1. In This Week’s “The EDGE”
• Houston City Council to Vote on Floodplain Ordinance
• Houston Market Movements
• Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP)
“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 City Council to Vote on Floodplain Ordinance
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the City of Houston is
still working to protect residents from future catastrophic
flooding. Mayor Turner has called for sweeping changes to
Houston’s floodplain ordinance, Chapter 19. The current
ordinance applies to property located in the 100-year
floodplain, however, the proposed revisions would apply to
property in a larger area and include the 500-year floodplain.
“The proposed changes would only apply to new construction
happening in those areas and would not apply to those currently living in their home,” Carol Haddock, Houston Public Works Director.
HAR Governmental Affairs has written several letters and met with City Council members to discuss potential issues with the proposed changes. City Council is expected to vote on the changes, Wednesday, March 28, 2018.
We will keep you informed on the outcome. If you have any questions about the ordinance and how it will impact your business, please feel free to contact HAR at x269.

3. Houston Market Movements
There is not much new to report this week compared to last week or the week before, but that is more good news than bad news at this juncture of the year. It's true that more homes listed for sale would be welcome for a housing market ready for an influx of options. At the same time, there is ample evidence of buyers making the most of what is present on the market now. Contracts are being signed, and the prices being paid continue to prove demand.
In the Houston region, for the week ending March 11:
• New Listings decreased 1.9% to 2,983
• Pending Sales increased 16.1% to 2,122
• Closed Sales decreased 2.7% to 1,366

4. Instructor Training Institute, ITI
The Instructor Training Institute course will help instructor candidates develop effective presentation and teaching methods. It is a requirement for those who want to teach GRI or other TRU training programs. The course will help instructors prioritize and communicate key concepts to students. Likewise, it will teach instructors to create participant-centered activities to reach people with different learning styles. Finally, the course will encourage instructors to use feedback constructively to improve their presentation skills.
Date: March 28 & 29 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Location: HAR Central Investment: $300
Sign Up
TRLP offers participants and graduates an ongoing opportunity to meet other motivated leaders and to share an intensive learning experience that focuses on community issues and leadership skills. The purpose of TRLP is to prepare the next generation of Texas REALTORS® to meet future challenges. The program provides participants with lectures, seminars, guest speakers, group discussions and leadership exercises that address vital issues affecting Texas REALTORS®. The dynamic format stimulates vigorous and animated discussions and involvement by all participants. Applicants must be a full-time REALTOR® and have been in the business for no less than two years.
Application Deadline: March 23, 2018
For the session schedule, to access the online application and for more information, please visit
Questions? Contact Rita Blevins at ext. 263 or