HAR is only as good as its members and volunteers. We need you to be successful and to continue to provide the best tools and services in the industry. I invite you to apply to join one of the advisory groups that help shape the policies and priorities of the Association. You may find out more about what opportunities exist here.
Remember that Monday, October 6 is the last day to register to be eligible to vote in the Tuesday, November 4 general election. There are many important races on the ballot, so please make sure you are registered to vote—and check out the HAR recommended candidates here. HAR members took days to interview and make recommendations about which candidates would be most supportive of REALTOR and homeowner issues. As the list states, you may also find more information, including what forms of ID will be accepted at the polls, by visiting www.votexas.org.
We also encourage you to vote in favor of Proposition 1 on the ballot. It is the only state constitutional amendment this cycle, but it is an important one. With our Texas highways under increased stress due to the influx of people into the state, Proposition 1 would provide new funding for the efforts, with no new taxes, fees or debt. You may read more about it by visiting www.TexasForProp1.com.
This is also the time of year when we ask for nominations for our two most prestigious awards: The REALTOR® of the Year and the John E. Wolf Community Service Award. You may read more about the criteria and see the nomination forms here. If you know someone who you feel is deserving of these honors, I encourage you to submit a nomination.
One of the biggest topics during the past year has been “coming soon” listings. It is such an important topic that TREC actually put out an advisory about the practice to make sure all licensees are aware of what is allowed—and what isn’t. You may read more about it here. As long as you are making educated choices that are in the best interest of your client—and they understand the positives and negatives of any action—then you are probably on safe ground. Written consent of the client is always best in these situations that might not go as you planned.
The BIG e is our largest member event of the year, and it is coming up on Thursday, October 23. You may read more details here. If you only attend one HAR event this year, this is the one you want to attend. We survey attendees each year and try to improve the event based on the feedback received. Hopefully, that means it gets better and better.
Until Next Month,
Chaille Ralph
HAR Chair of the Board
