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”
• Houston Faces an “Economic Storm”
• Houston Market Movements
• Don’t Miss These HAR Events
• Matrix: Simple. Fast. Powerful.
“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. Houston Faces an “Economic Storm”
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Houston Faces an “Economic Storm”
A storm is brewing that poses a greater threat to our oil and gas industry than Hurricanes Harvey or Ike or even a massive storm surge up Houston Ship Channel.
The danger: China wants to stop buying gasoline, with plans to completely total phase out vehicles powered by fossil fuels. This announcement follows similar plans from Britain and France to ban sales of diesel and gasoline cars by While that may be decades away, the world is undeniably moving towards a future where the internal combustion engine is a thing of the past.
Houston, this is the big one. As the auto industry approaches an electric revolution, we need to start considering how this will affect our petroleum-based economy.
Electric cars have to be charged one way or another, and we should ensure that natural gas is a major part of the energy mix. Approving more export terminals and promoting natural gas infrastructure across the globe will lay down the foundation for a long-term presence of a key Texas product. 
Houston also has to actively start promoting a diverse economy. Battery manufacturing, plastics research and biotech all have a natural home in Houston. We must do a better job attracting venture capital and promoting startups.
Read more thoughts about the looming “economic storm” in this Houston Chronicle editorial.

3. Houston Market Movements
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Houston Market Movements
According to the National Association of Home Builders, there is a rising demand in the new-home market spurred by ongoing job and economic growth, the continuation of attractive mortgage rates and increased consumer confidence. And there does appear to be a notable increase in building or announced building projects around the country. Builder confidence tends to equate with more construction starts, which would be welcome news in an era of low inventory.
In the Houston region, for the week ending September 17:
• New Listings decreased 2.6% to 2,446
• Pending Sales increased 17.6% to 1,833
• Closed Sales increased 10.4% to 1,906

4. Don’t Miss These HAR Events
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Don’t Miss These HAR Events
One of the most important real estate events of the year is just around the corner. Have YOU registered to attend HAR Engage? Time is running out!
Houston’s premiere real estate and technology conference, HAR Engage takes place on Thursday, October 19 at the Norris Conference Center at CityCentre.
For more information, including a complete list of speakers and topics, and to register, please go to

5. The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
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