The Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) congratulates Terri Guerra, Broker Associate at Bernstein Realty, on her selection as recipient of the prestigious John E. Wolf Community Service Award for 2022. Each year, HAR honors a member that has made an outstanding contribution to the community, primarily outside the scope of the real estate industry. The criteria for the John E. Wolf Community Service Award, which is named after 1938-39 HAR President John E. Wolf, include leadership and service in charitable organizations, service organizations and special service organizations. Terri discussed why she is so committed to giving back to the community and what this honor means to her.
What was your first reaction when you learned that you were the 2022 honoree?
Shock and disbelief. When I first heard, I thought they must have made a mistake. It wasn’t until I received the second phone call that I believed it was true.
What does this honor mean to you?
Words cannot express what this means to me. I am humbled and honored. To be recognized by my peers for doing what I love is the greatest gift.
What do you find most gratifying about your work as a real estate professional?
I love finding my clients the perfect homes. Many of my clients are repeat clients. And when they refer me to their friends and family, that is the best feeling in the world. I have clients that I have worked with for over 25 years and have helped their entire families buy and sell homes.
I have been on the Professional Standards Committee since 2001. I love serving on this committee. It has taught me to be a better REALTOR® and a better communicator. I am also an Ombudsman, where I help people work through their issues. It is so fulfilling.
What are some of the ways that you give back to the community – community service/volunteer work – the main reason for the honor?
Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation – currently the Chairman of the committee and Board of Directors President. I have been an active committee member for over 20 years, chaired the spirit of courage award, silent auction and cocktails for the cure subcommittees and have served on the golf tournament subcommittee.
Committeemen for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 2009 serving on multiple committees. Currently serving on Wine Events. Previous committees: Transportation and Asset Distribution.
Co-Chair for the Bob Allen Open Sunshine Kids Golf Tournament, 2017- 2019.
Neighborhood involvement: President of the Woodland Heights Civic Association for 4 years; Chairperson for the Woodland Heights Association, Light’s in the Heights ® for 14 years; Chaired the Woodland Heights Home Tour – 2005, 2006 & 2013. Travis Elementary School PTA Board 2007-2011.
Sponsor and volunteer for the Norhill-Heights Little League 2005 – 2011. Board member for the Norhill-Heights Little League 2008 – 2011.
2013 Skyline District Cub Scout Twilight Camp Program Director.
Awards Received: Recipient of the Eileen Muratta Integrity Award 2001; Recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Skyline District Spark Award 2014; Recipient of the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Humanitarian Award for 2016; Recipient of the Charitable Service Award for Houston Agent’s Magazine in 2021.
How can others get involved with community service?
My journey began with getting involved with my neighborhood association to get to know my neighbors. It blossomed into various roles in my neighborhood leadership, then lead to chairing fundraising events. I found giving back not only feels good, but it’s also fun. Now I volunteer with organizations that interest me or whose goals mirror mine.
Any other thoughts or comments?
Although I volunteer most of my time, I love spending time with my husband of 25 years. We love good wine, good food and great travel.
