As you can see from the cover of the magazine, the greater Houston real estate market is going strong. At the same time, we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. We all know things can change quickly. We do remain cautiously optimistic that the trends will continue and that business will be sustainably robust. You may read the latest monthly MLS release here though for more information.

One of the things that our members struggle with is how to form an important, lasting relationship with your clients. HAR provides the Housing Trends eNewsletter that can be customized and branded as coming from you. You can send it to your past or current clients, as well as prospects. It is a great way to keep your contacts information and to keep your name in front of them. You may read more about it here.

It always seems like the year is just beginning when it is already time to elect the following year’s members of the HAR Board of Directors. Voting begins on July 12, 2012, but you can click here to see who is running. Any member in good standing as of July 1, 2012 may vote in the election. Each of you will receive a unique email that only you may use to vote once the election begins. We have had great “voter turnout” in the past few years and hope to continue that this year, as these are the people who will shape this association and make decisions that impact everyone.

Every time you think the HAR Technology Department might start slowing down, they surprise you with yet another tool. We are proud to launch the new and improved Appointment Manager. There are lots of new bells and whistles, and best of all—it is free! You may read more about it and find out how to sign up for it here.

Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, there are several run-off elections going on in our area for the July 31 election date. Runoffs typically have very low voter turnout so 1) you won’t have to wait long in line at the polls, and 2) your vote will count even more. If you live in House Districts 24, 26 or 137, please get out and vote for Dr. Greg Bonnen, Jacquie Chaumette and Gene Wu. These recommended candidates have gone through an extensive screening process and are the candidates we believe will best represent the REALTOR® Party. Also, on the statewide level, we encourage you to vote for Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in the race to fill the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is retiring from the Senate. You may read more about the candidates here.

Until next month,