Harbert Real Estate Group's Blog Posts

How Neighborhood Growth Impacts Home Value in North HoustonHow Neighborhood Growth Impacts Home Value in North Houston is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real

What Are the True Costs of Owning a Home in Klein TX?What Are the True Costs of Owning a Home in Klein TX? is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real estate.

How to Identify a Good Investment Property in Spring TXHow to Identify a Good Investment Property in Spring TX is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real estate

What to Know About Closing Timelines in North HoustonWhat to Know About Closing Timelines in North Houston is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real estate.

How Interest Rates Change Buying Power in Houston SuburbsHow Interest Rates Change Buying Power in Houston Suburbs is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real

What Sellers Need to Fix Before Listing in Tomball TXWhat Sellers Need to Fix Before Listing in Tomball TX is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real estate.

How to Evaluate HOA Rules Before Buying in The Woodlands TXHow to Evaluate HOA Rules Before Buying in The Woodlands TX is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real

What Are the Risks of Buying in Flood-Prone Areas of Houston?What Are the Risks of Buying in Flood-Prone Areas of Houston? is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area

How to Successfully Appeal Property Taxes in Klein TXHow to Successfully Appeal Property Taxes in Klein TX is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real estate.

What Should Buyers Know About MUD Taxes in Spring TX?What Should Buyers Know About MUD Taxes in Spring TX? is a critical question for buyers and sellers navigating the Houston-area real estate.

Best Neighborhoods in Spring TX for Families in 2026IntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, excellent schools, and access to major job centers.

Why Buyers Love Living Near The Woodlands TXIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job centers. Areas like

Guide to Master-Planned Communities Near HoustonIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job centers. Areas

What $400K Buys You in the Houston SuburbsIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job centers. Areas like

Top Family-Friendly Communities in The Woodlands TXIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job centers. Areas

New Construction Homes in Spring TX: What Buyers Should KnowIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job

Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in North Houston?IntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job centers. Areas

Top Reasons People Are Moving to Tomball TXIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job centers. Areas like

How Property Taxes Work in The Woodlands TXIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job centers. Areas like

Best Neighborhoods in Spring TX for First-Time Home BuyersIntroductionThe Houston metro area continues to attract buyers looking for strong communities, good schools, and access to major job.

Are you looking for an easier way to knock out your 7- or 8-hour SAFE Mortgage CE Course this year? Would you love an instructor-led course that fits seamlessly into your busy schedule and that you

If you’re a certified real property appraiser and you’re considering mentoring a trainee appraiser, you might wonder: Is this a good idea for my business?  What

No one wants an appraiser who can be bought off or persuaded in their valuation processes. That’s why in 2023, Fannie Mae Freddie Mac imposed new requirements to help strengthen the existing

PropStream Can Help You Build Your Business Using Real Estate Data Software Did you know there are currently fewer listings than agents in the United States? Limited supply and heightened

If you’re interested in becoming a mortgage loan officer (aka MLO) but do not have any experience, you may not know where to start. While many loan officers begin their careers by working

You Need to Read This Before Deciding to Become a Real Estate AgentIt’s time to discuss the elephant in the room. The truth is, we here at The CE Shop haven’t been completely honest with

It’s an age-old question when you’re considering a career as a real estate agent.  Is now a good time to become an agent?  The short answer? Yes! But there are some

Being a real estate agent has been known to be a highly competitive job full of hustle. However, according to Market Leader, real estate agents experience higher job satisfaction rates than

What is Cold Calling and How Can it Benefit Real Estate Agents? “Cold calling” is the act of contacting someone by phone or in person seemingly off-the-cuff. As you’ll see

A digital mortgage is nearly identical to a traditional mortgage in every way but one: a digital mortgage utilizes technology to engage borrowers at every step of the mortgage lending process. From

What is a Mortgage Loan Officer? A mortgage loan officer, also known as an MLO, is a licensed representative of a bank, mortgage company, or other financial services organization that is

While prospective homebuyers often seek homes that are already built, there are some who have specific ideas about how they want their dream home to look. Those buyers are likely to consider having

A Few Ways Loan Officers Can Streamline the Underwriting Procedure  Summary: A quick, easy, and streamlined loan process is essential for a successful loan officer. Here are a few tips to

Summary: Mortgage Loan Officer burnout is real. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, or even feel underwhelmed. Here are a few solid tips to navigate potential MLO burnout. 1. Don’t Invest

Summary: These surefire steps will make building a mortgage career much simpler. Understand the Mortgage Loan Origination Industry Explore Career Opportunities in the Mortgage Industry;

Buying or selling a home can be a very complex and stressful experience for clients. That’s where a real estate agent’s education, experience, and specialties in the real estate field

Are you attracted to the world of real estate, or considering a new career as a real estate agent? You may be wondering about the daily job duties of an agent, what their career involves, and how

What Is Curb Appeal and Why Is It Important? One of the most important aspects of a home's resale value is its curb appeal, or the property's exterior attractiveness. Homeowners and real estate

Wondering if a career as a real property appraiser is right for you?  There are many benefits, some challenges, and lots of optimism in the appraisal industry right now. Whether you

Curious if You Can Hold Both a Real Estate License and a Mortgage License?The mortgage and real estate industries are tightly intertwined, presenting the question: Is it possible for one person to

While there are key distinctions between mortgage loan processors and mortgage loan officers, they each contribute to the mortgage lending process in important ways. Mortgage loan processors

Being able to craft a strong resume is crucial in the highly competitive real estate industry. Below, we’ll give an overview of the MECE framework for creating a winning resume and explore the

Being a mortgage loan officer is a challenging profession, to be sure – but it’s also one that offers many rewards. If you’re already a loan officer, you know that you’re one

Mortgage loan officers (MLOs) perform a job that comes with a lot of responsibility. As such, the government has measures in place that ensure each of them is accounted for, for the sake of the

Are you eager to optimize your client’s property value before listing it but need to figure out how to get started? Well, the secret lies in the art of home renovation projects. Sprucing

The History of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics The National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics has existed in some form for over a century. First adopted in 1913 as a lean

As a real estate agent, you’ll need a wide variety of tools under your belt to successfully guide your clients through a seamless transactional experience. One of those tools is having a good

Are you looking for ways to grow your customer base as a real estate agent? We have an idea for you: direct mail marketing.  Direct mail marketing has a 29% ROI, according to The&

Why Are Reviews and Testimonials Important to Real Estate Agents? If you find yourself conducting a Google search before trying a new restaurant or making a costly purchase,  you’re

The Complete Guide to Property Management CareersSo, you want to become a property manager? Now might be a great time, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career is

As a new real estate agent, you may be so focused on finding clients and making deals that you’ve forgotten the importance and benefits of technology in your daily activities. There are

There’s No Need to Be Afraid of Tax SeasonDoing your taxes is rarely fun, no matter what profession you’re in — but filing taxes as a real estate agent can feel especially

Buying a Home With Friends Gains Traction Among MillennialsWith soaring home prices and incredibly low housing inventory, many first-time homebuyers are having an increasingly difficult time

Why Are Reviews and Testimonials Important to Real Estate Agents? If you find yourself conducting a Google search before trying a new restaurant or making a costly purchase,  you’re

A Quick Study Session Could Help You Stage to SuccessThoughtful and professional home staging has become a critical step in the home transaction process. Despite this fact, interior design

How Do I Find the Right Real Estate Brokerage?Choosing the right brokerage is directly correlated to your success as a real estate agent. Matching with a brokerage that meets your criteria

The COVID era was a tough time for people working in all professions, and many individuals lost substantial work and income during that time. If you worked in the real estate industry during COVID,

As the Housing Market Cools, Some Sellers Have Been Forced to Slash Home Prices For more than two years, we've been living in an extremely competitive seller’s market marked by soaring

How to Talk to Homebuyers About Wildfire Risk You Can Help Answer Clients’ Questions About Wildfire Risk in Your AreaAs wildfires in the Western United States have become steadily

The past couple of years have shown unprecedented changes in the real estate market. Between drastic interest rate fluctuations and increases in home prices and inflation, to more recent decreases

After Hitting a Record Low, Housing Inventory May Be Slow to ReboundA shortage of available homes has fueled the ultra-hot housing market in recent years, causing prices to soar and demand for homes

This Could Be the Most Expensive Home Ever Sold in the U.S.A Bel Air Mega-Mansion Has Listed for a Record $295 MillionA 105,000-sq.-ft. mega-mansion in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles could

Cryptocurrency & Blockchain - The Basics As cryptocurrency markets bloom, many investors are looking to cash in on capital gains and diversify. Naturally, the tried-and-true world of real

It’s no secret that technology is changing rapidly in 2023, affecting almost every industry, business transaction, and even human experience.  At the same time, the real estate

Let’s Learn About the Professionals Involved in the Homebuying Process For many first-time homebuyers, navigating the real estate industry and the homebuying process can feel.

If you’re interested in joining the real estate industry, you may have noticed the multitude of different job titles real estate agents go by – broker, associate, salesperson, etc. So,

Table of ContentsIntroduction to Real Estate Agent Earnings The Basics of Real Estate Salaries  How Money is Divided Between Brokers and Agents Here’s an Example of How a

Zillow's Exit: Implications for Houston HomebuyersOn November 2, 2021, Zillow made headlines by announcing the discontinuation of its iBuying program, Zillow Offers. The decision was attributed to

Over the past two years, there has been a noticeable upward trend in mortgage rates nationwide. Potential homebuyers are growing increasingly anxious that the surge in interest rates may hinder

Since ascending to pop superstardom, Taylor Swift has strategically invested her considerable fortune in a remarkable real estate portfolio. The singer-songwriter, amidst re-recording her initial

Acquiring a house with Bitcoin has become not only more straightforward but also increasingly fashionable. The question arises: can your clients leverage digital currency to make real estate

Welcome to the realm of real estate agent earnings, where the prospects for financial success are boundless. Whether you're contemplating a career in this dynamic field or simply intrigued by the

The scarcity of "starter homes" in the United States poses challenges for first-time homebuyers. Negotiating this housing market has become increasingly difficult due to soaring home prices,

Student Loans Are Among ‘Biggest Hurdles’ to HomeownershipMany Americans — and especially millennials — are burdened with large amounts of student loan debt that affect their

A Mega-Mansion in Bel Air Hits the Market with a Staggering $295 Million Price TagThe prospect of setting a new record for the most expensive home ever sold in the United States looms as a 105,000.

Exploring Homes with Distinctive Charm: Quirky Listings Taking the Internet by StormIf you've ventured into the depths of the internet recently, chances are you've stumbled upon some real estate

As we welcome the dawn of 2024, there's a palpable sense of optimism in the real estate market. Agents, homeowners, and prospective buyers alike are eager to explore the promising trends that lie

August 30, 2022How Much Could Homebuyers Save by Purchasing a Fixer-Upper?A New Report Identifies the Best U.S. Cities to Buy a Fixer-Upper  As home prices soared and inventory dwindled in

August 8, 2022Back to School: The State of Texas’ Housing Market Learn About Texas’ School Seasonality and Housing Industry Changes  Every seasoned real estate agent knows the

August 2, 2022The 3 Outdoor Landscaping Projects With the Highest ROI99% of REALTORS® Believe That Curb Appeal Is Important in Attracting a Buyer Many homeowners dream of having a lush,

July 25, 2022The Competitive Rental Market’s Price Growth Could Be Slowing DownMedian Rent in the 50 Largest U.S. Metros Hit $1,876 in June, a Record High for the 16th Month in a Row The.

July 19, 2022Homebuyers Cancel Contracts at the Highest Rate Since the Start of the PandemicThe Increase in Home Deals Falling Through Could Be a Sign of a Slowing Housing Market After two

July 5, 2022New Court Ruling Approves Dallas to Houston Bullet TrainTexas Landowners Aren’t Happy A Texas Supreme Court ruling has ruled that Texas Central Railway can now use

June 28, 2022Private Islands Are Part of the Luxury Real Estate BoomFor the Ultra-Rich, the Private Island Market Is Full of Possibility Have you ever dreamed of escaping to your own private

June 13, 2022First-Time Homebuyers Are Facing a Starter Home ShortageA Lack of “Starter Homes” in the U.S. Makes First-Time Homebuying Difficult  It’s hard to be a first-time

June 6, 2022Texas Con Duped Dozens for Fake Investment Fraud SchemeTexas Man Sentenced to Decade in Prison for Swindling $1 Million Shawn Johnson, a 42-year-old man that lives in Dallas, TX has

May 24, 20226 Podcasts Real Estate Agents Should Be Listening to in 2022Check Out Our List of the Top 6 Podcasts About the Real Estate Industry If you’re looking for a podcast to keep you

May 16, 2022How to Prioritize Your Mental Health as a Real Estate AgentTaking Care of Your Mental Health is a Key Part of Being a Successful Real Estate AgentReal estate is an industry that offers

May 10, 2022Lack of Affordable Housing is Biggest Obstacle to Buying a Home in the U.S.New Study from National Association of REALTORS® Reveals Biggest Obstacles to Homebuying A lack of

May 9, 2022New Housing Development in Houston Metro Breaking Ground in 2022Houston Will House New Single-Family Home DevelopmentConroe, a small town north of Houston, is welcoming a well-needed

April 11, 2022Career Longevity Tips for Real Estate Agents in TexasKey Principles to a Long and Successful Career in Texas Real EstateReal estate is one of the most lucrative industries you can join

March 7, 2022Microchip Plants Moving to Texas Will Fuel Local Real EstateThese Chips Will Bring Chunks of Change to Texas Real EstateSemiconductor plants have been the topic of discussion in Texas

February 7, 2022The Great Resignation’s Effect on Texas Real EstateWith Record Rates of Resignation, Expect More Delays on New HousingThe Great Resignation — the name given to the

January 10, 2022Finding Your Niche: Buying and Selling Land in TexasRural Land Is in High Demand in TexasEntering a new year offers a much-needed fresh start, and finding a new niche 

December 20, 20212022: What to Expect in the Houston Real Estate MarketAre You Prepared for Houston’s 2022 Real Estate Market?After another uncertain year, the Houston real estate market has

November 15, 2021Zillow Offers’ Offload: Company Selling Houston Homes at LossZillow Offers’ Exit May Bring Houston Homebuyers ReliefOn 11/2/21, Zillow announced that they're 

October 18, 2021House Hunting for La Lechuza: Famed Feathery Foe of TexasThis Old Owl Needs a Texas Nest in Which to RestWhooo is La Lechuza? This mythical monster comes from Mexican and Tejano

October 7, 2021Selling Spooky: How to Market Your Haunted HouseThere’s Nothing Scary About a Great Marketing StrategyPerhaps you don’t believe in ghosts, but you still can’t shake

October 11, 20213 Real Estate Agents’ Haunted House StoriesReal Estate Agents Tell Stories of Supernatural EncountersWhether you’ve been working in real estate for a few months or a few

September 20, 2021Houston Home Scam: Residents Lose Big in Housing FraudResidents Affected by Houston’s Housing ScamResidents of Houston were hit by a bold housing scam between 2002 and

August 16, 2021Houston Home Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright for SaleIs This Unique Usonian Home the Wright Price?Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most well-known architects in our country&rsquo

July 19, 2021Houston’s Luxury Home Market Is on FireHouston’s Luxury Real Estate Market Is Sizzling This SummerHigh-end home sales in Houston have been skyrocketing over the last year,

June 14, 2021Kellum-Noble House: Houston's Oldest HomeTurn Back the Clock at Houston’s Kellum-Noble HouseFrom Frost Town to German Town, the city of Houston has plenty of

May 17, 2021Drool-Worthy Houston Dog Parks Worth Living NearHouston Is a Pooch ParadiseHouston and dogs go together like kibbles and bits. As one of the country’s most affordable large

April 19, 2021Houston High: The Potential Impacts of Legalizing MarijuanaHouston Zoning Laws Are Half-BakedWhen it comes to marijuana in Texas, many expect Austin to be the cannabis capital of the

March 15, 2021Texas Power Outage May Dim Houston’s Bright Economic FutureCompanies Don’t Want to Be Left in the DarkIn early February 2021, an unprecedented winter storm blanketed

February 15, 2021Hurricanes’ Surprising Impact on Houston HousingHurricanes Can Bring Winds of Fortune to Houston AgentsIn Houston, hurricanes hit roughly once every nine years, and a

January 18, 20212021: What to Expect in the Houston Real Estate MarketAre You Prepared for Houston’s 2021 Real Estate Market?With the COVID-19 pandemic looming and its accompanying economic

December 14, 20205 Houston Bakeries That’ll Sweeten Your HolidayGet a Taste of Houston’s Best BakeriesWe don’t care what they say about New York or Los Angeles; we know Houston is

November 17, 2020Houston Restaurants Make a Great Thanksgiving AlternativeExplore Houston’s Thanksgiving Flavors and Find a New Favorite TraditionThe holiday of Thanksgiving, like those who

October 26, 2020Visit the National Museum of Funeral History This FallExperience the Art of the Funeral in HoustonDeath is a difficult, emotionally-exhausting subject, but everybody contemplates

September 21, 2020How Much House Can a Houston Texans Player Afford?Big Paychecks Means Bigger Homes When it Comes to Houston Texans FootballMany of the NFL’s elite players grab headlines for

August 24, 2020Houston Ranked 11th Best City in the U.S. by Resonance ConsultancyHouston Is a Great Place to Call HomeAs if Houston-based real estate professionals don’t already have a lot to

July 27, 2020Low Oil Prices Make Houston Great for Home BuyersLow Oil Prices? Now Is the Time to Buy in Houston.While Houston is home to many major industries, there’s no denying that the oil

June 22, 2020Houston Real Estate Market Now Ideal for HomebuyersHouston-Area Real Estate Is Becoming More AffordableWith plenty of acreage to develop and a robust economy, Houston is one of those

May 1, 2020Houston’s Iconic Beer Can House by the NumbersDraped With Tens of Thousands of Beer Cans, This Might Be Houston’s Most Notable HouseThey say Keep Austin Weird, but if you

March 12, 2020The Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Real Estate License & Starting Your CareerWhy Get Your Real Estate License?Obtaining your real estate license is a challenging and rewarding

March 11, 2020How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make?Real Estate Agents Have a Limitless Earning CeilingThe standard workweek is 40 hours, but many real estate agents will work between 21 and 40 hours,

February 10, 2020Texas Real Estate Exam: How Difficult is the Test?How Difficult is the Texas Real Estate Exam?You may be wondering about the difficulty of the Texas Real Estate Exam. For many, it

January 29, 2020The Benefits of a Real Estate Agent CareerDiscover the Benefits and Skills You’ll Develop as a Real Estate AgentIf you’re reading this article, you’ve either quit

November 14, 2019What If I Fail the Texas Real Estate Exam 3 Times?Failed the Texas Real Estate Exam? These are the Next Steps to Obtaining Your License.Getting your real estate license in Texas can