Realtor Richard Ray likes to help people. He sees it as a basic human urge and the opportunity to problem solve, and it's been the main inspiration in his career.

"A lot of people who entrust us to sell their home are handing us their largest asset, so it's important that we do right by them," he says. "As a buyer, they are trusting us to get them a good deal on the place where they are going to spend the next few years of their life. I take both sides very seriously."

Finding your passion
Richard's previous career was in accounting, but his heart lead him to real estate and he became a licensed Realtor in 2004.

He also has previous experience buying and renovating homes in Houston and Dallas, which set him up for success by forging several valuable relationships with contractors, lenders, and other professionals whom he now works with often.

While accounting required sitting for hours behind a desk, real estate gives Richard the opportunity to meet buyers and sellers from all walks of life while constantly being on the move.

"Real estate is a physical job," he says. "Putting out open house signs, showing multilevel homes, going up and down stairs — it's important to stay as fit as I can."

You might spot Richard riding his bike on Houston's many trails — outdoors in the fresh air is one of his favorite places to be — or hitting the gym before the sun comes up.

A few favorite spots include Levy Park and Memorial Park, both places where Richard likes to take his Papipom (Papillon-Pomeranian mix) and constant companion, Billy Ray.

Houston real estate right now
Richard says it's been a slow start to the spring season, mainly due to an ongoing shortage of for-sale homes. That's a great position to be in as a seller, but things are actually looking up for buyers.

"Even though inventory is low, you don't have to pay way above list price and be one of 10-15 potential buyers like you did two years ago," he says. "You may not have all the time and choices you want, but the market is much more balanced now. However, if you find a house that you like that is priced well, someone else likely does too, so you should quickly put an offer on it."

And that slow start likely won't last long. Summer has long been the most popular time to move due to school schedules and nice weather, but that boom actually begins in the spring.

"Spring is for looking and summer is for closing," laughs Richard. "A lot of people have already made a decision to buy and move by spring break, so if you want to move this summer you should be looking right now."

Many homes don't even make it to their open-house weekend, Richard says. Eager buyers will try to get in before the masses do and make an offer, since an open house all but guarantees serious interest these days.

Luckily, Texas — and especially Houston — has proven almost immune from major price swings that plague other markets. That means real estate holds its value especially well here, and is still a sound investment.

"As we get more into late spring and early summer, we anticipate more homes coming on the market, and that's what we really need right now," says Richard. "Sellers trying to 'move up' are having a hard time finding what they want so they often stay put, which in turn makes it harder for first-time buyers who are trying to get in the market. It's a domino effect."

Douglas Elliman Real Estate
While working at another Houston brokerage, Richard was consistently ranked in the top five agents. Now he's with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, where he is currently ranked in the top eight percent of all Douglas Elliman agents nationally.

Founded in 1911 and one of the largest independent residential real estate brokerages in the U.S., Douglas Elliman has approximately 6,900 agents and 120 offices in key markets.

In addition to local expertise, Douglas Elliman Real Estate has nationwide reach. Richard has connections with other agents around the nation, an asset to his clients who may be looking for a second home.

Douglas Elliman Real Estate has an exclusive partnership with Knight Frank, a large residential brokerage in Europe with 487 offices in 53 countries. Listings over $1 million are marketed worldwide, creating an international presence.

Richard primarily sells properties inside the loop as well as in Tanglewood, Galveston, and beyond. For more information, follow him on Instagram @RichardRayTheRealtor and Facebook, or call/text him at 713-416–3931.

Photo courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Realtor Richard Ray.