Susan and Bud Friedman of Fort Bend Real Estate Corporation hosted a meet and greet at their lovely home in Venetian Estates.More

At it August 20 board meeting, the Bay Area Commercial Real Estate Network (BACREN) invited HAR Chair Vicki Fullerton, HAR TREPAC Chair Kenya Burrell and HAR Chief Political Strategist Dana Kervin to be guest speakers. More

A pictorial depicting some of the political happenings in which HAR and the Governmental Affairs participated.More

HAR Chair Vicki Fullerton moderated the question answer portion of the forum. HAR members had an opportunity to tell their story of how the appraisal system has negatively affected their consumers and to ask questions from speakers Jerry Nagy and Jamie Gregory. More

Labor Day is the unofficial kickoff for the campaign season. Your HAR Governmental Affairs Department, Political Affairs Advisory Group (PAAG), Bay Area Political Affairs Advisory Leadership (PAAL) and Board of Directors have been busy this summer preparing for candidate interviews and are now involved in the Get Out the REALTOR® Vote efforts for the Tuesday, November 3, Houston City Council and Mayoral Election. More

Your HAR Board of Directors encourages you to "Get Out the REALTOR® Vote" for the following HAR Recommended Candidates for the Tuesday, November 3 Election.More

Federal Political Coordinators met with their respective Members of Congress on issues of concern to the real estate community while our U. S. Representatives were home for their July breaks.More

NAR has hit the ground running since the beginning of the Obama Administration to ensure that private property owners and the real estate industry are well represented and protected. More

By the thousands, REALTORS® traveled to Washington, D. C. the week of May 10 to discuss REALTOR® issues with all 435 U. S. Representatives and 100 U. S. Senators and to attend the National Association of REALTORS® Midyear Meeting. Over the course of the week, issues such as preserving the mortgage interest deduction, enacting health care coverage, adopting reasonable approaches to energy efficiency, and stabilizing and providing liquidity to commercial real estate markets were discussed with our lawmakers.
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Almost 2,000 Texas REALTORS® converged on the State Capitol in Austin to make their voices heard and presence known to our legislators.More

REALTORS® from across the United States will attend the National Association of REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C. May 11-16 taking an active role in advancing the industry, the public policy agenda and the Association. More

We are the REALTOR® Party: An energized movement of real estate professionals fighting to keep the dream of homeownership alive for this country.More

HAR Directors, Governmental Affairs Advisory Group and Political Affairs Advisory Group volunteers received a warm welcome by Houston City Council Member Jolanda Jones as she recognized HAR during the opening remarks of the February 4 Houston City Council meeting.More

A pictorial of recent HAR political events.More

TREPAC Investors as of January 12, 2009.More

Your HAR Governmental Affairs Department invites you to join your fellow Texas REALTORS® to attend Texas REALTOR® Lobby Day in Austin, on Tuesday, March 31More

Your HAR Governmental Affairs Department is "Good to Go for 2009." Volunteer members serving on HAR's Federal Political Contact Teams, State Contact Teams, Political Affairs Advisory Group (PAAG), Governmental Affairs Advisory Group (GAAG), Bay Area, Fort Bend, and Montgomery County Political Affairs Advisory Leadership will have a full plate ahead of them.More

The 2009 TREPAC Investors as of December 9, 2008.More

Thank you to our $99 TREPAC Investors.More

After two years of campaigning, the nation elected a new president on November 4. As Barack Obama prepares to move into The White House, the rest of the nation begins to focus on local races and how they were affected by the political enthusiasm. More

At the Texas Asssociation of REALTORS® Governmental Affairs & TREPAC Orientation October 15 & 16, HAR was recognized for the first time ever for succeeding at getting 48% participation in TREPAC for 2008. This was the second highest participation level for all of the larger stand-alone boards in the state.  More

On October 3, the Houston Association of Realtors® and the Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce collaborated to produce a debate between Republican Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and Democratic challenger David Mincberg.More

The Houston Association of REALTORS® has partnered with the City of Houston’s affordable housing programs to educate HAR members about Mayor Bill White’s efforts to increase homeownership through grants and down payment assistance programs.More

Your HAR Board of Directors encourages you to get out the REALTOR Vote for the following HAR Recommended Candidates for the Tuesday, November 4 Election.
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NAR achieved victory on a milestone housing bill that is the culmination of years of intense lobbying efforts. Long before the collapse of the subprime mortgage market and the resultant market instability, NAR had been advocating for the housing reform measures contained in H.R. 3221, the "Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008."More

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State Representative John Otto (R - Dayton) was HAR's special guest at the June 16 Board of Directors meeting. House Speaker Tom Craddick tapped Rep. Otto to chair the Select Committee on Property Tax Relief and Appraisal Reform, which will oversee all matters relating to property tax relief and reforming the property appraisal system.More

On July 7, volunteers serving on the Governmental Affairs Advisory Group heard from Marlene Gafrick, City of Houston Planning & Development Department Director, and Eric Potts, Deputy Director of Planning, Design & Construction for the City of Houston Airport System. Gafrick and Potts updated the group on the Airport Compatible Land Use Study.More

Read about recent HAR Political involvement.More

Nearly 10,000 REALTORS® from across the nation converged on Washington, D.C. in May to attend the NAR Midyear Convention and Expo and to lobby their Members of Congress on REALTOR® issues. More

HAR was proud to co-host U.S. Representative Al Green's April 21 fundraiser held in Jeff Myhra's beautiful and historical River Oaks area home.More

HAR is proud to have so many members serving on the Texas Association of Realtors® Task Forces. Their active involvement and commitment to improving and sustaining the real estate industry should be commended.

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 Approximately 10,000 Realtors® from across the United States converged on the U. S. Capitol to meet with lawmakers the week of May 12, during NAR's 2008 MidYear Meeting.More

Texas ranks ninth in the nation in terms of the highest property taxes as a percentage of personal income. Houston has the honor of the highest property tax increase of 50 percent from 2000-2004. [more]More

Ray Holtzapple of Holtzapple Neal Properties, Inc. was appointed to serve on the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ Residential Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. [more]More

Fort Bend PAAL Conducts Candidate Interviews for Fort Bend County and HAR Recommends Webb Melder for Conroe Mayor.More

HAR Realtors® Jim Cockrill, Ed Wolff, Nancy Furst, Jim Peters and Chief Political Strategist Dana Kervin have been attending the City of Houston’s Chapter 45 High Density Ordinance Stakeholders meetings on behalf of HAR.  [more]More

On May 12, 2008, REALTORS^® from across the nation will begin arriving in Washington, D.C. for the National Association of REALTORS^® Mid-year Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo.More

On February 8, HAR Chairman Michael Levitin introduced the two Republican candidates for Harris County Judge, Judge Ed Emmett and Charles Bacarisse, at the candidate forum produced by the Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce’s Government Affairs Committee and the Houston Association of Realtors® Governmental Affairs Department.  The luncheon was held at The Briar Club and KPRC-TV news anchor Bill Balleza ably served as the emcee.  The issues presented included ethics, flood control, property taxes, transportation, toll roads, immigration, environment, land development, commuter rail, and use of the Internet for county business.

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March 4th was a true nail-biting primary for many of the races that HAR weighed in on. Despite some spending hours at their precinct convention, the results slowly came in. Voters agreed with 81% of HAR’s candidate recommendations. We are proud to have stood by the candidates who demonstrated their support for the real estate industry. We look forward to working with them and their campaigns in the November 4 General Election. More

Your HAR Governmental Affairs Department has been making the rounds throughout HAR’s membership area visiting with Realtor® members and elected officials and campaigning for HAR’s recommended candidates.More

At the TAR Mid-Winter Meetings in February, HAR was honored with the very first award for raising the most TREPAC dollars in the state.   In 2007, HAR raised $533,185 and TAR recognized this fantastic achievement by presenting HAR Chair-Elect and TREPAC Chair Vicki Fullerton with this special award at the TREPAC Investors Breakfast on Tuesday, February 26.  2007 marks the first year of this award and TAR presented one to the local boards who raised the most dollars in each of their board size categories.  HAR won for Category 1. More

Have you been receiving vehicle rendition notification letters? Your Governmental Affairs Department has received the following update from TAR: [more]

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On February 13th, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus package into law. [more]More

The National Association of Realtors® hosted their annual Federal Political Coordinators Conference and Federal Policy Meeting in Washington, D. C., on February 3, 4 and 5. [more]More

Have you invested in TREPAC? [more]

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On Fat Tuesday, February 5, Realtors® and guests celebrated Mardi Gras in true New Orleans fashion at Maggiano's Little Italy enjoying wonderful drinks, hors d'oeuvres and the company of their fellow Realtors® and friends. [more]More

Your Governmental Affairs Department has been hitting the ground hard to prepare for a busy and exciting 2008 election year. [vote]More

Earlier this year, the Texas Association of Realtors® Political Communications Subcommittee presented 75 Realtors® from across the state with the first ever TAR Strike Force Award.  This award celebrates Realtors® that were an integral part of the association’s 2006 election success and grassroots involvement. 

 

HAR would like to thank these members for being so involved in our local and state political process. [more...]More

**All investments as of December 4, 2007** [more...]More

With more than 75 people crowding into the Nassau Bay City Hall, standing room only was available for those arriving for a town hall meeting co-hosted by Congressman Nick Lampson and the Houston Association of Realtors®. Realtors® Billy Burt, Chaille Ralph, John Nugent, Mary Starr, Maria Vitale, and Doris Au attended as well as residents and concerned homeowners of Congressional District 22. [more...]

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Congratulations to HAR’s recommended candidates, Wanda Adams, Mike Sullivan, and Jolanda Jones, who defeated their opponents in the City of Houston runoff election held on December 8, 2007.  These newly-elected Council Members, including James Rodriguez, as well as incumbent Council Members Toni Lawrence, Jarvis Johnson, Anne Clutterbuck, M. J. Khan, Pam Holm, Adrian Garcia, Peter Brown, Sue Lovell, Melissa Noriega and Ronald Green will be sworn into office on January 2, 2008, at Discovery Green.  Houston Mayor Bill White and Controller Annise Parker will also take the Oath of Office and serve their last two-year terms. [more...]More

For the second year in a row, HAR sponsored and participated in the Houston Intown Chamber's Women in the Drivers Seat of Real Estate program.  The program featured a fashion show and luncheon benefiting Houston Community College students enrolled in the schools of Fashion Design and Real Estate.

 

On October 2 the fashion show was held at Advantage BMW in Midtown and featured models from the Houston area real estate industry and designs from several local HCC students. Models included HAR Vice Chair Margie Dorrance with Keller Williams Realty, HAR Governmental Affairs Director Dana Kervin, Kenya Burrell with KB Home, Cat Anderson with Real Living City, Mary Ann Reynolds with Stewart Title, Marie Gilbert with RE/MAX Westside, Nancy Benevides with RE/MAX Southwest, Courtney Robertson with Heritage Texas Properties and Angela Williams with RE/MAX Signature Properties.   [more...]

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Let's Finish the Job on December 8!

 

It's a pleasure for your Governmental Affairs Department to report to you that all HAR's recommended candidates either won their elections outright or are in December runoff elections.  In addition, Proposition 6, the constitutional amendment which will remove a personally owned vehicle, also used to conduct business, from ad valorem taxation, was approved by approximately 72% of Texas voters. We calculate that with the passage of this amendment, Realtors and other independent contractors will save an average of $600 annually in taxes!   [more...]More

Political Happenings   [more...]More

You can make a difference by volunteering for one of the many HAR task forces and advisory groups.Sign up online today!More

With the recent talk of blogs and blogging, Realtors® are asking what exactly is a blog and more specifically, how can it help me and my real estate business.More

Social Networking and Your Real Estate Business

Facebook, MySpace, Active Rain, Bebo, and LinkedIn are just some of the online social networking sites that exist on the Web in 2007.

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It’s not often that you have the power to stop an unfair tax. On November 6, though, you have the opportunity to prevent a property tax on your vehicle.More

Suzanne Page-Pryde and husband, Art, and St. George Place Civic Association President Vickie Rockwell, and husband, Terry, hosted a meet and greet for Houston City Council Member Anne Clutterbuck at the Pryde’s beautiful and spacious home near The Galleria.More

Realtors® and constituents of Congressional District 9 were invited to attend a town hall meeting hosted by HAR and Congressman Al Green on October 6 at the Southwest Multi-Service Center.More

On Tuesday, November 6, vote to permanently exempt from ad valorem taxation your personally owned vehicle used for both personal and business purposes.More

Summer recess for Congress is not the same as recess when you were in school. While some Members of Congress headed out on fact finding trips and vacations, others were hard at work in their home "turf." More

On August 24, HAR Greater Northwest hosted their seventh annual TREPAC Bowl-a-thon. The AMF Willow Lanes bowling alley was spilling over with 32 teams of Realtors® and others stopping by for an afternoon of fun.More

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July 10 was a first for HAR and TREPAC as Top Producers from across the membership area were invited to a celebration of their success at the new Hotel ZaZa.More

With the passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act in 1999, Congress affirmed a long-standing commitment to separating banking and commerce. In this historic statute, we created a framework that permits financial institutions to engage concurrently in banking, securities, and insurance.More

The United States Senate Committee on Appropriations adopted an amendment to the FY2008 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill that permanently prohibits national bank conglomerates from engaging in real estate brokerage and property management.More

All investments as of June 6, 2007.More

HAR announces the recent winners of the 2007 TREPAC Saves You Money Sweepstakes. Remember – You could be our next winner so make your TREPAC investment today!
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Every June, since 2002, has been designated as National Homeownership Month. The goal has always been to raise the awareness of the importance of homeownership to the building and strengthening of communities across America. Building strong communities has always been a cornerstone of NAR's Legislative Advocacy Agenda.
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It was enlightening to have Harris County Judge Ed Emmett share some humorous anecdotes with the Board on his entrance into politics, his private sector experience, and his appointment as Harris County Judge.More

The Houston Housing Finance Corporation (HHFC) recently issued a single-family mortgage bond program to assist homebuyers in purchasing homes located within the Houston city limits. Projected to assist nearly 150 homebuyers, the program will finance new or existing homes that do not exceed $289,704. The program offers a 5.95% fixed mortgage rate with 4% or 6% down payment and closing cost assistance. More

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Read the entire U.S. Constitution.
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U.S. Representative Nick Lampson in conjunction with the Houston Association of Realtors®, hosted a town hall meeting on Tuesday, May 29, at the Sugar Land Town Hall. Realtors® and constituents of Congressional District 22 were invited to the town hall meeting to hear from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the National Association of Realtors®, and local experts about the Fort Bend housing market.
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On April 25, Dr. Mary S. Spangler, newly installed Chancellor of Houston Community College Systems, received a warm welcome from Realtors® at a luncheon held in her honor.  The luncheon was hosted by Dovie Morgan, HAR Member Training and Profitability Chair and HAR’s Governmental Affairs Department.
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At midnight, May 28, 2007, Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) hammered the gavel one final time for the session signaling that the 80th Texas Legislative Session was over. This session proved to be contentious with many in the House of Representatives wanting to dethrone the Speaker marked by heated debates and walk outs.

Fortunately, the Houston Association of REALTORS® and Texas Association of REALTORS® had a very successful session with your grassroots help responding to TAR’s Call for Actions and your generous TREPAC investments.
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NAR has been working with Congressional leaders, since the beginning of the year, to move forward on a series of proposals designed to help stabilize mortgage markets and ease the Credit Crunch, modernize FHA, strengthen the regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and ensure continued availability of terrorism insurance coverage.More

**All Investments as of May 10, 2007.**More

In pursuit of our combined goal with the MetroTex Association of Realtors® to raise $1 million for TREPAC, HAR invited Virginia Cook of Virginia Cook Realtors® in Dallas to speak to a small group of the large Houston area brokers on the importance of being involved not only in TREPAC but also in your local association.More

A decade ago, three ladies approved the establishment of a Texas non-profit educational organization, Cypress Creek Foundation for the Arts and Community Enrichment or FACE.  The charter request was signed by the following officers:  DeLora Wilkinson, Director and President; Garlaine Kelly, Director and Secretary/Treasurer; and Clara Lewis, Director.  The threesome came together as founders of what has become one of the most successful organizations in Northwest Houston.More

**All Investments as of April 9, 2007.** More

2007 was the foundation year for this in-town event, and it was a tremendous success benefiting our political voice.  Casino Royale on Friday, March 23 was a great opportunity to meet more people involved with HAR, foster positive relationships for the future, and have a great time!

Special thanks to our Host Committee for lending their names and support to increase awareness of TREPAC. Host Committee members include: Amy Bernstein, John A. Daugherty, Jr., Karen Derr, Marilyn Eiland, Julie Greenwood, Linda King, Dovie Morgan, Robin Mueck, Madeline O’Brien, Edith Personette, Carol Peyton, George Stephens, Martha Turner, Beth Wolff, Mark Woodroof and Lynn Zarr.
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In preparation for the National Association of Realtors® annual Mid-Year Congressional visits in Washington, D.C., many of HAR’s Federal Political Contact Team Members, as well as Political and Governmental Affairs Advisory Group Members had the opportunity to participate in a federal legislative update with John Ferruggiaro, Managing Director of Political Field Operations, and Michael Rendina, Political Field Representative, from the National Association of Realtors®. More

On March 14, the Greater Northwest Area Networking Committee held its annual TREPAC basket auction at its March breakfast.  John Nichols, Past President of HAR and TAR, was a gracious auctioneer and the event raised more than $7,000 for TREPAC 2007. Special thanks to Peggy Rudolph, Carolyn Rogers, Sharon Teusink and Greater Northwest Area TREPAC Coordinator Deborah Spangler for all their hard work on this event. More

On Tuesday, March 27, HAR members were well represented by approximately 75 of their fellow Realtor® and affiliate members at the State Capitol for the biennial Realtor® Lobby Day in Austin. Leading the HAR citizen lobby team were HAR Chairman Rob Cook, Vice Chairs Vicki Fullerton and Margie Dorrance, and Immediate Past Chair Lorraine Abercrombie.  Directors participating in the legislative visits included John Nugent, Billy Hartman, Mario Arriaga, Judi Barr, Kenneth Li, and Patrick Luby.  Playing important roles in political fundraising and Lobby Day were TREPAC Trustees, HAR Director Chaille Ralph, Rochelle Barrow, Billy Burt, Ray Walker, Becky Hill, and Ed Wolff.  Ray Holtzapple, 2007 Political Affairs Advisory Group Chairman, also led contact teams during the legislative visits. More

New City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department Director, Richard Celli, was HAR’s special guest at the March 19 Board of Directors meeting. HAR and the City of Houston have partnered to educate Realtors® on the City of Houston’s downpayment assistance programs.  Realtor® education workshops were held in February, March, and April.  A class will be offered on May 17, so watch your e-mail for notification. Reservations will be made on HAR.com. Classes will be offered in the summer on an as-needed basis.  Incoming HAR Chairman Michael Levitin and former HAR Chairman Shad Bogany co-chair the Affordable Housing Task Force.  HAR Vice Chair Margie Dorrance is also a valuable task force member. More

Property Tax Appraisal Reform

Texas is ninth in the nation with the highest property taxes as a percentage of personal income with Houston having the honor the highest property tax increase of 50% from 2000-2004. The Governor’s Texas Task Force on Appraisal Reform recognizes that property owners across Texas want this broken appraisal system to be fixed. In their effort to find solutions, HAR and TAR feel strongly like many that the appraisal system needs to reviewed and overall reform of the system needs evaluation. Lowering appraisal caps and requiring mandatory sales price disclosure are simply band-aid solutions that could be detrimental to the property owners, the Texas economy, the real estate industry, and your livelihood. Band-aid solutions are acceptable but with the state of mind that true, fair, and equitable reform will happen in a timely manner.More

**All Investments as of March 7, 2007.**More

Revisions to the Visual Blight Abatement Ordinance, Article XIV of Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances, were made official by Houston City Council late last year.  Houston City Council Members Adrian Garcia and Sue Lovell worked closely with representatives of HAR, Kroger, Centerpoint, AT&T, Comcast, BOMA, the Houston Apartment Association, the Retailers Association, Texas Art Supply, METRO, HPD, and many other stakeholders.  We thank Realtor® volunteers Minnette Boesel, Carlos Garcia, Ed Gonzales, and Kelly DeHay for their participation in the stakeholders meetings.  Below is a letter from Councilman Garcia stating that the most important action Realtors® can take in fighting graffiti is to call 3-1-1 and give its location or send a photo of the graffiti with its location to 311@cityofhouston.net.More

On February 20, Fort Bend Area Realtors® raised more than $19,600 at their third annual Denim & Diamonds gala.  The event sponsored by Ashton Woods Homes, David Weekley Homes, D. R. Horton – America’s Builder, Huntington Homes and Kaplan Professional Schools was a wonderful success.More

Several HAR members serving on legislative contact teams attended TAR’s February 26 legislative update and House and Senate contact team training held at the Hyatt Regency in Austin. Members received updates on many important issues including appraisal reform, eminent domain, mandatory sales-price disclosure, mixed-use vehicle taxation, property tax appraisal caps, and real estate transfer fees in preparation for the March 27 Realtor Lobby Day in Austin. The attendees also heard a presentation by Louis Bacarrise, TAR’s contract lobbyist, who recalled several humorous lobbying experiences he had had with former Lt. Governor Bob Bullock.More

TREPAC fundraisers Becky Hill, Judy Monroe, Janice Jamail-Garvis, Carolyn Rogers, Marilyn Burt and Mary Keen were feted at the annual League of Women Voters Political Pioneers luncheon held on February 1.  Sandra Hoffpauier filled in for former TREPAC Chair Sharon Teusink.  The luncheon was held in the Westin Oaks Ballroom, and HAR was a "policy wonk” table sponsor.More

HAR's Affordable Housing Task Force, chaired by Michael Levitin and Shad Bogany, partnered with the Houston Housing and Community Development Department to produce the first of several monthly Realtor Education and Training Workshops on the City of Houston's Homebuyer Assistance Program.  Approximately 100 Realtors participated in the workshop held February 22 at the Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center.More

The National Association of Realtors® held their annual Governmental Affairs Conference January 8-11 at the Hyatt Regency Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D. C., and HAR was well represented. HAR's Federal Political Coordinators (FPC), including Vicki Fullerton, John Nichols, George Stephens, Delora Wilkinson, and Gerald Womack, joined hundreds of politically involved Realtors®, association executives, and governmental affairs staff from across the United States to learn the latest on RPAC fundraising, federal Realtor® issues, and the new Congress.  Governmental Affairs Director Dana Kaufman and TREPAC Coordinator Karen Driscoll also attended the conference.More

Earlier this year the NAR Research staff polled more than 13,000 Realtor® Members, Association Executives and industry leaders to determine which federal policy issues were considered to be of paramount importance in 2007. During the January Government Affairs Meetings, Realtor® members engaged in a spirited discussion at the Town Hall meeting, moderated by Dale Stinton, NAR’s Chief Executive Officer, identified and prioritized public policy issues, reviewed the polling results and developed the 2007 federal policy agenda.  The NAR 2007 Leadership Team approved the 2007 federal policy agenda at the recently completed Winter Meetings. More

In 2006, the Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors® Fort Bend office was the first office to reach HAR Golden R Office Status meaning they raised more than $5000 for TREPAC.  The office, which is co-managed by HAR Director Sandy MacNaughton and Nikki Owen, raised a total of nearly $12,500 in 2006.  The agents in this office not only personally invested but also spent hours of time volunteering on the different TREPAC committees and activities in Fort Bend such as Denim & Diamonds and the Great Balls of Fun Golf Tournament.  The leadership displayed by this office is a shining example to not only the Fort Bend Community but to the entire HAR membership.More

The HAR /TREPAC Saves You Money Sweepstakes 2007 is off to a fantastic start with the winners for October and December.More

HAR's newest Sterling R TREPAC investor is Jim Butcher with Capital Trust Realty. Jim is pictured here with HAR Governmental Affairs Director Dana Kaufman.  Jim made his investment during the HAR Governmental Affiars political update at the February 7 GRI Class held in Montgomery County. Lunch was sponsored by the HAR Governmental Affairs Department.More

Last year, a lot of progress was made on revisions to the City of Houston’s Building Code which applies to properties that lie within the 100 year Flood Plain.  As you are probably aware, revisions to the FEMA maps were finally approved late last year.   The Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Plan Maps (TSARP) will be effective on June 18, 2007.More

**All Investments as of February 6, 2007.**More

Each HAR branch location has volunteers who serve on the Political Affairs Advisory Leadership (PAAL). Because each branch serves different localities, the issues that arise can be specific to that area. The PAALs in Bay Area, Fort Bend County and Montgomery County provide branch level expertise regarding local Realtor® issues, make recommendations of candidates to the HAR Governmental Affairs Advisory Group and/or Political Affairs Advisory Group, and are involved in Get-out-the-Realtor®-Vote efforts to help elect those recommended candidates to champion the real estate industry.  The PAALs serve as the eyes and ears of Realtors® in those areas. Because of the PAALs’ strong commitment to HAR’s political process, the volunteers are also active in TREPAC in hosting fundraising events and encouraging HAR members to invest in their livelihood. All three PAALs groups raised more than $80,000 in 2006. They meet quarterly and on an as-needed basis.More

Toni Nelson, director of strategic initiatives for Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors® and division vice-chair of public affairs for the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, and Marlena Berger, a Memorial agent for Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors® and a commissioner for the Planning and Zoning Commission in the City of Sugar Land, joined members of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce for the administration of the oath of office for Todd Staples and Susan Combs.More

All investments as of January 4, 2007.

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HAR and TREPAC invite you to attend the third annual Fort Bend Denim & Diamonds event. This year’s event will include a dancing with the stars competition, live and silent auctions, best jacket contest, dinner and networking.  Come enjoy the show as local Fort Bend area couples dance for your votes during dinner.  We hope that you will join us for this fabulous evening out!More

In 2006, HIREBA raised almost $12,500 for TREPAC with nearly all of their 115 members investing.  Through the support of their leadership including Kiki Dixson, Ray Holtzapple, Minnette Boesel and Suzanne Page-Pryde, HIREBA launched a year long campaign to increase their TREPAC participation, and it was extremely successful.  HIREBA raised more than any of the other local offices in the HAR membership area.  Congratulations HIREBA, and thank you very much for your generous support.More

The City of Houston's Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) successfully launched its Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) citywide. In 2006, the program provided 228 qualified homebuyers in City of Houston funds to assist with down payment, closing cost, prepays and principal reduction. The amount of assistance ranged from $10,000 to $19,500 per homebuyer, totaling $3.3 million. The 2007 goal of HCDD is to provide down payment assistance to a minimum of 528 qualified homebuyers.  See the notice of the first Realtor® HAP training/education class below.More

The HAR Governmental Affairs department is here to protect your business and make your voice heard. HAR knows that you work hard every day to achieve success. The real estate industry faces constant legislative and regulatory proposals which can negatively impact your success by raising the cost of doing business or adding barriers to property ownership and real estate transactions. Realtor® representation in government is critical to creating and maintaining the most positive environment for our industry. More

The 2007 Governmental Affairs Advisory Group's (GAAG) top priority is to address real estate related issues that may arise throughout the year that directly affect real property rights or our membership's profitability. More

The 2007 TREPAC fundraising year kicked-off in October with dues billing. (Yes, the 2007 TREPAC fiscal year runs from October 2006 to September 2007.) We are doing fantastically with dues billing and we thank all of you who have made your investment during this time. We appreciate you making an investment in your career and in real estate. More

2007 looks to be shaping up as an exciting year for the City of Houston, the State of Texas, our nation's Capital, and HAR. The political climate is charged with issues such as Property Tax and Appraisal Reform and other pocketbook issues that will affect your business' profitability. Houston City Council races will start this spring as candidates begin their campaigning and political fundraising. One of the main tasks of the Political Affairs Advisory Group (PAAG) is to interview candidates and make informed recommendations to the HAR Board of Directors on those candidates whom the group believes will be most supportive of Realtor® issues as we strive to protect the consumer and private property rights. In addition to candidate recommendations, PAAG volunteers are also charged with Get-out-the-Realtor®-Vote efforts to help elect candidates to champion the real estate industry. More

Old friends and new came together to celebrate a wonderful year and the holiday season on December 11, 2006, at the Houston Association of Realtors® Elected Officials and Most Generous TREPAC Investors Holiday Celebration at the high rise home of Dana and Mark Kaufman. Dana is the Houston Association of Realtors® Governmental Affairs Director. They welcomed more than 150 guests into their beautiful, art-filled, candlelit home. The weather cooperated and guests enjoyed the terrace and Galleria views. Many took this opportunity to view neighbor Martha Tucker's Santa Claus museum down the hall. Martha's collection fills every room, wall, bathtub, and closet in her Santa Claus apartment, and Martha was there to answer their questions. More

The 2006 TREPAC Trustees and leadership would like to express our appreciation for the Fort Bend Area Realtors® who throughout 2006 raised more than $52,000 for TREPAC. The support of the Fort Bend Community for TREPAC and HAR is tremendous and we thank them for their leadership by example!

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November 7, 2006 was a great day for HAR’s recommended candidates who enjoyed a 97% success rate. The election results were overwhelmingly in HAR’s recommended candidates’ favor and reflect HAR’s involvement and respect in the community.More

Pictured at the Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce’s Women in the Fast Lane of Real Estate luncheon held on October 13 at the Jr. League of Houston building are Frankie Jefferson, Robin Mueck, Delora Wilkinson, State Representative-Elect and Houston Community College Trustee Jim Murphy, Dovie Morgan, Toni Nelson, Lorraine Abercrombie, Beth Wolff, and Governmental Affairs Director Dana Kaufman.  HAR co-sponsored the event which provides scholarships to women who pursue real estate careers at Houston Community College.  HAR’s women Board Chairs moving in the fast lane of real estate include Frankie (2000), Robin (1997), Delora (1986), Dovie (2003), Toni (2005), Lorraine (2006), and Beth (1992).More

U. S. Representative Ted Poe was a special guest at a Congressional District 2 reception hosted by HAR’s Governmental Affairs Department. The reception was held on October 24, 2006, at Walden on Lake Houston Country Club from 5:00-6:30 p.m.More

HAR members attending the October 19 Near Northwest Area Networking Meeting at Berryhill in The Heights had the opportunity to hear a legislative update from State Representative Jessica Farrar and a Houston Independent School District update from HISD Trustee Natasha Kamrani.  Both elected officials have received TREPAC support, and Rep. Farrar was presented with a TREPAC contribution to support her candidacy in the November election.  Pictured are HISD Trustee Natasha Kamrani, Near Northwest Area Networking Meeting Chair and incoming HAR Director Billy Hartman, and State Representative Jessica Farrar.More

On September 27, HAR hosted a special reception for 2006 TREPAC investors at the $250 Lone Star Statesman level and above. The celebration, titled "Margaritas and Martinis” took place at Escalante’s Mexican Restaurant in Highland Village and was a toast to the successful 2006 TREPAC fundraising year.More

Dianne Moore with URHome Real Estate was the June winner of the President for a Day Sweepstakes.  Dianne made her $99 investment at our Fort Bend Denim & Diamonds Event back in March.More

2006 TREPAC $99 Club InvestorsMore

HAR's annual Fort Bend Golf Tournament was a tremendous success at Sienna Plantation Golf Club. The event, held on Tuesday, September 19, raised more than $27,000 for TREPAC.More

The Sixth Annual Greater Northwest TREPAC Bowl-a-thon was a SOLD-OUT Success.  We had 32 teams who participated in the fun afternoon dressing in costumes and enjoying the afternoon’s activities.

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The HAR Board of Directors recommends to its members support for these candidates in the following contested races in the November 7, 2006 election.More

Photos of recent HAR political involvement....More

We would like to say Thank You to all of our 2006 TREPAC Investors.More

The First Annual TREPAC Hold 'Em Bay Area Casino Night was a great success with more than 200 people from the real estate community in attendance.More

The HAR Board of Directors recommends to its members support for these candidates in the following contested races in the November 7, 2006 election.More

Photos of recent HAR political involvement....More

HAR has once again pushed the TREPAC fundraising envelope wide open with the incredible generosity of two HAR members.More

We would like to thank and recognized these 2006 TREPAC investors. Is your name on the list? Also, check out the calendar of upcoming TREPAC events.More

When President Bush's 2001 tax cuts - including the estate tax modifications – were enacted, they were subject to arcane budget rules that allowed the cuts to be in effect for only 10 years.More

Check here for the latest list of  TREPAC investors. Have you invested in TREPAC?More

At the April 12 Greater Northwest Area Networking Meeting special guest Congressman Michael McCaul assisted in hosting the annual TREPAC Basket Auction.More

Every year, Realtor® volunteers head to Washington, D.C. to meet with their legislators and let them know about important issues affecting the real estate industry. The National Association of Realtors® is one of the most influential lobbying groups in the country and your local political action committee (TREPAC) does its part to protect your business. Please let us know if you would like to participate in the political process by calling Dana Kaufman, Governmental Affairs Director, at (713) 629-1900 ext.223. The general election is coming up and our candidates could use your support!More

Every year hurricanes, tornados, severe storms, and earthquakes cause billions of dollars in damages to homes throughout the United States. Homeowners often rely on insurance proceeds to repair or rebuild their home or business. Due to huge claims from recent natural disasters, many insurance companies have stopped issuing new policies and in some cases have dropped customers in disaster-prone areas. These actions are now making it harder for homeowners to obtain the insurance coverage they need in order to protect their biggest investment, their home.More

On April 5, HAR TREPAC Trustee Mario Arriaga of FirstGroup made a presentation to the Montgomery County Area Networking Breakfast on how investing in TREPAC actually saves you money.More

More than 9,000 Realtors® converged on Washington, DC for the 2006 NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings the week of May 15-20. Most, if not all of the attendees, had one question on their mindsMore

Read a brief sypnosis of NAR's stance on several key issues that are important to all Realtors.More

Your Governmental Affairs Department had a very busy primary run-off season! With the high success rate of the primaries, we only had four run-off elections to participate in.More

HAR's Web Department, in coordination with the Governmental Affairs Department, has developed a new resource and political communications tool called "My Elected Officials Finder."More

Congress is debating the future of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The NFIP is a successful program. It has been paid for by insurance premiums, not taxpayer dollars, and has paid out over $12 billion dollars in claims from 1968 until 2004.More

TREPAC events keep the momentum going.More

Check here for the current list of TREPAC Investors. Have you invested in TREPAC?More

The key issues NAR is focusing on...More

Please be aware that the Primary Run-off Elections are on Tuesday, April 11! Early voting starts Monday, April 3 and ends Friday, April 7. More

The Houston Association of Realtors® and the Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce partnered to produce their first Houston City Council Networking Breakfast on February 16 at the Houston Junior League Building.More

HAR Vice Chair and 2006 HAR TREPAC Chair Vicki Fullerton gave an update on TREPAC and the issues important to the real estate industry at the biweekly breakfast of the Houston Independent Real Estate Brokers Association (HIREBA) meeting.More

Check out which of your fellow REALTORS has invested in TREPAC.

Don't Be a Victim. Protect Yourself. Invest in the PAC!More

Here are a few more photos from the Houston City Council  Breakfast meeting.More

The Houston Association of Realtors® Board of Directors encourages its members to vote in the Tuesday, March 7, 2006 primary election.More

With many heated races on the ballot this year, HAR wanted to provide you with district maps for each of the U.S. congressional districts so that you may see who represents you.More

Congratulations to William Griffin of REALM REALTORS!  Griffin is the December winner of the HAR/TREPAC 'President for a Day' Sweepstakes.More

Thank you to our TREPAC Investors and to the TREPAC committee members who volunteer their time and effort to help make the TREPAC events "Simply the Best."More

This year should be politically exciting, as many candidates have filed to run for Governor, the State Legislature and United States Congress. Pocketbook issues such as public school finance, real estate transfer fees, property tax reform and health insurance will be addressed by those elected to serve in these legislative bodies. More

In 2001 more young adults filed for bankruptcy than graduated from college according to the ABA (American Banker Association) Education Foundation. I have wanted to change this and other staggering statistics depicting the lack of basic financial knowledge for the last decade.More

TREPAC President for A Day Sweepstakes Winners Announced

The HAR/TREPAC President for A Day Sweepstakes is off to a fantastic start as the winners for October and November were drawn at the 2006 TREPAC Strategic Planning meeting.

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The following is a list of our 2005 TREPAC 99 Club Investors...More

October 11-13 was a very busy time for the Governmental Affairs Department and its member volunteers as we traveled to Austin for the annual TAR TREPAC and Governmental Affairs Orientation.More

Ever thought, "I could run this country…?" Well, maybe not. But you can be "President for a Day" while you invest in your REALTOR® future.More

The HAR Board of Directors encourages your consideration and support for the following candidates in the Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005 Run-Off Election.  Please feel free to take this list with you to the polls to serve as a guide.

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