Fashion nod honors agent’s philanthropic efforts
John Daugherty, Realtors agent Lexie Sakowitz was heralded as one of nine “Fresh Faces of Fashion” at a recent launch party at the new Marriott Marquis. The “big event” will find her on the catwalk on September for the annual celebration hosted by this year by Tootsies.
Honorees are selected by previous winners as up-and-comers in the Houston philanthropy scene — an honor wellearned by Sakowitz’ impressive commitment to various causes as Houston’s about-the-town millennial. •••
Susan Cline and Sally Beck of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene Champions are chairing a Super Cool School Supply Drive on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the office parking lot at 8817 Louetta in Spring. Agents will be curbside to accept donations — and dispense ice cream to show their appreciation.
“We are working with the local schools to help get the supplies to students that can’t afford them. We are also taking donations that can be dropped off in the office lobby from now until the event,” said Sharon Teusink, vice president and office manager. •••
Beth Wolff Realtors, Real Living agent Jennifer Jacks was on hand in San Antonio recently to support her cousin Texas Gov. Greg Abbott as he announced his re-election campaign last week. Jennifer said she is looking forward to campaigning for him again as she did four years ago. •••
The always-expanding Champions School of Real Estate has announced new partnerships with the Greater Denton/Wise County Association of Realtors, the Four Rivers Association of Realtors, and the Southwest Texas Junior College Campuses in Eagle Pass and Uvalde to add four new satellite campuses across the state where students can take their pre-licensing courses. •••
On a personal note, I am among those who have been around the industry long enough to remember all the trees sacrificed for voluminous dot matrix Multiple Lisiing Service printouts and the stark terror at the idea that technology would give consumers direct access to that information and possibily diminish the role of the agent.
As I am currently in the middle of my 21st lifetime move, I’m reminded forcefully and too frequently that while the technology of e-signatures and being able to reach consumers everywhere with information about my house are huge pluses, it’s the incredible, individual efforts of great Realtors that still make all the difference in every part of the process.
Several years ago, Ann Sheppard of the Heritage Texas Properties’ Vintage Park office found our current home for us in the craziness of a crosscountry move on the heels of a family tragedy. It was a blur. Only when it was all done did I realize how much she did to make it look so much easier than it actually was at the time.
I am fortunate to know several great agents representing a variety of companies. Our choice to come back to Sheppard to sell our house was in gratitude for all she did on the last transaction — and is again making Wonder Woman look like a wimp.
Not every agent is as committed and capable, but the fact is that most of the best in our community are committed to excellence and an exceptional level of personal service. Ever-evolving technology provides great tools, but the committed, caring and capable agents continue to make all the difference today. Most times clients are too harried and numb to say it, but to every one of you who works so hard every day, “Thank you.”
Judi Griggs is a writer who lives in Houston in the winter and Buffalo in the summer — because the reverse would be ridiculous. Contact her at realnewshouston@gmail.com or through judigriggs.com.