Home sales in Texas improve
Existing-home sales in Texas improve during July
September 2nd, 2011 7:21am
According to Multiple Listing Services data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, existing-home sales throughout the state improved during July.
Overall, the report shows sales grew 18 percent from the previous year, with close to 19,630 properties being sold. The most transactions took place in Houston, where 5,544 homes exchanged deeds, representing a 17 percent increase from 2010. Dallas recorded the second-highest total with 4,064 existing-home sales, which is up 21 percent from last year. Wichita Falls had the best year-over-year increase, selling 181 properties, which was 74 percent more than the previous year.
The median home price for existing homes sold during July was $153,200, which is down 1 percent from the previous year. The median value for Houston properties was $159,300, which grew 1 percent from the previous year. Harlingen recorded the greatest median price increase, as the value was up 12 percent to $88,300.
Despite this gain, the region still has the largest inventory in the state, with 23.6 months worth of properties. Austin has the least amount with 6.5 months worth, followed by Fort Worth and San Angelo with 6.9 months of supply. Houston's inventory at the end of July totaled 7.7 months worth.
Courtesy of 2M Realty News
Why a Real Estate Career Might be Right for You
Why a Real Estate Career Might be Right for You
10/28/2010
MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. – Do you enjoy helping others achieve their goals? Would you rather set your own work hours? Do you prefer a short career transition? If these factors are important to you, look no further than a career in real estate. With the freedom to operate like an entrepreneur, a career in real estate can be a great fit for people from various professional backgrounds and with busy schedules.
According a recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) survey, nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe buying a home is a good financial decision, despite ongoing challenges with the economy and housing market. This notion coupled with the public’s persistent journey to achieve the American dream of homeownership provides those in real estate a career that can be both lucrative and emotionally fulfilling.
The uniqueness of today’s market offers a great time to begin a career in real estate. Here are some reasons why becoming a real estate agent might be right for you:
- Projected recovery - Many economists have predicted a real estate market recovery in 2011-2012. Now is a prudent time to establish yourself in the industry in anticipation of a sustained housing recovery.
- Uncapped earnings - Those with an entrepreneurial spirit like the fact that the only limits to success are the amount of effort they put into the job and their ability to get results. Your compensation is a direct result of your hard work and success.
- Get started quickly - Unlike other careers that may require a significant investment of time to get started, in a few weeks, you can hit the ground running.
- Flexible lifestyle - Most agents are granted the independence to establish their own schedule and work hours. This is instrumental in developing a strong work-life balance and becomes useful to those who have another career or are single parents.
There are a number of resources available for those who think a career in real estate might be right for them. Individuals interested in learning more about real estate careers may visit Weichert.com/Careers or call 800-301-3000 to speak in person to a Weichert career counselor
source=http://www.weichert.com/pressreleases/
Weichert to Make the Words "Happy Holidays" Ring True with 32nd Annual Toy Drive
Weichert to Make the Words "Happy Holidays" Ring True with 32nd Annual Toy Drive
MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. – The Weichert Family of Companies recently announced the start of the 32nd Annual Weichert Toy Drive. Members of the community are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys at each of the company’s sales offices through December 10. The toys will be delivered throughout the holidays in conjunction with local charities that assist financially and physically disadvantaged children.
“Each year marks a new opportunity to make a difference and brighten the spirits of those less fortunate in this country,” said Jim Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors. “I invite you to join in our effort to give the greatest gift of all this holiday season, joy, to the children and families who need it most.”
Weichert employees at the company’s corporate headquarters in Morris Plains, as well as in other company locations throughout the United States, will also participate in the yearly community service event. To date, the annual toy drive has yielded hundreds of thousands of items for underprivileged children in the communities Weichert serves. Last year nearly 24,000 toys were distributed to charitable and service organizations.
To make a donation, visit any Weichert, Realtors sales office. To find your local office, please go to www.weichert.com
Weichert has nearly 18,000 sales associates in over 500 company-owned and franchised sales offices in key markets throughout the U.S. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. For more information, call Weichert’s customer service center at 1-800-USA-SOLD or visit Weichert’s Web site, www.weichert.com. Each Weichert franchised office is independently owned and operated.
source=http://www.weichert.com/pressreleases/
Weichert Wins "Best Award" For Its Commitment to Training
Press Release
Weichert Wins "Best Award" For Its Commitment to Training
MORRIS PLAINS, N.J. – Weichert was recently named a recipient of the 2010 ASTD BEST Award from the American Society for Training & Development. Weichert is among 31 organizations from across the world to receive the award and ranked 12th overall out of the more than 100 organizations that entered the competition.
“Training and developing our employees and sales associates has been an integral part of the Weichert culture since we were founded,” said Jim Weichert, president and founder of Weichert, Realtors. “Given our ongoing commitment to learning, it is particularly gratifying to be honored with this prestigious award.”
The BEST Awards recognize organizations that demonstrate enterprise-wide success through employee learning and development. “The ASTD BEST Awards are the training industry’s most rigorous and coveted recognition,” said Tony Bingham, ASTD’s president and CEO. “These organizations excel in creating innovative learning cultures that clearly align with strategic business goals. And, they continue to demonstrate their commitment to workplace learning and development even during a challenging economic climate.”
Weichert received the ASTD BEST Award as a result of its efforts to help sales associates meet the challenges of an ever-changing market. When the government instituted a tax credit for home buyers, the national real estate company responded by developing sales, marketing and training programs to capitalize on the opportunity. With the emergence of social media, Weichert developed a series of training sessions to educate the sales force on the best ways to effectively communicate with customers through this new medium.
About Weichert
Weichert has nearly 18,000 sales associates in more than 500 company-owned and franchised sales offices in key markets throughout the U.S. A family of full-service real estate and financial services companies, Weichert helps customers buy and sell both residential and commercial real estate, and streamlines the delivery of mortgages and home and title insurance. For more information, Weichert's customer service center can be reached at 1-800-USA-SOLD or at Weichert's Web site, www.weichert.com. Each Weichert franchised office is independently owned and operated.
About ASTD
ASTD (the American Society for Training & Development) is the world’s largest association dedicated to the training and development field. ASTD’s members come from more than 100 countries and connect locally in 130 U.S. chapters and with 30 International Partners. For more information, visit www.astd.org.
