Leora Kahn is a sales associate for Bernstein Realty in Houston.

Every week, we ask a Houston real estate professional for their thoughts on the top three stories from the week before.

This week, we talked with Leora Kahn, a sales associate at Bernstein Realty in Houston. She has represented both buyers and sellers in the purchase and sale of homes, townhouses and high rises in the greater Houston metropolitan area, including the Museum District, Bellaire, Tanglewood, Memorial, and Fort Bend. Prior to her career in real estate, Kahn worked as an attorney for 20 years.

When she is not working, Kahn serves as an active member of the Race Day Committee – Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation – Houston Affiliate, Race for the Cure, and has served as a Member of the Anti-Defamation League, Texas/Southwest Region, the Houston Ballet Guild, and the Tangle Lane Activities Committee.

Houston Agent (HA): What are some effective communication strategies you use with consumers?

Leaora Kahn (LK): I try to make my clients feel comfortable and relaxed. I listen carefully and encourage my clients to voice their thoughts, opinions and concerns. I validate their feelings and thoughts and let them know that I understand and I am very willing to follow their lead and answer their questions. I love to employ humor and story-telling skills to teach, explore and counsel in a subtle and non-threatening manner.

HA: Have you been noticing an increase in residential construction this month? Why do you think that is?

LK: There has been a marked increase in residential construction throughout greater Houston and its neighboring communities. This comes as no surprise, given that the local economy is poised for a sustainable rate of growth within the next year.  The creation of jobs attracts thousands of workers and their families to relocate to Houston and its neighborhoods. In fact, it is believed that the Houston area will create approximately seventy thousand new jobs next year, slightly less than the seventy-eight thousand jobs Houston will have gained in 2013.

A Greater Houston Partnership research executive said that, “Every sector is expected to add jobs in 2014 with business and professional services, construction, energy and foreign trade leading the way.” There is thus an insatiable demand for new homes.

HA: Do you use any social networks for real estate networking?

LK: I employ LinkedIn, Facebook, my personal page on HAR, and Pinterest to connect with clients and friends as well as clients who have become my friends. I ensure that all my “connections” know that I am a licensed Texas Realtor and that I am happy to assist them with all their real estate needs on a continuous basis.

LinkedIn allows me to connect professionally with others in the industry, as well as clients and friends, and highlights my work experience and skills. It permits me to endorse those in the industry who have assisted me and my clients and provides a vehicle whereby I can recognize their efforts. Similarly, LinkedIn permits others to recognize and endorse my professional skills.

I employ Pinterest to show potential Buyers and Sellers unique home features that may be of interest to them. After all, a picture may be worth a thousand words!

I also embrace new technology and marketing ideas and have my own real estate app, which can be downloaded by texting the word “Leora” to telephone number 87778.