Once again all of our younger members may apply for the 20 Under 40 Rising Stars in Real Estate award. If you are under 40 years old, or know a deserving younger member, please see here for more information about the honor. You may ask any of the previous recipients about the encouragement it gave them, plus the marketing benefit of being able to say you were included on the list. It’s a great honor, so we hope to yet again break the record for the number of applications we receive.
The MLS Platinum package was launched earlier this year, with more communications coming to help educate our members about why we were required by NAR to split up our MLS services and what great tools there are in MLS Platinum. We are rolling out two new tools in the coming weeks, including the agent-branded mobile app and the Virtual Office Website. Look for more information in the Five Minute REALTOR®, The Edge, on HARConnect.com and in this magazine. You may click here for more details now.
It is also that time again to apply to run for the HAR Board of Directors. I know previous chairmen have said it before, but it really will be one of the most rewarding professional accomplishments you will ever experience to serve on the HAR board. You may find out how to apply to run here. The Board of Directors helps establish policies and procedures for the 30,000+ HAR members in the greater Houston area. It is a genuine way to give back to your professional community and industry.
H-Town Day is an annual event when about 200 leaders come together to learn more about how to be better REALTORS® and better citizens. The event was held last month and featured speakers, such as Harris County Commissioner Gene Locke, Houston Parks Director Joe Turner, Katy ISD Superintendent Alton Frailey, Houston City Controller Chris Brown, Greater Houston Partnership Chief Economist Patrick Jankowski and others. You may read a recap and see photos from the event here. Make sure you don’t miss the next H-Town Day to help you become even more informed about the world around us.
As a commercial broker, I remain acutely aware of how our commercial markets are performing. The retail market shows signs of remaining healthy, despite lower energy prices and layoffs. You may read all about it here. Retail along the Grand Parkway is the driver in many of the cases. Continued population growth is also spurring retail development across the region.
Until next month,
Mario Arriaga
HAR Chairman of the Board
