About Us
About TERRA Residential Services, Inc. CRMC®
Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® provides professional real estate property management services in the Greater Houston and surrounding areas. Founded in 1990, our years of experience, education, client and tenant communication, and attention to detail have allowed us to become the premier company specializing in single family homes, condos, and townhouses. In over 30 years of leadership in the property management industry, we have learned what works and what doesn't, including anticipating many issues before they affect your property. We can resolve problems quickly and at minimum cost when they arise. Our stable team of experienced property managers and support staff effectively balance the desires and needs of property owners and residents to create a positive experience for all parties.
Why Work with Terra Residential Services
Our Experience
Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC®'s Broker (since 1990) and Property Managers have managed and had direct control of thousands of single-family homes for many years at various companies. We have procured and operated thousands of leases. We have participated in hundreds of investment acquisition and disposition sales.
Proven Techniques and Continuous Learning
In our varied experiences, we have discovered which techniques work, and which do not; and have gained invaluable experience and knowledge doing it. We are professionals -- attending seminars, classes, and furthering knowledge to better help your investment if you are an owner, and your renting experience if you are a tenant. The real estate profession is constantly evolving, and many new laws are simultaneously activating. In our litigious society, the more knowledge you possess, the better.
Prestigious Recognition
Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® holds the prestigious CRMC® (Certified Residential Management Company) designation from the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). We are the first Houston area company to be awarded this coveted designation that is held by only 6 property management companies in Texas and 32 nationwide, and is reflective of the professional commitment made to the industry by Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC®
Expert Leadership
Our Broker, Mike Mengden, as an approved real estate instructor for the Texas Real Estate Commission, is a member of Texas REALTORS University and teaches property management and leasing classes to real estate agents. Over the past few years, he has also taught seminars and participated in expert panels on "Property management company operations", "Risk Management", "Working with your family", and "Being a leader in the residential property management field". He currently sits on the Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) Property Management Committee (2011 Chair),the TAR Public Policy Property Management Subcommittee (2014 Vice Chair), and the TAR Property Management Forms Task Force (since 2005). In 2002, he was elected National President of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®). In 1998 he earned the prestigious Master Property Manager (MPM®) Designation through NARPM® held by less than 30 residential property managers in Texas (only 1 other in Houston and 1 other in Galveston). At each Annual Convention since 1996 he has attended or taught classes on operations, leasing, technology, tenant retention, risk management, investment strategies, and more. In 1997 he earned the Residential Management Professional (RMP®) designation through NARPM®; and in 1994 he earned the nationally recognized GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation through TAR. Our Broker and our managers have completed many classes in subjects such as residential inspections, legal (agency) issues, mold, technology, sales techniques, investment strategies, paperless offices, and more.
We Create the Opportunity for Improved Cash Flow, To Achieve the Best Financial Performance for the Owner, With Fairness to the Tenant, Within the Constraints of the Law.
The Team
We believe that this doctrine is exemplified by the best feature of our company: its personnel -- professional, knowledgeable, ethical, enthusiastic, and caring individuals that place the client's investment number one. We stay abreast of the latest trends in real estate investments - be it management, leasing, buying or selling techniques. You will not find a more qualified group, as full of integrity, primed and ready to take the responsibility for your investment.
Meet Our Team
- Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker since 1980
- Managed homes since 1989, acquired and/or sold over 500 homes since 1988 (as Agent or Broker)
- Started Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® in 1990
- National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®) Member 1996 - current
- MPM® - Master Property Manager (NARPM®) (1 of less than 30 in Texas, 1 other in each of Houston and Galveston)
- RMP® - Residential Management Professional (NARPM®)
- GRI - Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (TAR, NAR)
- NARPM® Director, National Board of Directors 1997-2003
- NARPM® National President 2002
- TAR Grievance Advisory Group Member 1998-2001
- TAR Property Management Committee Member 2005-Current
- TAR Property Management Committee Chair 2011
- TAR Property Management and Leasing Forms Task Force 2005-Current
- TAR Property Management Committee Legislative Task Force 2009-2013
- TAR Public Policy Property Management Sub-Committee Vice Chair 2014
- HAR Governmental Affairs Advisory Group Member 1998, 2014
- HAR Risk Management Advisory Group Member 2012-Current
- HAR Property Management Sub-Committee - Chair 2014
- TRLP® - Texas REALTOR® Leadership Program (TAR) -- Earned in 2014
- TRLS® - Texas Residential Leasing Specialist (TAR) -- Earned with the inaugural class in 2014 (was the Instructor)
- TRPM® - Texas Residential Property Manager (TAR) -- Earned with the inaugural class in 2015 (was the Instructor)
Mike Mengden, a native Houstonian, moved away at an early age and grew up on a ranch outside of Comfort, Texas. After attending Texas Military Institute, the US Naval Academy and Texas A & M University, he graduated from the University of Texas in Austin and obtained his Texas Real Estate Brokers License. After working in the real estate publications and mapping industry he joined a large property management firm managing over 3,000 bank owned properties. There he began selling and managing investment single-family homes. He opened up Terra Residential Services in 1991 (originally Terra Property Services) with Roger Briggs, and Creative Residential Solutions in San Antonio in 1994 with his wife Bridget. Mike and Bridget sold the San Antonio office and bought out his partner in Houston in 2004. Mike is very active with both the REALTOR Association and NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers) serving on numerous committees and leadership positions concentrating mainly on the professional, educational, and legislative areas. Outside of the office he enjoys teaching leasing and property management and spending time relaxing and traveling with his wife Bridget. They have 2 grown and successful children, one son-in-law, a soon to be daughter-in-law, and three adorable grandchildren.
- Licensed Texas Real Estate Salesperson since 2020
- Joined Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® in 2022
- National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®) Member 2022-Current
With over a decade of experience in the real estate industry, Khruma, a Licensed Realtor in Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas, has been building strong business relationships and has a stellar reputation within the greater Houston area. He prioritizes his clients, putting their wants and needs before anything else, and is 100% focused on client satisfaction. His integrity, agility, and quality service are what set him apart from the competition. Khruma makes the complicated process of buying, selling, and leasing property in and around Houston a fun, easy, and stress-free experience for all those involved. He is a dedicated professional, always available to address any questions or concerns a client may have. When he is not at the office, Khruma likes to spend time with his family, fitness activities, and participate in volunteer work.
- Licensed Texas REALTOR® since 2023
Joined Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® in 2023 - National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®)since 2023
TRLS®-Texas Residential Leasing Specialist earned in 2023
- Joined Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® in 1993
Bridget Mengden, a native Houstonian, attended the University of Texas in Austin, where she met Mike and then married in 1979. Bridget began working as the bookkeeper at Terra part time after the kids started school and is still handling the bookkeeping duties. In their free time, Bridget and Mike enjoy traveling. You can usually find Bridget on the water, either kayaking or snorkeling and also playing with her grandchildren, who live in Austin.
- Licensed Texas REALTOR® since 2025
- Joined Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® in 2019
- National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®) Member 2019-Current
Dandi Finley, born and raised in TN, moved to Texas in 2019 with her husband. She has been in office management for 13 years and joined Terra Residential Services in 2019. She has three wonderful children whom she adores. She enjoys spending quality time with her husband, family, and horses!
- Joined Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® in 2020
Michelle or Mitch to many friends and colleagues, took a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education at Saint Louis University. Her work experience include, customer service, sales, e-commerce, and real-estate. Prior to these experiences, she worked in the contact center industry for many years. Her years of experience in these fields honed her skills in dealing with clients very well. She makes sure to provide product/services information and resolve any emerging problems that her clients might face with accuracy and efficiency. A very patient, empathic, and hardworking individual. Outside work she loves spending time with her family, eat outs with friends, movies and a lot more. Being a member of Terra Residential Services, Inc, she looks forward to the many learnings she will experience in her stay with the company.
- Joined Terra Residential Services, Inc. CRMC® in 2023
Our front desk agent is named Cristina or Tina. She is a cheerful and upbeat individual. A graduate from Polytechnic University of the Philippines with a Bachelor's Degree major in Marketing. She was an online English teacher, team leader, virtual assistant, and senior agent handling escalations in an Australian airline for a customer care organization for ten long years. She takes pleasure in expanding her knowledge about property management. Tina likes to listen to guided meditations in her spare time to stay centered and optimistic. She also likes to spend time with her family and relatives. She is grateful to be part of Terra Residential Services, Inc. because of everyone's supportive attitude towards one another. She will be available to you whenever you need to contact us and would be delighted to help.
- Licensed Texas REALTOR® since 1996
- TRLS® - Texas Residential Leasing Specialist (TAR)
- National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Member
Discover the Houston real estate market with Sarah Gibbs, a respected native local expert since 1996. Known for her exceptional service across Houston and its neighboring areas, Sarah's reputation reflects her love for real estate and her unwavering commitment to helping you secure your dream home. She goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring a smooth, rewarding experience in home investing, buying, selling, or leasing.
Sarah adds a dynamic energy, strong work ethic, and meticulous attention to detail to each transaction, elevating the quality of service she offers. Her personal experience caring for her elderly mother has given her a unique perspective on the real estate needs of older individuals. This precious knowledge aids her in handling property transitions at this stage in life. Her active participation in community organizations has given her a profound understanding of the local area, providing buyers and sellers with crucial insights that surpass standard market analysis.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Sarah upholds the principles of honesty and integrity, always putting her clients' needs first. The loving mother of three adult children and three adult G-dchildren, Sarah makes her home in Houston with her husband. She values the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and learning about their unique life journeys!
Professional Affiliations
- Houston Association of REALTORS®(HAR)
- Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR)
- National Association of REALTORS® (NAR)
- National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®)
- Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston (BBB)
- Licensed Real Estate Broker Corporation, Texas Real Estate Commission
- Houston Multiple Listing Service
Designations
The following designations earned by our company and/or its team signify our committment to professionalism, our industry, our clients, and our customers.
- CRMC®
- MPM®
- RMP®
- GRI
- TRLP®
- TRLS®
- TRPM®
CRMC®
The Certified Residential Management Company designation is awarded to those professional property management firms that demonstrate a high standard in both procedures and customer service. A detailed examination of the company and recommendations from clients and peers are required for this designation. Requirements include having an MPM® designee on staff, providing verification of 500 unit years of management experience (One unit year equals management of 1 residential unit for 1 year), and successfully completing a day long on-site visit from a NARPM® auditor.
MPM®
The Master Property Manager designation is awarded to those candidates who have been a licensed real estate agent for at least the last 5 years, have previously achieved the RMP® designation, have at least 500 unit years of experience acquired over a minimum of 5 consecutive years (one unit year equals management of 1 residential unit for 1 year), successfully completed 24 hours of NARPM® approved coursework (included were classes in risk management, and personnel practices) (over any counted for the RMP® designation), earned 150 elective points (over any counted for the RMP® designation) through service to NARPM® and the property management industry, attended at least two NARPM® National Conventions (over any counted for the RMP® designation) and submitted letters of recommendation from 2 MPM® designees and 3 clients.
RMP®
The Residential Management Professional designation is awarded to those candidates who have been a licensed real estate agent for at least the last 2 years, have at least 100 unit years of experience acquired over a minimum of two consecutive years (one unit year equals management of 1 residential unit for 1 year), successfully completed 18 hours of NARPM® approved coursework (included were classes in marketing, operations, and maintenance) plus the NARPM® Ethics course, earned 50 elective points through service to NARPM® and the property management industry, attended educational conferences and conventions, and submitted letters of recommendation from 2 MPM® designees and 3 clients.
GRI
The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) symbol is the mark of a real estate professional who has made a commitment to providing a superior level of professional services by earning the GRI designation. REALTORS® with the GRI designation are highly trained in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect their clients.
TRLP®
The Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP) is designed to meet the needs of Texas REALTORS® and to provide an innovative and highly flexible program that allows self‐motivated learners the opportunity for leadership development in the context of a learning community. The leadership program develops that community of selected participants who transform the power of knowledge into volunteer service. Its core values include: community, service, integrity, and commitment.
TRLS®
The Texas Residential Leasing Specialist is a statewide certification for those specializing in leasing residential properties and requires completion of four three-hour leasing education courses: The Essentials of Residential Leasing, The TAR Residential Lease Agreement, Agency Issues Impacting Property Managers and Leasing Agents, and Marketing and Leasing Residential Properties.
TRPM®
The Texas Residential Property Manager (TRPM) certification tells property owners that you have the experience and knowledge to manage their property professionally. Upon completion of this certification, property owners can be rest-assured have you have undergone rigorous coursework and have the experience necessary to professionally and knowledgeably manage their residential rental property.