Each year, the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) honors a member that most personifies REALTOR® in spirit and ethics, through service to his or her profession, peers and the REALTOR® association. For 2013, HAR board member Christi Borden with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene was selected as most deserving to be so honored.
Christi is an expert in the marketing and sale of residential properties throughout the Greater Houston area, with a concentration in the Katy/West Houston markets. Through the years, she has served as a volunteer on various HAR and Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) advisory groups as well as on the TAR board of directors and as a TREPAC trustee. She was first elected to the HAR board in 2010. Christi holds 10 real estate designations and has an exclusive membership in the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), serving as its president in 2010.
Christi was attending the November HAR board meeting when it was announced that she was the 2013 REALTOR® of the Year. She appeared stunned. Houston REALTOR® asked her how she felt.
“I truly did not anticipate this and was humbled beyond belief,” said Christi. “I have been part of the selection process for the last four years as an HAR director, approving the nominees, and frankly did not notice this process obviously went on behind the scenes, catching me completely by surprise.
“It is amazing to be recognized and honored in such a way by my peers. I feel this will certainly be a career high point for me and am very humbled to be the recipient.”
February 2014 will mark Christi’s tenth anniversary in real estate. We asked her what she finds most gratifying about this profession.
“I love, love, love helping people,” said Christi. “If we remember our role as servants and how gratifying it is to always do our best when helping our clients achieve their goals (even when it means waiting for a future time to make a purchase or to list because it is just not in their best interest to do so now). I love seeing people happy and being a part of that happiness. Also, helping all buyers (first time or international, especially) achieve the American Dream of homeownership! What an awe-inspiring position we REALTORS® are in to be able to help make that happen. Life changing!”
Despite a rigorous work schedule, Christi has dedicated extensive time and effort over the years to support charitable causes. She has held yearly events on behalf of The Sunshine Kids. She began by helping organize and later chairing the Katy Sunshine Fest, and assisted in various other capacities for the last six years. She says that this initiative raises thousands of dollars each year to help children undergoing cancer treatment and has been recognized as the top fundraiser in her broker network at the national convention. “Getting to know these kids and seeing how our work impacts their lives and that of their families has been one of my greatest joys,” says Christi.
Christi also helps raise funds on behalf of The Krause Center, a center for children in need. She administers the Lost or Found Pets in Katy, TX Facebook page and blog sites – popular and effective tools in helping reunite families and pets.
Prior to launching her real estate career, Christi volunteered with The Women’s Home, Epiphany of The Lord Church and Boy Scouts of America.
Congratulations, Christi!
