September MLS Sales StatisticsThe September 2012 MLS statistics will be released on Tuesday morning, and here are some quick takeaways:

•September sales of single-family homes rose 8.7 percent versus one year earlier, marking the 16th consecutive month of positive sales.

•The brisk sales activity is keeping local housing inventory at the lowest level since March 2002 – 4.7 months.

•At $220,992, the single-family home average price reached the highest level for a September in Houston and the single-family median price of $165,000 was also an historic high for a September.

•Single-family home rentals were up 3.6 percent compared to September 2011, while townhome/condominium rentals declined 5.5 percent.

•For more detailed information, please visit the HAR Online Newsroom for this and all other news releases.

Have You Registered for The BIG e?• HAR’s BIGGEST education and technology conference is only days

away – Thursday, October 25 – at the Norris Conference Center at CityCentre.

• Tickets are selling fast for this all-day member event, so don’t miss out on your chance to be Educated, Empowered and Enlightened.

• This year’s Exciting lineup of speakers includes industry heavyweights such as Chris Smith with Inman News, Event Catalyst Thom Singer, Curt Beardsley with REALTOR.com, and a fan favorite from last year, motivational coach Tom Ferry.

• There’s also the HAR Genius Bar and Member Lounge featuring one-on-one time with speakers and HAR staff.

• eAgent passes are still available, but going fast.

• Click here today to register for The BIG e!

Weekly HAR Market StatIn between days. The spring and summer selling seasons are well behind us, and the holiday slowdown is well ahead of us (except at some department stores). As the days grow shorter, housing numbers may not be as thrilling as they were in recent months, but the trends remain the same. Compared to last year, sales are regularly up and inventory figures are down, including months of supply. Sales and prices will surely drop, but there is reason for optimism through the end of the year, providing a cure to several years of little to hold on to.

In the Houston region, for the week ending October 7: • New Listings decreased 2.1% to 1,888

• Pending Sales increased 44.7% to 1,475• Closed Sales increased 29.5% to 991

Questions? 713-629-1900 ext. 6

Make Safety a Priority

Register at www.har.com/edu

Your Safety, Your Protection, Your Life

Every year, real estate professionals are threatened, robbed or assaulted while performing routine duties like showing a property or conducting an open house. This course will teach simple techniques and adjustments to the way the licensee does business to help reduce exposure to and avoid violent crimes. It will also teach ways to identify areas of potential risk that may affect how the licensee does business. The knowledge provided will help keep the licensee and his/her clients safe.

Date: Monday, October 29Time: 2:30 – 5 p.m.Location: HAR Central Investment: $30