1. In This Week’s “The EDGE”
• HAR Hosts H-Town Day 2018
• Make Sure Your Ads Are Legal
• Houston Market Movements
• Treat Yourself to Accreditation
“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.

2. HAR Hosts H-Town Day 2018
Don’t miss this great day of guest speakers updating you on why Houston is the place to live & thrive… Thursday, April 5 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Houston Country Club 6 hours of CE credit available
Contact Rita Blevins with any questions or register online at

3. Make Sure Your Ads Are Legal
Last fall, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) revised its advertising rules, which take effect on May 15, 2018.
These new rules are the result of years of work by TREC and key stakeholders focusing on clarity of advertisements for consumers with the least restrictions on license holders.
The rules also update, interpret and balance revised statutory requirements supporting free commerce and business competition with those protecting the consumer from misleading advertisements.
At a meeting in February, TREC instructed agency staff to research and determine the steps necessary to remove the term "REALTY" from the list of terms that would imply a team is acting independently of a sponsoring broker and accept the term "REALTY" when used in a TEAM NAME.
Make sure YOUR brokerage is in compliance with the law! Become familiar with all the advertising rules today HERE.

4. Houston Market Movements
The Federal Reserve has raised its key short-term interest rate from 1.50 to 1.75 percent, citing inflation concerns in an improved economy with rising wages and low unemployment. Borrowing money will be more expensive, particularly for home equity loans, credit cards and adjustable rate mortgages. Although it is the Fed's sixth rate increase since December 2015, rates remain historically low. Home buyers should be aware that at least two more rate increases are expected this year.
In the Houston region, for the week
ending March 18:
• New Listings decreased 0.1% to 2,842
• Pending Sales increased 21.0% to 2,211
• Closed Sales decreased 8.0% to 1,391

5. Treat Yourself to Accreditation
Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)
The Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation. This coveted designation demonstrates to peers and consumers your commitment to providing outstanding service for real estate buyers. Please review the additional requirements needed for completion on the REBAC website:
Date: Thursday & Friday, April 12 & 13
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: HAR Central
Investment: $199
Register HERE today! Questions? Please call ext. 6