Feature Article
REALTOR® HAS SEEN REAL ESTATE GO THROUGH CYCLES
Written By: Amber Craig
Published By: Calgary Real Estate News
Article Used with permission of the Calgary Real Estate Board. © Copyright Calgary Real Estate News, 2007
2008-10-09
; "REALTOR® has seen real estate go through cycles")
When Greg Houston purchased his first home in 1972, it sparked a new career in real estate--a career that has spanned over four decades, and has brought him reward, recognition and success.
Houston’s career as a REALTOR® started in 1972 at Bamlett Real Estate, then a company of 10 salesmen.
He stayed with them until 1974, the year he “made his age” ($23,000), and the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) Million Dollar Club.
He then worked for Amonex Realty Ltd. as a salesman in 1974, and eventually managed the south office until he left the company in 1977.
On Houston’s birthday, October 27, 1977, he established Cosmic Realty Ltd.
“This was the start of what is now the brokerage trading in real estate as HoustonRealty.ca,” says Houston. “I had a high of 28 salesmen working with me in 1981.”
Eventually in 1982, the company name was changed to Houston and Associates Realty Ltd., which is the name of the office that Houston remains broker for to this day.
“In 1983, I began managing commercial real estate property for clients, which I helped them acquire. This provided stability during a market downturn and inspired me to obtain my RPA Designation in 1986,” he says.
Houston has always been an active participant in the real estate community; he served on the CREB® board of directors from 1987 to 1990, and was president of CREB® in 1989. The following year, he was also a member of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation board.
Throughout the years, Houston says there have been several significant changes in the real estate industry.
“Organized real estate has become highly self-regulated in the name of consumer protection,” says Houston.
“Technology has also created incredible changes in the way REALTORS® serve their clients.”
He explains that the economic issues plaguing the world are changing the market now also.
“The financial problems in the world relate to treating real estate as a commodity; versus the long term, stable, slow growth investment that is its heritage,” says Houston. “Long term ownership provides valuable benefits.”
Houston has enjoyed many proud moments as a REALTOR®, such as giving the first donation of $100 to the CREB® Charitable Foundation.
He has been recognized by CREB® for his efforts and contributions also, by being named an Honourary Life Member of CREB® in 1994 and receiving his Long Service Award by the board earlier this year.
“I am most proud of my record of consistent, trustworthy, personalized service,” says Houston. “The real estate business has benefited me with opportunities and inspired me to grow and develop as a person in every quadrant of my life.”
This article was written for Calgary Real Estate News, a division of the Calgary Real Estate Board, for the series “Legends of Real Estate” showcasing important members of the Calgary Real Estate Board. Please visit the Calgary Real Estate Board online.This article is part of the collection of the Calgary Real Estate News. Please visit them online.