Last month’s magazine included an item about what we dubbed the “Foot Fetish Creep.” We have been inundated by calls from female REALTORS® who have been called by this man. As a matter of course, if you see a “Private” or “Blocked” number come up on your phone, be cautious. Additionally, don’t give out your cell phone number to someone you don’t know or to whom you have never spoken. Above all else, report anything suspicious to your local police department. If they receive as many calls as we have, then they are likely to investigate it.
October 4. Don’t forget that date. That is the deadline to submit your voter registration to be able to vote in the November 2 elections.There are many important races and issues that will be on the ballot so make sure the REALTOR® voice is heard. You may obtain a voter registration application by visiting any of the HAR offices or by going to www.sos.state.tx.us.
One of the biggest political issues we have faced as an association this year is the City of Houston’s Historic Preservation Ordinance. You know that REALTORS® support historic preservation efforts, and HAR has even partnered in the past with the City to promote listings for sale within the historic districts. That being said, your HAR Board of Directors, Governmental Affairs Advisory Group, Political Affairs Advisory Group and staff have been hard at work meeting with the City Council Members to discuss the issue and learn more about how the proposed changes would impact private property rights. The HAR Board of Directors was honored to have Council Member Lovell attend our September board meeting to discuss the ordinance. A vote on the proposed changes is currently expected to happen in early October, and we look forward to maintaining open lines of communication with the City Council as the proposal advances.
October 13. Don’t forget that date either. That is the date for REALTOR® Expo, the largest expo in the state of Texas. You will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best and brightest in the country and network with your peers. Make sure to buy your ticket today.
Our HAR staff and advisory groups are always working so hard to make sure we are the best association in the country. Last month, we sent out a communications survey to see how you think we are doing and, most importantly, how we can continue to improve. We received great responses and some terrific ideas that we are already considering for implementation.
I also know how many great REALTORS® that we have out there among our 24,000 members. If you know someone who you think is deserving of being named the 2010 REALTOR® of the Year or the John E. Wolf Citizenship Cup Award recipient. And if you think you might be deserving, feel free to nominate yourself even!
Until next month, have a prosperous October.
