Frequently Asked Questions
2024 marks the 14th annual YPN 20 under 40 Rising Stars in Real Estate Awards. This award is given to 20 HAR members 40 years of age or younger who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of sales, leadership, and community involvement. Here are answers to all of your questions about the 20 Under 40 Rising Stars program.
How can I submit an application? Applications may be accepted beginning May 15, 2024. You can access the Application Form and FAQs at www.har.com/ypn. There is no advantage to submitting early so please be sure you have all your information ready when you submit. (It’s a good idea to save your document prior to sending in case there is a glitch in the system or a power outage. That way you can easily retrieve it and copy paste into the application.)
Who’s eligible to enter? Any REALTOR® member of the Houston Association of REALTORS who is 40 years old or younger on April 30, 2024, is eligible.
What is the deadline? Applications must be submitted by July 22, 2024…there are no exceptions.
Can I make changes to my submitted application? You can make changes and updates to your saved applications until July 22, 2024. Be sure to click on 'save and resume' application to make edits.
What is the qualification period: Your production will be run from May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024.
What is the Selection Committee looking for? Several factors are considered when selecting finalists, business success being just one. Community service, continuing education and professional leadership also are important factors and involvement with HAR programs and activities. Finally, we look for compelling stories – such as interesting business strategies or obstacles overcome.
What is the Selection Process? Initially, all applications are screened by the seven members of the Selection Committee (composed of the YPN Advisory Group Chair; YPN Immediate Past Chair, YPN Staff Liaison, two YPN Advisory Group appointees, HAR Chief Communications Officer, and 2024 HAR Chair of the Board) to ensure all necessary information has been provided. The Selection Committee reviews applications, weighing the factors mentioned above until a consensus is reached on 20 semi finalists and 5 alternates. Semifinalists are vetted through TREC for ethical violations or disciplinary actions. If a semi finalist is disqualified for any reason, a replacement is chosen from the list of alternates.
How will you verify my production for the qualification period?Production is based on sold transactions reported in the MLS (both listing and selling side), any off MLS production and rentals for the qualification period of May 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024. An individual’s team production must be verified by the broker as an attachment to the application. Commercial transactions are self-reported on the application form.
Can my broker or colleague provide supporting letters? ONE letter in support of your application can be submitted but is not required. The letter may only be submitted online via the link on the application form. Do not email your supporting letter individually.
May I submit other supporting documentation (awards, certificates, etc)? Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot accept other supporting documents. The Selection Committee will contact you if clarification or additional information is needed.
Why do you ask about ethics violations and state regulatory actions? Will either eliminate me from consideration? Our “20 Under 40” finalists represent the next generation of industry leaders and as such they should set an example of professional and ethical behavior. An ethical violation or disciplinary action does not result in automatic disqualification. The Selection Committee will consider the circumstances and weigh the incident against other factors in your applications.
How will I know if my application was received? An e-mail acknowledgment will be sent to the address listed in the application to confirm receipt of the submitted form. If it’s determined that the application is incomplete or missing some information a second e-mail will be sent.
How and when will I be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision? All applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail or phone by late August.
How will the winners be announced? Announcements will appear in HAR’s November publications (group photo of winners appears on the magazine cover), including the 5 Minute REALTOR® Newsletter and monthly online Houston Realtor® Magazine, and on social media. A press release will be sent to selected local and national media outlets and the winners will be listed on HAR.com’s awards page in perpetuity.
Will there be an awards ceremony? Awards will be presented at a celebration reception held on October 4, 2024 from 3pm to 5pm at The Bayou City Event Center. Registration, purchase of tables of 10 and single ticket information to follow.
Who can I contact if I have more questions? Rozlynn Crew, YPN Staff Liaison, 281-382-2323 or roz@har.com.