bode well for real estate, however rising oil prices and concerns about the employment landscape are also factors to consider as we look ahead. Mortgage interest rates are edging up, and that might spur prospective homebuyers into making purchases earlier in the year."

2010 Annual Market Comparison

The Houston housing market concluded calendar year 2010 with strengthened pricing compared to 2009 and declines of 5.7 percent in single-family home sales and 4.6 percent in total property sales. On a year-to date basis, the average price climbed 4.0 percent to $211,765 while the median price edged up 0.6 percent to $153,990. Total dollar volume for full-year 2010 dipped 1.2 percent to $12.3 billion compared to full year 2009.

December Monthly Market Comparison
The month of December brought Houston’s overall housing market mixed results when all listing categories are compared to December of 2009. Total property sales declined slightly, total dollar volume was basically unchanged, and the average and median prices of single-family homes rose.

Month-end pending sales for December totaled 2,821, up 4.5 percent from last year, signaling the possibility of improved demand when the January figures are tabulated. December’s figure was an improvement from November’s 5.8 percent decline in pending sales and the 23.2 percent and 7.2 percent drops the market suffered in October and September, respectively.  The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of December rose 13.5 percent to 49,005 compared to December 2009. Ongoing growth in available inventory combined with declining sales volume pushed December’s inventory of single-family homes to 7.2 months compared to 5.7 months one year earlier. However, the figure is the lowest it has been since May 2010 and remains favorable compared to the national inventory of single-family homes of 9.5 months reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

Single-Family Homes Update
December sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 4,301, down 3.9 percent from December 2009 and a dramatic improvement after a decline of 22.0 percent in November 2010. This marks the sixth monthly decline in sales volume following four consecutive months of accelerated sales attributed largely to the tax credit.

Broken out by segment, December sales of homes priced below $80,000 increased 9.2 percent; sales of homes in the $80,000- $150,000 range tumbled 14.2 percent; sales of homes between $150,000 and $250,000 were up 3.3 percent— the first increase that segment has recorded since May 2010; sales of homes ranging from $250,000-$500,000 slid 6.3 percent; and sales of homes that make up the luxury market—priced from $500,000 and up— rose 8.3 percent.

The average price of single-family homes in December was $221,613, up 2.2 percent compared to one year earlier.  at is the highest level recorded for a December in Houston and the second highest for all of 2010. At $157,500, the median sales price for single-family homes increased 4.0 percent versus December 2009, achieving its highest level for a December in Houston. The national single-family median price reported by NAR is $171,300, illustrating the continued higher value and lower cost of living that consumers enjoy in Houston.

HAR also breaks out the sales performance of existing and new single-family homes throughout the Houston market. Existing home sales in December 2010 were unchanged from one year earlier. The average sales price edged up 1.9 percent to $202,036 compared to last year, while the median sales price of $145,000 climbed 6.6 percent.

The average price reached its highest level since June 2008, rising for the first time since May 2010 to $171,206 compared to December 2009. The median price of a townhouse/condominium also rose for the first time since May 2010, climbing 14.3 percent to $140,000—the highest level since June 2009.

Lease Property Update
Demand for single-family home rentals rose 26.8 percent in December compared to one year earlier. Year-over-year townhouse/condominium rentals increased 25.5 percent.

Houston Real Estate Milestones in December
• At $221,613, the average price of a single-family home reached the second highest level of 2010 and an all-time high for a December in Houston;

• At $157,500, the median price of a single-family home also reached the highest level recorded for a December in Houston;

• At $171,206, the average price of a townhouse/condominium reached the highest level since June 2008;

• At $140,000, the median price of a townhouse/condominium reached the highest level since June 2009;

• 7.2 months inventory of single-family homes is the lowest level in Houston since May 2010 and compares favorably to the national average of 9.5 months.

By Rob Cook   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Our charge every year as the Houston Association of REALTORS^®' leadership has been to improve the professionalism of our REALTORS^®. One of the best ways to achieve this is to hold our members accountable by self-policing, utilizing our REALTOR^® Code of Ethics as a guide. However REALTORS^® who must cooperate and work with each other are reticent to file a complaint against their peers for fear of retribution. On June 4, 2010, The Texas Association of REALTORS^® passed the Citation Policy that became effective January 1, 2011. First passed and tested in California, the Citation Policy allows REALTORS^® to file an ethics complaint against another REALTOR^® anonymously. The complaint is filed with absolutely no identification of the complainant, and TAR or HAR staff will not seek their identity. The new policy will prove to be a vastly improved process that under the previous policies could take six months or more.

The articles of the Realtor® Code of Ethics which can be considered under this new policy will be restricted to articles; 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 14 and 16. (See schedule on page 13.) The alleged violation, the article under which the complaint is based, and sufficient documentation must be provided to the Grievance Tribunal. If any other article of the code is in the complaint, it will not qualify under the Citation Policy and will go through the usual grievance process. Providing that there was sufficient evidence, the citation will be sent to the respondent, and they will have 15 days from receipt to accept the citation and then 60 days to pay the fine and complete any required education or they may ask for a full tribunal to hear the case. If there is not sufficient evidence or it is considered frivolous by the tribunal, the case will be dismissed. In the event the respondent chooses to have a standard tribunal hearing, the Grievance Tribunal becomes the complainant, which maintains the anonymity of the original complainant.

Fine schedules are established and for the first offense it is $300 plus additional ethics training; the second offense will be $600; a third offense will be $900; and any member committing four offenses within a 36-month period will be required to go through the standard professional standards process. If a citation is accepted yet not paid the member is subject to suspension from the REALTOR^® Association and MLS to which they belong.

Although this policy seems Draconian in nature, it is up to us to clean up our industry. Most REALTORS^® want to do the right thing, and reporting unethical behavior will improve the quality of service as well as the image of our industry. This new policy will be simple, anonymous and swift, which will be a marked improvement over the existing cumbersome procedure which requires coordinating parties, volumes of paper and months for resolution.

This new Citation Policy linked with HAR agent ratings is about agent accountability and can only result in a more professional, educated and ethical agent community; what our buyers and sellers not only want, but deserve.

By Rozlyn Crew   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

It was standing room only on January 6 when NRG hosted its much anticipated luncheon at The Federal Reserve Bank on Allen Parkway near downtown Houston. The event was hallmarked by the first 2011 Economic Forecast developed by Ted Jones, PhD, Chief Economist for Stewart Title.
 
Among the most important of generally positive statistics for Houston is job growth. “While the rest of the US continues to suffer significant job losses, Houston has seen a 10 percent increase which is likely to continue through 2011,”  said Dr. Jones.

Click here to view photos from the event.

“Dr. Jones is a highly respected economic forecaster. With positive news on jobs and the improving economic news in other sectors, it’s looking like it could be a good year for Houston’s REALTORS®,” added Tiffany Curry, 2011 NRG Chair.
 
The luncheon attendees enjoyed another treat. They were given a private tour of the bank, featuring the massive six story, fully automated vault that holds an average of $65 million dollars in cash on any given day. (The tour was from the outside, looking in.)
 
The most asked question was… ‘do they give out samples?’ and the answer is yes!  Each of HAR’s guests received a free sample of money…the kind that’s shredded every day and then bottled up as souvenirs by the folks at Goodwill Industries.

By David Mendel   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Q:  What were the circumstances that first brought you in to HAR?

A:  I joined the Association in 1956. It was the Board of REALTORS® back then and I was just out of the University of Texas. I was encouraged to join by Charlie Bell who was [HAR President and CEO] Bob Hale’s predecessor at that time, through my dad who was an associate member of the Board. He was head of the real estate department at Humble Oil. The Board at that time was very aggressive from a standpoint of seeking new members. You had to have two existing members endorse you and sign your application in order to be processed by the committee.

Q:  How different was the structure of the Board back then?

A:  At that time the membership was bifurcated in that you had REALTOR® members, brokers, sales associates who were members of the Board and the state association, but not members of the national Association, so they really couldn’t call themselves REALTORS®. Then there were associate members who were not members. They were title company people or like my dad who was sort of in the business but not specifically in the brokerage business and not builders or developers. And then there were affiliate members, and affiliate members were associate members that paid more money.

Q:  What are some of the highlights of your real estate career?

A: It was a proud day when I got my REALTOR® pin, which was the old logo background of a high rise and a community with five stars on it which was for the five members that I had been successful in recruiting.

In 1975, I was President of TAR. I am the only President that ever won in an election by the floor. Usually you go Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, First Vice President, President. I went Regional Vice President, 1st Vice President, President. I skipped those two steps in there. I stood up and said, “Gentlemen, I will agree to withdraw my name from nomination on one condition and that is that you can stand there and look me in the eye and tell me I’m not qualified.” So we went to the floor and we won with 89 percent of the vote.

Then I went on to be Chairman of the Legislative Committee. And in the Committee, under Bud Miller, I came up with the idea to create the Real Estate Research Center. I had the privilege of serving as the initial Chairman. Tony Meeks, who was our Director of Education, had a friend who was on the faculty at A&M and he said, “Why don’t we go meet with this friend of mine at A&M and see if A&M would embrace the program.” Pat explained what we were trying to do and he said, “We will back you 100 percent and would love to have that at Texas A&M.” It was a marriage made in heaven.

One of my highlights the year I was chairman was when we had a legislative dinner in the Washington building and I was seated next to a relatively young congressman from Wyoming named Dick Cheney. We remained good friends because he was good friends with Al Abrams, who was the staff person that we hired to be our first Vice President to be in charge of political affairs for NAR.

I also had the privilege of being involved with the REALTORS®’ National Marketing Institute – the CCIM. I was President of the CCIM and was part of the faculty that taught the first CCIM portion in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I traveled all around the country teaching those programs. It was something I enjoyed doing and that was very parallel with my business which was commercial here in Houston.

I know that one of the highlights during my year as President of NAR was when we invited President Ronald Reagan to speak to our group. We met in the Oval Office with President Reagan and Elizabeth Dole, who was his Chief of Staff. Then when we concluded our meeting, we got in the presidential limousine and drove from the White House to the Hilton Hotel. It was a year and a day after he had been shot at the very same hotel.

Q:  What advice would you offer a new member who’s starting a career in real estate?

A: Conduct your life with integrity, be honest in your dealings, work hard, understand that your client is the one that is paying you and that you serve. It is only through superior service that you are not only going to get paid for this transaction, but be paid for subsequent transactions.  

Houston REALTOR® will visit with another HAR Past President in the March 2011 edition.

By   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

On October 14, more than 600 people attended the Ninth Annual Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation (NOMF) Luncheon at The Westin Galleria. This was a very successful luncheon, enabling the foundation to impact the community with energy and enthusiasm and raise awareness about breast cancer. 

Click here to see photos from the event.

At the luncheon, the foundation donated $100,000 equally divided among the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM). Eileen Campbell, President of the Board of Directors for the Komen Houston Affiliate and Dr. Thomas Westbrook from the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at BCM accepted the generous check on behalf of their organizations. This brings the grand total of monies donated by the foundation from 2002 through 2010 to $940,000! 

The luncheon opened with a commemorative video, which celebrated the life of Nancy Owens and the continued success of the foundation that was created in Owens’ name and honor.  Vocalist Leigh Shipman performed a beautiful rendition of the song, “Call the Man,” while accompanied by pianist Alan Sexton as the video played.

Amy Bernstein, Chairwoman of NOMF, spoke about the foundation’s continued commitment to raising additional funds throughout the year through the Foundation’s First Annual Golf Tournament, Pink & Blue Jean Day and Cocktails for the Cure. 

The foundation is extremely fortunate to have community-wide support and during the luncheon, Bernstein gave several accolades. The foundation is particularly grateful to Mike Huff with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - Anderson Properties for his generosity in creating the new Diamond level sponsorship (a $15,000 contribution) this year. Bernstein also thanked Jennifer Hernandez at Patriot Bank Mortgage who generously donated at the Platinum level (a $10,000 contribution). The foundation is also appreciative of the Houston Chronicle, the Media Sponsor and to the Houston Association of REALTORS®, the Professional Sponsor, for their continued support.

This year, the foundation presented sixteen companies with the “Spirit of Giving Award” to honor contributors who have shown philanthropic commitment to the foundation with each company giving more than $20,000 over the past eight years. The recipients included Alamo Title Company – Post Oak & San Felipe, Bernstein Realty, Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate - Anderson Properties, Chicago Title Insurance Company, Fidelity Title Company, Greenwood King Properties, Heritage Texas Properties, Houston Association of REALTORS®, Houston Chronicle, John Daugherty, Realtors, Katherine Stewart, Mark Cady with Flagstone Lending, Maxine Myers, Old Republic Title Company of Houston, Patriot Bank and Stewart Title. 

In May, the foundation held its first annual “Swing for the Cure” Golf Tournament at Sweetwater Country Club raising over $10,000. In June, the foundation held its annual “Pink & Blue Jean Day,” where friends, families, real estate, title, and mortgage companies came together to raise over $7,000. Participants later gathered for “Cocktails for the Cure,” at Goode’s Armadillo Palace where entertainment was donated by the Big Al Bettis Band. 

The guest speaker for the luncheon was Allen Wilson. As a two-time male breast cancer survivor, Allen’s mission is very clear: to disseminate that this is not “just a girl’s club” and that the breast cancer battle is one of early detection, perseverance and hope! Allen comes to the foundation by way of the Houston Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. There he serves on the local board and has been one of the leading personal fundraisers for the past seven years. Additionally, he is currently a Commercial Insurance Broker and the Senior Vice President at GEM Insurance here in Houston.  

The foundation is thrilled to have cultivated a relationship with BCM, and Thomas Westbrook, Ph.D., provided the annual “Update from the Lab” for luncheon guests. Dr. Westbrook’s laboratory develops and applies genome-technology enabling researchers to rapidly test the functional role of all genes in human cancers, thus replacing the traditional one-gene-at-a-time approach. 

Thomas Westbrook, Ph.D. at BCM will receive half of the 2010 proceeds for his genome-technology research. Pilot studies employing this technology have identified genes that breast cancer cells depend on for their aggressive behavior, and have shown that inhibiting these genes severely impairs breast cancer progression. This ground-breaking approach is paving the way to the next generation of treatment for breast cancer, moving toward truly personalized medicine for every patient.

Another highlight at this year’s luncheon was the presentation of the “Nancy Owens Spirit of Courage Award,” which reflects the courage of an extraordinary individual in the community who has fought the battle against cancer and won. This year’s award was presented to Mary Parker. Mary, very much humbled by this honor, spoke briefly about her personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and thanked all her family and friends who guided her through the journey. Mary received a beautiful Waterford Guardian Angel. Two of the past award recipients, Sharon Dreyer and Nancy Elizabeth Garfield, were in attendance.

At the conclusion, Amy Bernstein asked all breast cancer survivors, cancer survivors, and individuals touched by cancer to stand as the foundation’s own “Stand Up to Cancer” tribute to the fact that we will find a cure.
                           
Attendees had several opportunities to support the foundation by purchasing raffle tickets, bidding on silent auction items, purchasing pink pashminas, and buying umbrellas with the NOMF logo or remembrance ribbon engraved business card holders. A very special thank you was given to those who generously donated items and their services.

The Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation was created in memory of Nancy Owens, a much loved and well respected icon in the Houston real estate industry. Owens lost her courageous 20-year battle with breast cancer in September 2001. One of Owens’ final wishes, if she had survived her battle with cancer, was to dedicate a large part of her life to the fight against breast cancer and the continued advancement of its research towards finding a cure. It is that very dream that lives on today.

The foundation’s planning committee is made up of Nancy’s close friends, whose tireless efforts, dedication and love of Nancy has been the driving force behind the success of the foundation. The committee members are: Amy Bernstein, Brent Blaikie, Cheri Fama, Debera Fontenot, Gail Evans, Gloria Moorman, Irby Rozelle, Katherine Stewart, Kimberly Davis, Lynn Mather, Mary Piper, Mariella Massa, Peggie Kohnert, Robin Mueck, Terri Guerra, and Vicki Fullerton.  

The Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation exemplifies how professionals in all aspects of the community can band together for a common cause and make a difference! For more information or to make a donation, please call 713-932-1032 ext. 155 or visit www.NancyOwens.org.

By Shawn Dauphine   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Many brokers and agents are unaware that MLS rules prohibit advertising another broker’s listing on Internet websites like Craigslist.com, Facebook.com, Postlets.com or any other third party website, without the listing brokers’ permission. While MLS rules do provide a framework that allows a broker to advertise other brokers; active listings on their own real estate brokerage website (MLS Rule 18 – IDX), this authorization is not extended to advertising listings on third party websites or advertising listings in printed materials, even if credit is given to the listing firm.

Advertising another broker’s listing is strictly limited to display on a brokerage website that is owned and operated by the broker advertising the property. Agents are also permitted to display other firms’ listings on their real estate websites in accordance with MLS IDX rules, specifically rule 18.3.4 which allows agents to display other firms’ listings by utilizing the free HAR provided IDX search solution, an authorized IDX provider, or by framing their broker’s public real estate website. If a broker or agent chooses to advertise another firm’s listings on their own real estate website, it is recommended they review all the  guidelines in MLS rule 18 that define how the listing content is to be displayed.

2.7 Advertising of Listing Filed with Multiple: Advertising of any listing by a Participant, other than the listing Participant, is permissible only with the consent of the listing Participant.

18.  IDX Defined (Internet Data Exchange): IDX affords MLS Participants (principal broker) the option of authorizing display of their listings on other participants’ Internet Web sites.

18.1 Authorization: Participants’ consent for display of their listings by other participants pursuant to these rules and regulations is presumed unless a participant affirmatively notifies the MLS that the participant refuses to permit display (either on a blanket or on a listing-by-listing basis). If a participant refuses on a blanket basis to permit the display of that participant’s listings, that participant may not download or frame the aggregated MLS data of other participants. Even where participants have given blanket authority for other participants to display their listings on IDX sites, such consent may be withdrawn on a listing-by-listing basis as instructed by the seller.

18.2 Participation: Participation in IDX is available to all MLS participants who are REALTORS® and who consent to display of their listings by other participants.

18.3.4 Non-principal brokers and sales licensees affiliated with IDX participants may display information available through IDX on their own websites subject to their participant’s consent and control and the requirements of state law and/or regulation by framing such information on (1) the association’s public access website, (2) through any MLS data licensee authorized to provide websites to Subscribers or (3) their Broker’s public access website with the permission of the Broker.

18.2.1 – 18.3.13 Provide guidelines to the operation of the IDX website and display of listing content.

By Taqi Rizvi   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

The new Map Search functionality gives the user a more interactive searching experience by taking advantage of their monitor’s full-screen resolution. With the added map size, Map Search has improved its polygon functionality. After creating a polygon, the user may now move, close or refresh the listings inside their polygon with new map controls. This polygon functionality allows users to scour the greater Houston area for their new home more efficiently.

We have also extended the full screen functionality to the Map Search in Tempo MLS. REALTORS® can access the full screen Map Search by clicking on the ‘Map’ icon on a listing in Tempo.

To begin using the Map Search tool, go to www.har.com/MapSearch or from the ‘Find a Home’ page, click on the Map Search section. Your feedback is important to us, so please let us know what you think by e-mailing us at feedback@har.com.

By Bridget Crowley, CIPS   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Working with foreign buyers and sellers may be different from what you are accustomed to in your normal course of real estate practice. In many cultures throughout the world such as India, Egypt and other portions of the middle-east and Asia, business is highly personal. Most business meetings will start slowly and involve extended inquiries into topics such as your travel and well being. Your clients will want to develop a personal relationship with you, their chosen professional, before they will engage in business transactions with you. These relationships take time and nurturing, sometimes over a period of many months. Be patient. For us Westerners it is a time to hurry-up and slow down. Be aware that you are perhaps being tested.

Often it is difficult enough to develop relationships with people who appear to think, look and act like us. However, when it comes to developing a business relationship with people from differing cultures, it can take on a whole new persona! In the Western culture we move quickly with business decisions and find it unnecessary to develop long-term personal relationships with those with whom we do business. This is not true in other parts of the world. If your transaction seems to be dragging on, stop and think about the culture of your client. Tune in. We must be conscious and aware of this and not become impatient. It's time to slow down.

In order to foster international cross-cultural business transactions, it is imperative that you reach out and learn about the history and culture of the people with whom you wish to conduct business. All cultures have good and bad characteristics, including our Western culture.

If you suddenly find yourself working with someone from a different cultural background, quickly get up to speed. It is our job to open our minds to new and different experiences. Be open minded and curious. Ask questions. Read as much as you can about their culture and history. The book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conway is an excellent place to start learning about business practices in more than 60 countries. Talk little about yourself unless asked; rather ask questions about the other person's culture and family. Listen. Slow down and do not press business issues too long or too soon. Try their food. Get out of your comfort zone and a new world could open up to you. Be adventurous and you will gain insight into customs practices from other parts of the world. Consciously decide to be appreciative of the differences you discover. Being an open-minded, curious individual will serve you well in creating and maintaining long-term cross-cultural relationships.

If you encounter cultural practices with which you are uncomfortable, be respectful but do not participate. Generally, they will understand and not expect you to join in. Also, it should not be your goal to change the world. Realize this is their custom and some of your customs could appear just as strange to them.

For virtually all people of the world, food is a common denominator. I think back on one of my first exchanges of a true international nature. My family had the pleasure of doing business with a retired Commodore from the Egyptian Navy. During his visit to Houston we asked Commodore Aziz to dinner. He commented that he would really like to go where locals go to eat. So, instead of the usual "cookie cutter" type restaurants we chose Shanghai Red's, which exuded the rustic flavor of Texas and offered a wide selection of food. The restaurant, long closed, sat on Brady Island alongside the Houston Ship Channel and offered a view of the turning basin. We had a wonderful time visiting over our meal. So invite your new friends to join with you in a meal. Have a place or two in mind so when the opportunity presents itself so you are prepared to extend an invitation. The time spent together will deepen the bond. Be mindful that in many countries meat, pork and alcohol are prohibited foods so choose a place that is suitable for your guests. And, if you are invited for tea, go. Your goal is a long-term bond that will be remunerative both emotionally and financially.

To learn more about international real estate, sign-up for the Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation classes being offered by your HAR's Member Training and Profitability Department at www.har.com/edu.

By Lori Carper   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Have you had a successful international transaction within the last 12 months? Then we want to feature your story in the Houston REALTOR® magazine and online at www.har.com/international
 
It needs to meet the definition established by NAR: International real estate transactions – include selling a home in your local market to an immigrant, leasing a commercial property to a foreign investor, assisting your local clients with the purchase of a (second) home in another country, closing a transnational referral transaction, having a transaction that contains an international client, funds, property, translation, etc.
 
Please keep your article to approximately 500-800 words in length and provide a short bio along with a photo of yourself.
 
Contact Lori Carper with any questions at lori@har.com.

By   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Building a custom home can and should be an enjoyable process. Picking a builder who is right for you is as essential as picking the architect to design your home. So where do you start?

REALTORS® offer much experience in guiding you to lot locations and product under construction and listed for sale. Often
REALTORS® working or “farming” in your area of interest will have knowledge of builders to give you a great start. As you search with your realtor for a home site, talk about various builders and contact persons in each.

Should you decide to search on your own, you can explore the website of the Greater Houston Builders Association (ghba.org) and get a list of builders to target. Click on Custom Builders for more focus. You would want to interview builders to get a sense of connection, look at product for quality which meets your needs and desires, and receive references to check out. For custom builders you would expect to talk to the builder personally, be shown product, and develop a rapport that would be the foundation of a team to produce your unique home.

Spend quality time with your builder discussing your hopes, desires and dreams. Talk with the builder about his role as a team player with architects. Ask about the length of time estimated for a given project. Discuss how the builder interacts with engineers and inspectors. Ask the builder about his feelings about your project. Ask the builder how quality is controlled and how you can inteact in the decision processes to achieve the quality you desire. Ask about customer service and performance on the home.  Ask who will supervise your home and how changes will be handled. Ask for a copy of the contract to be used and read it.

Ask for opportunities to visit completed homes. Talk to clients who have used the builder not only recently but in past years.  Ask, “if they could make the choice again, would they make the same choice?” As you visit with these folks keep in mind they have gone through the process ahead of you and could offer great insight into what is ahead for you.

To quote a wise old gentleman who shared the best business advice possible, “What you don’t understand in the agreement comes out in the settlement.” Don’t be afraid, be informed. No question should be considered trivial if it is important to you. The builder will listen and respond. You evaluate and decide-not on price but in concept. The price would be the final criteria with size and quality adjusted to achieve that goal. Just agree on the adjustments!!

Pick a builder only after your investigation gives you comfort that you are part of the team; you will be listened to, informed and satisfied. The perfect home has never been built, however, satisfied customers who enjoyed the process are daily moving into their new homes. Members of the Custom Builders’ Council welcome you to be added to that satisfied list.

John St. John, is President JSJ Inc. /John R. St. John Construction, Inc. Past Director of GHBA, Member of the Custom Builder’s Council, Remodeler’s Council and Codes and Standards Committee for GHBA.

By Jeremy Conaway   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

You can feel it everywhere. In firms and offices across the country, brokers and managers are preparing for the newest chapter in the long history of the American real estate industry. By way of example, new management practices centered on profitability and accountability, new consumer centric value propositions, technologies centering on mobile applications, and a whole new range of online marketing techniques. Most importantly, a framework of new professional relationships is being introduced.

It is in this last space that some of the industry’s most exciting innovations are occurring. Everyone who reads knows by now that today’s real estate consumer, especially those within the 60% market share held by the X and Y generation consumers, are demanding to have a satisfying relationship with the professionals with whom they work.  Most of the industry has also studied the results of the excellent research conducted in 2010 by the National Association of REALTORS® and the California Association of REALTORS® into the relationship between consumers and their real estate agents. Suffice it to say as the industry enters this new era, the consumer-agent relationships will be the beneficiary of a significant amount of research and development.

With perfect timing, onto the scene comes the Pinellas REALTOR® Organization (PRO), a 10-year old, new generation association serving the REALTORS® of Pinellas County (St Petersburg/Clearwater), Florida. From its onset through a 2001 merger, PRO has been committed to a strong research and development department headed up by Cindy Farris, a former Price, Waterhouse, Coopers (PWC) executive who had significant responsibilities for setting up PWC’s knowledge management division.

Over the past six years, PRO and Farris have been using the Florida real estate marketplace as a laboratory to conduct applied research leading to the development of a number of leading-edge programs, products and services for the emerging real estate industry and transaction. “During this period, our R & D team has been focused both on how to create a better transaction and how to bring the REALTOR® into the new era,” said PRO CEO Ann Guiberson.
PRO has received wide recognition for its work, including being named as one of the Top 10 industry innovators in NAR’s 2009 Game Changer Competition.

“Over and over our research led us back to the importance of a knowledge and respect-based relationship between agents and their customers,” said Guiberson. “Almost every transaction, problem or complication could be traced back to a defect or shortcoming in the original relationship between the agent and the consumer.

With three years of research under its belt, PRO took aim at what it believed were the shortcomings of the traditional real estate industry, new agent training. “While there was a significant amount of new agent training available, almost all of it was aimed at assisting new agents to pass licensure exams rather than at knowledge and processes necessary to succeed in the field.” Moreover, it became obvious the vast majority of industry managers were of the opinion that agents should be able to sink or swim on their own. Those who demonstrated they could swim would go on to inherit market share and success. The research also suggested this approach matched up perfectly to the “I don’t need no stinking boss” attitude of many boomer generation agents.  Add to this reality the fact that the more powerful consumer who began to emerge in 2005 doesn’t agree with either the process or the result.

PRO’s answer to this dilemma is called Quick Smart. Succinctly put, Quick Smart is an online, automated, consistent, interactive learning system based on best practices, accountability, and mentor support.

“Our review of existing new agent training programs revealed their emphasis on examination success. They also covered areas of practice simply not relevant to new agents struggling to start in the field. Our research served to identify four critical areas that in most cases made the difference between initial success or failure,” said Guiberson.

These are the critical four areas of Quick Smart emphasis:

Developing a Strategic Career Direction – All too often new agents equate their positions to having a new job rather than accepting the responsibility of managing a career with specific stages and waypoints.

Creating and Maintaining Influencing Relationships - Today’s consumer demands quality relationships and today’s conflicted marketplace demands influencing relationships.

Positioning Properties for Sale – In today’s combative marketplace, the time to deal with potential problems and conditions is up front, not after the contracts are written.
 
Powering the Buying Process – Working with buyers in today’s hostile and distressed marketplace requires specific skills sets and competencies delivered with force and confidence.

Quick Smart’s four online training modules are focused on creating a competent “real market” agent. But what makes the program an over-the-hill success is its use of mentors.

“Here again,” said Guiberson, “our research disclosed another basic shortcoming in traditional training programs. While most firms have some manner of manager available, access to this person was generally limited to a crisis situation rather than on an ongoing coaching or mentoring relationship. The fact is that in today’s world, be it an executive, sports or any performance environment, mentors and coaches are expected and demanded.  Research reported in a recent Harvard Business Review further discloses that unlike their boomer predecessors, today’s Generation X and Y new agents expect and demand this level of support. Mentoring relationships do more than assist new agents; they also build powerful marketing cultures within brokerage firms.

One of the things that sets Quick Smart apart as a learning system is that at every step of the way, the new agent is expected to produce actual tools and materials they will be able to use in the “real market.” Through this requirement, the learner is expected to take responsibility and is held accountable for the knowledge taught.

Another important feature designed into the Quick Smart system is standards of practice. “It is obvious to us the industry is abandoning its long standing practice of allowing every agent to choose whatever practices they may favor,” said Guiberson. Company-wide standards of practice are not only meeting consumer demands but, more importantly, they are becoming the basis of profitability and accountability.

Quick Smart is an exciting program that can make a huge difference in the success of both new agents and the new brokerage business model. It is easy to incorporate, satisfying to deliver, effortless to administer, motivating to use, and rewarding to experience for both the consumer and the agent.

“Our leadership team believes the REALTOR® association can play an important role in bringing the industry into the new era. Quick Smart is just one example of how it can happen,” said Guiberson, “We want to be part of our members’ business solution.”

It seems clear this is exactly what is happening.

By   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Newly Formed Howard Hughes Corporation Owns Bridgeland, Part of The Woodlands

The Howard Hughes Corporation has emerged from General Growth Properties to become one of the nation’s largest developers of master-planned communities. Projects include Bridgeland and a majority interest in The Woodlands, and Summerlin in Las Vegas, among others. David R. Weinreb has been named chief executive officer of The Howard Hughes Corporation and Grant Herlitz is company president. William A. Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, chairs the board of the directors.

“We look forward to continued success under the umbrella of The Howard Hughes Corporation,” said Peter Houghton, Bridgeland’s vice president of master-planned communities.

The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on The New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “HHC.” For more information, visit www.howardhughes.com

Bridgeland Opens Nutrition, Art Classes

Adults will have the chance to expand their horizons and perhaps even keep a New Year’s resolution or two with the introduction of two classes in Bridgeland.

A basic nutrition class will be held one Monday each month at 7 p.m. at the Lakeland Activity Center. The one-hour class will include information on basic nutrition, lifestyle changes and food choices, along with a question-and-answer session. Plus, participants in the May class will exchange healthy recipes. Days are Feb. 7, March 7, April 4 and May 2. Cost is $30 for residents and $40 for non-residents.

No experience is necessary for a new Bridgeland art class. Step-by-Step Art will guide participants through painting a 16- by 20-inch work of art. Paints, easels and canvases will be supplied and participants are encouraged to bring snacks and drinks. Classes will be held from 7-9:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 18 and March 11 and 18. Cost is $35 for residents and $45 for non-residents.

For more information on the classes or to register, visit http://www.bridgelandlife.com/registration.asp?id=128442&page=1.

New Home Builder Announces Grand Opening in Morton Ranch, Katy on February 17

Saratoga Homes Houston cordially invites you to the REALTOR® Grand Opening of Morton Ranch on Thursday, February 17 from 12 -1:30 p.m.

Located just two miles off of I-10 on Mason Road, this Katy neighborhood is near the energy corridor and offers an easy commute to downtown Houston.
 
With homes priced from the low $100’s, Saratoga Homes provides benefits built into your home at Morton Ranch including features that would be considered upgrades for most builders. 

“What you experience in our model home is what your client can expect in their new home, including full sod for the front and back yard, standard 9’ ceilings, ceramic tile standard and much more,” Shane Johnson, Houston Division President.
 
For almost 30 years, Saratoga Homes has been recognized as a leading Texas Builder, by years of dedication to innovative design, quality craftsmanship and homeowner satisfaction. New to the Houston market, we welcome you to visit Morton Ranch to experience the Saratoga difference for you and your clients.

It’s a GREAT Time to Buy a Home
The public grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, February 19. We invite you to bring your clients out to preview our homes and register for special pre-construction pricing.
 
For additional information:
Visit the Saratoga Homes - Morton Ranch Information Center 21602 Ivory Gate Lane, Katy, Texas 77449
Office: 281 398 3111

Del Webb Sweetgrass Grand Opens the First Active Adult Community in the Greater Houston Area

The waiting is finally over.

Del Webb, the premier builder of active adult communities in the nation, is grand opening its first Del Webb community in the Greater Houston area, and bringing its highly sought-after active lifestyle to the region’s residents aged 55 and better.

The weekend of February 12, Del Webb Sweetgrass will officially be open for selling. Located in the city of Richmond on Thompson Road and US 59, the community includes approximately 1,500 homes on more than 500 acres, with a much-anticipated multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art amenity center.

Potential homebuyers will tour the new sales center and model park, which features nine designer-decorated homes. The community offers all single-story homes, ranging from 1,137-2,648 square feet. Each of these home plans has been carefully designed to meet the needs of future residents, and reflects the high quality of construction that has made Del Webb a leading builder of active adult communities. Prices start in the $130s.

The newest neighborhood to join Fort Bend County is targeted toward the Baby Boomer generation, which represents one of the fastest-growing home buying demographics in the U.S. and are looking for a resort-style community with low-maintenance living. Del Webb in Houston will be one of more than 50 Del Webb active adult communities currently for sale across the country.

By   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

HAR member Rita Santamaria, owner and president of Champions School of Real Estate, has been named one of Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2010 by Houston Woman Magazine.

“Those selected as ‘most influential’ are individuals with vast networks of social and professional connections,” said Houston Woman Magazine publisher Beverly Denver. “They have earned an enviable reputation for possessing an expertise in a particular field or arena. They are considered knowledgeable, credible and trustworthy. The thoughts and actions of these women influence the thoughts and actions of others. It is our distinct privilege to be able to introduce these remarkable women to the community,” she added.

Houston Mayor Annise Parker was also among the honorees.

Since 2008, Houston Woman Magazine has published a special edition each year featuring those selected as Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women.

An afternoon tea, co-hosted by Houston Woman Magazine and Chevron, was held on Sunday, January 9, at the St. Regis Hotel to honor this year’s 50 Women of Influence. The new special edition was unveiled at the event.

Read more at www.houstonwomanmagazine.com.

By   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Harold James “Jim” Crowley

It is with great sadness that HAR announces the passing of Harold James “Jim” Crowley on December 23, 2010. Jim was born August  3, 1924 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Colorado with a BS in Business, majoring in Finance. Prior to 1963 when he became a real estate broker, he was Budget and Economics Manager for Gulf Oil Corporation’s Domestic Production Department in Tulsa, OK and Houston, TX.

Jim obtained his CCIM designation of the National Association of REALTORS® in November 1976 and was a founding member of the South Texas CCIM chapter. He was president of the chapter in 1981. In 1975 Jim joined the prestigious National Society of Exchange Counselors (SEC), an invitation-only organization of creative commercial real estate professionals. He was Texas Exchangor of the Year in 1978 and 1980 and National Exchange Counselors Exchangor of the Year in 1988. In 2004 Jim was named Counselor of the Year, the highest honor given by SEC.

In 2004, Jim was awarded the first Lifetime Achievement Award by the Houston, Texas CCIM chapter, and in January 2005, was awarded the Life Member of the Society of Exchange Counselors.

He was formerly active in the Bellaire/Southwest Rotary Club with 25 years of perfect attendance.

Jim leaves his wife of 61 years, the former Mary Oden of Waco, Texas; daughters, Sharon Baughn; and daughter Elizabeth (Libby) Beckham with her husband, Wallace; grandchildren, Tracy Evangelista, her husband Ray and their two children Wesley and Ryan; Lisa Baughn; Jimmy Baughn and his wife Maggie; and Scott Beckham and his wife Lara. He was also cared for and loved during the final months of his life by Mrs. Dorothy Ardie, who is considered a member of the Crowley and Baughn extended families. The family is grateful to Houston Hospice for their care and counseling during his final moments.

Hershel Milton Garrett

HAR is saddened to announce the passing of longtime member Hershel Milton Garrett with RE/MAX Northwest on December 22, 2010.

Hershel, who owned Red Carpet Garrett & Associates which became Garrett & Associates before closing in 1993, was born on January 9, 1938. He was preceded in death by parents Acil and Mildred Garrett of Midland, Texas. He is survived by wife Tracey Garrett, sister Abbie Garrett, daughter Kim Medrano and son-in-law Alex Medrano, sons Jeff Garrett and Jon Garrett and grandchildren Zachery and Logan Forest, Cody, Kayla, Blake and Hannah Garrett.

A memorial service celebrating Hershel’s life was held December 28, 2010 at Houston’s First Baptist Church Chapel, with John Young officiating.

Judith Ruth Gibbs

Judith Ruth Gibbs passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2010. She was a long time member of Congregation Shaar Hashalom where she is a Past-President of the Sisterhood. Judith was also one of the founding Real Estate Agents of Keller / Williams Bay Area Offices.

She is survived by her husband, Russell; son, Drew Gibbs and his wife Sarah; step-children, David Gibbs and his wife Nora, Dana Gibbs and her husband Larry Tippit; she was a second mother to Steven Saunders; grandchildren, Emily and Charlotte Gibbs, Katherine Tippit; brother, Don Rosenbaum and his wife Bette; niece and nephew, Lisa Wishengrad and her husband Jeff, Gary Rosenbaum and his wife Sheryl.

Funeral services were held on December 29, 2010 in the sanctuary of Congregation Shaar Hashalom, 16020 El Camino Real, Clear Lake, TX. Interment followed at Forest Park East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Congregation Shaar Hashalom or M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in recognition of her being a breast cancer survivor.

By   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Many HAR members have called about problems renewing their real estate licenses through the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). TREC upgraded to a new database system last year and has experienced significant problems transferring the information from the former database. They are working on this and hope to have the problem fixed in the not too distant future when their offices are relocated to a building with more technical resources. Additionally, budget cuts at the state level have left TREC somewhat overwhelmed, so that has exacerbated the issue.

What can you do to make the renewal process go more smoothly?

The “security token” that is needed to validate your online account and to associate your license record with that account is sent to each license holder by e-mail 60 to 90 days prior to the timely license renewal deadline.TREC sends the renewal reminder containing the token number to the primary business e-mail address on record for each license holder. Additionally, late last year, TREC’s system was enhanced to add more layers of security by requiring licensees to establish an online account to be able to conduct business on the site. The “security token” is required the first time a licensee accesses the account. The “security token” may now be sent to your business e-mail address via an online link after logging into the online account, which means you don’t have to wait for the renewal notice to obtain your required “security token.”

If someone does not have an e-mail address on file with TREC, a letter is sent to the licensee’s permanent mailing address. With about 8,000 license holders renewing each month, please do not wait until the last two to three days of the month to attempt an online renewal. Due to mandated budget cuts, TREC only has a single T-1 line to access its Web server, so 100 or more concurrent users will slow it down significantly and more can even overload it. Considering the number of licensees in the state of Texas, TREC’s staff does a tremendous job with relatively few resources.

TREC has just 13 incoming phone lines and 13 team members answering calls. They handle about 1,000 calls per day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. When all lines are busy, callers hear a message suggesting to call back later. On peak days near month end, this message may be delivered more than 2,000 times.

TREC staff members are working mandatory overtime to address the paperwork backlog and fix the online issues created by the new software. TREC is also waiving paper filing fees for renewals forms until they get the process working better and extending postmark dates by a day to avoid late filing penalties when appropriate.

Tips from TREC

• Recommend licensees renew online as soon as they receive their notice, provided they have completed their MCE.
• The first and last weeks of each month are the busiest, especially the last three days of the month and the first two to three days of the new month. Calling early and late in the day are best opportunities to get through.
• Check your junk folders or spam filters in your e-mail since some licensees’ security token e-mails are being found there.

Privacy Concerns About TREC Displaying Licensee E-mail Addresse
We also understand that many HAR members are upset that TREC has begun displaying their e-mail address on the TREC website. According to the site, a licensee’s e-mail address does not qualify as confidential or “not withholdable” under the Public Information chapter of the Texas Government Code. We are working with our friends at TREC, TAR and in the Legislature to determine if there is a solution that can allow TREC to maintain a database with the e-mails to efficiently communicate with licensees, while not making their e-mail public, which could subject them to additional spam or harassment.

We will keep you updated as we learn more.

By David Mendel   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

The Houston Association of REALTORS® is making headlines! Here’s a look at some of the media coverage our organization has received over the past few weeks.

HAR’s MLS Update for November 2010, reporting the highest average and median prices for a November in Houston despite a fifth consecutive monthly decline in sales, generated coverage from mid- to late December in the following media outlets:

•    Examiner Newspapers
•    Houston Business Journal (online and print editions)
•    Houston Chronicle (online and print editions as well as Prime Property real estate blog)
•    Houston Community Newspapers
•    KHOU-TV (11 News)
•    KPRC-TV (News 2 Houston)
•    KRIV-TV (Fox 26 News)
•    KTRK-TV (13 Eyewitness News)
•    KUHF (Houston Public Radio)

In a January 18 story headlined MLSs struggle with standards, consolidation, Inman News quoted HAR President and CEO Bob Hale discussing the growth of the MLS and the possibility of consumer interaction with it. Bob was among the nation’s top real estate industry thought leaders who participated in a series of panel discussions at Inman’s Real Estate Connect conference in New York in January.

The Houston Chronicle reported on December 26 about 2010 REALTOR® of the Year honors for Ed Wolff, president of Beth Wolff REALTORS®, and Ann Woodroof of Prudential Gary Greene, REALTORS®, as recipient of the 2010 John E. Wolf Citizenship Cup Award. HAR honored both on December 14 at REALTOR® Celebration during the swearing-in of the 2011 HAR Board of Directors and Chairman Carlos P. Bujosa.

These stories and more are chronicled in the HAR Online Newsroom at www.har.com/newsroom.

By Dana Kervin   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

With the state and federal elections over, HAR’s Governmental Affairs Advisory groups will focus their attention on local elections during 2011. This spring, The Woodlands Township will have three open seats on its Board of Directors and the Sugar Land City Council will have four open seats. Our volunteers dedicate numerous hours ensuring the officials elected to serve on the local, state and federal levels are friends of The REALTOR^® Party. Welcome, 2011 volunteers!

2011 PAAG, GAAG and PAAL Members
Joseph Adeyemi
Deborah Andrus
Ward Arendt
Mario Arriaga
John Askins
Karishma Asrani
Diana Ayers
Terry Azzouz
John Benevides
Joan Berger
Lance Bertolino
John Braun
Debbie Brazier
Janece Briggs
Kenya Burrell
Billy Burt
Nick Chambers
Elida Chevez
Jim Clark
Jim Cockrill
Diane Corona
William Cossaboom
Tiffany Curry
Jim Dambeck
Edgar de Guzman
Erika Diaz
Suzanne Dillman
Penny Dovey
Jim Eason
Sharon Eddings
William Edge
Theresa Fehr
Chuck Finnell
Sherrie Fontenot
Judi Foster
Danny Frank
Susan Friedman
Vicki Fullerton
Nancy Furst
Glen Gill
Rachel Gonzalez-Dunham
Dan Goon
Virginia Green
Marla Gregg
Richard Gregory
Pamela Grube
Kay Haggard
Michael Hamilton
Kimberly Harding
Betty Hathorn
Deborah Hays
Brad Hermes
Cameron Hill
Blake Hillegeist
Jennifer Hooper
Creston Inderrieden
Janice Jamail-Garvis
Lilly Jefferson
Glenda Johnson
Don Jones
Margie Kaplan
Judy Kay
Mary Keen
Patrick King
Yolonda King
Jim Kollaer
Bunda Lavorgna
Elizabeth Lerma
Sakia Love
Lois Malone
Rhonda Massella
Nan Mayo
Judy McEvoy
Judy Monroe
Dianne Moore
Michelle Murray
Bill Neill
Tuan Ngo
John Nugent
Ethel O’Dell
Ignacio Osorio
Abayomi Owolabi
Suzanne Page-Pryde
Sherry Palermo
Vicki Palmer
Geeta Pandya
Kristen Parker
Lane Pearson
Helen Perry
Tom Plant
Doug Presser
Robert Pritchett
Jamie Quinn
Joel Reichek
Azucena Saballos
Leonila Salazar
Antonio Salinas
Margarete Salinas
Jay Mac Sanders
A. David Schwarz III
Melissa Seureau
John Shellington
Barbara Shrader
Gayla Skates
Deborah Spangler
Mary Starr
Gary Steuernagel
Barbara Stubblefield
Linh Truong
Byron Underwood
Mauricio Valdes
Theresa Wagaman
Ann Walker
Vicki Warren
Donald Wasson
Keith Weatherspoon
Kimberly Williams
Cindy Wingo
Ed Wolff
Michael Wong
Lori Yager
Rita Young

By Dana Kervin   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

2011 Spring Election Calendar

Tuesday, March 15: The Woodlands Township Candidate Interviews
Friday, March 18: Sugar Land City Council Candidate Interviews
Monday, March 28: Candidate recommendations made to the HAR Board of Directors
Thursday, April 14: Last day for voters to register to vote in May election
Monday, May 2: First day to early vote in person
Friday, May 6: Last day to apply for mail ballot (Received, NOT Postmarked)
Tuesday, May 10: Last day to early vote in person
Saturday, May 14: Election day

2011 Fall Election Calendar
 
(Dates subject to change from the 2011 legislative session.)

August 22 – 26: Houston City Council candidate interviews
Monday, September 19: Candidate recommendations made to the HAR Board of Directors
Tuesday, October 11: Last day for voters to register to vote in November election
Monday, October 24: First day to early vote in person
Tuesday, November 1: Last day to apply for mail ballot (Received, NOT Postmarked)
Friday, November 4: Last day to early vote in person
Tuesday, November 8: Election day

By Sam Scott   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

ACRP

2/22/2011
ACRP Breakfast
7 - 8:30 a.m.
Houston Country Club
Speaker: Dan Leverett
Topic: The Woodlands – Now & the Future
Members – No Charge • Guests -$35
For more information or to register, please email michelle@acrp.org

Appraisal Institute

2/15/2011
Appraisal Institute Luncheon
11 a.m.
Maggiano’s
Members - $25 • Guests - $30
For more information contact Jennifer Wilkins at (281) 299-2288

BACREN

2/17/2011
BACREN Luncheon
10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lakewood Yacht Club
2425 NASA Parkway Seabrook, TX
Speaker: Johnny Isbell, Mayor of Pasadena
BACREN Members: $20 w/ reservation • $25 at the door
Non-Members: $25 w/ reservation • $30 at the door
For more information contact Jennifer Wilkins at (281) 299-2288

BOMA

2/15/2011
TOBY Awards Banquet
11:30 a.m.
Intercontinental Hotel
Please register online at www.houstonboma.org
For more information, contact Melissa Badillo at (713) 266-5691

CCIM

2/24/2011
CityCentre Tour and Networking
5 - 8 p.m.
800 Town and Country Boulevard
For more information, please contact Ginger Coleman at 713-783-0297

2/25/2011
CCIM Commercial Real Estate Forecast Competition
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Westchase Marriott
Keynote Speaker: Mark Dotzour, PhD.,
Chief Economist of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
$70 members • $100 non-members gets you into CityCentre Tour and Forecast Competition
For more information, please contact Ginger Coleman at (713) 783-0297

Commercial Gateway 

2/18/2011
Commercial Gateway Training Session
9 – 11 a.m.
3693 Southwest Freeway
For more information call (713) 629-1900 ext. 363

CREAM

2/14/11
CREAM  Luncheon
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Carrabba’s
25665 IH-45 Spring, TX 77380
$18 for members • $22 for non-members
No reservations required. For more information contact Elke Matthews at (936) 828-7077

CREN

2/4/2011
CREN Houston Chapter Monthly Luncheon
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Speaker: Charles Gilliland
The Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer Road
Members: $25 with reservation • Non-Members: $30.

2/18/2011
CREN Houston Chapter Weekly
Breakfast Meeting
7:15 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Speaker:  David Brewer
The Hess Club, 5430 Westheimer Road
Members: $17 with reservation • Non-Members: $20

2/24/2011
CREN Houston Chapter Happy Hour
4:30 p.m.
Houston City Club - One City Club Dr.
No entry fee; Self-pay
Register online at www.houstoncren.com

FBSCR

2/15/11
FBSCR Breakfast Meeting (3rd Tuesdays)
8 – 9 a.m.
Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council
One Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land, Texas 77478
For more information contact Jackie Wilcox at (281) 275-4448

HOLBA

2/3/2011
HOLBA – 2010 Landlord Representative of the Year
6 – 8 p.m.
The Houstonian
By Invitation Only

HRBC

2/10/2010
HRBC – Elected Officials Cocktail Reception
6 - 8 p.m.
Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks, Houston TX
Members and Elected Officials – No Charge, Guests - $50
For more information or to register, please email michelle@houstonrealty.org

IREM

2/01/2011
IREM Monthly Luncheon
Open Forum: Real Estate
Town Hall
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Junior League, 1811 Briar Oaks Houston TX
$35 Members, $40 Non-Members
*Add $10 for reservations after January 27.
For more information, call 713-783-9225 or visit www.iremhouston.org.

NAIOP

2/16/2011
NAIOP Broker of the Year
6 – 8 p.m.
River Oaks Country Club
For more information, please contact
Kim Strange at kim@naiophouston.org

SIOR

2/08/2011
SIOR Luncheon
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Speaker: Ned Holmes
Houston Country Club
Members and Sponsors only
For more information, contact Michelle Martin at michelle@integrasolutions.biz

By Sam Scott   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

The 2011 CCIM Forecast Competition scheduled for Friday, February 25, provides one of the best opportunities to learn about the many factors affecting Houston’s complex real estate marketplace. The annual CCIM Forecast has become one of Houston’s best attended events for commercial real estate professionals. Attendees will meet industry leaders and collect useful research materials, as well as earn 4 hours of MCE credit.

Future market trends are predicted with a debate-style competition by local experts in the office, retail, industrial, land and multi-family markets.

The greatest resources for information about our real estate marketplace are the local brokers who manage the assets through the business cycles that shape our city. The roster of competitors below provides the finest insight and expertise available to discuss real estate in Houston.

Although the CCIM Forecast event is billed as a “competition,” the event is more about a shared perspective. The presenters in the various asset categories typically agree on most substantive points. But having two presenters approach the same topic from different perspectives provides additional insight into a large, complex set of markets. One presenter may be more optimistic and the other perhaps more pessimistic, but the format creates a conversation that describes the markets in more detail than a matrix of market metrics and prognostications.

In addition to the brokers discussing the various property types, the economic picture will be made complete with two additional presentations. Mark Dotzour, PhD, Chief Economist of the Real Estate Center at Texas A & M University, will provide his detailed outlook for the region and the state. Given the importance of available financing, no discussion would be complete without an overview of the capital markets. John Fenoglio from Grandbridge Real Estate Capital will speak about what to expect from the finance sector.

The CCIM Chapter is also adding a Regional Networking Event focusing on a CityCentre Retail and Office Tour followed by a Happy Hour/Networking from 5 to 8 p.m. at CityCentre the night before the Forecast. Participants are encouraged to bring their best listings and client needs to network with CCIMs from Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. The cost is $10 for CCIM members and $20 for nonmembers, or pay a total of $70 for members and $100 for nonmembers for both events.

Attend the CCIM Forecast Competition if you want to have the knowledge to make better business decisions in the Houston and Texas Gulf Coast commercial real estate marketplace. For more information, contact ginger@amchouston.com.

By Rita Klein   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Join us for a Webinar on February 16 to learn more about the new Members Only Site. HAR members can still learn about the new features and old favorites of the site which all members were required to start using on January 31, 2011.

Lunch & Learn Webinar:
New Members Only Site
Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Time: 12 - 1 p.m.

Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/376424126

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
 
System Requirements
PC - based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®- based attendees
Required: Mac OS® X 10.4.11 (Tiger®) or newer

Sign up today – Space is limited.

By Rita Klein   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Instructor: Dave Yelovich, CGB, CGP
Date: Thursday,  02/24/11 
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Fee:  $35 members/ $50 non-members
TREC CE two hours

Questions….. Oh the questions….. Many of you specialize in new homes. However, when a client wants a new home, there always seem to be numerous questions that catch you off guard or you are unsure what the correct answer might be. Take advantage of a brand new class developed for real estate professionals that will empower you to deal with this dilemma. “Homebuilding 101” has just been approved by TREC for two hours of continuing education. Make plans to attend this class as we look at the many steps that go into building a home. From the permit process, clearing the lot, foundations, framing, mechanical systems, all the way to the finished product – we’ll cover it all.

Dave Yelovich will be the instructor for this informative class. Dave has been in Houston building homes for more than 20 years. He has NAHB designations as a Certified Green Professional and a Certified Graduate Builder. He is a construction trainer and has taught many NAHB classes and OSHA safety courses.

You’ve heard the questions. Now you can get the answers. Join us for two hours of great information and discussion.

Who should attend? REALTORS® and any non-builders interested in learning about the homebuilding process.

Register today with:
Peggy Means, CGA
Director of Education
Greater Houston Builders Association
9511 W. Sam Houston Parkway N.
Houston, TX. 77064
281-970-8970 Ext. 161
pmeans@ghba.org

By Karen Driscoll   Fri, Jan 28, 2011

Platinum Rs ($10,000)
RE/MAX of Texas – Richard Filip

Golden Rs ($5,000)
Vicki Fullerton, sustaining
Bob Hale, sustaining
Wayne Stroman, sustaining
Andrew White – Allied Home Warranty

Crystal Rs ($2,500)
Sharon Morton

HAR Diamond Rs ($1,500)
Diana Ayers
HIREBA
Melinda Noel

Sterling Rs ($1,000)
Debbie Abadie
Lorraine Abercrombie
Marilyn Arendt
Ward Arendt
Rochelle Barrow
Karen Driscoll
Rene Galvan
Becky Hill
Dana Kervin
Veronica Mullenix
Ethel O’Dell
A. David Schwarz, III
Ralph Tamper
Mark Woodroof

Capitol Club ($500)
Rob Adams
Shawn Dauphine
Rhonda Flowers

Lone Star Statesmen ($250)
Joyce Berube
Mike Brubaker
Matt Burrus
Bill Edge
Chuck Finnell
Justin Flanagan
Susan Friedman
Raul Giorgi
Jim Gustafson
Janice Jamail-Garvis
Dianne McCoy
Vanissa Micklethwait
Suzanne Page-Pryde
Pat Roberts
Vickey Wachtel

**All Investments as of January 10, 2011.**