1. In This Week’s “The EDGE”
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
In This Week’s “The EDGE”
• Tap the Millennial Home-Buying Market
• Don’t Miss The Bus!
• Houston Market Movements
• Do Your Part to Promote Affordable Housing
“The Edge” is a weekly tool for managers to use to inform their agents and stay current and up-to-date with important real estate industry issues.
Brought to you by the HAR Communications Department.

2. Tap the Millennial Home-Buying Market
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Tap the Millennial Home-Buying Market
Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994, but sometimes as late as 2004) currently make up the largest age cohort in the U.S.
Nevertheless, only a relatively small fraction of this group has reached the median age of 32 for first-time buyers.
What this means is that we should see a substantial uptick in the number of first-timers as the majority of millennials approach their early 30s.
First-time buyers need a patient, savvy agent who can help them navigate the realities of purchasing their first home.
Dump the expert advisor role and become an “interpreter” instead.
Provide them with down payment details, and make sure they are qualified to purchase the home they want, including lifestyle and utility costs.
Give them details about potential pitfalls of shopping online or attending open houses.
Read more of this story on Inman Select.

3. The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Don’t Miss the Bus!
The HAR Governmental Affairs department invites you to join your fellow Texas REALTORS® to attend REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol in Austin, on Tuesday, April 4.
It promises to be an informative and fun day in Austin, as you network with fellow REALTORS® from across the state and meet with state lawmakers to discuss matters of concern to the real estate industry.
Buses will depart from six convenient locations. Make sure you are ON BOARD!
Click HERE to register for REALTOR® Day at the Texas Capitol!

4. Houston Market Movements
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Houston Market Movements
Across much of the U.S., both new and existing home sales increased in January. At the same time, prices continue to rise in year-over-year comparisons, and the number of homes available for sale remains quite low. The low inventory situation and affordability crunch is particularly hard on first-time buyers, leaving some properties available for landlord buyers with more available funds for investment.
In the Houston region, for the week ending February 19:
• New Listings increased 1.1% to 2,595
• Pending Sales increased 20.1% to 1,944
• Closed Sales increased 15.8% to 1,212

5. The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Do Your Part to Promote Affordable Housing
The 2017 Dog House Extravaganza
The 2017 Houston Association of REALTORS®’ TRLP class presents the Dog House Extravaganza. The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of and donations for New Hope Housing of Houston.  New Hope Housing helps build lives by building beautiful, safe housing at affordable rates. Join us for a night to delight! View custom-made dog houses provided by local Houston donors and judged by celebrity judges! Enjoy complimentary hours d’oeuvres and a silent auction. This year’s TRLP class is excited to partner with New Hope Housing because we believe everyone needs a "woof" over their head.
Date: Thursday, March 30
Promo Video:
Event Website:
Questions? Call ext. 6