Talking Gratitude With 6 Local Realtors

It’s the time of year that we often pause to consider what we are thankful for — and with the resilient Houston housing market, there’s a lot to make us grateful. We asked six local Realtors their thoughts on 2024 and what they might be grateful for in the year ahead.

When it comes to the overall Houston housing market this year, what is the one thing you’re grateful for?

Overall, our panel was grateful for a steady stream of business:

Linda Burnett, CB&A Realtors
“This year, I’m especially grateful for the steady clients and referrals from friends and past clients to serve in the Houston housing market, which has allowed us to continue helping clients achieve their homeownership goals.”

Nicole Hardcastle, AYRE Realty
“I'm grateful for the innovation and initiative that different builders have taken to make homes more affordable. Most of them see what's going on and understand the fear buyers might have with interest rates or just the overall misunderstanding that deals can't be done. As Realtors, we have to find creative ways to help our clients, and the incentives, and ability to work with buyers on price and rates is a great start to that process.”

Hanah Mirza, Turner Mangum Realty
“I am super grateful for the amount of new communities that have opened this year! Developers have done a fantastic job.” 

We know the NAR settlement rocked the industry this year. Is there something that resulted from this that you’re grateful for?

After much build-up throughout the year, Realtors are finding reasons they appreciate the new processes brought by the NAR settlement:

Christa Burgess, RE/MAX Cinco Ranch
“More communication with clients.”

Linda Burnett
“Despite the challenges of the NAR settlement, I’m grateful for the increased transparency it’s brought to our industry. It’s sparked valuable conversations on compensation structures, empowering clients with greater understanding and reinforcing trust in Realtor-client relationships.”

Tricia Turner, Tricia Turner Properties
“That we are crystal clear on our roles when working with buyers and sellers.”

John Cartee, AYRE Realty
“I think that despite all the NAR drama, it made me grateful to be a Texas Realtor where we already have the robust support structure and legal process of TREC.”

Is there something that you’re surprised you’re grateful for this year and if so, what is it?

The gratitude has been overflowing this year:

John Cartee
“I am unexpectedly grateful for how many of the items on my vision board became realities this year! From the vision board workshop we did in Harvest Green this year until now, so many things that I saw as two- to four-year goals came to fruition.”

Nicole Hardcastle
“I've been once again reminded to be grateful for the small things. We just recently moved into our new home, and the whole process and first week was a lot. It's funny, as a Realtor and helping so many people do this day in and day out, to be reminded what the end process looks like. We were so blessed to have friends help us move, and we were instantly greeted by amazing neighbors who offered help in ways I wouldn't have even thought of. For these small but grandiose gestures, I am so very thankful.”

Hanah Mirza
“I’m grateful more than ever to live in Houston. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do at the level that I do it in any other city.”

On a personal level, what are you giving thanks for this year?

Our panel of Realtors is a lucky bunch:

Christa Burgess
“I am frequently asked to coach, speak or teach within the industry or just give general advice. This year has opened more doors for coaching others to level up.”

Linda Burnett
“This year has been the year of reunions with my family. I have been reunited with family that I haven't seen in over 30 years, and I am truly blessed to have them back in my life and for my children to get to know them. I am always thankful for my husband and all his strength and support and for my beautiful children and grandchildren, I don't know where I would be without them. I am blessed to work with such amazing people, my broker Chance Brown, and my eXcite Realty Group team. My team is amazing, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of them.”  

Tricia Turner
“That our company has continued to grow and be blessed, and now my daughter Ava is working with us as a new Realtor.”

John Cartee
“This year has been filled with personal blessings, so I have so much to be thankful for this year. From building our new home, to having the wedding ceremony we didn't get to have last year, I don't even know where to start. But I’m truly grateful for so many wonderful blessings in 2024.”

Nicole Hardcastle
“I'm giving thanks for my family, the many wonderful opportunities God has given me and all of the friends I've made as I've grown in my business. It's important to realize that your work is going to be about 80-90 percent of where you spend your time overall. So having friends and people to enjoy in that work environment is so important. “

Hanah Mirza
“So many things! My children in good health, my family’s support and of course Turner Mangum.” 

What might you be grateful for in 2025?

If one word sums up thoughts for 2025, it would be “growth.”

Linda Burnett
“I will be thankful for the election to be over, so all the text messages and phone calls stop!  But seriously I will be thankful for lower interest rates and a steady market.” 

Tricia Turner
“We will have a record year in sales and agent growth!”

John Cartee
“I'm very excited for a year of personal and business growth in 2025. AYRE Realty has some big plans, and I'm excited to watch the 2025 vision board come to life.”

Nicole Hardcastle
“We are looking forward to the fruits of our labor this upcoming year. We've had many changes personally and with work, and I just know that we're going to see the results in this upcoming year. I couldn't be more excited to see what 2025 brings us and how we're going to continue to grow individually and as a family.”

When it comes to JDC – communities, team, events, etc. – what has left you grateful this year?

We are equally grateful not just for these six who graciously answered our questions, but also for the hundreds of Realtors who support our communities!

Christa Burgess
“I’ve always sold in Cross Creek Ranch, but until having the opportunity to live here, I had no idea how amazing this community truly is and the work and thought that went into developing such an amazing place to live. I’m all about nature, and this community truly exemplifies the nature of west Houston. The lifestyle, the neighbors, the friends — it’s all here! The community is so well thought out, I can’t imagine living anywhere but Cross Creek Ranch. Always easier to sell your own place if you love it!” 

Linda Burnett
“This year, I’m especially grateful for the strong sense of community and collaboration within JDC. It’s wonderful to be appointed a Grange Ranger (THANK YOU, Monica) for the new JDC community of Grange. The support Tammy brings to the CB&A, Realtors Katy office and the inspiring events have strengthened our agent involvement, fueling both personal and professional growth. Tammy is a breath of fresh air and sunshine when she comes with sweet Chancey Pooh to the office.  We love seeing them both.”  

Tricia Turner
“For the ongoing support, love and collaboration from Tammy and all of the JDC communities — we love you guys!!!”

John Cartee
“I am deeply grateful for the camaraderie and community at JDC. The events from this year are some of my favorite memories of 2024, and I am grateful for how happy my clients who live in JDC communities are with their new homes and new lifestyles.”

Nicole Hardcastle
“I'm so grateful to have had opportunities to make new friends and experience real estate in a different light. As a Realtor, I have certain to-do list items that can become monotonous, and JDC events have given random bits of sparkle to the week. JDC relations does a wonderful job of not only making you feel seen but keeping you in-the-know for each community. There are quite a few communities to keep track of so the events really do help keep them top of mind.” 

Hanah Mirza
“I am FOREVER grateful to JDC for keeping us Realtors at the forefront of their minds. Realtors make up a big part of the new construction industry, but developers have just as an important role. Knowing I can count on JDC to build new communities well, hold value and provide assets to easily allow us access to inventory is gold.”