HAR’s Area Networking Groups are a great way for HAR members to network, get involved in their community and hear from dynamic speakers all in one place. November was yet another outstanding month for HAR’s Area Networking Groups as many of the groups held their last meeting before their annual holiday celebrations. 

In the Greater Northwest, more than 50 HAR members, several of whom were first time attendees showed up to hear from Houston Stronger Chairman Auggie Campbell. Houston Stronger is an organization focused on working with elected officials to increase funding for flood mitigation and flood-related infrastructure projects. The organization was integral in helping secure $2 billion in funding for flood control, planning, recovery and resiliency during Texas’s 86th Legislative Session. During his presentation, Mr. Campbell gave an informative update on flood projects and discussed Houston Stronger’s hope to secure more funding for flood mitigation in the future. The next Greater Northwest Area Networking Meeting will be held on December 14th, and it will include an opportunity for pictures with Santa Claus.

HAR’s 290 Area Networking Group met on November 9th at their typical meeting location, the Dragonfly Event Center. There were more than 80 HAR members in attendance for a question-and-answer session with expert appraiser Howard Hill with Network Funding. Mr. Hill discussed the recent effects on appraisals due to increased home prices as well as how the pandemic has impacted appraisals. The 290 Area Networking Group will host their holiday celebration on December 14th.

On November 10th, the HAR Bay Area Networking Group (Deer Park) returned to Battleground Country Club to hear an update on short-term rentals from former HAR Chair Kenya Burrell-VanWormer and Larry and Sharon Pace. The Paces shared their successes and pitfalls of getting into house flipping and the short-term rental market at the start of the pandemic. Ms. Burrell-VanWormer also provided information on what different municipalities are doing to try and regulate short-term rentals among lots of other helpful tips for anyone considering venturing into this market. The HAR Bay Area Networking Group’s annual holiday celebration will be held at Battleground Country Club on December 9th. 

To learn more about any of HAR’s nine Area Networking Groups or to register for the next meeting in your area visit www.har.com/areanetworking.