Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors is ranked as Houston’s Market Leader

by REAL Trends 500

HOUSTON, TX – May 13, 2010 – Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ranks as the market leader in residential real estate in Houston, Texas, as reported in 2010 REAL Trends 500. The annual report was released this month by Denver-based REAL Trends, Inc., a leading source of analysis and information on the residential brokerage industry.

Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors achieved Houston Market Leader status with more closed transactions and more closed volume than any other residential real estate company in Houston in 2009.

The company also ranked as one of the largest regional brands in the country. Gibraltar Mortgage Services and Greater Houston Financial Services, in Prudential Gary Greene’s Home Services division, were also recognized as national leaders in their fields.

Marilyn Eiland and Mark Woodroof serve as partners of Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors, which was founded in Houston in 1963 as Gary Greene, Realtors and became part of the Prudential Real Estate Network in 2000. The real estate services company provides a single point of access to all move-related service needs.

“We strive to be a trusted source for the consumer during what is often a difficult time of transition,” said Eiland. “We are proud of our leadership and our expert sales professionals who continue to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our clients,” added Woodroof.

Recently, Eiland and Woodroof were honored by Prudential Real Estate Services as Broker of the Year, an award given for outstanding professionalism, honesty, integrity, business savvy and community service. In presenting the honor, James Mallozzi, chairman and CEO of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., commended them on their perfect blend of leadership and ownership. “Even in challenging times, this company has grown in size, stature and influence and represents a strong force in Texas real estate.”

Prudential Gary Greene offices cover the Houston area, with locations in Houston’s Inner Loop area, Bay Area, Champions/Louetta, Friendswood, Galveston, Katy, Memorial, Northeast Houston and Wallisville, the Northwest/ 290 corridor, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and its newest office in the booming community of Cypress.

On the philanthropic front, the company has made a difference through their fundraising efforts for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, which they have supported for the past 17 years. In 2009, they donated over $330,000 to the nonprofit that offers support to children with cancer and their families. Their work for the Sunshine Kids includes the annual Craig Biggio Celebrity Gala and Golf Classic and other events throughout the year sponsored by their branch offices.

G. W. Bailey, executive director of the Sunshine Kids Foundation, said: “Marilyn Eiland, Mark Woodroof, and their whole organization, have made it possible for us to create more activities for more kids with cancer – not only in Houston but all across the U.S. and Canada. They have had an enormous, incalculable impact on our operations.”

Coming April 22, 2010 in Katy, TX – Katy Sunshine Fest to benefit The Sunshine Kids!

Terrific planning meeting today for our upcoming Katy Sunshine Fest, April 22, 2010.This is the fourth such event that is brought to you by the Katy office of Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors. If you have not been before, you have really missed a special event.

Great crowds at last year's event.

 We will have an amazing 8300 sq. ft. steel-erected tent in our parking lot next to La Centera. The event opens with a great Fashion Show with hot Spring fashions provided by La Centera shops. We are so fortunate to have the following area restaurants providing complimentary nibbles for our expected crowd of over 750 guests: Rainforest Cafe, Candelari’s Pizza, La Vida Loca, Hooters, Fish City Grill and Corino’s! We have delicious adult libations being presented by Falcon Point Golf Club, Stadia Sports Bar and La Vida Loca. 

Catwalk action at the Sunshine Fest Fashion Show!

 We also have an amazing live auction: Country Music Legends signed guitar and hat, Rockets Championship signed basketballs, signed Astro’s home plate, Rock Legend’s signed guitar, Taylor Swift, Hank Williams Jr., Faith Hill, Bon Jovi, George Strait signed guitar(s), and more. We have a terrific silent auction with too many wonderful items to mention but a great place to get those early Mother’s Day, Graduation and Father’s Day gifts.

We also have 3 exciting raffle items: Trip to New York to see Kristin Chenowith in a Broadway play (and personally autographed items from the star), Galveston Get-away San Luis Penthouse Suite and dinner and a fun Stay-cation in the exciting City Centre area with dinner at Flemings and a night out at the movies!

We still have sponsorships available starting from $ 250 to $ 10,000. Anyone wishing to be counted as a sponsor of this fabulous invitation-only event (expect over 700 guests), let me know.

If you would like an invitation to join us for the Katy Sunshine Fest, please contact me 832-368-5953 or email me at christi@christiborden.com.

March 2010 - Presentation of Check for $ 338,199.39 - Prudential Gary Greene top fundraiser in entire Prudential Network.

Last year we raised over $ 30,000 for The Sunshine Kids Foundation. Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors was recognized again as the number one fundraiser for the nation among Prudential Real Estate and Relocation companies. Sponsorship and donations are down across the country due to the economy. Let’s show them that Texas is strong and we never let down our kids!

For more information about (click here) The Sunshine Kids and their mission of bringing smiles and fun to kids undergoing treatment for cancer. When you meet these kids and fall in love with them, you will understand why we have made this cause our own.

*The Sunshine Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. Established in 1982, we are committed to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients. The Sunshine Kids provides a variety of programs and events, free of charge, for kids who are receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America.

Prudential Gary Greene, Top Fundraiser Again for Sunshine Kids in US!

Prudential Real Estate Network Raises $1.3 Million for The Sunshine Kids in 2009

by christiborden

The Prudential Real Estate Network raised more than $1.3 million for The Sunshine Kids (SSK) foundation in 2009. SSK is a national non-profit organization dedicated to serving children with cancer. Established in 1982 in Houston, TX, The Sunshine Kids Foundation provides a variety of programs, free-of-charge, for children receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico – like trips to Colorado, Hawaii, Washington DC and other great places. Visit www.SunshineKids.org to learn more about this amazing organization.

Throughout the year, Prudential Real Estate Network members participate in many fundraising activities including golf tournaments, auctions, bake sales, and the Listing Program – where our agents voluntarily earmark portions of their commissions earned through their real estate sales. These programs, among many others, help support The Sunshine Kids.

Expressing his gratitude to the Network at the 2010 Sales Convention, G.W. Bailey, SSK executive director and Movie/TV star, said, “In a most challenging market you found it in your heart to raise $1,304,841 in 2009.”

Congratulations to the top fund-raising company, Houston’s own Prudential GARY GREENE, REALTORS who donated more than $338,000 to the foundation.

Our next great fundraiser in West Houston is the Katy Sunshine Fest in Katy, TX on Thursday, April 22, 2010. This annual event will blow the socks off of last year – which was attended by over 600 invited guests and raised over $ 30,000 for The Sunshine Kids.

The fun event kick’s off with a fantastic Fashion Show and is followed by a great evening of music, food, friends, fun and more importantly… fundraising! We will offer a great silent and live auction as well as raffle prizes. We have 6 fabulous area restaurants providing food and drinks. While we do not charge admission, we ask for a $ 10 donation at the door and hope that our guests come with hearts and wallets open for the kids.

If you would like to sponsor this great event or would like information on attending, please contact me christi@christiborden.com .

See you there!

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Houston 10/3/09

 

 

Dear Friends and Family,

Our Prudential Gary Greene Katy office always takes on a project for National Volunteer Day. This year we are joining thousands of other volunteers in a race for life.

I recently accepted the challenge to raise a mere $100.00 funds to support the 2009 Komen Houston Race for the Cure® being held on October 3rd in downtown Houston.  For those that know me and my pitiful ankle (broken or actually “ruined” according to the Ortho four years ago and still recovering from 2 surgeries) understand if this turns into a “Hobble for the Cure” but it will be worth it.

Please join me in the fight against breast cancer by pledging your support in the Race. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund local innovative outreach, awareness and treatment programs for the medically underserved in the greater Houston community as well as national cutting-edge breast cancer research.  

Please click here to support my participation.  I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress. I plan to post photos and a short blog about the actual event.

 

I am so proud of our Pink Brigade here at Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors in Katy, TX. We are all racing or walking in honor of Rosemay Derstler’s daughter Nicole and sister Linda, both undergoing treatment for breast cancer as well as Phylis and April who are living as proof of the cure.

Thank you for your generosity.  Imagine Life Without Breast Cancer.

Sincerely,

Christi Borden

Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors out-performs them all!

2009 May YTD Company Market Share Rankings in Houston MLS

 

 

Houston MLS Company Ranking Report of Listings- 2009
Category: Single Family, Townhouse/Condo, Lots, Multi-Family, Country Homes/Acreage, Mid/Hi-Rise Condo
Current Active Listings by Company – All Areas – May 2009
Rank	Company Name	# of Listings	Listing Volume	Average List Price	% Total
1	Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors®	2282	$745,821,743.00	$326,828.00	4.95
2	Coldwell Banker United, Realtors®	1683	$563,228,998.00	$334,657.00	3.65
3	Realty Associates	1424	$269,923,120.00	$189,552.00	3.09
4	Martha Turner Properties	753	$735,339,938.00	$976,547.00	1.63
5	Keller Williams Realty Conroe	752	$162,433,127.00	$216,001.00	1.63
6	Heritage Texas Properties	641	$286,029,554.00	$446,223.00	1.39
7	Realm Real Estate Professional	630	$174,377,582.00	$276,789.00	1.37
8	Keller Williams Realty – Woodlands	606	$198,660,051.00	$327,821.00	1.31
9	Keller Williams Realty – Metro	518	$240,267,249.00	$463,836.00	1.12
10	RE/MAX Northwest, REALTORS	467	$100,833,861.00	$215,918.00	1.01

 

Houston MLS Total Listings Sold Ranking Report
Category: Single Family, Townhouse/Condo, Lots, Multi-Family, Country Homes/Acreage, Mid/Hi-Rise Condo
Total Listings Sold Homes YTD through May 2009 by Company – Ranked by Dollar Volume Sold
Closed Date Range: 1/1/2009 to 5/31/2009 – ALL AREAS
Rank	Company Name	Total Listings Sold YTD	Total Dollar Volume Sold	Average	% Total
1	Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors®	1098	$228,578,370.00	$208,177.00	4.89
2	Coldwell Banker United, Realtors®	928	$204,913,146.00	$220,811.00	4.13
3	Realty Associates	592	$80,386,209.00	$135,787.00	2.64
4	RE/MAX Fry Road	468	$83,636,496.00	$178,710.00	2.08
5	Heritage Texas Properties	373	$101,938,393.00	$273,293.00	1.66
6	Martha Turner Properties	312	$170,738,492.00	$547,238.00	1.39
7	Perry Development Management	307	$83,215,830.00	$271,061.00	1.37
8	Keller Williams Realty	306	$60,728,769.00	$198,460.00	1.36
9	RE/MAX Cinco Ranch	302	$50,711,485.00	$167,918.00	1.34
10	Realm Real Estate Professional	299	$51,137,744.00	$171,029.00	1.33

 

Houston Multiple Listing Ranking Report May YTD 2009
Total Sales and Volume Sold by Company YTD
Category: Single Family, Townhouse/Condo, Lots, Multi-Family, Country Homes/Acreage, Mid/Hi-Rise Condo
Closed Date Range: 1/1/2009 to 5/31/2009 – ALL AREAS
Rank	Company Name	Total # Sales YTD	Volume	Average	% Total
1	Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors®	2210	$467,562,459.00	$211,545.00	5.6
2	Coldwell Banker United, Realtors®	1939	$425,500,777.00	$219,499.00	5.1
3	Martha Turner Properties	564	$294,346,949.00	$518,873.00	3.53
4	Greenwood King Properties	379	$227,546,757.00	$600,398.00	2.73
5	Realty Associates	1575	$223,552,109.00	$140,714.00	2.68
6	Heritage Texas Properties	709	$202,398,412.00	$286,140.00	2.43
7	John Daugherty, Realtors	304	$182,600,583.00	$588,862.00	2.19
8	Keller Williams Realty	827	$160,884,126.00	$195,348.00	1.93
9	Keller Williams Realty	517	$130,078,485.00	$252,200.00	1.56
10	Realm Real Estate Professional	721	$121,347,937.00	$168,701.00	1.45

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1 – How does it affect you, the home buyer?

The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1.) has been reconciled by the House and Senate. The details of the legislation have not been finalized but we expect the legislation to include a number of important housing provisions, including the remedies for the housing crisis that NAR prescribed at the annual meeting in Orlando, Florida.

• Homebuyer Tax Credit – a $7500 tax credit that will be available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time homebuyer between January 1, 2009 and September 1, 2009.  The credit does not require repayment. Individuals who purchase in 2009 using financing assistance from state and local mortgage bonds will be permitted to use the credit, as well.
• FHA, Fannie and Freddie Loan Limits – Revised loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae.  Specifics have not been released but reports indicate that the 2008 limits have been reinstated for 2009 except in those communities where the 2009 limits are higher. Additional increases in individual communities may also be available at the discretion of the HUD Secretary.
• Foreclosure Mitigation & Neighborhood Stabilization – Funding for states and local communities to be used for neighborhood stabilization activities for the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes are authorized.

These elements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are the pillars of the NAR Housing Stimulus Plan presented to the 111^th Congress.  Additionally we continue to work closely with the Department of Treasury and Secretary Timothy Geithner to implement a mortgage buy-down program. NAR also recommended that the Treasury Department expand the Term Asset-Backed Loan Facility (TALF) to include commercial mortgage-backed securities as eligible collateral.  The Treasury has approved this recommendation and this will encourage investment in the commercial real estate market.

The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R. 1)
Additional Housing and Other Provisions of Interest to NAR

• Rural Housing Service – Increased funding for the Rural Housing Service direct and guaranteed loan programs.
• Low Income Housing Grants – Allow states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance the construction or acquisition and rehabilitation of low-income housing, including those with or without tax credit allocations.
• Tax Exempt Housing Bonds – Tax-exempt interest earned on specified state and local bonds issued during 2009 and 2010 will not be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).  In addition, financial institutions will have greater capacity to purchase tax-exempt state and local bonds.
• Energy Efficient Housing – Grants for energy retrofits for federally assisted housing (section 8), funding for Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grants to states, and Increases in the residential tax credit through 2010 for certain energy efficient upgrades.
• Transportation –   Spending for upgrades and repairs of road, bridges and transit facilities.  
• Broadband Deployment – Grants to make broadband available in unserved communities

As the leading advocate for homeowners and the real estate industry, the National Association of REALTORS will continue to address the issues facing Americans who are trying to purchase a new home, protect their current home or preserve investment opportunities in residential and commercial properties.

NAR recognizes the efforts of the members of Congress and the Senate who understand that without a housing recovery, an overall economic recovery is impossible.

 

Prudential Real Estate – Highest for Seller Satisfactionby JD Power and Associates! How can I serve you?

 (Houston, Tx) – Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial, Inc. [NYSE: PRU] company, and Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors® announced that Prudential Real Estate ranks “Highest Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study^SM.

The inaugural study measures customer satisfaction of home buyers and sellers with major national real estate companies. Overall satisfaction is determined by examining four factors for the home selling experience: agent (43%); marketing (38%); office (12%); and services (7%).

Among home sellers, Prudential Real Estate achieved a score of 793 on a 1,000-point scale – and Prudential Real Estate received particularly high ratings from customers in the marketing and office factors.

 

“We are very proud of this distinction, as it underscores the quality of our affiliates and their hard-working sales professionals, said Laurie Keenan, president of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. “Our sales professionals are local experts, and sellers appreciate their ability to market and price homes right — along with providing exceptional, attentive service.”

The team at Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors® works hard to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of its clients – sellers and buyers, explained Marilyn Eiland, Partner, Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors®. “In the current challenging market, our clients want all the expertise and market knowledge we can offer – and by leveraging Prudential’s brand strength, its wide array of product and service offerings and its strong Internet marketing programs, we can provide sellers with the increased exposure they need.”

 

The J.D. Power and Associates study finds that despite the popularity of home buying and selling resources on the Internet, the real estate sales professional remains key to customer satisfaction with real estate companies. A large proportion of both home buyers and sellers rely on the Internet to facilitate the buying or selling process, with 68 percent of buyers saying that they used Internet tools to help them in the purchase process and 61 percent of sellers reporting that they used a website listing to market their home. In addition, among sellers, online methods are the most important aspect of marketing.

 

However, the sales professional carries the greatest importance among the factors that comprise overall satisfaction among both home buyers and sellers. According to J.D. Power and Associates, although the Internet provides home buyers and sellers with the ability to perform some essential tasks – such as listing a home for sale or researching a neighborhood in which to purchase a home – it still does not replace the importance of a good sales professional. Particularly in an uncertain real estate market, professional advice from sales professionals can be especially valuable to buyers and sellers. The knowledge and expertise provided by experienced sales professionals is an important benefit of using a full-service real estate company.

 

The study also finds that the average time a respondent’s home remained on the market was slightly more than six months, although home sellers represented by the top-ranking real estate companies report that their homes were on the market for slightly less time – approximately five and a half months, on average.

 

Satisfaction averages 794 among those customers whose homes sold within five months or less, but declines considerably to an average of 730 among customers whose homes took seven months or longer to sell, the study showed. A real estate company that provides sales professionals who are skilled at determining the appropriate market value and listing price for homes, and who can effectively market properties, can help minimize the time that clients’ homes remain on the market – which can save the seller money, inconvenience and anxiety.

Nearly one-half of respondents in the study (46%) reported using recommendations from family or friends to find their real estate sales professional. Approximately 28 percent used the Internet, 23 percent used a sales professional they had used previously and 11 percent used a printed real estate guide.

 

The study also reports that home buyers were shown an average of 13 homes before they made a purchase. Home sellers reported that, on average, their home was shown 11 times, and about five open houses were conducted before a sale occurred. The 2008 Home Buyer/Seller Study includes 3,670 evaluations from 3,205 respondents who bought or sold a home between April 2007 and June 2008.

 

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on cell phone ratings, car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance and more, visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

 

Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc. is Prudential’s integrated real estate brokerage franchise and relocation services business. Prudential Real Estate franchises are independently owned and operated. Companies are selected based upon outstanding performance records, high levels of customer service and shared business values with those of Prudential. Prudential Real Estate provides franchises with business strategies using Operation Reviews as well as numerous benefits, including access to Prudential Real Estate’s Online Seller Advantage^SM program designed to provide real-time information to sellers with the touch of a keystroke. Prudential Real Estate is one of the largest real estate brokerage franchise networks in North America, with nearly 2,100 franchise offices and approximately 64,000 sales professionals in the franchise Network as of June 30, 2008.

 

symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential’s businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. For more information, please visit contact Christi Borden at www.ChristiBorden.com or http://www.news.prudential.com/