Sometimes people forget that we have a very diverse group of members. That includes diversity of business types and markets served. The leasing market in our area is hot right now. As many people are looking for ways to supplement or broaden their earning potential, leases might be a great way to do just that.
We are also very proud of the success of our Commercial Gateway division that serves all of our members active in the commercial real estate arena. CommGate continues to roll out new tools, including this month’s new tenant database and site evaluation tool.
I am frequently asked how someone can become a leader at HAR. Up until a few years ago, the answer was less clear. We now offer a tremendous program called the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP) that allows 30 members who must apply for consideration to learn about all aspects of leadership—beyond just the Association. Those who have completed the program say it is one of the best things they have done. Hurry though. The application deadline is March 23.
HAR has also launched the equivalent of the “Crock Pot” of member tools—you can “set it and forget it.” The Listing Traffic Report was one of the most valuable tools that members could provide to their sellers. Now, we have an enhanced and improved set of tools called MarketInsight. This service will allow you to set up your client—buyer, seller or prospect—to receive customized weekly updates that may include the Listing Traffic Report; Appointments (included from both HAR Appointment Manager and Centralized Showing—and you have the option to allow them to see the comments); Online Marketing (what the client’s listing looks like on the other sites to which it is syndicated); Subdivision Price Trends; Zip Code Price Trends; Nearby Comps (based on the criteria you select); and the ability to share relevant content with your clients, such as an article about the market from the Houston Chronicle. This is a tremendous tool from which I think every member can benefit. And it is free and only available from a REALTOR®.
As HAR works with our various vendors to improve the service we provide, we have heard a great response from members already about the recent update to the Fusion MLS system that allows you to access Tempo add/edit directly from Fusion. Best of all, it works on both Windows and Apple operating systems.
If you have any suggestions or comments for new tools or services we could provide, please email me at wayne@har.com.
Until next month,
Wayne Stroman
HAR Chairman
