March 2010 Relocation Events & Conferences

Before this month officially draws to a close, I thought that I would spend a little time summarizing the relocation events and conferences that I attended and participated in during the first half of March.  It was a lot of hard work, but so worth it!

Texas Relocation Network Conference

My month kicked off with a trip to Dallas for the Texas Relocation Network Conference.  This was a great day-long event, attended by about 120 Texas relocation professionals.  I think that the speakers and panelists at TRN were very positive with regards to the outlook for the Texas economy.  One of the speaker was Tom Morgan, vice president of legal affairs for the Texas Association of Realtors.  He spoke specifically about the Texas real estate market and the fact that the recovery is underway.  From what I have seen since the beginning of the year in terms of more Houston relocations, I would certainly agree!

One of the other sessions that I really enjoyed was the one on social networking by Eric Bryn of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.  As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, I have known Eric and heard him speak many times, and I never get tired of hearing about what’s new and what’s taboo from the expert.

Houston Relocation Professionals Event

Then I found myself back in Houston for a few days for a couple of relocation events.  The first was  the Houston Relocation Professionals March Event.  The headline for the event was Houston Mayor, Annise Parker.  I was very surprised to learn of her great sense of humor in addition to the plans she has for the city of Houston.  She joked about being a public figure and being recognizable, and the challenges that poses on one’s everyday life.  As for the city, she said that she is working hard on some long term issues affecting the serious infrastructure needs.  For instance, she talked about the fact that we need to get a handle on our flooding and drainage issues.

Following Annise Parker, was none other than one of my favorite economists, Mike Inselmann, president of MetroStudy.  His presentation really picked up where he left off when he visited John Daugherty, Realtors back in January.  He said that the idea of a national housing market was “bogus” as far as he was concerned.  He said, “There is no such thing as a national housing market.”  Of course this is something that we have been reverberating here in Houston during the past 18 or so months.  Real estate is a local market.

Here are few of the highlights from Mike’s presentation:

“We are getting back to the new normal, or old normal in terms of loan underwriting.”

“This recovery is underway and it will come whether you believe it will or not.”

“This is a great time to be buying a house as long as you are not buying it as an investment.”

“The extension of the tax credit and low mortgage rates have been like caffeine to the economy.”

“Houston has the most active housing market in terms of housing starts.”

“Flat is the new up in most housing markets.”

Families In Global Transition Conference

I was very honored to be invited to be a co-presenter at the FIGTConference in Houston along with my good friend and relocation colleague Leslie Sjurseth.  Our session addressed the positive and negative impact of social media on expats and their families going on overseas assignments.  For those of you who may be unfamiliar with FIGT, “Families in Global Transition provides a forum where members of internationally mobile families, e.g. corporate, military, diplomatic, missionary, gather with those who assist them: human resource personnel, relocation experts, educators and counselors. Together we develop strategies for dealing with challenges of cross-cultural living.”  This was a great conference and a great opportunity to meet and share information and ideas with other relocation professionals.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference

One day following the conclusion of the FIGT Conference, I was off to Las Vegas for the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference and the Luxury Portfolio Top Sales Associate Summit.  This was a fantastic week of educational sessions and sharing among the professionals associated with the top real estate companies in the world.  I was very proud to be in attendance, as well as having the opportunity to be a presenter at one of the sessions entitled, “Raising the Bar on Your Relocation Training Program.”

It is important to note here that it is one thing to attend a relocation conference or event; it is quite another to be involved.  The connections that you make can be much more than just new contacts for your Rolodex or to enter into Outlook.  If done correctly, you can really connect with people on a very personal level.  If you are doing that, you don’t need to sell yourself or your services or your company at all.  Your relationships and friendships are the key. Put the necessary time and energy into them, and they will build over time and do all of the heavy lifting for you.

Tags | Houston Real Estate, Houston Relocation, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Luxury Portfolio, Michelle Sandlin, Moving to Houston, Texas Relocation

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John Daugherty, Realtors Attends LeadingRE Conference in Vegas

Last week I attended the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Annual Conference and Luxury Portfolio Top Sales Associate Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada.  It was a very proud time for John Daugherty, Realtors, as everyone there seemed to know that there were several of us in attendance from our company.  In fact, we were eight people strong.   I was accompanied by Steve Thistle, our General Sales Manager, and six of our sales associates:  Tania Amin, Moni Bohnisch, Laramie Driscoll, Dede Fike, Julianna Lind and Judy Mousa. 

The Luxury Portfolio Top Sales Associate Summit was a gathering of the finest luxury property specialists from around the world.  The focus of the Summit program was to further enhance the presence of these elite companies in their respective luxury markets.  This was a great time for our agents to network with other top sales associates from around the world, while attending several informative sessions and gaining some insight on how other luxury firms have adapted there business models to survive and even thrive in the downturns.

Naturally, there was a lot of talk about the current state of the real estate market, particularly in areas of the country that have been much harder hit that the Houston real estate market.  Fortunately, the real estate market is a local market and not a national market, which perhaps isn’t stressed enough.  It would have been nice to share the Texas perspective on the current state of the real estate market in contrast to states like California, Nevada and Florida.  For instance, Houston Relocation business has remained strong compared to other states.

The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Conference was equally informative, but for me was even more valuable due to my position as Director of Global Relocation Services at John Daugherty, Realtors.  The theme of the  Conference was “Leading the Revolution,” which reflects the network’s commitment to “Leading the Revolution” in real estate as we adapt to changes in the economy, in the housing market, in technology and in client needs and preferences.  I always gravitate to the sessions involving social networking, technology, relocation best practices and business development, as these are key components to my own business model and in the way I run our Relocation Department.

I was also invited to be a panelist for one of the conference sessions, which was entitled, “Raising the Bar on Your Relocation Training Program.”  This is a very important subject to me, since I am responsible for developing and implementing our comprehensive Relocation Training and Certification Program for the agents at John Daugherty, Realtors. 

In visiting with the other panelists, speakers and conference attendees, I have come back to work today with many new ideas and best practices, all of which are of benefit to my department and my company.  This is the best part of being a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.  As a result, I have life-long friends, partners, and business coaches.  I can pick up the phone or fire off an email anytime and always expect to hear a friendly voice on the other end happy to share ideas and a little brain storming.  This has been invaluable to me, and I look forward to all that is yet to come as part of this group, whose members are the leaders in their respective real estate markets.

Tags | Houston Relocation, John Daugherty, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Luxury Portfolio, Michelle Sandlin, Realtors

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Houston Real Estate – Legal Update

Attorney Dick Hargis of Hargis & Harpold, LLP gave a presentation at yesterday’s sales meeting at John Daugherty, Realtors to address lease purchase transactions and other legal issues currently facing many of our sales associates.  Hargis & Harpold, L.L.P. is a law firm concentrating its practice in the areas of  Houston real estate, commercial litigation, insurance defense, trade associations, business transactions, employment and subrogation. We are always very glad to have Hargis share his legal insights with us, as it always leads to a very eye-opening discussion.

 

Watch what you say in emails!

Hargis began by reminding everyone how important it is to always make sure that you watch what you say every time you hit the send button on an email.  This is excellent advice, especially given how often an email can be misinterpreted.  Whenever in doubt about how your words or tone might be interpreted, it is a good idea to save the email as a draft and go back and read it, and if needed, edit it before sending.

Lease Purchase Transactions

Hargis says, “Just say no!”  This is the best advice, he says.  A lease purchase is actually a contract for deed.  It is a transaction in which statutory rules burden the seller (or Broker) with many of the following:

• Pre-contract disclosures
• Pre-contract documents
• Annual accounting

Not only that, but non-compliance can lead to DTPA violation, contract rescission and refund of all payments.  The list of pre-contract disclosures alone can be very daunting.  Real estate agents and brokers can’t write a lease purchase; it requires the use of an attorney for drawing up the agreement.  Hargis recommends telling the seller that he or she should call a lawyer to discuss if they are considering this type of transaction.  “Under no circumstances should an agent attempt to draw up a lease purchase contract,” says Hargis.  In general, a much better option might be owner financing.

From time-to-time I run across a transferee who is interested in discussing lease purchase options with me.  I can tell you that they have no idea what this entales.  Especially in today’s market, people relocating to Houston are often looking to explore all of their options and inquiring doing a lease purchase.  Fortunately, when they are relocating to Houston through a relocation company, they are often counseled about the necessity of using an attorney and discouraged from exploring this type of transaction. 

Buyer’s Rep Agreement & Information About Brokerage Services

Why are both needed?  Hargis says that the Information About Brokerage Services Form is a good introduction and a lead in to a Buyer’s Representation Agreement.  The IABS is informational, and is important because it addresses Intermediary.  The Buyer’s Rep Agreement is a sign of some sort of loyalty between the agent and the buyer.

 Who Should Hold Open Houses?

This is always an important consideration.  According to Hargis, an agent employed assistant who has a real estate license is fine to hold an open house; however, if the assistant is unlicensed, the assistant should not be allowed to hold and open house.  As for unlicensed persons, they can hold open houses, but Hargis does not recommend it.  He says that they are not supposed to say anything, but you can never be sure whether that person will give out information or say something that he or she shouldn’t. 

What legal issues or questions do you have?  It’s very important to have reliable legal resources whenever controversial issues or questions arise.

Tags | Houston Real Estate, Houston Relocation, Legal Update

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Global Relocation Services Receives Department of the Year Award

I have had many proud moments since coming back to John Daugherty, Realtors to lead the company’s Global Relocation Services Division in December of 2008.  So many wonderful things have happened over the past 14 months, and so many accomplishments have peppered the way.  But I don’ t think that I have had a prouder moment than on Tuesday of last week.  That is when I received John Daugherty Realtors’ Department of the Year Award as the Director of Global Relocation Services.

Our company gathers towards the beginning of each year for a Celebration Breakfast to honor and recognize the many accomplishments of the past year.  On Tuesday, John A. Daugherty, Jr. kicked off our celebration by discussing our company’s sales volume and other statistics for 2009.  Wow, what a great year 2009 was for us in spite of the economic challenges that have affected our country! 

Then John announced the Department of the Year Award.  When he said the words, ”This year our department of the year award goes to Global Relocation Services,” I stood up and approached the stage as if I was being presented with the Oscar.  I can’t tell you what this award means to me and what it represents.  I love what I do so much, and feel so lucky that I get to do what I love, where I love to do it.

I rejoined John Daugherty, Realtors, as part of the company’s strategic hiring initiative during the last quarter of 2008.  When I got there, I had a great deal of work ahead of me in the Relocation Department, but the potential that I saw there was unlimited.  And that is exactly the way that I approach my position there and the steps that I have taken to make our company the leader in Houston Relocation and real estate services.

Since 2000, the focus of my career has been on the relocation industry, but it has only been since my return to John Daugherty, Realtors that I have seen it flourish by leaps and bounds.  To what to I attribute this?  That’s a very easy question to answer.  I am given complete autonomy to do the job that I have been hired to do, while receiving incredible support from John Daugherty and the wonderful management team that I am fortunate enough to work with everyday.   I am also very motivated by the excitement of the relocation industry in general, and I work very hard to continue to establish myself and our company as the best choice for Houston real estate / relocation services in Houston, Texas.  To that end, I am very active within the real estate and relocation community on a local, national and international level.

I am very passionate about my profession and the many relocation business opportunities that I successfully bring to John Daugherty, Realtors.  This has been the driving force behind everything that I do and will continue to do in the years to come.

Indeed 2009 was an excellent year for our Global Relocation Services Division; however, I hope that it will pale in comparison to the many plans I have in store for 2010 and far beyond.  Thanks to the many strategic partnerships I have made, speaking engagements and presentations that are in the works, and my involvement and membership in various key organizations throughout the relocation industry, I know that 2010 will be an even better year than 2009.

Lastly, I want to give a shout out to my business coaches (you know who you are).  Thank you for always being there, believing in me, putting my name out there over and over again, and for always helping me to raise the bar. 

Tags | Houston Real Estate, Houston Relocation, John Daugherty, Michelle Sandlin, Realtors, Relocation Industry

In Houston Relocation

Houston – Global Center of Excellence!

I have said it many times, “Houston is a great place to live.”  I especially love being able to share all the wonderful things that Houston has to offer with people who are relocating here.  True, this is an important part of my job as Director of Global Relocation Services at John Daugherty, Realtors, but it is also the truth.  From our great shopping and restaurants, to all the great sporting events, arts and culture, parks and trails and much more…Houston really has it all. 

Here’s a new one for you: 
Houston is the Global Center of Excellence for International Human Resources. 

For the past three years, I have been involved in the Houston International HR Roundtable.  This is a fantastic group of individuals comprised of the HR community and the service professionals who work in partnership with them.  During the time that I have been involved in this group, I have come to know its leader, Larry Scott, who has done an exceptional job at bringing great speakers and educational opportunities to the group.  He has also incorporated networking Happy Hours, which has helped bring the members of this group together.

At the end of 2009, Larry Scott formalized the group, adding structure and varying levels of membership and sponsorship opportunities, while enhancing membership benefits.  He now serves as president for the group and is the visionary for its future.

So, what is Houston International HR Roundtable?

Houston International HR Roundtable is committed to developing Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for International Human Resources.  It is the leading education and networking professional organization in Houston for international HR professionals, including international and domestic service providers. 

The vision of the group is to develop Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for international human resources.

I was absolutely thrilled when Larry approached me and asked me to Chair the Global Center of Excellence Committee.  He felt that I would be a perfect fit, given my work within the Relocation Industry and the contacts that I have locally within the Houston Relocation and HR community.

The Global Center of Excellence Committee is focused on bringing increased recognition to Houston as the Global Center of Excellence for International Human Resources in accordance with the vision statement of Houston International HR Roundtable.   This committee works in conjunction with our other committees to promote Houston and its value as a global leader in international HR.  I am very excited to be the Chair of this important committee, and look very forward to assisting in bringing recognition to the Houston as the Global Center of Excellence.

If you are interested in membership or more information about Houston International HR Roundtable, please visit:
Houston International HR Roundtable.  To view upcoming events, please click here:  Events Calendar.

Tags | Global Center of Excellence, Houston, Houston International HR Roundtable, Houston Relocation

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