Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1121557
letter publisher ANNE LAHO 16 A s summer begins, we want to wish everyone an exciting time filled with travel, rest, and relaxation. Spring is always like a Chinese fire drill: finishing out the school year, attending last-minute events, and wrapping things up before leaving for the summer. I have spent the past two months simultaneously buying and selling a house — a process I would never wish on anyone, as the stress will send you through the roof. As my husband is an attorney, we decided not to use a real estate agent when purchasing our first home nine years ago. Big mistake. We were moving from a small apartment and were just happy to be homeowners, not questioning any flaws that were discovered during inspection. Our Federal Pacific electrical box was recalled in 1983 and may burn the house down — no problem! The electrical wires that hang across the backyard were low enough to swing from — no big deal. There were a few things that would have stopped an agent dead in their tracks, but that we were happy to overlook. Nothing could make us walk away from the deal. While we were not actually looking to move earlier this year, we fell in love with a house and decided to sell our home and put in an offer. This time around, the process felt daunting, so I called one of my best friends, Kathleen Dunwoody Graf. Kathleen and I have known each other since we were children. We were in each other's weddings and have remained life-long friends. Kathleen has been in real estate for 17 years, so I knew she could handle any curveball thrown her way — and, of course, there were more than a few. Several months later, we are settling into our wonderful new home, and I can unequivocally say that I will never sell or buy a house without a real estate agent. Every day, there are people trying to save money and cut corners by handling the transaction alone, but I can assure you, an agent is worth every penny. We have so many amazing real estate companies and agents in the Houston market, and almost all of them advertise in PaperCity: Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty, John Daugherty Realtors, Greenwood King Properties, Carnan Properties, Heritage Texas Properties, Beth Wolff Realtors and, new to the market, Compass. Flip through our magazine, and you'll see their beautiful ads. Please take note and give them a call when you're ready to make the move. We hope everyone has a wonderful summer! Monica Bickers Group Publisher monica@papercitymag.com