Many geographic parts of the world lay claim to the saying, “if you don’t like the weather just wait a few minutes, and it will change.” Lately, it seems that the real estate industry could make a similar statement.

One of the most important updates in the last month is the new advertising rules enacted by the Texas Real Estate Commission. It clarifies what is considered an advertisement in this digital age and provides the guidelines that the broker’s name must be “clear and conspicuous” on all advertisements. You may read all about the new rules so you can make sure you are in compliance.

What is already clear is that the Commercial Expo – Living Legends 2011 sponsored by SIOR and HAR’s Commercial Gateway is going to be a great event. This is one of THE commercial events of the year not to be missed. The event will be held at the Westin Galleria Hotel on April 6, 2011 and will feature John Cushman as the keynote speaker. Whether you are in commercial real estate or not, John is a great leader, and you will learn so much from hearing him speak.

The HAR Technology Department is always churning out new tools for our benefit, and this month is no different. Just in the month of March, the staff rolled out a new tool to create your email signature that you may use for your own email client, a function to add links to your Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and blog accounts on your detailed listing pages on HAR.com and the Real Estate Community, which will provide a way for members to build relationships with consumers.

I also want to point out the interview with an HAR member who recently travelled to Haiti to help in the relief effort. Many of us contributed financially to help in the wake of the devastation last year, but not many took the time to actually go and help on the ground in Haiti. She is to be applauded, and I hope you will read about the impact the experience had on her life.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, NAR announced late last month a proposal to increase NAR dues by $40 per year to fund a new REALTOR® Party Political Survival Initiative. The money raised would be used to support specific local, state and national issues and candidates. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year essentially opened the floodgates for corporate political contributions, and after much deliberation and study, NAR proposes this as the answer.

I guess the other saying that would apply right now is from Greek philosopher Heraclitus when he said “the only constant is change.”