Q&A: HAR CEO, President René Galvan discusses the organization, Houston’s real estate market

I’ve stayed active in the industry through roles with the American Society of Association Executives, the National Association of Realtors and Texas Realtors. I’m also a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where I serve on the ticket services committee.

What do your responsibilities entail as the president and CEO of the Houston Association of Realtors?

As president and CEO, I work with our board of directors to set the strategic vision for the organization as well as promote engagement with our members and the community we serve.

Broadly speaking, what does the Houston Association of Realtors do, and how do Realtors and buyers interact with HAR?

HAR is here to support real estate professionals and, in turn, help consumers navigate the homebuying and selling process. For Realtors, HAR provides tools, data and other resources they need to do their jobs effectively. This also includes access to market data, education, technology and advocacy at the local, state and national levels.

For consumers, we are best known for HAR.com—the place most people in our market go to search for homes online. HAR.com is the top home search site in the Greater Houston area. Buyers and sellers can search for homes, explore neighborhoods and connect directly with a Realtor.

It really all connects. Most buyers start their search on HAR.com, and when they’re ready, they connect with a Realtor who helps guide them every step of the way.

When it comes to the housing market in the Greater Houston area, what trends are you seeing?

The Houston market continues to find its balance. Inventory is expanding, which means buyers have more options, and we’re seeing home prices level out in many areas. Homes are also taking a bit longer to sell. That's giving buyers more time to make decisions and bringing negotiations back into play.

Even with some interest rate volatility, activity remains steady. Overall, it’s a healthier, more normalized market, and that’s a good thing for both buyers and sellers. Houston has largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, while many major metros across the country are still working toward that same stability.

Where has the most growth in single-family homes occurred in the Houston metro?

We're seeing the most growth in suburban communities, especially those with new construction and home prices below the Houston-area average. These more attainable price points are a big draw for buyers looking to enter the market.

What factors, economic or otherwise, do you see affecting the Houston housing market?

Affordability continues to be the biggest factor shaping our market, as well as the U.S. housing market overall. Here in Houston, there's steady demand, but many buyers are feeling the impact of volatile mortgage rates, which directly affects what they can comfortably afford each month.

There's also the rising cost of homeowners insurance. It’s no longer just about the home price. Buyers need to look at the full monthly cost of ownership, and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on location and risk factors.

Can you speak to the near future of the Houston housing market? What do you see happening?

I believe we'll continue to see a more normalized market. That said, there are still some external factors that we need to watch. Mortgage rates have been volatile in recent weeks, and that’s largely tied to broader economic conditions, including inflation and geopolitical issues, such as the ongoing conflict involving Iran. We’ve already seen how that kind of instability can push rates higher and impact consumer confidence. The good news for Houston is that we tend to be more resilient than many markets.

With regard to HAR, can you speak to any plans or goals you have in mind as you begin your tenure as president and CEO?

HAR is already in a really strong place. Bob Hale built an incredible foundation over 37 years, and I’m excited to build on that while making sure we’re always supporting our members.

My focus is on continuing to deliver real value through technology, data, education and advocacy. HAR has always been a leader in technology and innovation, and we want to continue pushing forward in that space, especially as [artificial intelligence] and new digital tools reshape how people search for and sell homes.

It’s about making sure everything we do helps our members succeed. That means continuing to invest in tools like HAR.com, improving efficiency, and finding new ways to support agents as the market evolves.

What do you want buyers to know about HAR?

HAR.com gives consumers a complete and accurate view of the housing market. Because it's powered by the HAR Multiple Listing Service, buyers can trust that the information they're seeing is timely and reliable. We also offer tools like financial calculators and down payment assistance resources to help buyers navigate the process with confidence. 90% of listings on HAR.com qualify for a down payment assistance program. There are programs for first-time buyers as well as repeat buyers. They can explore all of the programs at www.har.com/downpayment.

The most important thing a buyer can do is connect with a Realtor. Their Realtor is their trusted adviser through every step of the homebuying journey.

What do you want Realtors to know about HAR?

Everything we do at HAR is focused on helping our 48,000 members succeed. From industry-leading tools like ShowingSmart to innovations like AI Mode, our technology team is constantly creating new tools that help Realtors better serve their clients and grow their business. At the same time, we’re committed to listening to member feedback and making sure we’re providing resources, education and advocacy that truly support them in this evolving market.