Houston Malayalee Association of Realtors is Now Officially Active
JANUARY 22, 2010

SUGAR LAND: The Houston Malayalee Association of Realtors (HMAR) is now officially active. The group of Realtors and their family members met for dinner at Shiva Indian Restaurant, Sugar Land , on January 8, 2010 to celebrate the New Year. Senior Council man Tom Abraham graced the occasion. He also inaugurated the website for HMAR www.hmar.us The meeting lasted from 6 PM – 8 PM.

Secretary Jacob David welcomed the group and made the introduction speech. He thanked and said that HMAR was honored by the gracious presence of Councilman Tom Abraham. He also acknowledged Joy Samuel, President of HMAR, Sam K. Cherian – Vice president and Shaji John – Treasurer. In his welcome speech, Jacob David noted that though Malayalee Realtors have been practicing Real Estate for the last 30 years, he was happy that there was an official organization now present to promote their cause. He wished for the growth and prosperity of Realtors, and said that each Realtor can do his part in trying to make the organization more strong by bringing in other Realtors to join the organization. “This year we must network more effectively and if possible with other Realtor groups from Houston .” He also emphasized on each member realtor making full use of the new website for improving the collective business of real estate.

President Joy Samuel thanked the group for their coming in spite of the inclement weather. He thanked Council man Tom Abraham for coming and supporting the growing organization. Joy Samuel compared the job of a Realtor to that of a pilot flying a plane – “it is similar when people hire an agent to help them buy a house – we have to provide safety in the entire transaction despite all hurdles / turbulence and ensure a pleasant journey.” He said, “If we are not able to provide total customer satisfaction by involving ourselves with the customer during the entire buying process, a Realtor’s job is not complete. A Realtor’s job starts from the beginning – initial consultations to helping the customer actually buy the home – to the end. A happy customer leaves you feeling satisfied that you as a Realtor, have done your job.” He said.

Shaji John – Treasurer stressed on the importance of building customer relationships – one family at a time. He said Realtors must take their profession seriously and be committed in the entire process of delivering a quality purchase experience for each client. He then invited Councilman Tom Abraham to say a few words.

Councilman Tom Abraham highlighted Joy Samuel’s and Shaji John’s speech of building value through customer relationships. “Buying a home is all about entrusting yourself to the agent – hoping that the agent will do right by you and get you a good home and a great deal in the process.” He said. “ Houston , Sugar Land and Texas in particular have done well through the economic recession. Real estate business should bounce back by March or April this year and help Realtors make a good living.” He said. He encouraged the group for sticking together and wished that the group achieves more by combining their collective experience and coming up with creative ideas to develop more business opportunities that will bring more revenue to Sugar Land and Houston as a whole.

He said that he felt honored to be a special invitee for this momentous occasion of making the HMAR group going official. He then inaugurated the website and made it go live online. Jacob David took a few minutes and highlighted the features of the website and explained to Tom Abraham how the website encourages visitor interaction and also provides business opportunities for each member Realtor to benefit more.

The meeting was cordial and lively. Members discussed future plans and strategies for 2010. It concluded by a grand, delicious Indian dinner and dessert provided by Shiva Indian Restaurant.