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Can it possibly be November already? It seems like just yesterday that I was sworn in as chair of the Houston Association of REALTORS®…and yet, Margie Dorrance will be sworn in next month as chair for 2010. She will do an amazing job, as she does with everything, so everyone should go ahead and purchase your tickets for REALTOR® Celebration now before they sell out.
And did you see those MLS stats for September? Single-family home sales were up 32 percent, and the median price edged up slightly. Now, we know that the big increase in sales was a result of an easy comparison month last year because of Hurricane Ike, but we will take an increase when we can get it. The hurricane is not the cause of the price increase, which continues the strong pricing in the greater Houston real estate market. You may read all of the statistics in the MLS release.
Have you noticed all of the amazing technology tools and services that our incredible HAR staff has rolled out this year? It really is mind-numbing when you realize everything they do for us. At the same time, your HAR Board of Directors voted last month to maintain the current HAR membership dues level, which is the fifth year in a row that your local dues have not increased a penny…despite constantly providing additional value to our members. You may read 2010 HAR Chair of the Board Margie Dorrance letter about dues.
I also want to ask for your help. At the time of printing of this magazine, Congress is about to vote to support the extension of the $8,000 tax credit until June 30, 2010. Estimates are that an additional 300,000-400,000 people purchased homes as a result of the tax credit so this is no time to let it stop. The current proposals would also double the income limitations and remove the requirement that it only be for first-time homebuyers. If when you are reading this, Congress has yet to act, please contact both Senators Hutchison and Cornyn and your U.S. Representative to voice your strong support for the tax credit extension and expansion. I travelled to Washington, D.C. on October 20,2009, to stand alongside NAR President Charles McMillan and REALTORS® from all across the country.
HAR has also taken its time in launching and promoting its social media initiatives. As with all things done by HAR, we would rather they are done the right way instead of rushed. You may read about our initial launch on page 24. You will see that we have both a consumer Fan Page (Facebook.com/HARFans) and a member Group on Facebook. We also have a member Twitter profile (HARMembers). I encourage you to become a fan and follower today. It is a convenient way to receive the important information that HAR has to send out. Sometimes, there will even be some fun mixed in.
I wish you all a prosperous fall and an early Happy Thanksgiving!
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