1. 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”
• It’s Not Too Late to Influence Congress
• Don’t Miss This Forecast
• Houston Market Movements
• Fuel Your Career Blast-Off
“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. It’s Not Too Late to Influence Congress
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
It’s Not Too Late to Influence Congress
Today could well be REALTORS®’ last chance to influence the tax bill which may be voted on as early as tomorrow, December 19. 
Now is the time to influence this legislation and ask your Members of Congress to retain the tax benefits of homeownership!
Differences in the House and Senate bills, on the mortgage interest deduction, the capital gains exemptions, and preserving the state and local tax deductions (SALT), have created this opportunity. With this NEW Call for Action, NAR is aggressively seeking the retention of current law on these provisions and is calling on its members to contact their Members of Congress to act on three tax benefits of homeownership:
MID: Retain the current law on mortgage interest deductibility, contained in the Senate bill, which keeps the $1 million loan cap and the allowance for second homes.
Capital Gains: Retain the current rules for capital gains exclusion on the sale of a home, which requires a holding period of two years out of the last five and has no income limits on the amount that is exempt.
State and Local Tax Deductibility: The limitation of deductibility to property taxes should be expanded to include state and local income taxes and the cap should be increased and indexed to inflation.
To learn more, visit NAR’s REALTOR® Action Center. Time is of the essence!

3. Don’t Miss This Forecast 2018 ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Don’t Miss This Forecast
Stewart Title Chief Economist Ted C. Jones, Ph.D. will present his much-anticipated 2018 Real Estate/Economic Forecast on Wednesday, January 10.
2018 ECONOMIC FORECAST LUNCHEON
January 10, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. Norris Conference Center – CityCentre $30 Individual • $350 Table of 10 Info: Ticket price non-refundable, transferable. Complimentary parking on roof level only.

4. Houston Market Movements
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Houston Market Movements
National economic trends can help inform what the housing market will do over the next year. Residential real estate should remain active if joblessness continues to decline and wage growth picks up. However, those increased wages must be in line with median sales price increases. Unfortunately, that has not always been the case. Add in factors such as increasing mortgage rates, student loan debt and lower affordability, and the balance becomes more interesting but not insurmountable for home purchasers.
In the Houston region, for the week ending December 10:
• New Listings increased 3.5% to 1,854
• Pending Sales increased 30.5% to 1,599
• Closed Sales decreased 10.9% 1,239

5. Fuel Your Career Blast-Off
The EDGE Information and news that gives you an edge in the real estate business
Fuel Your Career Blast-Off
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 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. 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.
Dates: January 16, 23, 30 and February 6, 7
Location: HAR Central
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Days 1-4); 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Day 5) Investment: $199
Register HERE Questions? Call ext. 6