The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business In This Week’s “The EDGE” Pace of Houston Home Sales Eases in August HAR Honors Houston’s ‘Rising Stars’ Houston Market Movements A Salute to Education “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.

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business HAR released August 2015 MLS statistics last week, and here are some highlights of the report in case you missed it: Houston home sales rose less than one percent in August, with a total of 7,454 single-family units sold versus 7,407 a year earlier. Months of inventory grew to a 3.5-months supply compared to a 3.0-months supply in August For perspective, housing inventory nationally stands at a 4.8-months supply. The single-family home average price was $282,233 while the median price was $215,100. Both figures represent record highs for an August. August rentals of single-family homes increased 4.5 percent year- over-year, while the cost of renting those homes rose 3.8 percent to $1,901. For more detailed information, please visit the HAR Online Newsroom for this and all other HAR news releases.HAR Online Newsroom Pace of Houston Home Sales Eases in August

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Don’t miss the Sixth Annual NextGen REALTOR® Group (NRG) 20 Under 40 Awards Luncheon next Thursday, September 24, as HAR honors young professionals 40 years of age or under who have demonstrated excellence in sales, leadership and community service. Awards will be presented during a red carpet ceremony at the Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045, beginning at 11 a.m. For table and ticket information, please see or contact Rozlynn Crew at Congratulations to the winners, whose names you’ll find here: HAR Honors Houston’s ‘Rising Stars’

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Year-over-year home value percentages have continued to rise across the nation. Millennials have been pinpointed as the driver of the price increases, as this age group continues to show a willingness to ditch high rental costs while taking a step toward a commitment to homeownership at prices that may surpass last year at this time. In the Houston region, for the week ending September 6: New Listings increased 21.2% to 2,533 Pending Sales increased 17.2% to 1,798 Closed Sales increased 54.3% to 1,870 Houston Market Movements

Questions? ext. 6 A Salute to Education Register at Military Relocation Professional (MRP) The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification course is designed to educate real estate professionals about working with current and former military service members. That includes finding housing solutions that best suit their needs and taking full advantage of military benefits and support. Students will learn how to provide real estate services at any stage in the service member’s military career that meet the needs of this niche market and win future referrals. Note: You will need to complete a pre-course reading assignment, two webinars and an application with a one-time fee in addition to the eight-hour course if you intend to apply for MRP certification. For more information, please see Date: Friday, September 18 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: HAR Central / via video conference at Montgomery Co. branch Investment: $99 The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business