More than 150 vendors gathered in the Trinity Exhibit Hall at the Hilton Anatole on Sunday for the 2017 Texas REALTORS® Conference Trade Expo. Free to all attendees, the Trade Expo highlighted the latest in technology and services related to the real estate industry. There were also education sessions, an auction, and giveaways for attendees.

Elizabeth Mendenhall, 2017 NAR president elect, addressed the TAR Board of Directors during its meeting Monday.
Elizabeth Mendenhall, 2017 NAR president elect, addressed the TAR Board of Directors during its meeting Monday.

TAR Distinguished Service Award winners announced at Board of Directors meeting

The TAR Board of Directors met Monday morning. Highlights from the meeting include:

  • Mary Ann Jeffers of San Antonio and Lawrence Young of Corpus Christi were recognized for their contributions to their communities and the industry with the TAR Distinguished Service Award.
  • Elizabeth Mendenhall, 2017 NAR President Elect, spoke about the response of Texas REALTORS® to Harvey and the future of NAR, while former NAR President Chris Polychron emphasized the REALTOR® safety resources NAR provides.
  • The board approved for 2018 the continuation of the $5 per member Legal Defense Fund assessment and $30 per member Issues Mobilization/Political Advocacy Assessment.
  • Texas A&M Real Estate Center Chief Economist Jim Gaines shared with the board an economic outlook for the state, including the impact of Harvey on housing. Texas can expect a surge of new home building in 2018 and 2019, Gaines said, but with much higher costs. Housing prices will fall in flood prone areas going forward while prices will increase in non-flood prone areas, according to Gaines. Flood and property insurance rates will escalate for everyone, he said.

REALTORS® to Watch award winners recognized at Texas YPN Social

The 11 winners of the inaugural REALTORS® to Watch awards received their prizes Sunday night at the Texas YPN Social, sponsored by the Council of Residential Specialists. National CRS President Leigh Thomas Brown spoke at social in addition to being a part of the education session earlier in the day. After the awards were handed out, the fun continued with food trucks, a photo booth, and excellent brews from venue Peticolas Brewing.