May 2014 MLS Sales Statistics HAR releases the May 2014 MLS statistics this Wednesday, and here are some highlights of the report: May marked the first decline in homes sales volume in three years, with year-over-year sales down 7.3 percent as a result of the continued tight supply of inventory. Contracts closed on 7,145 homes versus 7,708 in May There was a slight uptick in inventory levels, which reached a 2.8- month supply after holding at 2.6 months since December. However, that compares to a 3.3-month supply in May Prices reached all-time highs: the single-family home median price was $200,000 while the average price was $280,346. Total dollar volume was $2.3 billion, up 3.5 percent from $2.2 billion one year earlier. For more detailed information, please visit the HAR Online Newsroom for this and all other news releases.HAR Online Newsroom

Co-Branded Marketing for REALTORS ® and Lenders REALTORS ® aren’t the only professionals turning to video marketing these days. Lenders are using video to market themselves as well, along with their products and services. Traditionally, it has been challenging for a lender to break through the white noise and offer added value to a REALTOR’S ® business, especially since everyone’s product and service offerings have become so similar to each other. REALTOR ® /lender teams are finding it to be a win-win marketing piece. Video packs a bigger punch than any postcard or property flier listing mortgage payment options and interest rates. By posting the co-branded video on each of their respective social media platforms, both REALTOR ® and lender are exposed to an enhanced, and possibly new, network of friends/fans that they may not otherwise reach. And if the REALTOR ® and lender are looking for more SEO fuel, the co- branded video can be embedded into their respective websites. Contact HAR-TV today to produce your video: Read more from Inman News at

Weekly HAR Market Stat In Houston, as around the U.S., home sales are generally coming in slower this year compared to last year, and the market continues to find its way toward balance despite low inventory. This may trick the housing novice into believing that the nation’s housing market is headed for a disappointing summer season. Not so fast. Although housing may not be as booming as early 2013, it isn't anywhere near the bust of late The stabilization of housing is still evolving wonderfully, like VHS to DVD to DVR. In the Houston region, for the week ending June 1: New Listings decreased 5.6% to 2,275 Pending Sales increased 8.6% to 1,977 Closed Sales decreased 9.4% to 2,142

Questions? ext. 6 Open Your Mind to Learning Register at Broker Responsibility Course The purpose of this course is to address the regulatory aspects of the management, operation and supervision of a real estate brokerage firm in Texas. This course provides an understanding and working knowledge of the law of agency, planning and organization of business entities, requirements for written policies and procedures, records retention and control, advertising, recruitment and training of agents, and the anatomy of a complaint filed with Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC). Date: Tuesday, June 17 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Location: HAR Central Investment: $50