Self-made entrepreneur assists renters & homeowners alike in living the dream

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – While the local, regional and national housing market is in a wild state of flux with a downward trend, many neighborhoods are finding themselves with empty houses waiting for buyers who are waiting for the storms to subside. Ritchie Canady, the young real estate entrepreneur in North Houston sees calmer seas ahead, especially in this area in which he was raised.

“We may be on the top of another housing bubble that’s about to burst, but the simple fact is that people still need homes to call their own, whether they lease or buy,” he said. “Unfortunately, I see too many real estate agents running from the market or setting rental and mortgage terms that make it impossible to sign on the dotted line, when in truth this is a perfect opportunity for them to fill those houses and apartments with new owners and lessees.”

Canady, the founder and owner of The Woodlands Locating Service, has made a name for himself being able to read the housing market and how it pertains to properties both for lease and sale. “I’ve maintained a contract partnership with one of the top property management agencies in the nation as their exclusive leasing agent. I have enjoyed placing hundreds of families into new homes, and I plan to keep building on that success in new and exciting ways.”

Working with potential homeowners or renters and property management companies is an integral part of Canady’s success in his growing sphere of influence that include The Woodlands, Spring, Houston and the surrounding metro area. “You have to know who you’re working with, and you have to have intimate knowledge of the area under your umbrella,” he said. “I’m was born and raised in Spring, and I have meaningful relationships with local business leaders that are defined by our first-name basis.”

After graduating from Klein Collins High School, he waited tables and bartended as he learned the ropes at property management agencies and apartment locator services. In 2012, he saw an opportunity in the market, and he created The Woodlands Locating Services. “I saw early on that the market for rental properties was severely underutilized,” he said. “Houston, Spring and The Woodlands are heavy relocation centers; people come in from all over the world on behalf of their companies. They tend to initially want to lease or rent for a couple of years until they’re more comfortable and familiar with the area to purchase a home.”

Unlike many real estate agents who specialize in only either solely purchases or rentals, Canady embraces both sides of the fence. He typically has over 100 properties in his portfolio at any time, and he leases 80 to 100 per month, so his inventory is always fresh. In particular, he has a proven track record of getting renters get on a timetable and program to be able to eventually purchase their own homes. “I have a highly detailed program to help them get their credit scores up, their finances secured, and their paperwork in order so that they can purchase their home within a couple of years of initially entering the program.”

Apartment communities have increased in the Woodlands by about 30 percent in the past three years, and developments are still greatly needed in the area due to multiple new employers including ExxonMobil, Houston Methodist Hospital and Texas Children’s Hospital. The developments are due to bring thousands of employees who will need housing in the area, and Canady will surely continue his success with this increased demand and his extensive marketing. “I’ve made a significant effort to learn the best techniques in utilizing the internet and proven face-to-face skills with my clients.”

Canady points out that, after the housing crash of 2008, the stigma of renting – whether it be an apartment or lease house – has greatly improved, while at the same time the hidden dangers of homeownership without full preparation has been exposed. “So many people lost their homes and are having to start from scratch. It’s more than just my job; my passion is to get individuals, couples and families into homes that they can grow and thrive together. To help them achieve that takes a team that knows how to navigate the highs and lows of the market over both the short and long term. I have to say, my team definitely has those skills.”

For more information on area rental or purchase options, or to learn more about how Canady turns renters into owners, visit www.thewoodlandslocatingservices.com or call 281-271-8598.