Retirement Planning Tips Everyone Can Follow To Save More Money by RealtyLine

NOVEMBER 2020 VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 7

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Retirement Planning Tips Everyone Can Follow To Save More Money written by RIKI MARKOWITZ

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If there’s one message that’s driven into the minds of every working adult in the U.S. it’s to save for retirement (and start early! But that would be two messages). The exact amount one should have socked away by the time she or he hits their mid-60s or 70s varies depending on factors like earnings and spending habits. But one thing is certain, if you’re an independent contractor who does not have some type of investment working to multiply your cash, then you will hit retirement without much more than a social security check to your name, which should be extraordinarily worrisome. Compared to other industries, real estate has one of the highest percentages of independent contractors. That means most agents and brokers do not have an employer to deduct taxes from paychecks and there’s no workplace-sponsored defined contribution pension account — also known as a 401(k) — in which an employer may match funds at a percentage of the employee’s monthly deposits. For a full-time and salaried W-2 employee, it can be a lot easier to pay yearly taxes and then stash extra earn-

ings into long-term savings accounts or diversified funds. For 1099 workers, like 87 percent of REALTORS in Texas according to the National Association of REALTORS 2020 Member Profile, the only way to guarantee you have a comfortable retirement is by being your own financial advocate.

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What does it mean to be a financial advocate? It’s not complicated. It means tracking your income, keeping debt as low as possible and saving a percentage of every

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paycheck. The first two items on this list are easy enough. And while saving money doesn’t sound difficult, what it actually entails is pinching off a percentage of every commission check and allocating the funds for an emergency, into a retirement fund, for bills, taxes due and to

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pay down debt. It’s not uncommon for 1099 workers to get that “deer in headlights” feeling when researching retirement savings accounts. Some of them are income-dependent and others have a contribution cap. There are also accounts that are funded with post-tax income and others in which deductions are taken the year they’re made. Here is a quick rundown of different retirement plans that will help you get started. [Retirement tips continues on page 16]

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You may have noticed: ABoR.com has been completely redesigned. As our members’ single-greatest tool outside of the MLS, ABoR’s streamlined new website is the result of thousands of hours aggregating your feedback and redesigning every page and resource with your needs in mind. First things first, we made sure the MLS and Member Portal were still directly accessible from the homepage and maintained Single Sign-on credentials to minimize disruption to your business. After that, we eliminated hundreds of outdated and irrelevant pages our members weren’t using and consolidated need-to-know information so that it’s easier than ever to find what you need, register for a class and more.

HERE ARE OUR TOP 10 IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NEW ABOR.COM! 1. New Property Search Portal: We’ve replaced AustinHomeSearch.com with a Property Search portal that integrates better with our site, so now more Central Texas homebuyers, sellers and renters can find their next home easily — they can even search by school. The Property Search portal includes Google maps-based searches, educational pages on Central Texas communities and consumer resources. Plus, consumers can create accounts, favorite listings and save searches just like before. 2. Find an Agent Directory: Our Find an Agent directory facilitates lead generation by promoting agents alongside their listings to consumers so they can securely email agents directly. Want to upload a profile picture? Learn how you can do that here. 3. Document Library: No more visiting multiple pages to find the documents you need! All ABoR and ACTRIS forms, COVID-19

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resources, reports, minutes and agendas and training resources can be found in our searchable Document Library. 4. Calendar: While having a calendar isn’t new, our calendar underwent a much-needed improvement. The Take a Class and Events pages help you search and register for an upcoming program quickly. 5. Streamlined Support: In addition to our chat function on our homepage, we’ve consolidated support resources for MLS products and ABoR benefits on one easy-to-navigate page. This is another great page to bookmark. 6. Effortless Applications and Forms: Prospective members will find the process for joining is a lot easier now. With benefits and applications aggregated by membership type, we’ve automated many of our forms to allow you to apply for ABoR and MLS services, validate your account, upload necessary documentation and pay prorated access fees all in ONE application! Our remaining PDF forms will be automated in Q1 2021. 7. Consolidated MLS Resources: Instead of navigating endless pages and blogs, we’ve consolidated need-toknow MLS news, policies and resources in our MLS Resources Center. You can also find Data Licensing and a list of MLS Products & Services under our public-facing ACTRIS page. 8. Consolidated Market Statistics: Bookmark ABoR.com/MarketStatistics to access the last several years of Central Texas Market Reports in one place. In the Document Library, you can also download archives of Local Market Area and Zip Code reports, too. 9. Helpful New Resources: We now have dedicated pages for Member Benefits FAQs, Consumer Protection (including Fair Housing), Strategic Partners and Affiliate Club Membership. 10. Just All-Around Easier to Use: The new ABoR.com loads faster, is mobile friendly, has a (working!) search bar including tools that will let you share our articles to social media or via email. I have no doubt that this upgrade will deliver significant value to your business now and well into the future. Explore the site and see what’s new. Have a question or feedback about the website? Shoot us a quick email to communications@abor.com.

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We all know that marketing and branding are crucial to the success of any business. And in today’s world, the ability to target very specific audiences gives you the unique opportunity to speak directly to customers based on their needs. So, what does this have to do with the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin? Currently, the HBA boasts 700 member companies represented by 2,500+ individuals who have opted in to receive our emails and e-newsletter, follow us on social media, regularly visit our website and attend HBA events. By becoming an advertiser with the HBA, you can strategically connect with Austin area home building industry professionals — ranging from SMB product and service providers to custom builders and remodelers, as well as some of the largest developers in the nation. To do so, we invite you to dive into our 2021 Marketing Guide. Inside, you’ll find a wealth of opportunities ranging from events, meetings and educational sponsorships to traditional advertising channels. Typically, the most effective way to reach our membership is by building regular visibility, so we encourage you to take advantage of a combination of the options available to ensure maximum exposure. This year especially, we understand that budgets are tight and every dollar counts so we have opportunities at every price point. Whatever your goals are for 2021, the HBA can customize a plan to meet your needs. Just give us a shout and we’ll be happy to walk you through your options. One more thing, many sponsorships and ad placements sell out quickly so we encourage you to reserve today by contacting Director of Programs and Events, Erin Scott, at Erin@hbaaustin.com.

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Retirement Tips for REALTORS

KRISTON WOOD

2020 PRESIDENT Thank you to the National Association of REALTORS and Jennifer Welch for their insight.

Being an independent contractor definitely has its pros and cons. Saving for retirement may be top of mind but figuring out how to plan for a healthy financial future can be a bit tricky for self-employed individuals. Most self-employed workers do not have an employer sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), so that planning relies solely on the worker. There are many different ways to approach retirement planning and it is a personal decision for agents. There are also many determining factors in planning for retirement; how long do you want to work? Where do want to retire? Do you want to travel? Do you want to help pay education costs for children or grandchildren? Do you anticipate large medical expenses? These questions, plus many others, are all things to consider when choosing your retirement saving options. While I am no means a financial planner or an expert on investing, I do want to share some tips, insights and other industry information that may make you think about your financial future differently, or perhaps spark an idea you didn’t know you had! Did you know? The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) has recently partnered with Morgan Stanley to offer resources for financial planning, including retirement. NAR’s 2019 Financial Planning Report found that just 52 percent of REALTORS® actively save for retirement, while nine out of 10 NAR members reported difficulty saving for a rainy day. NAR believes this new member benefit is much needed and very beneficial for REALTORS®. Morgan Stanley is extending special offers and rates to NAR members including discounted rates on financial consultations, access to virtual advisors and an automated investing platform. This is a new member benefit, so take advantage of it!

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Alphabet Soup Just like in the real estate world, the financial and investment sector also has its abbreviations; IRA, 401(k), Roth IRA, Simple IRA and SEP IRA. I encourage you to take some time and research each of these different retirement options and see what works best for you, your career and your retirement dreams.

Talk To The Experts Setting up an appointment with a financial advisor or even a conversation with a seasoned agent or your broker to glean insight is a great place to start!

Practice What You Preach Make the most of your retirement with your real estate knowledge. Speaking with Jennifer Welch, owner/broker of Amazing Realty, her retirement plan is centered around making investments in real estate. Use your skills and knowledge to build an unconventional retirement plan that may yield more financial growth income than a traditional approach to retirement planning. I hope you feel inspired, motivated and encouraged to explore your retirement options and plan for your financial future!

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CHAPTER

The Residential Real Estate Council

How To Save For Retirement If You Are A REALTOR

SUSANNA BOYER

2020 DIRECTOR

When it comes to planning for their retirement, real estate agents tend to procrastinate because they think their next year is going to make them more money than their current year.

contractors is much higher. Individuals can contribute up to 25 percent of their gross income annually up to $53,000. This is the

Real Estate Agents are busy people who are not necessarily tax-minded, which means they probably pay more income tax than they need to. They frequently do not take full advantage of every opportunity to provide for their retirement. A lot of REALTORS® make high incomes and have the capacity to save a lot, but they also tend to spend a lot. They should make sure they have the right kind of retirement plan.

properties to play a large role in their retirement plans. You can pay extra on the principal of these properties to pay the loan

sort of retirement investment that is recommended to any REALTOR® who is ready to start planning for their retirement. Since nobody is watching out for our retirement with a 401(k), profit sharing or anything like that, and we sometimes have real estate fall into our laps, we would be crazy not to take advantage of it. Many real estate agents look to income-producing off quicker so you will have more income to add to your retirement accounts. While still selling real estate, you should set up an exit strategy that involves enough retirement funds to support the lifestyle to which you have grown accustomed. It just makes good sense for real estate brokers to buy income-producing real estate. According to the Center for Retirement Research, more than 50 percent of all working households are at risk of being unable to keep up their standard of living in retirement. My advice to younger agents is to start saving as early as possible. Save a minimum of 10 percent of your gross income

•

22 percent of U.S. workers are confident they will have enough saved for retirement.

every year and put it into a sheltered retirement plan so you don’t pay taxes on the money now.

•

45 percent of Americans have no retirement savings whatsoever, including 40 percent of baby boomers.

expected to be a significant factor in their retirement. My accountant says 15 percent is better as a rule of thumb, because if my

A good first step is to set up your real estate operations like an actual business. Check with your accountant or CPA to see which business type is best for your operation. You should have budgets set up for personal and business expenses and pay yourself a salary. Suggestions would be to set a ROTH IRA, SEP Account and buy rental properties. One of the best reasons for setting up a SEP or ROTH IRA is to help reduce your tax liability. Most real estate agents are 1099 employees (independent contractors) Many retirement options, including company sponsored 401(k) accounts, put a limit on the amount of funds that an individual can contribute for retirement each year. With a SEP IRA or a 401(k), the limit for independent

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The amount to save is variable. Historically, people were told to save 10 percent in part because social security was income is higher, then social security will replace less of it. Another approach that comes up among real estate agents in setting up an exit strategy, is selling off their book of business, which if you have been highly successful, can result in some fairly robust payments. Not a lot of REALTORS® realize they can even do this. There are companies out there that will walk you through the process and give you a formula to find out what your book of business is worth. Even when REALTORS® work for a real estate brokerage, they still have rights to their own accounts. Listings, pending contracts and leases are the property of the broker and can’t be sold by the REALTOR®. On the other hand, the contact information and personal knowledge that a REALTOR® has on prospective buyers, sellers, tenants and other contacts belong to the REALTOR® and probably have substantial value. Example: George was a successful REALTOR® in the Austin market for 48 years and toward the end of his career sold as many as 80 properties a year. He had more than 300 contacts in his file with names, addresses and phone numbers, along with numerous notes. Close to 10 percent of that total was providing him with regular referrals. He handpicked his successor and sent out letters to all his contacts letting them know they should use this REALTOR® for any of their real estate needs. He decided to move to Florida. The new broker paid George a referral fee on all the business she got from those clients for the first 12 months that he lived in Florida. He got a pretty nice income for doing nothing. Be thankful for the business you have and make the most of it by adding to or starting a retirement plan today!

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[continued from front page] A Roth IRA is funded with post-tax income. This fund has an income limit of $139,000 for individuals and $206,000 for couples. Contributions cannot be deducted from the account holder’s income taxes that year. However, when you withdraw the funds later, it’s 100 percent tax free. There is a contribution limit on Roth IRAs starting at $6,000 — or $7,000 at age 50. If you earn too much for a Roth IRA, then consider a traditional IRA. It’s similar to the Roth in its contribution limit, but it differs in that you can deduct pre-taxed contributions from your income. Savings in this plan grow tax-deferred; but account holders are responsible for paying taxes when funds are withdrawn. There can be limitations and penalties for withdrawing funds from an IRA too early. Not sure which one is best? According to Nerdwallet, “Most advice on the Roth IRA vs. traditional IRA topic begins with a question: Do you think your tax rate will be higher or lower in the future?” Solo 401(k) plans are specifically designed for independent contractors. You can make larger tax-free yearly contributions to a solo 401(k) than with an IRA, which then lowers your annual tax bill even more. Of course, you will pay tax on that income later when the funds are distributed. A SEP-IRA (Simplified Employee Pension plan) is an individual retirement plan with a high contribution limit — up to $57,000 of pre-tax income. At the end of the year, you can deduct 25 percent of your net income. The biggest mistake financial advisors see — especially from commission-earning independent contractors — is delaying retirement planning because income is not yet where someone wants it to be, says Carly Michelle, a money coach in Austin. This is really common with younger workers across the board. But where real estate professionals usually hit a snag is when they have an off year. At those times, people are tempted to reduce their retirement plan contributions when instead they should be reducing extraneous expenses (like buying a new iPhone, eating out, and shopping). Then there are what David Rust and Shane Moore from Quartz Financial in Austin call “multiple, mini, sudden-wealth events.” This is something most REALTORS experience throughout their careers and the Quartz Financial managing partners say it’s important to learn saving habits early so that you don’t squander opportunities to save during both periods: financial feast and financial famine. But here is the main reason for saving for retirement early: compound interest. The person who starts depositing small amounts of income into a retirement fund in his or her 20s and stashes away more and more every year will have a larger retirement nest egg at the end of 40 years than the person who doesn’t begin saving a dime until his 40s, even if she or he contributes larger amounts of money. It’s basic math — and compound interest. Rust from Quartz Financial says “the most successful retirement plans start 30 years before your date of retirement.” Knowing where to begin retirement planning can feel overwhelming. Should you open an IRA? Or is it better to pay off debt first? Michelle, who’s been a financial adviser to young professionals for just under a decade, says “your first expense is saving money!” No matter the size of your paycheck or commission, 10-15 percent should automatically go into a retirement account. Step two should be aggressively paying down debt. For real estate professionals, things can get more complicated when commission checks grow and come in more frequently. As a client’s wealth grows, Moore advises them to put money into a taxes-due account, into tax-deferred and tax-free buckets and make sure they have sufficient life insurance. “This is when it’s really helpful to have a financial team, an ongoing financial plan, a will, etcetera,” says Rust. If these first steps of retirement planning gives you angst, there’s another route that is preferred by a lot of independent contractors in the earliest stages of portfolio management. Hire a financial planner or a personal money coach. Money management professionals help clients build financial portfolios, which includes creating an emergency fund and retirement plans and eliminating debt. Financial institutions also have robo-advisors. These services are low or no-cost computer algorithms designed to help middle and lower earners with less complicated investment needs build and customize a financial portfolio. A financial advisor will either charge a flat fee (roughly ranging from $1,000 to $3,000), an hourly fee (about $120 to $300), or earn a commission on your investments (about 3-6 percent). Financial planners who offer comprehensive money-management and investing services on commission typically have higher income requirements. If there’s one big takeaway here it’s that Central Texas agents and brokers are in a unique position to increase income and save significantly for retirement, especially right now. According to a recent Austin Housing Market Report, “Home sales in the Austin area [have reached] new highs … outperforming almost every stat benchmark from 2019.” Median home prices and listings are up, homes sold have increased and average price for sold properties are 20 percent higher. It’s the perfect environment for bolstering income and positioning oneself for a very comfortable retirement. Now’s the perfect time, said Rust, “to build a foundation before you have to start worrying about what retirement looks like.”

NOVEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

Kevin Ginsburg, Leigh Ann McCoy and Adam MacLean, all of Mission Mortgage

WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Karen Morrow, Betsy Hodge, Billy Meyerdirk and Tony Defoyd, all with Austin Inspection Services

The Cottages at Dripping Springs: Julie Tamez

NEXT MOVE with Taylor Morrison is a set of online tools that put you in control of your homebuying journey. THE TOOLS TO MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE

Virtual Tours

Arrange a video-guided tour with one of our sales agents.

Self-Guided Tours

Experience the freedom and convenience of DIY home tours.

Home Reservations

Browse for the home you love and then click to reserve it.

taylormorrison.com/make-moves *All information (including, but not limited to prices, views, availability, school assignments and ratings, incentives, floor plans, elevations, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change, availability or delay without notice. Any community improvements, recreational features and amenities described are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change and under no obligation to be completed. Maps and plans are not to scale, are not intended to show specific detailing and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades and options. Community Association or other fees may be required. This communication is not intended to constitute an offering in violation of the law of any jurisdiction and in such cases our communications may be limited by the laws of your state. Please see a Taylor Morrison Community Sales Manager or Internet Home Consultant for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc., Taylor Morrison at Crystal Falls, LLC, WLH Trails at Leander LLC, WLH Communities - Texas LLC, WLH Prado LLC and WLH Onion Creek LLC. 11/04/20 2839

NOVEMBER 2020

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HBA Benefit Home Groundbreaking

100th Anniversary: Pam Barbaeu, Kevin Kelly and Alexis Michael, all of SouthStar Bank

Golf Tournament Raffle Winner: Victoria Thornton of Realty Texas

We Wish You A

Happy, healthly & bountiful

Thanksgiving 18

NOVEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

Written by Katie Agness

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

Advertiser Interview

THE HOLLOWS ON LAKE TRAVIS Encompassing approximately 1,400 acres, The Hollows on Lake Travis is a master-planned community that offers its residents high-quality homes, first-class amenities and convenience, all while maintaining a commitment to conscience living and building. “When we say that The Hollows is like no other community and that we are a community with a conscience, we mean it,” says Shannon Bertrand, director of marketing for The Hollows. “The lush landscapes that make the North Shore of Lake Travis so beautiful are always kept as intact as possible while building your home. We know that everyone needs a little space, and The Hollows gives that to each homeowner while also offering a community rich with current and upcoming amenities that everyone can enjoy.” Located off 1431 on the north side of Lake Travis, The Hollows is located in the highly acclaimed Lago Vista Independent School District, which is one of the state’s top-ranking educational institutions. Since development began in 2019, The Hollows has opened two neighborhoods within the community — the Sanctuary and the Canyons — and is currently evaluating the next phase of the community, with potential openings in late 2021. “The homes in the Sanctuary are 2,500 square feet and larger on 85-foot lots,” Bertrand says. “In late May 2020, we opened the Canyons neighborhood with homes from 2,000 square feet and up on 60-foot lots. Most of the lots back up to greenbelt or common area, but even those that back to another lot are usually well buffered by natural landscape.” The Hollows has three builders that all offer superior options, value and quality: Coventry Homes, Drees Homes and Giddens Homes. “Our builders offer a variety of floorplans and beautiful spacious homes with all of the conveniences and comforts you could want,” Bertrand says. “There are many standard and custom options available, and these homes are simply packed with greatness. You’ll find everything you desire at The Hollows — whether it’s an outdoor or a gourmet kitchen, or a game room or cozy quiet space.” Bertrand says that one of the greatest things about The Hollows is that it is truly a community for everyone. “Whether you are looking for a home for your growing family, the home you want to retire in or a vacation home to make your stay-cations packed with fun and relaxation, you will easily find it at The Hollows,” she says. To cater to the diverse needs and interests of its residents, The Hollows offers an array of amenities and activities throughout the community. “The neighborhood has over eight miles of cart and natural trails to explore, courts for pickleball and basketball, a luxurious pool and an indoor fitness center. “We are also excited to open a new amenity center, The Trailhead Club, in the summer of 2021,” Bertrand says. One thing all residents can agree on is that The Hollows on Lake Travis is a unique community that offers beautiful scenery and peacefulness that simply cannot found anywhere else on Lake Travis. “There is always something wonderful to enjoy here,” Bertrand says. “Even if you are stuck on a Zoom call and not able to enjoy our outdoor amenities, your views from your windows are awesome!”

NOVEMBER 2020

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UPCOMING EVENTS >> all November

>> Nov. 19

Open House

Fall Happy Hour - Moontower Saloon

Real Estate FAIRcast 2021

11 am - 1 pm

5 pm - 7 pm

12 pm

Join Priority Title all month long for its open house! Have lunch, meet the team and pick up some Priority Title swag!

Join the HBA’s Young Professionals Council to get to know your fellow HBA members or introduce someone new to the HBA. Members and non-members welcome. This is event is free to attend, but please RSVP so we know you’re coming. Be sure to bring your mask! Guests will be responsible for their own drink purchases.

Join us for a Power Hour featuring Britt Fair, owner of Fair Texas Title! Join us to learn Britt’s: 1) Review of the twilight zone 2020 economy and housing market. 2) Discussion of key market drivers and performance results. 3) Projections for 2021 post-election economic recovery.

Priority Title

HBA of Greater Austin

2020

PROGRAM

Receive your regular commission up to 3% on your ﬁrst closing

Receive a 1% bonus in addition to your regular commission for your second closing

Receive a 2% bonus in addition to your regular commission for your third & subsequent closings

Relocation Fee Reimbursement

As a thank you for relocating your buyers to a Highland Home, we will reimburse up to 1% of the ﬁnal sales price of the house! For further explanation on these programs, ask your Sales Counselor for the 3,4,5 Realtor Bonus and/or the Relocation Reimbursement terms and conditions documents. Qualiﬁed sales must be original contracts written between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

AUS060120

NOVEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

RRC Texas

>> All events are subject to change. For even more events, check out our online calendar here.

>> Dec. 3

>> Dec. 10

2020 Virtual Awards Celebration

Have a Ball with the HBA

Family Night at the Movies: Elf

5 pm - 7 pm

4 pm - 7 pm

6 pm

Join us via Zoom for our 2020 Awards Celebration! We will recognize our award winners from various locations throughout Williamson County. There will be entertainment, door prizes & more! *Free to attend!*

Join the HBA in celebration of YOU for a round of high-tech golf from your own private bay at TopGolf.

REALTORS! Save the date Thursday, Dec. 10 for Family Movie Night & Santa at Flix Brewhouse in Round Rock! Bring the kiddos in their PJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & enjoy! Tickets will be available soon.

WCREALTORS

HBA of Greater Austin

WCREALTORS & TREPAC

NOVEMBER 2020

| REALTYLINE.US

HBA Benefit Home Presentation: Samantha Weber, Jill Driskill and Courtney Doolittle Reasor, all with Lennar

WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Bud Bradford and Chelsea Shetley, both with KB Home

NOVEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

The Cottages at Dripping Springs: Trent Marino and Lynn Robin

NOVEMBER 2020

| REALTYLINE.US

TOP

Austin

awesome

amenities amazing

Community *

lifestyle

*2019 RCLCO

Unplug and get outside on miles of walking trails that meander past catch and release ponds, play areas and dog parks. Our one-of-a-kind Lazy River Amenity Center features a 1,000 foot lazy river and the Sunbright Activity Center has a splash park and lap pool, with AMPLE

austin 35 2001

buda

WHIT

shade for all. Visit us online today to see our community amenities,

✪

E WIN

amazing builders and a list of Available Quick Move In Homes!

master-planned living south of austin from $200s

G TR

AIL

CASTLEROCK • CENTEX • CHESMAR HOMES GEHAN HOMES • PULTE HOMES • TAYLOR MORRISON

SunfieldTX.com

LUXURY CUSTOM

Happy Thanksgiving

Austin’s #1

ESTATE HOMES

Custom HOMEBUILDER

Acreage Homesites & Move-In Ready Homes

from our family to yours.

MELIA GARDNER VP of Sales

Branch Manager/Escrow Officer

KIM CORREA

ALICIA TEAGUE

512.970.6158

512.317.0788

512.591.1039

Acreage Communities and Build On Your Lot

Escrow Assistant

Succession Title Succession Title is thankful for clients and friends like you! 706 Leander Drive, Suite 504 • Leander, Texas 78641

(512) 986-5036 www.successiontitle.com

Find Us in these Area Communities Grand Mesa at Crystal Falls Leander The Bluffs Leander The Hollows on Lake Travis Jonestown Clearwater Ranch Liberty Hill Northgate Ranch Liberty Hill Rancho Santa Fe Liberty Hill Santa Rita Ranch Liberty Hill The Oaks at Highland Village Georgetown

New homes starting in the $400s. *2019 Austin Business Journal

NOVEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

www.giddenshomes.com

WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Kathie Yates and Shaelyn Serhus, both of Santa Rita Ranch

WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Robert J Fisher and Ryan Owens, both of Keller Williams Realty

HBA Benefit Home Presentation

Austin’s Trusted Builder For most builders, their mortgage companies are raising the minimum credit score for new home buyers. Not with us! Through our partnership with our trusted lender, we have not increased the minimum credit score for FHA, VA, or USDA loans. In addition, we still have many down payment assistance programs, including possible zero down programs.

CONTACT OUR SALES CONSULTANTS TO SEE WHAT PROGRAM WORKS FOR YOU!

SalesPromo@BrohnHomes.com 512-598-4541 • BrohnHomes.com/Lending

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 © 2020 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. DBA Brohn Homes. Available with financing through CMG Financial. CMG Financial is a registered trade name of CMG Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 1820 in most, but not all states. CMG Mortgage, Inc. is an equal opportunity lender, Registered Mortgage Banker with the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. To verify our complete list of state licenses, please visit www.cmgfi.com/corporate/licensing and www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. All loans subject to credit approval. Cannot combine closing cost or down payment assistance with 580 credit score. Conventional Payment example: If you choose a $250,000, 30 year loan at a fixed rate of 3.3% (APR 3.5%), with a loan-to-value of 80%, you would make 360 payments of $1,122.61. Payment stated does not include taxes and insurance, which will result in a higher payment.

NOVEMBER 2020

| REALTYLINE.US

NEW MINDSET NEW RESULTS KW AUSTIN NORTH LOCATION 512-346-3550

AUSTIN NORTH JENNIFER RHODES

LORI WILLIAMS

Exec Team Leader – Melanie Kennemann

SHEILA BALAGIA

Escrow Officer

Business Development

Office Manager/Escrow Officer

jrhodes@swtatx.com

lori@swtatx.com

sheila@swtatx.com

melanie@kwaustin.com

Team Leader – Michelle Busby

michelle@kwaustinnw.com

KW AUSTIN SOUTH LOCATION 512-448-4111

(512) 273-7767 1111 N. IH 35, Suite 102 • Round Rock, Texas 78664

Exec Team Leader – Diane Johnson

MELANIE Kennemann

(775) 303-6127

dianejohnson@kw.com

MICHELLE Busby

Team Leader – Jennifer Lewis

jennifer@kwaustin.com

Team Leader – Mallory Mundy

(512) 699-3425

mallory@kwaustin.com

EACH KELLER WILLIAMS IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

New ! Model now open!

Gated community of new luxury garden homes From the $400s

See ﬂoor plans on interactive map

512–945–3206

BunkerRanch.com/garden-homes 170 Bunker Ranch Blvd. at Hwy 290W • Dripping Springs 26

NOVEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

It feels great to have a win in 2020!

To our amazing teams, who voted for us:

Thank You

You may be wearing masks, but we recognize each and every one of you and your efforts!

NOVEMBER 2020

| REALTYLINE.US

WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Brian Whetsel; Christy Gessler and Robert Hinojosa, all of Freedom 512

HBA Benefit Home Presentation: Taylor Jackson of HBA, Charlie Coleman of Lennar and Melissa Daly of HomeAid

WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Bryan Hutchinson, WCREALTORS, AE/CEO and David Cook

100th Anniversary: Pam Barbeau and Curtis Wren, both of SouthStar Bank

WCREALTORS: Natasha McKenzie, Candace Stone, Heather Bonamo and Debby Moran, all of WCREALTORS

WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Victoria Thornton, Lyndie Thorpe, Mando Delacerda and Leisa Ormsbee, all of Realty Texas

NOVEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

HBA Benefit Home Groundbreaking: Jenny Jackson, Taylor Jackson and Erin Scott, all of HBA