A FAMILY-0WNED PUBLICATION SERVING THE AUSTIN METRO AREA AND SURROUNDING CITIES VOLUME 26, ISSUE 101 | MARCH 2022
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Expectations For 2022 From Industry Experts
East Side Tues. 3.22 West Side Wed. 3.23 ISD Thurs. 3.24
On March 3, 2020, brokers, agents, lenders, and others in the residential real estate industry from Austin-Round Rock metro gathered for the annual Home Builders Association (HBA) Housing Forecast Summit. While the conference is in its 19th year, for the past seven consecutive years the effects of skyrocketing home sales and housing costs year-over-year, along with decreasing inventory, may finally be coming home to roost.
wcrealtors.org
Realty Austin has been attending the Summit almost every year (including the 2021 Zoom event most of us watched from home). The past half dozen-plus years, at least, consisted of sunny predictions across most homebuilding sectors (that mostly came true). This year had a slightly less positive tone. That’s
[Forecast continues on page 16]
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Congratulations to Niki Frost on her relocation and promotion to Branch Manager at our 6th and Lamar location! Stewart Title of Austin, LLC 6th and Lamar 524 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200 Austin, TX 78703 512.472.8421 stewart.com/austin
© 2022 Stewart. All rights reserved.
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
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www.homesbyavi.com Please Note: in our continuing effort to exceed our buyer’s expectations, specifications and materials may change without notice. This marketing handout is for information only and is not part of a legal contract or agreement. See your AVI Homes representative for data. Effective 9/22/21
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
3
Austin Board of REALTORS®
We Have a Lot to Celebrate at ABoR! There’s much to celebrate at the Austin Board of REALTORS® this spring. Earlier this month, we announced our 2021 Industry Awards Finalists. These 30 real estate professionals represent the best and brightest of our industry and exemplify what it means to go above the call of a REALTOR® in client service, community impact, and exceptional leadership. The winners will be announced at our Industry Awards Celebration on Friday, March 25 at Hotel Van Zandt. By the time this article runs, ticket sales will have ended, but don’t worry if you missed out on getting a ticket! Winners will also be announced to the membership at large the following Monday, March 28.
CORD SHIFLET
2022 PRESIDENT
Join me in congratulating our 2021 Industry Awards finalists! Affiliate of the Year: Tyka Booker, US Health Advisors; Luke Leslie, Nations Reliable Lending; Elaine Maxey, OneGuard Home Warranty Broker of the Year (1-50 Agents): Noa Levy, The Boutique Real Estate; Jared West, Team West Real Estate Broker of the Year (51-100 Agents): David Pruitt, Coldwell Banker Realty; Ryan Rodenbeck, Spyglass Realty Broker of the Year (101+ Agents): Karlyn Ellis, Realty ONE Group Prosper; Kendred Manceaux, Keller Williams Realty Community Service Award: Jéan M. Bruns,
A HB ecast:or uingFH
A
AW
The ABoR
A
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Realty Austin; Lockie Ealy, Realty Austin; Jackie Horton, Realty Austin Ethics Award: Emily Bibby, Spyglass Realty; Divyaksh Kapur, All City Real Estate, LTD. Co.; Elle Klein Garrison, Realty Austin Educator of the Year: Amber Brown, White Label Realty; Socar Chatmon-Thomas, Elegant Estates Realty & Auctions; Scott Culberson, Living the Real Estate Life Rookie of the Year: Albert Chen, Thrive Realty; Jenny Law, Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty; Rafael Llorente, Twelve Rivers Realty REALTOR® of the Year: Susan Horton, John Horton Realty; Charlotte Lipscomb, Compass; Jessica Rumbaugh, Texas Land and Home Salesperson of the Year: Jen Berbas, Realty Austin; Lindsay Neuren, The Lindsay Neuren Group, Compass; Leah Petri, Gottesman Residential Iconic Changemaker Award: Jay Gohil, Jay Gohil Realty; Charlotte Lipscomb, Compass; Robert Wright, R.L. Wright, REALTORS®
April 9: Get Involved with the Most Talked About Neighborhood in Austin–Community First! Village You and your family are invited to the ABoR Foundation’s first in-person volunteer opportunity of 2022! We’re hosting a family-friendly volunteer service day at Community First! Village on Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Spend your morning gardening and landscaping alongside
Community First! residents, followed by a picnic lunch and tour of the village. This is one of most unique and creative residential communities in the nation, on a mission to serve goodness and restore human dignity in ending chronic homelessness. A day at Community First! fills your sails and your soul! Sign up here or at ABoR.com/Events.
April 15-May 31: 2023 ABoR and ACTRIS Boards of Directors Applications Open As someone who has served on our Board of Directors for almost a decade, I speak from experience when I say that you really can make a difference in your industry. As an ABoR and ACTRIS Board member, you can directly shape the policies and programs that impact nearly 20,000 real estate professionals across Central Texas. Are you looking to expand your industry involvement next year? Help us continue building an inclusive community for the most engaged and professional REALTORS® in the nation. Applications for our 2023 Board of Directors are open April 15 through May 31 at Portal.ABoR.com/Forms. The ABoR Vetting Committee will review Board of Directors applications in June and will release the nomination slate no later than July 31 in preparation for the member-wide Board of Directors election taking place September 19-21. I encourage you to get involved. Your voice matters! For more information, visit ABoR.com/Leadership.
arkPCed KW Awds:Cultra Winer
Aw oncI dar
Emily iD eckmann, Kerri Parkerand Roland Castillo
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
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Belton West Canyon Trails From the $250s • 1,246–2,755 sq. ft. • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths • Close to Belton ISD schools 1314 Ayham Trails, Belton, TX 76513 254-831-9671
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Jarrell Sonterra From the $220s • 1,042–2,898 sq. ft. • 2–5 bdrms., 2–3.5 baths • Master-planned community with a pool, clubhouse, basketball court, parks and trails 85 Hematite Ln., Jarrell, TX 76537 512-598-0023
KB Home Design Studio – Austin 10800 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 110 Austin, TX 78750 512-721-3550
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Schedule an appointment with a home finding specialist today at 512-488-0704.
888-KB-HOMES | kbhome.com Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2021 KB Home (KBH). Payment of Broker Co-op requires Broker or agent to call in to register client before first visit to community and comply with Broker Co-op Agreement. Plans, pricing, financing, terms, availability and specifications subject to change/prior sale without notice and may vary by neighborhood, lot location and home series. Buyer responsible for all taxes, insurance and other fees. Sq. footage is approximate. HOA applies. Future development of planned amenities is subject to change and not guaranteed. See sales counselor for details. AUS-437351
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
5
Austin Mortgage Bankers Association
April 6 Luncheon After three very well-attended meetings so far in 2022 we are excited to announce our upcoming meeting in April. Please join us as we welcome guest speakers William Purce, director of Mortgage Lending and Hector Retta, commissioner. The two, together, will present a rules and regulations update from the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending.
JIM SIKES
2022 PRESIDENT
This will be a great opportunity to hear about what is happening in state government and how the department works to support our business. We encourage every originator to attend. The meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. on WednesREGISTER day, April 6 at Maggiano’s at The Domain. Please RSVP at https://www.austinmba.org as soon as possible. All-inclusive members are free, $35 for members and $45 for guests. Sitting is limited, advanced registration is required in an effort to reduce contact, along with the needs of Maggiano’s, we will no longer accept walk-ups or payments at the door. Thank you for your understanding! We look forward to seeing you in April.
THE FAMOUS AMBA GOLF TOURNAMENT IS FINALLY BACK!!!
Super Bowl of Builders: Carla Bennett, Brenda eR nfrew, Courtney Shelly and Camille rW ight
The AMBA Mike Carroll, Sr. Spring Classic Golf Tournament
DAY MON MAY 9
GREAT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Registration/Check-In 10:30 A.M. Shotgun Start: NOON
For Sponsorships & Registration
Prior Sponsors available to sign up now, please contact: Michael Carroll // michael_carroll@mgic.com // 512-934-8821 or Jim Sikes // jsikes@highlandsmortgage.com // 512-965-0157
SouthStar Bank 5th Anniversary
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It's Not Luck, It's Always A Priority.
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Harker Heights 732-212-9029
Austin 512-298-3138
(l-r) Rodney Orta, 512-424-9118; Savannah Rossi, 512-713-7112; Lori Williams, 512–484-8108; and Iris Membrere, 808-258-9711
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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FOR FURTHER EXPLANATION ON THIS PROGRAM, ASK YOUR SALES COUNSELOR FOR THE 3,4,5 REALTOR BONUS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. QUALIFIED SALES MUST BE ORIGINAL CONTRACTS WRITTEN BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2022 AND DECEMBER 31, 2022. FOR FURTHER EXPLANATION ON THIS PROGRAM, ASK YOUR SALES COUNSELOR FOR THE 3,4,5 REALTOR BONUS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. QUALIFIED SALES MUST BE ORIGINAL CONTRACTS WRITTEN BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 2022 AND DECEMBER 31, 2022.
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
7
Williamson County Association of REALTORS®
Home Prices Will Continue To Rise Due to Affordability, Not Demand
The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin hosted a jam packed, informative, housing forecast in early March at the Renaissance Hotel. It was clear to see the industry is more than ready to attend in person events again. CEO Taylor Jacksonof HBA of Greater Austin welcomed a sold-out audience, while we enjoyed breakfast.
MICHELE SHERWOOD
2022 PRESIDENT
Melissa Nicewarner Day, executive director of HomeAid Austin shared the completion of a recent project partnering with seven homebuilders to construct 15 permanent tiny homes at Community First! Village in East Austin. Community First! is a 51-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. As heartwarming as this is to hear, it is frustrating to know that we have an affordable housing problem right here in Williamson County. Scott Turner, owner of Riverside Homes and HBAGA Board President, stressed how important it is to promote pro-housing policies that enable communities and residents to thrive. We have all seen the effects of the labor shortage across multiple industries, which is largely due to housing affordability in Williamson County. A family that makes $100,000 a year can barely qualify for $350,000 house. Mark Roberts, director of Research for both Crow Holdings and the SMU Cox School of Business, claims the bond market thinks inflation is higher in the short run (3.1%) versus the long run (2.6%). Homeownership rates are down because of
affordability, not demand, and home prices will continue to rise over the next year and a half. So, what has caused the housing demand? Eldon Rude with 360 Real Estate Analytics has been studying the market for over 20 years. He shared that the first wave of demand was local with homebuyers needing more space due to being at home more with family, and of course more homeowners working from home. The second wave was in migration — tech workers from high-cost markets were suddenly free to choose where to live because of remote work opportunities. I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that Tesla and Samsung have put down roots in the area and we have heard more large companies are on their way. Meta (Facebook) and Amazon have acquired additional office space in downtown Austin, as well.
er:Mix sCouncl’m W
Jan Gossfo sCuncil’me W ,20 TetesidnaPrx Patti St. Louis and Jennifer Lish
The apartment market is currently at a 95% occupancy rate, and our single-family home supply in Williamson County is less than a half month supply. The Austin MSA in 2019 showed that 46% of the sales were less than $300k, and just two years later in 2021, 14% of the sales were less than $300k. 2021 also led the biggest land rush since the 1980’s. We had an infusion of buyers from all over the world “buying dirt.” From a demand perspective we could not be in better shape, but supply chain and labor challenges will continue.
A HB ecast:or uingFH Chris Elliott and Diane and Scott Kennedy
The question for the Williamson County Association of REALTORS is what can we do, and who can we partner with to tackle the issues of affordable housing? Our hearts and ears are open!
It’s our good fortune to have clients who believe in us!
JENNIFER RHODES
SHEILA BALAGIA
Escrow Officer
Office Manager/Escrow Officer
JRHODES@SWTATX.COM
SHEILA@SWTATX.COM
LENORA LAMBRIGHT Escrow Assistant
LLAMBRIGHT@SWTATX.COM
512-273-7767 1111 N. IH 35, Suite 102 Round Rock, Texas 78664
SOUTHWESTERNTITLEAGENCY.COM 8
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
OUR ELGIN OFFICE IS OPEN! 110 S. Main Street, Elgin, Texas 78621 / 512-412-4070 Office
S T OP BY A ND S EE OU R BE A UT I F UL NE W S PA C E ! Vanessa Lindsley
Business Development 512-922-2807 Vanessa.Lindsley@austintitle.com
Julie Glidewell
Escrow Officer 512-412-4070 Julie.Glidewell@austintitle.com
www.austintitle.com MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
9
Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Maintain Consistency to Reach Your Goals in 2022 As we approach the end of the first quarter, this is a great time to review the strategies we are using to reach our 2022 goals. Each New Year we excitedly set our goals and create strategies to reach those goals. Then slowly the excitement wears off, as we miss one day and then another implementing the strategies we so carefully put in place. Our ship of good intentions begins to sail away. Quarterly reviews are vital to staying on track to reach our goals... both business and personal.
LORRIE KENNEDY 2022 PRESIDENT
WATCH NOW: ABoR Strategic Partner Spotlight Video
We should be one-quarter of the way to our goals by the end of March. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! What is your end goal? Divide it into quarterly, then monthly, weekly and finally daily tasks, to ultimately reach your target. If the goal is to lose weight and be in better shape at the end of the year. The strategy that you planned to reach the goal might have been to exercise at least three times each week. Now that we’re a quarter of the way through the year, analyze your progress. What is working and what is not? Is a strategy shift necessary? Maybe something as simple as finding an accountability partner or an active hobby. Remeber exercise improves brain function, which can mean greater income! So, where do we go from here? First, determine whether or not you are on track with your goal. My personal preference is to divide the total goal by 12 to determine what progress should be made monthly (do you need two closings a month or four to reach your monetary end-of-year goal?) Taking a look at the first three months of the year, can often be the motivation we need to pick up the pace! Maybe, taking this step back gives you a boost of energy when you realize you are right on track or even ahead. Don’t wait until the end
of the year to evaluate your progress, schedule quarterly re-evaluations to stay focused and on task to reach your goals. Second, take inventory of your strategies to identify what is working and make the necessary adjustments to fix or replace what is not. Our market is consistently changing, as are our clients, so we must regularly take inventory of our strategies. If a long-used strategy is no longer producing results, identify what is working. We are blessed with a variety of educational events and masterminds readily available either virtually or in-person to discover additional strategies.
AMA B ythlonM LuAM 20ncheo: A B
tesidnPr
Jim Sikes and Nicollette Chapman
Finally, adjust your plan based on your re-evaluation. Accept the fact that change is constant. Life itself can bring unexpected change that may require an adjustment for us to reach our goals. Obstacles are what we see when we take our eyes off the goal. Be prepared and know that they will present themselves. Successful people persist toward their goals, regardless of changing circumstances. If you’re feeling stuck, the Women’s Council of REALTORS is hosting a luncheon at the Williamson County Association of REALTORS on April 24 to help you “Find your next 10 clients.“ Get/keep yourself on track to reaching those 2022 goals by attending this inspiring event.
Cake Auction Our annual TREPAC Cake Auction is around the corner. This year’s event will be held on April 7 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Austin Board of REALTORS Headquarters. Register for these events by visiting our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wcr.austin.
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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CR W EALTORS: Sufo wlBper Builders
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contributors Riki Markowitz, Rachel Arterberry, Michael Francis 2022 Presidents Cord Shiflet, Austin Board of REALTORS® Jim Sikes, Austin Mortgage Bankers Association® Lorrie Kennedy, Women’s Council of REALTORS® Michelle Sherwood, Williamson County Association of REALTORS®
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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Serving Austin, Central Texas and Surrounding Areas Since 1989 State of Texas Certified Real Estate Inspector
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
Realtor Stars of 2021 Around here, we recognize those who blaze their own trails. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight a group that’s truly in a class of their own: our Top 10 Selling Realtors of 2021. Ready to join them? Discover Realtor incentives, events, and contests at Santa Rita Ranch – and see just how fun it is to sell in the Greater Austin Area’s #1 Selling Community!
Congratulations to our TWO 2021 Santa Rita Ranch Superstar Realtors of the Year! “ When I follow up with my buyers, they rave about their neighbors and activities, and they express such gratitude at seeing the value of their investment grow as they’re growing roots in such a great community.”
“ Santa Rita Ranch has been one of my dream communities. I love the layout, the way the whole thing has been planned, the amazing builders, and the salespeople, with whom every sale has been smooth!”
-SIJO VADAKKAN
-JEREMY BARTLETT
Honorable Mentions SOOMIN KIM SATISH BIKUMALA
KIRAN KAMBOJ
BOBBY MATHEW
SHANKAR YEDUVAKA
RAM KONARA
MICHAEL PECCON
IVY STANTON
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
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512-643-5400 • BrohnHomesAgents.com Real Estate Agent Bonus Program available only when your client closes on a home in a participating Brohn Homes community pursuant to a contract your client signs and executes on or between 1/1/22 and 12/31/22. Bonus will be dictated by order of closing: 3% upon first closing, 4% upon second closing, and 5% upon third closing and thereafter on contracts written by 12/31/22. All bonuses will be paid at closing. Payments of total commissions and bonuses will only be made to actively licensed Texas brokers. Bonus paid to Broker upon client’s successful closing and funding and is based on the original contract price as stated in the Purchase Agreement, excluding any Seller incentives, subsequent change orders, re-writes, or upgrades. Broker is responsible for all applicable taxes. Since seller reserves the right to modify or discontinue this program at any time without notice, please call the applicable sales center in advance to confirm that the program is still in place. Bonus/commission offer not valid for Purchase Agreements signed by buyer prior to publication of this advertisement. Commission cannot be used with any other special offers. May not be combined with any other broker bonuses or offers. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, dimensions, elevations, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright © 2022 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes.
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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[Forecast continued from front page] because after years’ of Austin scrambling up “most popular” and “fastest growing” cities to move to charts and articles, a population that’s bursting at the seems, low housing inventory, and, more recently, logjams in the supply chain, a construction-worker shortage, and rising mortgage and interest rates, folks left this year’s meeting with a slight pit in their stomach. When we asked Eldon Rude his thoughts on the more sobering mood, the long-time industry leader in real estate research and consulting, and principal at 360° Real Estate Analytics, had a slightly different take. “I don’t think it’s a tailwind,” he said. “I think it’s a headwind. Maybe not significant, but it’s something that we’re going to have to address over time.” No matter how you slice it, tailwinds are much more preferable to headwinds. The past is the past. So, in terms of sales, supply, and construction, let’s look at what industry professionals are dealing with today and what they can expect in the near future. Here are some data points from the HBA Summit, as well as Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR), Texas Realtors and other Central Texas real estate associations. • In 2021, Austin-Round Rock metro was responsible for one out of 10 home sales in the state. • Last year, home sales in Austin increased 2.7%, averaging nearly 115 daily (sales increased 6.2% throughout the state), according to Texas Realtors • In December, ABoR reported that Austin metro had 0.6 months of housing inventory. • Median prices in Central Texas rose to $450,000 for the year. To put that into perspective, according to the Austin Business Journal (ABJ), statewide, prices rose 16%, which comes out to about $300,000 • In Austin, the housing price category that saw the most activity was $500k to $749k. These buyers made up about a quarter of all residential sales. • Experts insist demand will continue to be high. And that’s not just Central Texas or Austin—it’s a statewide prediction. In Austin metro, days on the market are decreasing year-over-year. In 2021, a typical home spent 20 days on the market, according to ABJ, that’s “less than half of 2020’s average.” Less than three weeks doesn’t give even the most eager buyers a lot of time to get pre-approved for a loan, look at properties, get an inspection (more and more buyers are forgoing inspections or basically just getting a quick-and-dirty version to expose potential urgent, bigticket problems), and then, after all that, make an offer in time. Some of the most significant downsides when it comes to immediate projections in home sales — here in Austin, but all over Texas, too — are rising interest and mortgage rates. And the supply chain certainly has been no friend to the real estate industry. Builders are waiting months for supplies that used to be available in abundance. “As we move through lumber price increases and the supply chain issue that came up in the middle of 2021,” said Rude, “we finished the year with a record number of under-construction homes.” However, he adds, this is an issue that experts anticipate will rectify sooner rather than later. The pandemic is definitely to blame for shaking up things like inventory and markets. So there’s no reason to believe they won’t recalibrate after some time. Though, what won’t easily recalibrate is who is buying real estate in Austin. Soon, we’ll likely be seeing an even larger influx of high earners who are being drawn here by companies like Apple, Tesla, Google and Meta. Some of these corporations already have an enormous amount of real estate downtown, at the Domain and areas on the way to being Austin’s newest, next-best neighborhoods. And while many of their workers are still coding, engineering, building and designing new technologies from home, thanks to the pandemic, the companies are gobbling up even more office space, anyway. These changes are not good news for young families and those earning an average —respectable— income (i.e. $70k per year for a single-income household or $140k for a dual income household). There are no bones about it: these potential buyers are being priced out of even the outskirts of Austin. They’re either forced to rent, which isn’t that much less expensive, depending on the neighborhood, or live in a bedroom community like Bastrop or Kyle — both about 20 to 30 miles from downtown Austin. While we don’t usually interview ourselves here at RealtyLine, we do follow residential real estate as close as any professional organization out there. And we go to every industry event we can. Doren Carver, RealtyLine co-owner, said that on the one hand, “there’s less opportunity for new homebuyers in Austin. However, it’s a great time for builders since housing is in such high demand.” On the other hand, Carver said, “Price points have unfortunately put first time homebuyers out of the market.” Overall, we’re in one of the top markets in the US to move to, whether buyers are coming here for the weather, the music or the jobs. “But,” he adds, “as far as the people who are going to take care of this city, it’s going to be kind of tough for them to live here.” So if you felt a little pessimistic when you left the summit last week and had trouble articulating why, here’s the truth: Austin is a great place to purchase a home if you already have the means. For everyone else, it will be a struggle for years to come.
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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Commentary
WCREALTORS: Super Bowl of Builders:
Are You Scrupulous or Meticulous? As the owner of a property management company that has managed and leased property for over 35 years, I’ve seen both up and down markets, but never anything like today’s market! As a result, more agents are becoming involved in leasing due to the tight sales inventory. If agents aren’t familiar with the leasing market, there can be some misperceptions and misunderstandings about that market. On more than one occasion, an upset agent has said, “It’s only a lease; what’s the big deal?” I can assure you, as property managers, we take leasing very seriously. Here are the two most significant issues with which agents struggle: Incomplete Applications: Back in the day of paper applications, agents would bring an application to the office; we’d review it and let them know what information they might be lacking. This instant feedback allowed the agent to call their client and get the missing information. Unfortunately, that level of agent guidance doesn’t occur with today’s online application process. When an incomplete application is received, the processer contacts the agent via phone or email to inform them of such. Since our communication is often delivered to voicemail or by email, the incomplete applications are parked, awaiting the missing information. In the meantime, in this crazy market, a complete application may come in and get approved. Unqualified Applicants: As an instructor, I teach the Texas Residential Leasing Professional TRLS designation for the Texas REALTORS Association. In the TRLS classes, we discuss how to qualify leasing applicants. I
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almost always have questions about rental history, criminal background, evictions, and MICHAEL income, but most agents “feel FRANCIS uncomfortable” making the Broker/Owner applicant provide proof of their Rollingwood credit score. Agents, it is okay Management, Inc. to ask for this information and move on if they can’t provide this proof. Don’t accept “It’s pretty good,” as an answer! You don’t want to spend time with an applicant only to have us tell you they were declined due to poor credit. This issue happens quite often! So, what’s an agent to do? Chapter 531 Canons of TREC Professional Ethics and Conduct, Section §531.1 - “Fidelity…they demand…that the real estate agent be faithful and observant to the trust placed in the agent, and be scrupulous and meticulous in performing the agent’s functions.” Agents, you are called to be meticulous! Have a script and put every lead through that script. This also helps from a Fair Housing perspective. “Applicant, if you turn in an Incomplete application, you probably won’t get the house. If you have a credit score lower than the qualifying criteria, you won’t get the house. In addition to losing the house, you will lose your application fees.” And you, the agent, will have wasted your time! Stay sharp, hone your skills, be meticulous, have happier clients, and make better profits. I guarantee it!
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
HBA Housing Forecast
WCREALTORS Super Bowl of Builders: of Amazing Realty and of Better Life Realty
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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Don’t Just Take Our Word For It.
“
StarPointe Realty Management did a fabulous job of keeping my client’s home in tiptop shape while it was being leased. When I went to sell it, they were super easy and we had very little to do to get it ready. StarPointe had it cleaned, mowed and ready for me to list. Thanks for taking such great care of her home during the lease.” — Michelle Mohr JB Goodwin, REALTORS
844.760.0098 1604 S WS Young Drive, Killeen, TX 76543 507 Denali Pass, Suite 501, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Anthony@StarPointeRealtyCTX.com
www.starpointerealtymanagement.com Killeen Fort Hood Temple Belton Georgetown Austin San Marcos San Antonio Salado Round Rock Cedar Park Leander
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
Building a Dream Home Made Easy
Written by Rachel Arterberry
FEATURE STORY
F
GIDDENS HOMES
rom the first detail to the last, Giddens Homes provides customers with the quality, value, and ease that they have grown to expect and provides an unforgettable homebuilding experience! This world-class team of professionals takes the motto of Luxury, Value, and Quality seriously, making every customer love the process and, more importantly, love their new home. Having been in the Austin building industry for close to forty years, James Giddens understands what the industry in Northwest Austin looks like. Previously working for other builders, James saw the opportunity in 2011 to go out on his own, establishing what is now a family-owned and operated business known for building estate homes in the Austin area. Lara Harris, director of Marketing, has been with the company since 2015 and began her journey in the homebuilding industry after purchasing her home from Giddens Homes. Enamored by their process, their appreciation for luxury, and keeping the customer’s values in mind, she wanted to be a part of this amazing team. Recently moving back to her home state of Texas, Lara was experienced in advertising and marketing and knew that she could contribute to the business and brand. Beginning as a sales associate in model homes, Lara provided management with insight and guidance on advertising and marketing strategies. She quickly was promoted into her role as Director of Marketing. Giddens Homes focuses on larger homes on estate
lots in several communities throughout the area. The recent massive increase in tech companies flooding the area and low inventory of homes for sale has encouraged homebuyers to customize a home of their choice. With supply prices skyrocketing and demand in the area increasing, Giddens Homes has set itself apart by maintaining its pricing on new home construction, absorbing the additional costs rather than passing those along to their customers. Once a home is under contract, the price is locked in. As a smaller company, this differentiation has helped the family-run business maintain its unique appeal, especially to those looking to build their forever home. As Lara states, “even though we’re smaller a company, we’re hands-on. The owner, James, is involved in every part of the process, every job. This makes the customer feel like they’re part of the family, providing a great customer service experience. Building your home is a very personal experience.” For many potential homebuyers in this booming area, the Giddens name and reputation precedes them. Maintaining its standard for quality and excellent customer service, Giddens Homes attributes much of its success to its close-knit team members and the team’s years of experience in the market to help keep its customers satisfied in these difficult-to-build times. Each year, homebuyer surveys are compiled by a national firm, and hands down, year over year, Giddens Homes is awarded for its overall home purchase and ownership experience.
Having received multiple Homebuyer’s Choice Awards for several years running, Giddens is proud to say that this award embodies the hard work and dedication to its customers’ experience that is central to the core values of Giddens Homes. The metropolitan Austin area, home to this remarkable company, provides Giddens Homes with the opportunity to create beautiful homes within its communities and serve the community at large. James Giddens has consistently supported the Blue Santa Program sponsored by the Austin Police Department, delivering some much-appreciated holiday cheer to local families in need. The company is also a contributing member and a supporter of various Leander Chamber of Commerce events and contributes to Hill Community Ministries, YMCA of Williamson County, Operation Liberty Hill, and other local causes. With communities throughout the Austin area, including Clearwater Ranch, Northgate Ranch, Santa Rita Ranch, and the Hollows on Lake Travis, Giddens Homes continues to provide the luxury, value, and quality that Austin homebuyers have come to expect. Whether looking to purchase a home in one of its communities or to custom build on your own property, the experienced team of home-building professionals at Giddens Homes is ready to guide you through the process of building your dream home. Learn more about your custom home-building options at https://www.giddenshomes.com/.
NATIONAL TITLE SERVICES, LOCALLY DELIVERED. The only way to truly appreciate the BNT of Texas difference is to try us out! AUSTIN 7000 N. MoPac., Suite 100 Austin, TX 78731 office: 512.600.9699
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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Executive Vice President Pictured Right Each of the TNT Executive Leadership members brings broad career experience in the Texas title industry, and the TNT team overall values their open doors and open minds. The Executive Leadership team shares a common commitment for TNT to continue to thrive as a Top Workplace. Building trusted and supportive relationships internally creates a positive work atmosphere for TNTers to grow and provide amazing title services to closing customers. Reach out to learn more about how to close with us or even work with us! www.TexasNationalTitle.com
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MARCH 20, 2022 - APRIL 20, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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BUILDING AUSTIN TOGETHER ONE CLOSING AT A TIME Est. 1984 ROLLINGWOOD | DOWNTOWN
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