The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business In This Week’s “The EDGE” Mayor Turner Asks Developers to Build Inside Houston City Limits Millennials Push Urbanization Across the U.S. Houston Market Movements Start on Your Career Path to Success “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 Mayor Sylvester Turner appealed to developers to build inside the city limits of Houston rather than in the surrounding suburbs during remarks before the Houston chapter of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) late last week. "My responsibility is to get companies to move into the 640 square miles of the City of Houston," Turner said last Thursday at a ULI luncheon. "Why not develop in the city of Houston?" The mayor also vowed to revamp the city's building permit process, which has been widely criticized for being excessively slow and cumbersome. "Permitting will be streamlined," the mayor told ULI. Read more about this story at Mayor Turner Asks Developers to Build Inside Houston City Limits

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Millennials are now the nation’s largest generation next to baby boomers. There are 75.4 million millennials compared to 74.9 million baby boomers across the country, according to U.S. Census population estimates reported in a recent Avison Young urbanization report (see Avison Young outlined how millennials have re-shaped cities as desires have shifted. The metropolitan lifestyle, filled with public transit, restaurants, culture and retail is enticing to many young professionals. However, the high costs of urban living in areas like Manhattan has caused a sprawl to the outskirts with comparable amenities. When millennials can’t afford the urban core, they opt for areas nearby with solid opportunities and accessible public transit. Now, “urban-burbs” are sparking up, boasting fewer residents and a family- friendly atmosphere, but similar accommodations offered in the city core. Read more of this story from Inman News at Millennials Push Urbanization Across the U.S.

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Across the country, residential construction, builder confidence and housing starts have all been up in recent months, creating a triple dose of good news as the U.S. begins the inevitable home sales slowdown following the busy spring and summer seasons. The news creates hope that buyer traffic could maintain at a sufficient level over the last several months of the year. In the Houston region, for the week ending August 14: New Listings decreased 0.7% to 2,710 Pending Sales increased 14.5% to 1,940 Closed Sales decreased 11.4% to 1,549 Houston Market Movements

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business HAR REALTOR ® Launch HAR is proud to announce a new initiative to assist REALTORS ® in their career path to success! “HAR REALTOR ® Launch — Your Path to Success” is four-class series held once a week for four weeks, with the last day being a half-day. In this intensive course, you will gain insights into how to handle your transaction from contracts to closing. The program include tools such as Prospecting - How to Create Business - Buyers and Seller's Expectations - Understanding Your Role before, during and after the transaction - Insight in the ancillary roles by subject matter experts such as appraisers, inspectors, lenders, title companies, home warranty reps and much more. You will receive hands-on, interactive experience to help you with your business before you even have business. Date: September 2, 9, 16 & 23 Location: HAR Fort Bend Time: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on last day) Investment: $169 Register at Questions? Call ext. 6www.har.com/edu Start on Your Career Path to Success