1. In This Week’s “The EDGE”
• NAR Board Approves $30 Annual Dues Increase
• Tuesday is Primary Runoff Day
• Calling All Real Estate Rising Stars
• 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.

2. NAR Board Approves $30 Annual Dues Increase
After a short debate over the weekend, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) board of directors approved a proposed $30 increase in annual dues for 2019, a 25 percent jump from $120 to $150 per year and an additional $39 million per year for the 1.3 million-member trade group.
HAR, which strongly opposed the increase in the weeks leading up to the vote, made a last-ditch attempt to refer the issue back to committee, but that motion failed.
The 800-member NAR board did not vote on proposed subsequent 2.5 percent annual increases starting in NAR leaders tabled that proposal on Thursday, though it will likely return in the future, according to NAR Treasurer Tom Riley.
Read more about NAR’s actions HERE.
If you’re not already enjoying the FREE Inman Select
subscription that comes with your HAR membership,
sign up HERE today!

3. Tuesday is Primary Runoff Day
Tuesday, May 22 – Primary Runoff
HAR Recommended Candidates
Montgomery County Commissioners:
Charlie Riley (Pct 2) (R)
Jim Clark (Pct 4) (R)
HAR is not involved in these races:
Congressional District 2
Rep. Kevin Roberts (R)
Dan Crenshaw (R)
Congressional District 7
Laura Moser (D)
Lizzie Pannill Fletcher (D)
Learn more about this race here.
Commissioner Charlie Riley
Commissioner Jim Clark

4. Calling All Real Estate Rising Stars
Are you a young rising real estate star or do you have one in your ranks?
2018 marks the 9th 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 demonstrate excellence in the areas of sales, leadership and community involvement.
For more information and an application, please go HERE.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 1, 2018.
You may only receive this honor once.
Awards will be presented at a red carpet-style luncheon on Thursday, October 4 at Bayou City Event Center.

5. Houston Market Movements In the Houston region, for the week
Inventory and days on market both continue to skim along at historic lows, while buyer demand is creating competitive purchase offer situations that are increasing the number of homes sold for more than the asking price. This practice is nothing new in more popular areas, but higher offers are becoming normal outside of the hottest cities and neighborhoods. Affordability is a challenge for some potential buyers, yet prices still rise in an environment of economic confidence.
In the Houston region, for the week
ending May 13:
• New Listings increased 0.8% to 3,268
• Pending Sales increased 21.6% to 2,417
• Closed Sales decreased 10.2% to 1,512

6. Don’t Miss Your Launch Window
HAR REALTOR® Launch: Your Path to Success*
HAR offers an initiative to assist REALTORS® in their career path to success! “HAR REALTOR® Launch: Your Path to Success” is a five-day class held over a four-week period (once a week for three weeks and back-to-back days the fourth week). In this intensive course, you will gain insights into how to handle your transaction from contracts to closing. You will receive hands-on, interactive experience to help you with your business before you even have business. Sign up now to begin your pathway to success in this amazing world of real estate!
*2016 TAR Marketing Program of the Year Award Winner
Dates: June 5, 12, 19, 26, 27 OR June 7, 14, 21, 28, 29
Location: HAR Central OR HAR Fort Bend
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day; 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. last day Investment: $199
Register HERE today! Questions? Please call ext. 6