Rick’s Stories about Real Estate, Life, and What’s Next.
Real estate has never been just about buying and selling homes for me. It’s about people. The relationships, the community, the faith that gets you through hard seasons, the business lessons that only show up after you’ve made a few mistakes.
This is where I write it all down. Some of it will be about real estate and what I’m seeing in the market, what I’ve learned from closing deals for over 20 years. But just as often it’ll be about the people who make The Woodlands feel like home: local business owners, community leaders, neighbors with a good story to tell. Some days it’s about faith and family. Some days, it’s just something I notice that sticks with me.
I’ll also share the honest version of my own path. Why I moved to LPT Realty, what’s actually changed since then, and what I’ve learned watching other agents and entrepreneurs figure out how to build something that lasts. No polished sales pitch, just what I’ve actually lived through.
Whether you’re buying your first home, running a business down the street, another agent trying to figure this business out, or just someone who loves this community as much as I do, I hope something in here is useful to you. Or at least makes you feel a little less alone as you figure it out.
Here are some of my favorite Stories I love to tell…
Dosey Doe Big Barn: My Favorite Spot in The Woodlands
You've driven past it a hundred times on I-45. That old wooden barn with the windmill out front came…
Two Step Farm in Montgomery, Texas | Homes & Lifestyle
Two Step Farm is bringing something different to Montgomery, Texas. With roughly 2,000 acres, nine b…
Houston Cans Annexation of The Woodlands
For decades, the possibility of Houston annexing The Woodlands has been part of the conversation abo…
What’s the best home in The Woodlands?
If I were moving to The Woodlands in 2026, I wouldn’t start by looking for the “most pop…
Rick Raanes Named Market Mayor for The Woodlands, Texas as Livin.in Expands Nationwide
Local real estate leader and community advocate Rick Raanes has been named the first official Market…
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Why LPT Realty Is the Fastest-Growing Brokerage in America
Here is where LPT Realty stands in the 2025 Power Broker Report, alongside brokerages that have domi…
Imagine an Exciting Low Country Lifestyle in Stillwater
If you are searching for a 5-bedroom home in Stillwater Conroe with front-porch living, pond views, …
Why Elite, Proven Real Estate Teams Are Confidently changing Brokerages
If you pay attention to patterns in this business, you’ll notice something interesting happening. Re…
5 Reasons LPT Realty is Changing the Game
Launched in 2022, LPT has grown at lightning speed, ranking as the 16th-largest brokerage in the U.S…
What is the Best Brokerage for a Powerful Listing Agent?
When it comes to being a successful listing agent, the brokerage you align yourself with makes all t…
What is the Best Broker for a Buyers Agent?
Exploring the advantages of LPT Realty When choosing a brokerage, understanding the financial…
Is the Black Badge a Good thing?
At LPT Realty, we believe in empowering our agents with a Hybrid Share Choice. We offer a collaborat…
Is Hybrid Share setting new Standards for Realtors?
At LPT Realty, we believe in empowering our agents with a Hybrid Share Choice. We offer a collaborat…
Why is LPT Realty the Best Brokerage for New Agents?
Why LPT Realty is the Best Choice for New Agent Growth and Business Development Starting a real esta…
Is LPT Realty Changing the Game with a Better Brokerage?
LPT Realty is not just another real estate brokerage! We designed the company with the agent’s…
LPT Is the Brokerage for LIFE!
Is Your Brokerage Helping You Thrive — or Holding You Back? Let’s get straight to the point: just be…
Unstoppable Growth: In All 50 States Before Going Public!
LPT Realty is redefining the real estate industry with record-breaking growth! In less than three ye…
LPT Realty Explained – Everything You Need to Know
Let's Prosper Together. Our LPT Realty Explained will show you how LPT is the ultimate Agent Choice …
Hey there,
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to read our blog. It truly means a lot to me and our team. We hope you found some value in what we shared and maybe even learned something new about what makes LPT Realty such a game-changer in the real estate world.
Our goal is to always be transparent, helpful, and real with you—whether you’re thinking about making a move in your real estate career or just curious about what we’re up to. If you have any questions, thoughts, or just want to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here for you!
Gratefully,
Rick Raanes