Embracing Diversity and Promoting Equality: Fair Housing Month 2024
April 1, 2024
April marks an important time for reflection and action in the real estate industry as we observe Fair Housing Month. This annual commemoration serves as a reminder of the pivotal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the ongoing battle against housing discrimination and segregation. As REALTORS®, it's not only our responsibility but also our privilege to champion equitable opportunities and foster inclusive communities.
The Fair Housing Act, passed over five decades ago, was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ending discriminatory practices in housing. It sought to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability, had equal access to housing opportunities. While significant progress has been made since its enactment, challenges persist, and the need for vigilance remains as pertinent as ever.
As community leaders, real estate professionals play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of housing and promoting fairness and inclusivity. We have the power to influence change, challenge biases, and create environments where everyone feels welcome and valued. By embracing diversity and promoting equality in our practices, we not only uphold the principles of the Fair Housing Act but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.
Fair Housing Month serves as a call to action—a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that every individual has a fair chance at housing. It's a time to reaffirm our commitment to advancing equitable opportunities and expanding homeownership for all. By actively engaging with our communities and advocating for policies that promote inclusivity, we can help break down barriers and build a future where housing is truly accessible to everyone.
In the spirit of Fair Housing Month, let us come together and redouble our efforts to create inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. Let us celebrate diversity, challenge discrimination, and work towards a future where housing is a fundamental right, not a privilege. April is more than just a month—it's a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure fairness and equality in housing for generations to come.
Join us this April in commemorating Fair Housing Month and let's stand united in our commitment to building a more just and equitable society. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone has a place to call home.
We’re thrilled to announce a well-deserved promotion within the PH Companies family — Ashlyn Smith has officially stepped into the role of Transaction Coordinator! Ashlyn joined PH Companies as Office Manager in August 2023, and since day one, she has brought unmatched organization, dedication, and a true team-first spirit to everything she does. Whether managing operations or stepping in to support agents and clients, Ashlyn has been the steady hand behind many of our smoothest transactions. As PH Companies evolves — especially with our recent transition from an independent brokerage to a powered-by-EXP real estate team — the demand for a full-time, dedicated Transaction Coordinator has never been greater. With more agents, more listings, and more moving parts, we need someone who knows our systems, understands our culture, and can hit the ground running. There is simply no one better for this role than Ashlyn. Her deep understanding of our processes, her proactive communication style, and her attention to detail make her the ideal person to support our growing agent roster and ensure every transaction is handled with care and efficiency. We’re confident that with Ashlyn in this key role, our clients and agents alike will benefit from an even more seamless, high-touch experience. Please join us in congratulating Ashlyn Smith on her promotion. We’re excited for what’s ahead — and incredibly grateful to have her leading the way!
We are thrilled to share some wonderful news from the PH Companies family—our amazing Office Manager, Ashlyn Rybiski, is now Mrs. Ashlyn Smith ! On March 15, 2025, Ashlyn tied the knot with her partner, Sebron Smith, in a beautiful celebration of love, joy, and new beginnings. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple said “I do” in a ceremony that was as thoughtful and genuine as the bride herself. Ashlyn has been the heart of our operations at PH Companies—keeping us organized, connected, and on track with her signature warmth and professionalism. Now, we’re overjoyed to see her start this exciting new chapter of life with Sebron by her side. Please join us in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Smith! May your journey together be filled with laughter, adventure, and endless love. From all of us at PH Companies—cheers to a lifetime of happiness, Ashlyn and Sebron!
The 2024 Texas Real Estate Year in Review report released by Texas REALTORS® last month reveals that while the Texas housing market remained steady statewide, Texarkana emerged as a standout with stronger price appreciation and increased housing inventory, signaling a healthy shift toward market balance. Statewide, Texas saw small but stable growth with home sales increasing by 0.7% and median prices rising by 1.2%, bringing the statewide median home price to $339,000. The number of active listings and days on market rose significantly, providing more choices for buyers across many regions. In contrast, Texarkana experienced a 5.7% decrease in home sales, reflecting a measured cooldown in buyer activity following years of rapid market acceleration. However, the local market also saw a 7% increase in median home price, bringing the median in Texarkana to $200,000—well above the statewide appreciation rate. The price per square foot in Texarkana rose by 3.5%, compared to a 0.7% increase across Texas. Texarkana also saw a notable 32.2% increase in active listings, slightly higher than the 30.5% increase seen statewide. The average days on market locally extended from 58 to 72, while months of inventory—a key measure of supply—rose from 2.9 to 5.1 months, indicating a shift toward a more balanced housing environment. “We’re seeing a healthier, more sustainable market emerge here in Texarkana,” said Lauren Callaway , Team Leader of PH Realty Team . “The increase in inventory gives buyers more options and flexibility, while sellers are still benefiting from solid price growth. It’s a great moment for both sides of the market, as long as you’re working with professionals who know how to strategize in this evolving landscape.” This market transition offers new opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Buyers benefit from reduced competition and increased selection, while sellers can still capitalize on rising home values—particularly with strategic pricing and expert representation.
PH Realty Team proudly announces that Summer Gerrald has expanded her reach, now officially licensed in Texas and Louisiana, adding to her existing Arkansas license. With this milestone, Summer continues to build momentum as one of the region’s most driven new agents. Since launching her real estate career in December 2024, Summer has wasted no time making her mark. With three closings projected this month, her results speak to her unmatched work ethic and commitment to delivering for her clients. Summer is also currently working toward obtaining her Oklahoma license, which will make her the first agent in the Texarkana area licensed in all four surrounding states — Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. “Summer’s growth is no accident — she’s driven, focused, and doesn’t settle for average,” said Lauren Callaway, Team Leader of PH Realty Team. “She’s on the fast track to becoming a top-producing, multi-state agent.” With big goals and even bigger results, Summer Gerrald is proving there’s no such thing as limits when it comes to her real estate journey. Contact: Summer Gerrald PH Realty Team, Brokered by eXp Realty (903) 418-4246 summer@phrealtyteam.org https://www.phrealty.org/summer-gerrald
PH Companies Quarterly Newsletter Your one stop shop for: BUYING | SELLING | DESIGNING | LEASEING | INVESTING Dear Clients, Partners, and Friends, As we step into a new quarter, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible momentum we've built together across PH Realty Team, PH Design Firm, PH Property Management, and Principle Home Buyer. We’re thrilled to announce that construction on our new PH Companies headquarters is well underway—and on track for completion by May! This new space will serve as the central hub for all our teams and reflect the growth and momentum we've experienced across every division. It’s more than just a building—it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come and the vision we’re building toward, together. Even more exciting? We’re now official members of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce! To celebrate both milestones, we’ll be hosting an official ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Chamber. Be on the lookout for your exclusive invite—we can’t wait to welcome you to our new home and celebrate this next chapter with you. This quarter’s newsletter highlights the progress, people, and partnerships that continue to move us forward. From exciting new hires and community events to strategic growth across every branch, there’s so much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and building something truly exceptional—together. Lauren Callaway CEO, PH Companies
PH Design Firm is excited to share the incredible success we experienced as a vendor at the 2025 Texarkana Home & Garden Show, held on March 22 at the iconic Crossties Event Venue in downtown Texarkana. This annual event—presented by the Texarkana Home Builders Association (THBA)—was free to the public and brought together the best in home design, construction, landscaping, and remodeling. As a participating vendor, we had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with homeowners, local builders, and industry experts. The energy at the show was electric, and the genuine interest in innovative, tailored design solutions was truly inspiring. We loved discussing new ideas, sharing our creative process, and helping attendees envision the possibilities for their spaces. The overwhelming support and enthusiasm from the community affirmed why we love doing what we do We’re grateful to the THBA for organizing such a successful and well-orchestrated event, and to everyone who stopped by our booth to chat, dream, and share their ideas. We’re excited for the future and can’t wait to contribute even more to Texarkana’s vibrant and growing home design community.
As a homeowner, you deserve every opportunity to maximize your investment—and that includes taking advantage of available property tax savings. If you live in Arkansas or Texas , the Homestead Exemption is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your annual property tax bill. Here’s what you need to know, how it works in your state, and how to make sure you don’t miss the deadline. What Is the Homestead Exemption? The Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. By lowering the assessed value used to calculate your property taxes, it helps you keep more money in your pocket—year after year. Each state sets its own rules, exemption amounts, and eligibility requirements. In both Arkansas and Texas, the exemption can lead to significant annual savings, especially if you're a senior, veteran, or have a disability. State-by-State Breakdown
We are thrilled to announce that PH Companies has officially joined the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce! As the parent company of a growing family of businesses—including PH Realty Team, PH Design Firm, PH Property Management, and Principle Home Buyer—this milestone marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to serving the Texarkana community and surrounding regions with excellence, integrity, and innovation. Joining the Chamber of Commerce aligns with our mission to stay actively engaged with local businesses, support economic development, and build meaningful relationships with community partners. Through this membership, we look forward to participating in Chamber events, collaborating on initiatives that promote local growth, and contributing to the shared vision of a vibrant, thriving Texarkana. At PH Companies, we’re more than just a group of businesses—we’re a team dedicated to guiding people through life’s biggest decisions, whether that’s buying a home, designing a space, managing a property, or making strategic real estate investments. Being part of the Chamber strengthens our ability to connect with the people and organizations that make our region a great place to live and work. We’re honored to stand alongside so many inspiring businesses and leaders in the Texarkana area and can’t wait to get involved in the incredible work happening through the Chamber. Stay tuned as we share more about upcoming collaborations, events, and community involvement!
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