Houston Real Estate Blog

From the monthly archives:

July 2009

Fun Houston Facts

July 27, 2009

By: Michelle Sandlin
Director of Global Relocation Services

One of the most important aspects of my job as Director of Global Relocation Services at John Daugherty, Realtors is to help sell Houston to people who are moving here as a result of corporate relocations. It’s true, many of the people I speak with are instantly excited about their upcoming move to the Bayou City; however, there are also occasions when I speak with people who need a little convincing about their impending adventure.

For instance, it’s not uncommon for people relocating to Houston to have questions and concerns about our weather. As it happens, we may have been in the news a few times in recent years with regards to hurricanes, tropical storms and general flooding. And then there is the heat and the humidity, which many may find unfathomable. Not to worry, I tell them…look on the bright side, our climate is so temperate that you can enjoy outdoor activities almost year-round.

Then there are also a few Texas-size stereotypes that often need to be deflected. Here’s one of my favorites: “Does everyone in Houston actually walk around in cowboy hats and boots”? You would be surprised how often I get that question. I love being able to combat that myth with information regarding just how very cosmopolitan our city actually is.

While the cowboy hats and boots are not a prevalent part of everyday Houston life, there is always the fear that a transferee may arrive to Houston for the first time on ”Go Texan Day.” Covered wagons and trail riders can be seen on this particular day of the year traveling through town, while everywhere you look, urban cowboys are a dime a dozen.

Regardless of the many misconceptions about the city, there are also many interesting and fun facts, which I like to share with my readers about Houston. While recently perusing the Houston Chronicle’s web site, I came upon these little gems that I thought you might like. To read all about these fun Houston facts, visit Houston Relocation Blog at: www.houstonreloblog.com.

John Daugherty Realtor – Agents Attend Digital Media Camp

July 22, 2009

Here we are at the Houston Association of Realtors Digital Media Camp! The event sold-out and was held at the Hilton Hotel on Post Oak Blvd, near the Galleria Mall. 250 Realtors attended the event, John Daugherty, Realtors had 12 agents there. Good information on how to use social media networking to help sell homes and find buyers for your listings. Social media skills has now become a part of the tool set that successful Realtors must use in their marketing efforts. The topics that were discussed were Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogging.

Here are a few group photos.

Starting from the far back: Al Hanks, Nancy Herzig, Margo Cunningham, Jo Reid, Melodie Kentshire

Social media skills has now become a part of the tool set that successful Realtors must us in their marketing efforts. The topics that were discussed were Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogging.

As part of the fun Rebecque Demark won a digital watch!

Houston Relocation News

July 17, 2009

By: Michelle Sandlin
Director of Global Relocation Services

Publicly traded software firm, Carbo Ceramics, Inc. is the latest company to relocate its headquarters to Houston. Formerly based in Irving, Texas, the company’s new office is located in Houston’s Energy Corridor. Carbo (NYSE: CRR) specializes in fracture simulation software and geotechnical monitoring.

This is just one more example of the continued influx of companies and employees that we are seeing relocate to the Houston area. Once dominated by the oil and gas industry, Houston relocation business is more diversified than ever before. At John Daugherty, Realtors, our relocation clients also include many software and technology firms, law firms, health care and hospital systems, the university systems and many more.

With such a low cost of living and stable housing market compared to the rest of the country, it is no wonder that Houston is a top pick for companies wishing to relocate their headquarters, and/or their employees. And, once you get past a little heat and humidity, Houston is actually an easy sell.

As the 4th largest city in the country, Houston has all of the amenities that you would expect to find in New York, L.A. or Chicago, such as professional sports teams and events, performing arts, world-class shopping and dining…you name it. At the same time, Houston also has a small town, friendly feel and atmosphere. This is a very unique combination in a city, which can be a nice surprise to people who are relocating here.

I think the one thing that I hear most often from relocation clients is how friendly everyone is in Houston. I think that our friendliness as a city is a very positive factor in aiding our newest residents in quickly becoming acclimated and part of our community. This makes for a very smooth and easy transition, during an otherwise very stressful time.