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”
• FSBO and Discount Broker Sales at Record Lows
• Election Day is Here
• Supra Lockbox Exchange is Next Week
• Will We See YOU at REALTOR® Celebration?
• Houston Market Movements
• Open Your Mind to Learning
“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. FSBO and Discount Broker Sales at Record Lows
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
FSBO and Discount Broker Sales at Record Lows
You might think that the internet and today’s seller’s market have coaxed an unusually large share of homeowners into selling without an agent.
And for those home sellers who list with agents, you might assume that they’re favoring discount agents — more than ever.
Wrong on both counts, according to figures released by NAR!
The share of recent home sellers who sold with an agent remained at a record high of 89 percent in the last year, and a record-high share of those professionals provided a broad range of services, rather than a more limited set, NAR reports in the 2016 edition of its annual Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
As agent popularity soared, FSBO sales scraped along at an all-time low of 8 percent of all sales.
That’s the same level NAR reported in 2015, down from 12 percent in 2006 and 15 percent in 1981, the year NAR began tracking FSBO market share.
Learn more HERE.

3. The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Election Day is Here
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, and for those of you who did not early vote, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Counties have different rules regarding where to vote on Election Day, so be prepared and visit or your county election site for more information.
Visit to see your HAR/TAR Recommended Candidates.
Brazoria County
Chambers County
Fort Bend County
Galveston County
Grimes County
Harris County
Liberty County
Montgomery County
San Jacinto County
Walker County
Waller County
HAR recommends that members who live in Houston ISD territory vote AGAINST Prop 1

4. Supra Lockbox Exchange is Next Week
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Supra Lockbox Exchange is Next Week
If you haven’t already done so, please urge your agents to book their Supra lockbox exchange appointment online before the last remaining appointment slots are taken.
Agents may choose from six locations, all with free, convenient parking and loading assistance.
All existing boxes registered in the HAR system MUST BE EXCHANGED by December 1.
During the week of November 14 (next week), HAR members will receive a FREE “one for one” trade-out.
An exchange fee will apply AFTER November 18.
For details and to schedule an exchange appointment visit

5. Will We See YOU at REALTOR® Celebration?
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Will We See YOU at REALTOR® Celebration?
HAR’s much-anticipated REALTOR® Celebration luncheon at the River Oaks Country Club is only a month away!
Join us on Wednesday, December 7 for all the festivities!
The 2017 Board of Directors, Executive Committee and incoming Chair, Cindy Hamann, will be sworn into office.
Two industry honors – 2016 REALTOR® of the Year and the John E. Wolf Community Service Award – will also be announced.
Sponsorships and individual tickets are still available at realtorcelebration.har.com.

6. Houston Market Movements
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Houston Market Movements
We enter the fourth quarter of the year knowing that the share of first-time home buyers nationally rose for the first time in almost three years. This trend has been driven primarily by healthy overall job growth, but we need to see more homes enter the market in order to combat prevailing low inventory levels.
In the Houston region, for the week ending October 30:
• New Listings increased 5.3% to 2,235
• Pending Sales increased 17.4% to 1,719
• Closed Sales decreased 8.8% to 1,770

7. The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Open Your Mind to Learning
Online Webinar: How Online Reviews
Make or Break Your Business
In this webinar, students will learn how consumers find and use online reviews and why those reviews matter. We will examine different online review resources and websites for which you can receive reviews. Students will also learn how to share those reviews with their sphere of influence to generate new and repeat business. Sign up TODAY to learn how online reviews can truly impact your business!
Date: Monday, November 14
Location: Online
Time: 12 to 1 p.m.
Investment: Free
Register at Questions? Call ext. 6