Houston Association of REALTORS®
 
 RSS Feed
 

 
  REACHING MORE THAN 25,000 REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS    NOVEMBER 2009 VOL. 33 / ISSUE 11   

FEATURED CATEGORIES

 

  DAILY NEWS FEED













 Member Training
 
Time Management - Taking Control of Your Day


Running a real estate office has always been a challenge for any owner and/or manager; and with increased technology, it is becoming more and more challenging to find time to complete all the tasks at hand.

So how many hours are in a 24-hour day?  This may seem like a ridiculous question. However, managers almost always try to squeeze more activities in a 24-hour day than what can actually be accomplished.  They don’t intentionally do this, it just happens with the nature of their office
.

So how do you take control of your 24-hour day?More
October 2009
 
 
 
The Eight Ps to Blogging Success


Plan, Pay Attention, Post, Participate, Probe, Prepare, Please and PartnerMore
October 2009
 
 
 
Blogging - Winning the Hearts and Minds


The idea of a hyper-local blog is to become the respected and oft read expert on a given area for all things real estate related.  The blog writers who  are most successful do two things: they win the hearts and minds of their readers.

Winning the minds is the easy part.  Find useful, intelligent, practical information and put it in your blog.  Winning the minds should be the goal of the factual information that is put into your posts; your job should be to offer something analytical, informative and different from what your competitors are offering. More
October 2009
 
 
 
Video Conferencing is live at HAR!


New this fall, HAR will offer the Green Designation and the GRI 1 Finance course(s) utilizing our new remote video conference service.  Students will receive the same interactivity and experience without the drive across town.  For any questions or concerns related to this new training method, please contact Rita Klein in the training department at (713) 629-1900 ext. 263 or via e-mail at rita.klein@har.com.More
October 2009
 
 
 
Client Experience Rating Program


For more details visit: http://members.har.com/Realtor-Rating-Program/default.cfm

Who will be able to rate me?

Only clients whom you have represented in a closed MLS transaction will be able to rate you (sales and leases). You will receive an e-mail following a transaction and be asked to provide your client's e-mail address.  The system will then generate an e-mail invitation to the client to take the survey. More
October 2009
 
 
 
So What is Twitter?


Twitter is more than a recent social media phenomenon. It is the future of the Internet as we know it. Individuals around the globe communicate with the use of a cellular phone.More
September 2009
 
 
 
CIPS Designation


Bringing "The World” to Your Fingertips

A recent NAR study revealed that REALTORS® who earn the CIPS designation increase their business by at least 20%.More
September 2009
 
 
 
Go Green This Fall!


NAR's Green Designation Core Course provides real estate professionals with knowledge and awareness of green building principles applied in residences, commercial properties, developments, and communities so that they can help consumers in purchasing, retrofitting and operating green properties.More
September 2009
 
 
 
Become a Social Media Pro


Social media skills are now part of the tool-set successful REALTORS® must use in their marketing efforts. In an effort to create awareness and education about these various tools, HAR has created five brand new classes.More
August 2009
 
 
 
Get LinkedIn! How Social Media Can Help Your Real Estate Business Be Profitable


The world as we know it is in a state of constant change. Our business is growing more technical, and clients are looking to find REALTORS® that have embraced change and can deliver on the promise of World Class Service. More
August 2009
 
 
 
Are You Confused By All of The New Appraisal Rules?


Join Us for an Informative REALTOR® Appraisal Training Course More
July 2009
 
 
 
Housing Trends eNewsletter and Client Experience Rating Program


Housing Trends FREE eNewsletter
For more details visit: http://www.hten.com
More
July 2009
 
 
 
Pathways to Professionalism


While the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the National Association establishes objective, enforceable ethical standards governing the professional conduct of REALTORS®, it does not address issues of courtesy or etiquette. Based on input from many sources, the Professional Conduct Working Group of the Professional Standards Committee developed the following list of professional courtesies for use by REALTORS® on a voluntary basis. This list is not all-inclusive, and may be supplemented by local custom and practice. More
June 2009
 
 
 
Marilyn Maxwell at YOUR Training Service!


Marilyn Maxwell is the Technology Training Specialist for HAR.  As a member of HAR, your financial success in real estate is her top priority.  Marilyn’s primary focus is to inform the membership of the many FREE tools HAR offers which help generate business and incorporate cutting edge technologies into their marketing and business plans, while costing them little to nothing.
More
June 2009
 
 
 
An Investment In Yourself Is An Investment In Your Future!


As an educated REALTOR®, you can be the professional that consumers need.

You may be asking yourself - if you can afford to set aside time from your busy day to take a class or if you should spend money on courses.  The real question is:  Can you afford NOT to?
More
June 2009
 
 
 
Find your Niche – Earn a Designation Today!


Today’s consumer wants a REALTOR® that can provide them with not only a great experience, but a high level of professionalism and expertise! HAR is continuously striving to offer courses and designations to help you excel. Check out the course calendar at http://www.har.com/edu for a full list of upcoming trainings… In the mean time – here’s a few great ones being offered in June & July. More
June 2009
 
 
 
HAR Wants YOU to Become a Leader in 2009!


The Houston Association of REALTORS® will be offering the TAR Leadership Program this year. 2008 marked the first year that this program was offered, and due to its overwhelming success, it will be offered again to those who wish to further themselves as a leader both personally and professionally.More
March 2009
 
 
 
FREE HAR Member and Listing Video Upload Tool


Online video is now a major part of the Web experience. The YouTube phenomenon has played a major role in the online videos we see today.More
February 2009
 
 
 
HAR Wants YOU to Become a Leader in 2009!


The Houston Association of Realtors® will be offering the TAR Leadership Program this year. 2008 marked the first year that this program was offered, and due to its overwhelming success, it will be offered again to those who wish to further themselves as a leader both personally and professionally.More
February 2009
 
 
 
HAR Brings Green to Town…


The Houston Association of REALTORS® would like to invite you to become green in 2009! The new Green Designation Course was unveiled during the 2008 NAR Convention and will now be offered here in Houston.  More
February 2009
 
 
 
New Leaders in Houston


On November 14, 2008, TAR recognized 29 HAR Realtors® who completed the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP). This was the first ever TRLP hosted by HAR.More
January 2009
 
 
 
FREE Ways to Help Generate Business Year-Round


Houston-area buyers reported using HAR.com more than any other Web site as part of their home buying process. Additionally, a majority of buyers surveyed said HAR.com was the most valuable Web site they used in purchasing their home.More
January 2009
 
 
 
The e-Learning Section of HAR.com


As many of you may have noticed when you first log on to HAR.com, there is a button labeled "e-Learning" in the center of the screen. The e-Learning section offers members the opportunity to view online video tutorials covering the array of free tools offered through HAR.com.More
November 2008
 
 
 
The Texas Association of REALTORS® Affordable Housing Specialist Certification


Did you know that Texas ranks 42 out of 50 states in homeownership? As a state, we lag almost four points behind the national average in homeownership rates. Even with the affordable cost of homeownership that we've maintained over the years, this gap in homeownership has been a reality for Texas for more than 20 years. More
October 2008
 
 
 
The e-Learning Section of HAR.com


As many of you may have noticed when you first log on to HAR.com, there is a button labeled "e-Learning" in the center of the screen. The e-Learning section offers members the opportunity to view online video tutorials covering the array of free tools offered through HAR.com.More
September 2008
 
 
 
Increasing Your Sales Success Through Certification


As many real estate professionals reinvent their business in today's changing climate, new home sales emerges as a tremendous area of opportunity. Unlike individual sellers, builders are running a business that depends on consistently selling homes.More
September 2008
 
 
 
Imagine Making More Money


According to a 2006 National Association of REALTORS® study, REALTORS® with designations grossed twice as much income as those without. More
August 2008
 
 
 
Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI): A Commitment to Professionalism


The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that you have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to your clients by securing a strong educational foundation.More
July 2008
 
 
 
Spotlight on the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation


We receive many questions on a regular basis about Realtor® designations and what type of value they add to a Realtor's® career.More
June 2008
 
 
 
Do You Need to Check IN?


I was trying to come up with a topic for this month's article for the past several weeks, but was having great difficulty doing so. You see, recently my father was diagnosed with a very serious illness.More
June 2008
 
 
 
Further Your Real Estate Education Today Through HAR’s Innovative New Classes


It’s still not too late to register for HAR’s spring and summer classes. Please visit the Real Estate Course Finder on HAR.com and register today. [more]More
May 2008
 
 
 
Critical Learning Tools Available to Realtors®


Have you visited the Real Estate Course Finder on www.HAR.com lately?  We have an extensive lineup of new and exciting classes this year. Don’t miss out, as seating is limited.  Please call the Training Department at 713-629-1900 ext. 6 for more information. The new classes include:More
April 2008
 
 
 
You Can Become a Leader


Time is running out!  If you have not yet filled out your application for the Leadership Program, please do so today. [more]More
March 2008
 
 
 
Put the Internet to Work for You… for Free!


According to the "The 2007 HAR Survey of Home Sellers and Buyers," Houston-area buyers reported using HAR.com more than any other Web site as part of their home buying process.  [more]More
February 2008
 
 
 
Become a Leader


The Houston Association of Realtors® will be offering the TAR Leadership Program this year.  [more]More
February 2008
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what the Code of Ethics really means?More
October 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Curious to know what the Code of Ethics really mean? Keep reading...More
September 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what the Code of Ethics really mean?More
August 2006
 
 
 
Council of Residential Specialists Approves Hispanic Marketing Education Course


The Council of Residential Specialists (CRS) recently approved the eight-hour course entitled "Marketing to the Hispanic Consumer" as a one-unit elective course toward the CRS designation. Authored by Oscar Gonzales, Ph.D., president of The Gonzales Group, this course complements the CRS core curriculum and will assist real estate professionals in addressing the home buying needs of the Hispanic community.More
July 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what the Code of Ethics really means?More
July 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Realtors®, for the protection of all parties, shall assure whenever possible that all agreements related to real estate transactions including, but not limited to, listing and representation agreements, purchase contracts, and leases are in writing, in clear and understandable language expressing the specific terms, conditions, obligations and commitments of the parties.More
June 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what the Code of Ethics really means?More
May 2006
 
 
 
Quiz: Federal Fax Laws


Do your marketing practices comply with the federal Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005? The act, signed into law on July 9, 2005, governs all facsimile communications that contain an advertisement.More
May 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what the Code of Ethics Really Means?More
April 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what some Articles under the Code of Ethics really mean? Need a more thorough explanation to figure it out?More
March 2006
 
 
 
Assuring Integrity


As the industry changes, so does the Code. As NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® President Thomas M. Stevens notes in his introduction to the 2006 Code of Ethics, our REALTORS family will soon be celebrating 100 years of service to consumers and to our country. One of the founding premises of the association was to establish high standards of professional behavior in the real estate industry.More
February 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what some Articles under the Code of Ethics really mean? Need a more thorough explanation to figure it out?More
February 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what some Articles under the Code of Ethics really mean? Need a more thorough explanation to figure it out?

More
January 2006
 
 
 
What Does the Code of Ethics Really Mean?


Ever wonder what some Articles under the Code of Ethics really mean? Need a more thorough explanation to figure it out? HAR's Training and Member Profitability department is now pleased to offer HAR members a new section that will provide a "real world" explanation of the meaning and intent of the Articles of the Code of Ethics, with a brief summary of the Standards of Practice and the official Case Interpretations. Each month a new Article will be introduced and explained. 

More
December 2005
 
 
 
Explore International Opportunities With A CIPS Designation


The Certified International Property Specialist Network (CIPS) is the specialty membership group for international practitioners of the National Association of REALTORS®, the world's largest trade association.More
November 2005
 
 
 
HAR.com vs Your Web Site Leads


It is important to understand how and where leads are generated so that you can better understand where to send YOUR customers to look for properties online. HAR.com is built for the unencumbered consumer; those consumers who do not have a REALTOR®. 

More
September 2005
 
 
 
Hey, Did You Know…


Per NAR requirement, new HAR members only have 60 days from the date of application to complete the new member orientation.

More
September 2005
 
 
 
Explore International Opportunities With A CIPS Designation


Did you know there is a designation program that will not only help improve your business, it will give you the expertise to handle real estate at the international level? Why not open up a world of business opportunities?More
September 2005
 
 
 
This Just In…Desktop News


This month's article features free e-newsletters that can come directly to your inbox. Many of these are filled with industry news and information to keep you informed of our ever-changing industry.More
August 2005
 
 
 
Follow the Money – A Must for All Agents


"Follow the Money" is the second part of the E-pprentice series now being offered at all four HAR locations. It is a must for all agents wanting to increase profitability through the Internet.

More
July 2005
 
 
 
Get the Business Advantage


You could say that our focus in Education for July is The Business Advantage. And we are offering two new classes to get there: Fair Housing: It's Good Business, Not Just the Law and Negotiating to a Win-Win.

More
July 2005
 
 
 
The E-pprentice Course


When it comes to conducting business, have you ever felt like you were just "another face in the crowd?" And have you ever said to yourself, "Where are all the places my listings are featured?"More
June 2005
 
 
 
Two New Classes - Free MCE


Mortgage 101 – Steps to Closing More Transactions
This course will provide the real estate agent with an active knowledge of mortgage terms, products and the industry.More
March 2005
 
 
 
HAR Introduces Four New Classes to REALTORS


The Houston Association of REALTORS® is excited to introduce four new courses beginning February. More
February 2005
 
 
 
Basic Conversational Spanish


This course is tailored to the needs of the growing Real Estate market. This is a Basic Conversational Spanish course which will aid REALTORS® with day-to-day situations selling Real Estate to interested Spanish-speaking clients.

More
February 2005
 
 
 
KB Home Offers Free New Home Construction Class


KB Home is offering Houston-area REALTORS® a free new-home construction class, where participants will receive three hours of Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) credits. The construction class will feature everything from foundations and finishes to drywall and plumbing. 
More
February 2005
 
 
 
Spirited Speaker Makes an Impression with HAR’s ABR Class


Terry Watson, a unique, vibrant and well-noted speaker, brought unusual excitement to HAR’s recent ABR Class. His sense of humor mixed with his business world knowledge, made for an enjoyable learning experience.More
January 2005
 
 
 
Don’t Let the Deadline Find You… Ethically Challenged


This is the eleventh hour for the mandatory Code of Ethics training for the National Association of REALTORS®.More
December 2004
 
 
 
The COE Deadline is on our Heels… Run for It!


We are now in November with only one month left to complete the mandatory Code of Ethics training for the National Association of REALTORS®.More
November 2004
 
 
 
REALTOR® Designation Awareness Month Encourages


Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®  (NAR) is pleased to announce the arrival of REALTOR Designation Awareness Month.More
November 2004
 
 
 
Basic Conversational Spanish


Test yourself on these real estate terms:
1. hipoteca; 2. desembolso; 3. cuenta de garantia bloqueada; Do you know what they mean? 

More
October 2004
 
 
 
Tired of Hearing About COE?


The magic date is December 31, 2004! Code of Ethics training lets the world know that you are a professional of the highest quality and standards. Have you already attended the training? More
October 2004
 
 
 
HOH Class Covers the City’s Homebuyer Assistance Program from A-Z


More than 100 REALTORS® have completed the Housing Opportunities of Houston (HOH) class, "Expand Your Market in Today’s Environment Utilizing Housing Opportunities of Houston.” The curriculum is Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) approved for three hours of legal MCE credit. 

More
September 2004
 
 
 
Did You Know…


Did you know that the Code of Ethics was adopted in 1913?
How do you think REALTORS® resolved money disputes in Texas before 1913?

More
September 2004
 
 
 
Education and Training, A Touch of Class!


Great educational opportunities are ready for your enrollment!

More
August 2004 REALTOR
 
 
 
Time flies when you’re trying to beat the COE deadline


If you are like me, Monday and Friday of each week seem to be getting closer and closer together.  It’s already July and I’m still writing May on my checks!More
July 2004
 
 
 
Basic conversational Spanish


This course is tailored to the needs of the growing Real Estate market.  This is a basic conversational Spanish course which will aid Realtors® with day-to-day situations on selling real estate to Spanish clients.More
July 2004
 
 
 
The Clock is Ticking


As we welcome summer, we are only six months away from the NAR Code of Ethics training deadline.More
June 2004
 
 
 
Get That Professional Edge with the GRI Designation


The Graduate Realtor® Institute, GRI designation is the most recognized professional designation available to Realtors. More
June 2004
 
 
 
A Rapidly Growing Market


Appeal to Senior Clients with a SRES Designation

As the nation's population grows older, many Realtors® are seeing a shift in their consumer demographics. 

More
June 2004
 
 
 
Ethics Q and A


By now you have probably noticed as you log into Tempo you receive a pop up that asks if you have attended the Code of Ethics training. More
May 2004
 
 
 
The Art of Negotiation


NE-GO-TI-ATING  -  a civilized approach to reaching agreement.More
May 2004
 
 
 
Trying to Find a Way to Take ‘Code of Ethics’ Training???


Don't Stress We've Got Training That Fits Your Schedule!!

There is more than one way to get the mandatory Code of Ethics training, several options are available before the December 31 deadline and you can find them using www.har.com.

More
April 2004
 
 
 
Keep Your Career on Track


Were you aware that all Realtor® members must attend a 2.5 hour mandatory professional standards training course by the end of this year?More
March 2004
 
 
 
Code of Ethics Training Schedule


Class times are 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. each day.More
March 2004
 
 
 
Basic Conversational Spanish Classes


This course is tailored to the needs of the growing real estate market.  This is a basic conversational Spanish course which will aid Realtors® with day-to-day situations on selling real estate to interested Spanish clients.More
December 2003
 
 
 
HAR Members Earn CIPS Designation


The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation distinguishes individuals who have both hands-on experience in international real estate transactions and completed an intensive seven-day program of study.More
November 2003
 
 
 
New Training Updates


Virginia provides the latest news and updates in education at HAR.More
October 2003
 
 
 
Education Opportunities


Find out about the new education opportunities that HAR has to offer you.More
September 2003
 
 
 
2003 NAR Code of Ethics and Arbitration Training


Effective Jan. 1, 2001, the National Association of Realtors® began requiring all Realtors to complete a quadrennial ethics training course by Dec. 31, 2004.  More
September 2003
 
 
 
New Education Opportunities


It is my pleasure to announce that beginning July 1, the following courses are approved for three hours of MCE credit:  HAR Appointment Manager; Using E-mail in Your Day-to-Day Business; Navigating Through Real Estate Applications in Windows; The Internet for Today’s HAR Realtor®; WyldFyre Listings; and Creating Mailing Labels for Real Estate Agents. More
July 2003
 
 
 
Fannie Mae Plays Host at Emerging Market Event


The Emerging Markets Event seminar is designed for Realtors® and their mortgage brokers.  Learn how you and your mortgage broker partners can take advantage of the new business opportunities the emerging markets bring.
More
April 2003
 
 
 
Unique Yellow Pages is Realtor® Friendly


Realtors® are continuously taking classes to stay on the cutting-edge of the real estate market. To make life easier, HAR recently launched an updated version of its online Education Yellow Pages. More
April 2003
 
 
 
HCC Real Estate Department Holds Free Workshop


Texas Real Estate Commission has approved several new contracts which will go in  effect April 1. Houston Community College Real Estate Department and Real Estate Law expert Jim Wiedemer will hold a free workshop for real estate brokers and agents at HCC Southeast campus.More
March 2003
 
 
 
Expand Your Market


In the next 10 years, according to NAR and other economists, more than 50 percent of all residential and commercial buyers will be cross cultural, immigrants, the first generation children of immigrants or transnational buyers and sellers. More
March 2003
 
 
 










HOME | ADVERTISING | AUTHORS | CATEGORIES | CALENDAR | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | ARCHIVES |
© 2009, HOUSTON REALTORS® INFORMATION SERVICE, INC. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HAR makes no representations or warranties of any nature with regard to the privacy and/or business practices of the Web sites linked from or to HAR.com nor with regard to their use of any information they may collect.
Online Publication/eNewletter Creator
Housing Trends eNewsletter