I can’t start off my October column with anything other than The BIG e, which is coming up on Thursday, October 13. It is unlike anything HAR has produced in the past and should be more valuable to our members than any event we’ve had in the past as well.
As we approach the holiday season, we need to be ever more vigilant in making sure we are safe, as well as our clients. HAR is pleased to offer REALTOR® safety courses for two days each of the next two months. We will be bringing in a national safety expert to make sure our members are armed with the best information and tools to protect themselves.
You’ve been waiting for it, and we are glad to be out of beta testing to launch the new Mobile MLS solution for HAR MLS subscribers. This is a free, Web-based solution allows MLS subscribers to search for property listings on any mobile device.
Last year, we rolled out the highly successful iPhone app and are now pleased to have released the new HAR.com Android app, which is now available to download in the Android Market. If you own a mobile device that uses the Android operating system, then you will want to download this app right away. Also, because of the processor speeds, many Android owners actually say their app responds faster than the iPhone app.
Lastly, I want to remind everyone that Tuesday, October 11, 2011 is the last day to register to vote in the November elections. The Houston City Council races will be on the ballot, as will quite a few state constitutional amendments as a result of this year’s legislative session. You may see which candidates HAR’s Board of Directors recommends that you support at the polls and read the 10 state constitutional amendments that you will want to consider. These include Prop. 2, which would authorize bonds to be issued for the Texas Water Development Board. As we know all too well, water is quickly becoming a valuable commodity, and this is one of the Texas Association of REALTORS’ priority issues to pass Prop. 2 so I encourage you to learn more.
As you can see, HAR continues to be hard at work making sure that every member receives the maximum value for their dues dollar. If you have any comments about these items or suggestions for new things HAR could do, please don’t hesitate to contact me at carlos@har.com.
