In This Week’s “The EDGE” The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business In This Week’s “The EDGE” • Beware of Harassing Foot Fetishist • Make Safety Priority-One • Supra Lockbox Alert • Houston Market Movements • Don’t Miss Your Launch Window “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.

Beware of Harassing Foot Fetishist The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Beware of Harassing Foot Fetishist A number of HAR members have reported receiving harassing phone calls from a man with a foot fetish. The man typically targets women REALTORS® whose photos have been featured in real estate ads in print publications around greater Houston. This is a case that has surfaced a number of times over the past several years, however law enforcement has been unable to identify or arrest a suspect. The calls begin with legitimate questions about a home listed for sale. However, the man then asks the agent to describe her footwear and will usually request that she remove her shoes. It is virtually impossible to know when this foot fetishist is calling because his calls display as “blocked” on most phones. HAR recommends that you contact your local police department should you receive a call from this man. The more information that law enforcement can gather about this individual, the more likely it is that they will finally make this case a priority for investigation that hopefully leads to an arrest. We have more information on HAR Connect.

Make Safety Priority-One The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Make Safety Priority-One The foot fetish caller case is a reminder that REALTORS® must remain vigilant about safety 24/7. Like many jobs that involve interacting with the public, the real estate business is not without some degree of risk. With that in mind, September is REALTOR® Safety Month. The Houston Association of REALTORS® is committed to protecting its members and maintaining their personal safety as well as the safety of their clients—not just every September, but all throughout the year. By educating REALTORS® about potential threats and providing them with resources to protect themselves, HAR can help REALTORS® and real estate consumers stay safe. You’ll find valuable safety tips in HAR Connect as well as in the September edition of Houston REALTOR® magazine.

The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Supra Lockbox Alert HAR wants all members to know that lockboxes purchased from third parties outside of the HAR network are not allowed to be transferred into the HAR Supra system. Only lockboxes purchased from Supra at HAR Central or one of HAR’s branch offices are eligible for activation in the HAR Supra system. 

Houston Market Movements The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Houston Market Movements While existing home sales have recently been down, new home sales are picking up across the nation, which, in turn, has coaxed an upward trend in building activity. Buyers are still showing a willingness to pay higher prices, and there are signs that many new homes being built are smaller starter homes, perfect for young adults entering the market. In the Houston region, for the week ending August 21: • New Listings increased 2.8% to 2,386 • Pending Sales increased 14.4% to 1,842 • Closed Sales decreased 0.9% to 1,866

Don’t Miss Your Launch Window The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business Don’t Miss Your Launch Window 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 www.har.com/edu Questions? Call 713.629.1900 ext. 6