Local and Community News
Bernstein Realty wins Relocation Award!
TheMIGroup Worldwide Partner Network recently presented Bernstein Realty with the United States Real Estate Service Partner of the Year Award for 2012. This award was accepted by Mary Piper, the company’s Director of Relocation and Operations, at the beginning of the ERC (Employee Relocation Council) National Relocation Conference in San Diego, CA and is a wonderful achievement for all of Bernstein Realty and its relocation department. Bernstein Realty is honored to do business with theMIGroup and to receive this award, recognizing the company’s outstanding service. Since 1985, Bernstein Realty has been providing corporate relocation services to third party companies, corporations and their transferees. Bernstein Realty is proud of the growth of the company’s relocation department and the wonderful agents and staff that have gained national recognition for the excellent service they provide.
Bernstein Realty Supports SBISD!
On Saturday, May 4th, the Spring Branch Education Foundation held the annual Running for the Arts and Bernstein Realty was a proud sponsor of the event. Amy Bernstein, Mary Piper, Suzie Davis, Chuck Redick and his daughter, Reagan, as well as, Samantha Piper and Rich Stone participated in the event, which began at Memorial City Mall and traveled through nearby neighborhoods. The Running for the Arts event raises funds for scholarships, arts programs, after school mentoring and many other great Spring Branch ISD programs and extra-curricular activities. Bernstein Realty is proud to be able to aid the SBISD school district and help enhance the lives of local students, as the Memorial area is a market they are very active in!
Bernstein Realty Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day
Bernstein Realty’s Amy Bernstein took the staff to a wonderful lunch at McCormick & Schmick’s and presented each with a gift to thank them for all of their hard work on Administrative Professionals Day.
Bernstein Realty’s Ben Cooksey Performs
Bernstein Realty’s Ben Cooksey has a funny hobby. Ben is a comedian at ComedySports, which is an improvised comedy show that performs audience interactive shows every weekend. Ben’s sense of humor and outgoing personality is greatly enjoyed at the office, so Amy Bernstein, Christina Pavlovich, Donna Neely, Gloria Moorman, Jane Ayala, Janice Ratliff, Katie Aguilar, Laura Heyman Siegel, Margaret McCord, Mary Piper, Myra Alderete, Neil Caldwell, Ron Johnson, Samantha Piper, Suzie Davis, Terrell Hillebrand and Trent Johnson from the company were excited to attended one of Ben’s shows to see him perform. Everyone had a wonderful time cheering on Ben’s team!
Bernstein Realty’s Laura Heyman Siegel Visits Friend’s Art
Bernstein Realty agent Laura Heyman Siegel and her friend Sharon Roy Finch, recently visited hotel Derek to see the latest cow, which is part of the global cow parade, painted by Finch at its new home in Houston. Hotel Derek held a contest to name the cow.
HBJ reports that Houston top moving destination in U.S. for 2012
Houston continues to attract more households than any other city in the U.S., a report from U-Haul International Inc. shows. For the fourth year in a row, Houston took the No. 1 spot on U-Haul’s annual national migration trend report, “The U-Haul 2012 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities,” released April 12. San Antonio and Austin also made it into the top 10, while Dallas ranked as the No. 17 moving destination in the U.S.
The ranking is based on the number of movers renting a truck one-way and was complied from more than 1.6 million one-way U-Haul truck transactions over 12 months. Although the data is not stated as a percentage of population and is not reflective of growth, U-Haul said, it includes every U.S. city, regardless of size.
Amy Bernstein Awarded one of the Top 25 Houston-Area Residential Real Estate Professionals by the Houston Business Journal
Amy Bernstein has been recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the Top 25 Residential Real Estate Agents in Houston for 2012, based on sales production. This is Amy’s fifth year to be ranked in the top 25. This award represents the top 1% of all real estate agents in Houston and the surrounding suburbs. Congratulations Amy, we are so proud of you!
Easter in Cinco Ranch
Bernstein Realty agent Janice Ratliff was one of the sponsors of a recent Easter Egg Extravaganza in her neighborhood, Cinco Ranch. The event featured photographs with the Easter Bunny and an Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny was portrayed wonderfully by Bernstein Realty’s Norma Rea and Ron Johnson, also with Bernstein Realty, photographed the event, which was a hopping success! To view photos, visit Bernstein Realty’s facebook.
Caldwell selected for Texas Realtors Leadership Program
Bernstein Realty agent, Neil Caldwell was selected to participate in the 2013 Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program. This intensive program is designed to teach and develop strong leadership skills. Neil recently received both his ABR and SFR designations and is also working towards his BPOR certification, all to enhance the services he provides to his clients.
McNitt wins Trulia.com Award
Bernstein Realty agent, Mark McNitt recently won an award from Trulia.com. Mark’s profile on this social real estate web site is in the top 1% of all agent profile views, as he has answered over 440 consumer questions since 2011.
Bernstein Realty’s 2012 Annual Awards Celebration Luncheon
Amy Bernstein, President of Bernstein Realty, recently hosted the company’s 2012 Awards Celebration Luncheon at Tony’s in the wine room. Bernstein thanked the agents and staff at the company for their outstanding contributions to the record-breaking success and growth of Bernstein Realty in 2012. Rich Stone was awarded the 2012 Top Producer Award. Bob Murdock, Janice Ratliff, Susan McCauley, Rich Stone and Trent Johnson were all recognized with the Achievement of Excellence Award. Sondra Rosenthal was awarded the Rising Star award and Donna Neely and Susanne Pizzitola were both names Shining Stars. Other award recipients included Jane Ayala, Julie Brann, Neil Caldwell, Judy Levin, Mark McNitt, Laura Heyman Siegel and Morgan Pickens. The staff also received thank you gifts from the agents. The luncheon was a wonderful and cheerful get together.
Bernstein Realty’s 2012 Monthly Top Producer Dinner
Amy Bernstein, President and Broker of Bernstein Realty, recently hosted a celebratory dinner at RDG in honor of the company’s 2012 monthly Top Producers: Jane Ayala, Trent Johnson, Terrell Hillebrand, Susan McCauley, Mark McNitt, Bob Murdock, Donna Neely, Morgan Pickens, Susanne Pizzitola, Roxane Pyle, and Janice Ratliff. Each agent received a personalized gift to commemorate his/her high achievement. In addition, Bernstein thanked all for their professionalism and dedication and toasted their continued success. A special evening was had by all.
Bernstein Realty Holiday Celebration
Bernstein Realty recently hosted a Holiday Celebration at the company’s office. The annual event brings together the agents and staff of the firm to ring in the season. Everyone was divided into six teams with each team writing their own lyrics to the Christmas song Deck the Halls using assigned real estate terms. The teams then performed their humorous real-estate themed song for everyone. This activity was very entertaining and a wonderful time was had by all!
Amy Bernstein Featured in Houston Agent Magazine’s Viewpoints
Amy Bernstein recently discusses real estate and the internet, syndication and the Houston housing market in an interview with Houston Agent Magazine.
To read the complete interview, please click hereBernstein Realty Participates in Chili Cook-Off
On Saturday, November 17, Bernstein Realty agents, staff, clients and friends joined together to participate in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo’s Annual Chili Cook-off at Traders Village. Bernstein Realty’s cooking team consisted of David and Gloria Moorman, David Moorman II, Stan and Suzie Davis and Donna Neely. The fun event benefitted youth and education scholarships.
Annual Thanksgiving Eat-A-Thon
Bernstein Realty recently hosted a Thanksgiving Celebration at the company’s office. This fun annual event brings together the agents and staff of the firm to share in the joy of giving thanks and eating! The eat-a-thon is a huge potluck luncheon that lasts all afternoon with everyone catching up and exchanging recipes long after everyone has eaten their fill.
Bernstein Realty Participates in Race for the Cure
On Saturday, October 6th, 2012, Bernstein Realty agents, staff and friends joined together to participate in the 2012 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in downtown Houston. The Bernstein Realty team, led by Team Captain Mindy Tribolet, put on their Bernstein Realty t-shirts and walking shoes to help raise money for breast cancer research and education.
Houston tops List of America’s Coolest Cities
On July 26th, Forbes announced that Houston was America’s Coolest City to Live! According to Forbes, “Houston is known for many things: Oil, NASA, urban sprawl and business-friendly policies. But the Texas city deserves to be known for something else: coolness.”
They go onto say, “the Bayou City may not be the first place you associate with being hip or trendy. But Houston has something many other major cities don’t: jobs. With the local economy humming through the recession, Houston enjoyed 2.6% job growth last year and nearly 50,000 Americans flocked there in response — particularly young professionals. In fact, the median age of a Houston resident is a youthful 33… over the past decade, the dreary corporate cityscape has been quietly transforming. Stylish housing developments have popped up downtown, restaurants have taken up residence in former factories and art galleries like the Station Museum have been inhabiting warehouses. Combine that with a strong theater scene, world-class museums and a multicultural, zoning-free mashup of a streetscape and you have the recipe for the No. 1 spot on Forbes’ list of America’s Coolest Cities to Live.”
To read the complete article, please click here
Bernstein Realty Participates and Sponsors in July 4th Parade
Bernstein Realty celebrated Independence Day by sponsoring and participating in the Memorial Villages fourth of July parade. This wonderful event is a tradition in the villages and Bernstein Realty’s Amy Bernstein, Rich Stone, Samantha Piper and Mary Piper were excited to be a part of the fun, driving along the parade route in a Fiat generously provided by Helfman Fiat.
Bernstein Hosts Surprise Party for Mary Piper
Amy Bernstein recently hosted a special surprise party in honor of Bernstein Realty’s Mary Piper. The birthday party, attended by Bernstein Realty agents, staff, close friends of Mary’s and their guests took place at Amy’s home. The party was planned by Bernstein Realty’s Marketing Coordinator, Samantha Piper and was a huge success!
The festivities kicked off with mingling, delicious poolside dinner and drinks catered by Ciro’s. Mary was led to believe she would be attending a casual dinner with her family and Amy, and was delighted and surprised when she arrived at the party and was greeted by all those so dear to Mary! “The party was wonderful and guests enjoyed seeing Mary smiling from ear to ear all evening. The party exceeded anything I could have ever imagined,” said Samantha Piper.
Mary has been an integral part of the Bernstein Realty team since 2000. She is the Relocation Director and Director of Operations for the company. She works first hand with corporations and third party relocation management companies to assist with both the home finding and home marketing needs of relocating individuals and families. Mary oversees the Relocation Team and works closely with the agents at Bernstein Realty to ensure the relocation process is a smooth and successful one. Mary is an admired and respected member of the Bernstein Realty family, and everyone really enjoyed celebrating Mary’s special day with her!
Texas Realtor Magazine features Mark McNitt
Bernstein Realty’s Mark McNitt recently answered a question posted by Texas Realtor® Magazine and his response was chosen to be published in their May magazine. The question was, “What is a prospecting tip that works well for you?” Mark responded, “When I first started as a REALTOR®, I failed to follow up with clients after a sale. Big mistake! Now, technology can help me keep up with the 2,500 contacts in my database. I utilize the Top Producers program, which provides many different letters, including several anniversary letters. The program keeps me on track with purchase anniversaries, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and more. I always include my business card with letters as well. My cards have two QR coeds on the back: one to my website and one to my YouTube video. I also like to email helpful websites and apps I discover to clients, such as Houzz for the iPad. When I send these emails, I ask clients to follow my page on Facebook, too.” What wonderful and helpful advice!
Bernstein Realty Participates in WBEA Expo
Bernstein Realty, a certified member of the Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA) and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), was very excited to participate in the WBEA Annual Conference. The EXPO, “Making Connections Count” was the largest event of the year with over 1,200 people attending the two-day conference at Reliant Center. The event began with workshops and a reception featuring a speech by Mayor Annise Parker. The following day was the Exhibitor Extravaganza, which began with a ribbon cutting. There was also a luncheon with speaker Lynn Tilton, an award ceremony, a silent auction and many wonderful networking opportunities. The purpose of the conference was to connect women’s business enterprises with corporate purchasers, governmental agencies and other women-owned businesses for the primary purpose of creating opportunities to work together.
Bernstein Realty Participates in Pet-A-Palooza
On Saturday, May 12th Bernstein Realty had a booth at Mix 96.5′s First Annual Pet-A-Palooza. This wonderful event featured many fun activities as well as an “adoption alley” that had several non-profit animal rescue organizations with dogs for adoption as well as information about adoption and fostering. It was a great day and Bernstein Realty enjoyed meeting new people, handing out dog treats and letting people know about our services. Bernstein Realty also premiered its very own dog toy!
Wayne Cohen Completes Ultra-Marathon
Bernstein Realty’s Wayne Cohen, known for his hard work and strong work ethic, recently displayed these two characteristics in an extreme way by completing the Old Mutual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon in Cape Town, South Africa (56 km or 34.8 miles) with his wife, Olya. This marathon is known for being one of the most beautiful and difficult ultra marathons in the world and takes place along the Cape Peninsula with extraordinary scenic views of the land and ocean. Cohen has run over 35 marathons, including 11 Boston marathons, with a personal best of 2:58. In 2011, Cohen was awarded Bernstein Realty’s Top Listing Agent for January, February, March and October and he also achieved Bernstein Realty’s Award of Excellence, an award presented to the Top 5 Producers of the company for the year. Cohen has built his business with hard work and continues to amaze his clients and colleagues with his unwavering determination and success in all of his endeavors.
Bernstein Realty’s Staff Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day with Amy Bernstein
For Administrative Professionals Day, Amy Bernstein took the staff to lunch at Union Kitchen and presented each with a gift to thank them for the fabulous work they do each and every day to keep Bernstein Realty growing and running so smoothly.
Amy Bernstein Speaks at Nextgen Realtor Group Luncheon
Amy Bernstein, President and Broker of Bernstein Realty, was invited to participate as a guest speaker at the Nextgen Realtor Group’s Networking with Real Estate Champions Luncheon at the Toyota Center. Amy discussed how she started Bernstein Realty and what it takes to own and operate a successful real estate company. It was a wonderful event filled with many enthusiastic, energized, and up and coming next generation Realtors that make up this fantastic Nextgen Realtor Group!
Amy Bernstein Speaks at WCR Luncheon, West Houston Chapter
Amy Bernstein was invited to be a panelist at the Woman’s Council of Realtors West Houston Chapter’s Extreme Networking Luncheon. Amy, along with several other Top Producing Brokers, shared her knowledge with other real estate agents and affiliates. It was a wonderful event!
Bernstein Realty Agent Sponsors Easter Event
Bernstein Realty agent Janice Ratliff was one of the sponsors of a recent Easter Egg Extravaganza in Cinco Ranch. The event featured music by Radio Disney, an Easter egg hunt and photographs taken with the Easter Bunny. Ratliff made arrangements to bring the Easter Bunny, portrayed wonderfully and charismatically by Norma Rea, another Bernstein Realty agent. The Easter Bunny (Norma Rea) was available for photographs, taken by the talented Ron Johnson, also a Bernstein Realty agent. The event was a huge success with many children and families in attendance and having a wonderful time. The event also featured a wide variety of other fun activities.
For photographs taken at the event, please click here
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Amy Bernstein Awarded one of the Top 20 Houston-Area Residential Real Estate Professionals by the Houston Business Journal
Amy Bernstein has been recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the TOP 20 Residential Real Estate Agents in Houston for 2011, based on sales production. This is Amy’s fourth year to be ranked in the top 25. This award represents the top 1% of all real estate agents in Houston and the surrounding suburbs. Congratulations Amy, we are so proud of you! Featured in photo: Amy Bernstein, with her fabulous, real estate assistant, Gloria Moorman.
Amy Bernstein and Mary Piper Live on the Air
On February 18th, 2012 Amy Bernstein and Mary Piper were invited to be guests on Terry Kelling’s The Trusted Link to the Real Estate Experts radio show, which is on 1070am KNTH from 3pm-4pm, to discuss real estate and relocation. According to Kelling, “Amy Bernstein is perfection! As a broker coaching her agents to reach the best for each of their clients or working with her own individual Buyers and Sellers, Amy always works to reach the best outcome. Amy’s history speaks highly and I have only seen Amy’s excellent approach each time I have had the opportunity to work with her. Whether as a guest contributor on Real Estate Radio and bringing excellent information to our listeners or as a consultant with Buyers/Sellers, Amy always researches the best options and helps her clients to make the most optimal situation happen! You won’t miss a beat with Amy!” Amy and Mary enjoyed the experience and both look forward to future opportunities in radio!
