The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business In This Week’s “The EDGE” Choose Your 2017 HAR Board of Directors Deadline Extended for HAR 20 Under 40 Awards Don’t Miss These HAR TREPAC Events Houston Market Movements All Aboard for Certification! “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.

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business As a leader of one of the most prestigious REALTOR‬ ® associations in the country, ‪HAR directors are recognized within the ‪Houston‬ community and nationally for the real difference they make in the lives of HAR's more than 32,000 members – through the decisions they make and the standards that they set.‬ HAR members: It's up to you who makes the cut! Voting for your 2017 Board began last Wednesday, July 20, and concludes on Monday, August 1, at 5 p.m. If you haven’t done so already, please check your for your own personalized link from BigPulse to vote! ‬You’ll find more information, including candidate profiles, at Choose Your 2017 HAR Board of Directors

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business 2016 marks the seventh annual YPN 20 Under 40 Rising Stars in Real Estate awards. This prestigious honor is presented to 20 HAR members 40 years of age or younger who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of sales, leadership and community involvement. To apply and view the qualifications and FAQs, please visit The deadline to apply has been extended to Monday, August 1. You may receive this honor only once. Awards will be presented on October 5 at Bayou City Event Center. Deadline Extended for HAR 20 Under 40 Awards

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Don’t Miss These HAR TREPAC Events Beat the heat and have a great time networking while giving back to your industry at these fun upcoming events... Totally 80’s Sing-Along – Thursday, July 28 at Alamo Draft House Vintage Park. Join us for singing and dancing and a costume contest. This will be from 3 to 6 p.m. HAR GNW Bowl-a-Thon – Friday, August 12 at AMF Willow Lanes We still have teams available for the time slot. HAR Lake Houston Reception – Thursday, August 25 at Walden on Lake Houston Country Club. Join us for food, drinks, and a fabulous silent and live auction. HAR Fort Bend Bowl-a-Thon – Friday, August 26 at AMF Stafford Bowl. 1-3 p.m. for bowling, networking and a silent auction.

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Tight credit seemed to be a factor in keeping new home construction down during the first half of 2016, but the situation is improving. June housing starts were up 4.8% from the month prior, as building recovers slowly from the housing bust. This is news we’re happy to report, especially when taking the continuing concern of high demand and low inventory into consideration. In the Houston region, for the week ending July 17: New Listings increased 9.2% to 3,203 Pending Sales increased 15.7% to 2,171 Closed Sales decreased 8.9% to 1,703 Houston Market Movements

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Texas Affordable Housing Specialist (TAHS) The Texas Association of REALTORS ® and local associations are offering the Texas Affordable Housing Specialist (TAHS) certification to REALTORS ® across the state. The certification boasts 12 MCE hours, including The Texas REALTOR® United Texas, a four-hour course; Help for Homebuyers, a two-hour course; the four-hour FHA Lending for Workforce Housing; and the two-hour Making Texans Homeowners for Life. Texas REALTORS® who have earned the title of Texas Affordable Housing Specialist are listed by city on the TexasRealEstate.com website under Affordable Housing. The TAHS certification equips REALTORS® with the knowledge to help increase sustainable homeownership across Texas. Date: Monday, August 1 Location: HAR Central Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Investment: $150 Register at Questions? Call ext. 6www.har.com/edu All Aboard for Certification!