1. In This Week’s “The EDGE”
• A FRESH Look at Houston Housing
• Houston Market Movements
• Call For Action: City of Houston Floodplain Ordinance, Chapter 19
• 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. A FRESH Look at Houston Housing
The Houston real estate market saw a mixed performance last month.
Here is HAR’s latest First Real Estate Snapshot of Houston (FRESH) Report, showing the latest trends across the greater Houston housing market as of March 31, 2018.
Our complete MLS housing report for March 2018 will be distributed next Wednesday, April 11. As always, HAR will provide you with updated coverage in The EDGE.

3. Houston Market Movements
Housing markets across the U.S. are generally performing rather well. While some measurements may show year-over-year declines at times, the truth of the matter is that showings are plentiful, buyers are eagerly searching for homes to purchase and good properties are exchanging hands, regardless of whether the overall inventory situation is less than favorable or mortgage rates rise a quarter percent.
In the Houston region, for the week
ending March 25:
• New Listings increased 3.0% to 3,059
• Pending Sales increased 12.1% to 2,195
• Closed Sales decreased 2.2% to 1,492

4. Call For Action: City of Houston Floodplain Ordinance, Chapter 19
This message is to update you on the status of the City of Houston’s Floodplain Ordinance, Chapter 19. Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston Public Works have proposed changes to the ordinance, which would require new developments to be built at two feet above the 500-year floodplain base flood elevation. HAR is concerned that the new changes may be too broad and more research needs to be done to address this situation in the most effective manner.
Your engagement is needed now as council votes on Wednesday, April 4!  Please call or the Council Members you are comfortable with and ask them to support HAR’s recommendations. As an HAR member, you are asking the Mayor and Council Members to slow things down and go about how Houston rebuilds more strategically than a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Encourage city officials to complete the projects that are already in the works that will relieve flooding, clean out the waterways, and rid them of debris BEFORE Hurricane Season arrives. 
If you can attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 3 at 1:30 p.m., Houston City Hall, 900 Bagby, please confirm your attendance with Amber Burton at Amber can also provide you with a template of HAR’s to City Council.

5. Open Your Mind to Learning Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation demonstrates to peers and consumers your commitment to providing outstanding service for real estate buyers. Please review the additional requirements needed for completion on the REBAC website:
Date: Thursday & Friday, April 12 & 13
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: HAR Central
Investment: $199
Register HERE today! Questions? Please call ext. 6