Since 1993, Leslie Lerner, a lifelong Houstonian, has assisted buyers and sellers in Houston and the surrounding area with the high level of service they deserve and a unique value-add: flat-fee listings and rebated commissions.

Lerner, broker and owner at Leslie Lerner Properties, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with an education degree. After teaching elementary school for a couple of years, she purchased her first home. The experience was not what she expected. “The listing agent was not professional, friendly or helpful,” recalls Lerner. “My frustration led me to believe if he could sell homes with a bad attitude, I could definitely be successful with a great attitude.” She earned her license soon after but continued to teach for seven more years while selling real estate.

Since ending her teaching career, Lerner has not stopped educating people. “My priority has always been educating my clients to make well-informed decisions,” she says. “It’s very important to guide them through the real estate process — understanding market data, pricing, contracts, negotiation, inspection, appraisal and closing.” She makes sure they realize it involves more than putting up a sign in the yard.

“If a consumer doesn’t have an agent who can commit the time, knowledge, experience and professionalism to educate them throughout the transaction, they may be setting themselves up for a disappointing experience,” Lerner says. What’s more, she always wants clients to be happy. “I never want them to settle for a home that doesn’t make then smile when they walk in the door,” she remarks.

Last year, Lerner was honored to be chosen as the chair of the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Broker Responsibility Working Group. Recently, Gov. Greg Abbott appointed her as one of the Commission’s six broker members. She holds membership in the Houston Association of Realtors, Texas Association of Realtors and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and also advocates for school safety and mental health support for students.