Realtor Profile

Always doing her homework helps this Houston Realtor stay one step ahead

Realtor Laura Perlman has always had a love of real estate.

Photo courtesy of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

A third generation Houstonian, Laura Perlman comes from a family that succeeded in commercial and residential real estate dating back several generations. She is a true real estate veteran, with years of experience providing exemplary service to her clients.

"I am aware that I can much better service my client's dreams when I listen instead of speak," she says, building on her reputation of diplomacy and a calming presence. Questions are encouraged and discussions are a must for Perlman, along with organization, in-depth research and analysis, and setting expectations. She takes pride in doing her "homework" and embraces the philosophy that knowledge is power.

For buyers, Perlman meticulously walks them through the buying process to ensure they know what to anticipate, and thus there are fewer "surprises." Sellers can count on her great attention to detail and data analysis to create an effective sales plan for their home. They can expect to be updated timely and frequently on the market, buyer feedback, and interest in the property, among other vital details involved with getting the home sold.

"Laura is the epitome of what a great Realtor should be: smart, organized, empathetic, a great communicator, dedicated, professional, and always puts her client's best interests first," raves one client. "No one has to hunt down documents or items from her because she's always ready and one step ahead."

A graduate of the University of Texas, where she earned her business degree in marketing, Perlman has continued her education with the designations of an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE). Family, travel, and exercise are some of her favorite pastimes when she is not helping clients find their perfect home.

We chatted with Perlman to find out more about her work and what drives her.

CultureMap: What inspires you to do what you do?

Laura Perlman: My love of real estate and home design. Even as a little girl, I would go view open houses any chance I could. I envisioned how I would live in that home and what design changes I would make. I love opening the front door to discover what each home has to offer.

CM: What's one piece of advice you'd give to people looking for their dream home?

LP: Define your "must haves" and use them as a guide when making decisions. I want my clients to find their unique dream home, and this can create an environment where buyers' emotions take control. My role is to help take as much emotion as possible out of the decision-making process. Then, as a team, we can make that all-important decision from a place of knowledge and aspiration together.

CM: And advice to those who are selling?

LP: It is all in the preparation, from painting and decluttering to understanding the market and pricing. The sellers that have an understanding of how their home compares to recent sales will be able to price accordingly, and should be on the market for a shorter amount of time. It is the agent's responsibility to educate their sellers.

CM: Sum up Houston in three words.

LP: Welcoming, wise, and wonderful!

CM: What do you consider your "special skill"?

LP: Research and communication: I dive into the history of the home itself, the comps, and market conditions. I connect with my clients on a personal level, so communication comes with ease. I believe that is the foundation of every successful transaction.

CM: What's one thing people might not know about you?

LP: I love to do jigsaw puzzles.

CM: Finish the sentence: "It's a good day when..."

LP: My clients are happy, I have connected with my family, my dog has been walked, and I don't have to make dinner!

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Learn more about Laura Perlman here, or contact her at 281-796-1798 or Laura.Perlman@Sothebyshomes.com.

promoted home-for-sale interview qa

renter livability report

New study ranks Houston as one of the worst places for renters in U.S.

Photo by Leo Yao on Unsplash

Houston flopped toward the bottom as one of the worst places for renters in the nation.

Renters looking for a place in Texas that balances affordability, convenience, and quality of life may want to look outside of Houston, which was just named the 144th "best" city to rent in America.

Houston's rental market apparently leaves much to be desired, according to WalletHub's newly released report, "Best & Worst Places to Rent in America." Experts analyzed 182 U.S. rental markets based on 21 relevant metrics, including the difference between rental rates and mortgage payments, rental affordability, the local cost of living, job availability, and more.

Surprisingly, Amarillo was deemed the No. 1 best Texas city for renters, and it ranked 10th nationally. Hot Dallas suburb Plano came in second place statewide and ranks 12th for a second year in a row, leaving Austin in third place and 13th overall (up from No. 31 last year).

The report said Houston has the 120th best quality of life out of all 182 U.S. cities in the report, and the city ranked 127th nationally in the "renter market and affordability" category. Ouch.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said the best cities for renters offer much more than inexpensive housing, a good job market, and recreational activities. For example, rent prices in the top cities cost tenants as little as 15 percent of their income.

"You’ll also have access to robust laws that protect renters, such as limiting deposits to only a month or two of rent," Lupo added.

Houston residents know their city better than a study ever could, so they can decide if the city's renter market isn't up to par. A separate RentCafe study found the city has become a magnet for Gen Z renters searching for good job opportunities, recreation, and good schools. And now that local rent prices are declining, things might be starting to look up for Houston renters.

Though renting can be more cost effective than owning a property, WalletHub said it's not always a better choice.

"The right road to take depends on a variety of factors, including an individual’s or family’s financial means and how well the local real-estate market is doing," the report said. "Like home prices, rental rates can vary significantly by region, state or city."

Other Texas cities that ranked among the top 100 best places to rent in America include:

No. 24 – El Paso
No. 34 – Grand Prairie
No. 37 – Laredo
No. 48 – Brownsville
No. 49 – Arlington
No. 50 – Fort Worth
No. 63 – Corpus Christi
No. 64 – San Antonio
No. 66 – Irving
No. 79 – Garland
No. 81 – Lubbock

wallethub reports rent report renting real estate