Tracy Henderson is a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Clear Lake.

Every week, we ask a Houston real estate professional for their thoughts on the top three stories from the week before. This week, we spoke with Tracy Henderson, a Realtor with Keller William Realty Clear Lake’s THE Realty Partnership. 

Houston Agent (HA): A recent report from Arch Mortgage Insurance Company increased its risk rating for Houston, saying, because of oil prices, prices are in danger of falling over the next two years. Do you fear falling prices? And if prices do fall, how do you think it will affect the market?

Tracy Henderson (TH): Although Houston is the energy capital, it has a diverse economy that I’m confident there’s not a need for fear of the future, as it was in the past. And since we can not predict the future, we can only rely on historical data to gauge the impact of such shifts. As in real estate, it is based on a six month period. Our company has been outpacing the market and June was a record month. So I’m unclear of the parameters used in assessing a risk rating to Houston. The most significant impact in the oil industry this year has been related more to labor/union issues and not falling prices.

HA: What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in getting to the closing table, and how did you overcome it, and did you learn to prepare for it?

TH: The biggest challenge has been the lack of set expectations and communication on the other side of the table. When co-agents have determined in advance and communicated expectations with their clients throughout the transaction, there leaves no room for surprises. I’ve been able to overcome some of these challenges by partnering with a great team of lenders, insurance and title companies. They play a vital part in communicating the process flow. Yes, I learned quickly and early on, the need for such partnerships.

HA: Marketing online is extremely helpful and wonderful for building your brand and delivering it to a wide audience, but are there any strategies you’ve found helpful that aren’t online? How do you stay relevant in the neighborhoods you work?

TH: Yes, going toe to toe, and belly to belly with the consumer, as I once heard it phrased. Getting connected in my community and shaking hands and talking to my neighbors. That personal interaction can’t be substituted, referrals are typically 50 to 60 percent of our business. My goal in staying relevant is to provide value to my neighbors and clients, like local market data as it compares to national data; and clarifying the often used terms like “seller’s market.” Some communities are not, rather they are experiencing a “buyer’s market,” where inventory is higher and buyers are driving prices. Our goal is to be that resource for real estate information and current data.

Do you want to be featured in our Viewpoints? Fill out our contact form, and you’ll be featured too!