September 2021 by RealtyLine

SERVING THE AUSTIN METRO AREA AND SURROUNDING CITIES VISIT US ONLINE AT REALTYLINE.US

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VOLUME 26, ISSUE 5 | SEPTEMBER 2021

TEXAS TH 87 LEGISLATIVE SESSION written by RIKI MARKOWITZ

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Texas’ lawmakers had quite a few moments of contention during the regular legislative session, which ran from Jan. 12 to May 31. In addition to operating during a contagious virus, there was also an historic winter storm and power grid crisis. Then, just hours before the session was to wind down until 2023, Democrats left

the Capitol and denied a quorum on a controversial elections bill. The walk-out made headlines around the country. But barring those noteworthy events, for REALTORS and consumers, the 87th Legislative session delivered several bipartisan wins, thanks to Texas REALTORS, the [continues on page 12]

Golf Events

Monday, Oct. 4 Fall Golf Tournament 2021 Williamson County Association of REALTORS Forest Creek Country Club, 99 Twin Ridge Parkway, Round Rock

Registration / Check-in: 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start: Noon REGISTER

Videos

Monday, Oct. 11 Mike Carroll Sr. Fall Classic Golf Tournament Austin Mortgage Bankers Association Great Hills Country Club, 5914 Lost Horizon Drive, Austin

Registration / Check-in: 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start: Noon REGISTER

Our North Austin team has moved into their new home at the corner of Steck and MoPac and it is stunning! We can't wait for you to see their new digs – go visit them today! Stewart Title of Austin, LLC Steck and MoPac 8200 N. MoPac Expy., Ste. 100 Austin, TX 78759 512.795.8434 stewart.com/austin

SEPTEMBER 2021 | REALTYLINE.US

From left to right: Cate Chism, Escrow Officer Jessica Turner, Branch Manager/Escrow Officer Shaunna Terry, Business Development

CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995

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SELLING MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITIES IN THE AUSTIN AREA With $16 million in amenities, it’s no wonder so many families choose to call Santa Rita Ranch home. And we’re bringing 300 new homes this year alone! From resort-style pools and fitness options to various social events planned annually, it’s easy to be drawn to everything Santa Rita Ranch has to offer. That’s why over 600 new families joined us in 2020, making us one of the Top 31 Selling Master-Planned Communities nationwide – and the best-ranked in Williamson County. Plus, we have homes from the $300s to the $1 mil+, so families of all sizes and stages can find their dream home right here on The Ranch.

SEPTEMBER 2021

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Austin Board of REALTORS®

Accurate + Complete + Timely = Reliable broken, both the agent and responsible broker

the rules will be in place and subscribers will

has diligently worked to bring a renewed focus

Over the past several months, ACTRIS MLS

could be subject to required education courses,

receive notices and warnings about violations,

to compliance and an orderly marketplace. Back

disciplinary hearings and/or monetary penal-

the escalation process won’t officially begin until

in August, the ACTRIS MLS Board of Directors

ties. If all parties take the time and energy to

October 1.

approved a new ruleset that is both is easier

understand why initial violations occurred and

to understand and follow. While most of the

how to correct them, escalations should be few

changes were relatively minor, there were three

and far between.

important changes worth noting.

SUSAN HORTON

2021 PRESIDENT

resources, MLS Quick Tips videos, conversation

pacts IDX/VOW feeds. To protect client’s privacy,

escalation pathway. Moving forward, each of the

guides and more to get subscribers and partici-

VOW (Virtual Office Websites) and IDX (Internet

rules will fall into one of four compliance catego-

pants comfortable with compliance.

Data Exchange) feeds will now only display one

ries and respective escalation process:

Not only does the MLS Compliance Resourc-

Category 1: Relating to any listing

es Kit help familiarize participants and subscrib-

lowed to display sold price. The second major change affects the availability for showings. Previously, active listings must have been available to show once entered into the MLS. Under the new rule set, active listings must be available to schedule or hold showings within four business days of being entered into the MLS.

information provided by a participant or

ers with the new rules, but the messaging and

subscriber

materials emphasize the core data competencies

Category 2: Relating to mandatory submissions of listings to the service Category 3: Relating to any IDX and VOW display rules Category 4: Relating to listing copyright violations, misuse of MLS data/tools,

The last major change, and particularly the most important, addresses compliance. The renewed compliance effort is about getting back

unauthorized MLS access, and offers of cooperative compensation

of ACTRIS MLS. Accurate, complete and timely data equals a reliable MLS. In the fast-paced marketplace we’re experiencing, these data priorities are more important than ever. If the data is accurate, complete and timely, then it’s data you and your clients can rely on. Be sure to bookmark the MLS Compliance Resources Kit, where we will continue to dig into the core data priorities, along with the categories

to the basics of a reliable marketplace — focusing

A+C+T=Reliable

on the education of our rules and correction of

With the implementation of the new ruleset

MLS data. With the ruleset changes, escalation

and compliance escalations, an education period

Course that will launch for new agents, new

pathways are in place to hold repeat disrupt-

has gone into effect for ACTRIS MLS subscrib-

subscribers and all our members dedicated to

ers accountable. If the same rule is repeatedly

ers from September 1 to September 30. While

keeping the data clean.

abor.com/election

education period. The kit contains downloadable

under four different categories, each with its own

photo of a sold listing and will no longer be al-

JEFFREY Brown

at the beginning of September to kick off the

Under the revised ruleset, violations can fall

The first major change to the MLS rules im-

To help members understand the changes, an MLS Compliance Resources Kit was launched

KACY Dolce

and their escalation paths. In mid-October, be on the lookout for a new Compliance Education

The results are in...

LOCKIE Ealy

SEPTEMBER 2021 | REALTYLINE.US

ROBERT Higgs

FRIDA Mack

KENT Redding

SUNNY Tracey

GREG Ward

CORD Shiflet

ASHLEY Jackson

BRANDY Wuensch

SUSAN Horton

CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995

Austin-Area KB Home Communities Austin

Georgetown

Lockhart

EastVillage Call for Pricing

Berry Springs Call for Pricing

Meadows at Clearfork From the $220s

Coming Soon • 1,234–3,475 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths Howard Lane and Wells Branch Parkway Manor, TX 78653 512-488-0704

McKinney Crossing Call for Pricing

Coming Soon • 1,491–3,475 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths William Cannon Dr. and McKinney Falls Pkwy. Austin, TX 78744 512-488-0704

Bastrop Piney Creek Bend From the $230s

• 1,491–2,898 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths 1502 Dragonfly Loop Bastrop, TX 78602 512-273-7799

Belton West Canyon Trails From the $200s

Grand Opening • 1,246–2,755 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths 1314 Ayham Trails Belton, TX 76513 254-831-9671

Del Valle Sundance Crossing Call for Pricing

Final Opportunity to Own • 1,353–2,898 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–3.5 baths

Coming Soon

• 1,564–2,708 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths 1105 Loganberry Dr. Georgetown, TX 78626 512-488-0704

Maple Creek Call for Pricing Coming Soon

• 1,353–2,898 sq. ft., • 3–5 bdrms., 2–3.5 baths Maple St. and Westinghouse Rd. Georgetown, TX 78626 512-488-0704

602 Indian Blanket St. Lockhart, TX 78644 512-359-4189

Manor Presidential Meadows – Heritage Collection From the $240s • 1,234–2,495 sq. ft., • 3–5 bdrms., 2–3.5 baths 13620 James Garfield Manor, TX 78653 512-278-8181

Jarrell

Round Rock

Sonterra From the $200s

Salerno Call for Pricing

• 1,246–2,898 sq. ft., • 3–5 bdrms., 2–3.5 baths 505 Bailey Park Dr. Jarrell, TX 76537 512-598-0023

Coming Soon

• 1,675–3,475 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths CR-110 and University Blvd. Round Rock, TX 78665 512-488-0704

Kyle Stagecoach Crossing From the $260s

• 1,491–3,475 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths 141 Jarbridge Dr. Kyle, TX 78640 512-256-7701

Sunset Hills From the $250s

• 1,491–3,475 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths 126 Azure Cove Kyle, TX 78640 512-256-6614

6305 Wagon Spring St. Del Valle, TX 78617 512-537-0222

Leander

Elgin Saratoga Farms From the $230s

• 1,491–2,881 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths

• 1,246–2,755 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths

• 1,491–2,881 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths

Haven Oaks From the $300s 1737 Stringer Pass Leander, TX 78641 737-667-6969

Uhland Highlands at Grist Mill From the $230s

• 1,353–2,898 sq. ft., • 3–6 bdrms., 2–3.5 baths 120 Adeline Uhland, TX 78640 737-248-1818

KB Home Design Studio – Austin 10800 Pecan Park Blvd., Ste. 110 Austin, TX 78750 512-721-3550

Schedule an appointment with a home finding specialist today at 512-488-0704.

102 Schuylerville Dr. Elgin, TX 78621 512-229-3678

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. See sales counselor for details. AUS-345709

SEPTEMBER 2021

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Expert COMMENTARY

The Question the Next Generation of Homebuyers Should Be Asking is... The first questions most people ask me when they find out I’m in the real estate and mortgage industry are, “How do interest rates look right now?” or “Do you think rates will be going up soon?”

KEVIN GINSBURG MISSION MORTGAGE Vice President of Sales/Production Manager

We’ve all been asked, and none of us really know the answer. We can look to the 10-year treasury, the Fed’s participation in the market/monetary policy and historical trends, but none of us really know for sure. My stock answer is, there has never been a better time to buy or refinance your home. However, as a mortgage lender for over 20 years, there is a more important question our industry needs to address overall. And that is, “What can be done about the increasing price of homes and the lack of affordable product for first-time homebuyers?” When I first got out of college and into this industry, I did not understand what it took to buy a home. I was young, stumbled into this business and learned very quickly, that it was a process. After about two years, we were able to purchase our first home, for $141k in Avery Ranch. We saved as much as we could and were very proud of what we had accomplished when we moved in. We were homeowners. But more than that, we had taken the first step in establishing our own financial security. That would not have been possible without the availability of a home we could afford — in a good neighborhood, with good schools and amenities. This became my focus for years — to help other people accomplish the same thing. It is incredible to see the joy this brings and the life changing impact on families. We still have that opportunity today and am proud of every first-time homebuyer we help. However, the current inventory shortage, rising cost of materials and land, and fierce competition for the talented people who build homes has created a market that many simply cannot afford. I was driving with my daughter recently and we went by that first home we lived in 20 years ago. I remarked about the incredible price increases. She asked me if she would be able to buy a home when she gets out of school and into her career. That will be about 10 years from now. And honestly, I don’t know. Our family has been in Austin for four generations now and we hope to be here for years to come. But will our kids have the same opportunity we did when we were starting out? It is difficult to say.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | REALTYLINE.US

The current price increases and bidding wars will certainly cool off, but the new higher median home price appears to be here to stay. As a market, we have reset the floor and it is unclear what the ceiling will be. For first-time homebuyers and millennial first-time homebuyers, the prospect of buying a home can look daunting. The question for them is not about the movement of historically low rates. It will be, can they afford to buy a home of their own in Austin at all? This cohort represents a large percentage of the current workforce and that number grows each year. Mortgage lenders, REALTORS, home builders and title companies have all benefited from this great market. And the question or concern about affordability is shared by many. The answer will rely on building new affordable communities, expanding government and conforming loan limits, making it easier to build or rehab properties in existing areas (less red tape), affordable homeownership and down payment assistance programs and accessible homebuyer education. This will be a critical focus for our industry to ensure the sustainability of the dynamic growth we have experienced.

Kevin Ginsburg has been in the mortgage industry for over 20 years. As the Vice President of Sales at Mission Mortgage, he supports and manages the retail (builder, REALTOR and past clients) and business partner mortgage origination channels. This includes business partner relationship management, business development, recruiting, marketing, digital/online mortgage origination, and team development and continuity. Kevin is a native Austinite and is very grateful to work and grow Mission Mortgage’s business in Central Texas.

CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995

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Williamson County Association of REALTORS

Committees Working Hard Behind The Scenes As summer winds down, our committees are gearing up for a busy fall and winter calendar full of events. Check out all the opportunities to connect, to learn and to give back.

OCTOBER 2021 Oct. 4: DRIVE yourself over to the Forest Creek Golf Course for an above PAR experience. The Fall Golf Tournament promises lots of networking with the best in the business and a great day out in beautiful Round Rock.

KRISTON WOOD

2021 PRESIDENT

Oct. 21: Join us for our Annual Business Meeting. With updates on the year’s successes and an opportunity to meet the Board of Directors, there is plenty of news to tune into.

The new and highly popular Residential Property Exchange that occurs once a month. This is a well attended networking event that could get that listing SOLD! There is no doubt that your schedule is already beginning to fill up for that fourth quarter, so be sure to check out WCREALTORS.ORG for all the details on each event listed above. As always, these events are put on by the amazing volunteers who serve on committees here at WCREALTORS. We couldn’t do it without their passion for our membership and the profession. If you have a heart to serve, join in. We would love to welcome you.

NOVEMBER 2021 Nov. 12-19: Get ready for a ‘Treemendously’ exciting and new event at WCRealtors. Your ‘presents’ is requested at the Deck the Halls Christmas Tree Open House and Auction benefiting Celebration of Love Toy Drive. Who doesn’t want a fully decorated and ready to go Christmas Tree … fast, efficient and for a great cause.

DECEMBER 2021 Dec. 2: The long awaited Awards and Installation Banquet will be held at Kalahari this year. “Great Scott” we are going BACK TO THE FUTURE, on Dec. 2, with a night full of great music, food and fun. SAVE THE DATE, pull those 80’s prom outfits out and dust them off. It’s time for a reprise.

EDUCATION If you are looking for educational opportunities, we have much to offer on our calendar. Check out the Legal 1 and 2 courses that are offered free to our primary members. If you are looking for an NAR Code of Ethics Course, we have them available. Be sure to fit it in before the end of the year.

2021 REALTOR INCENTIVE TREPAC Night Out at Q2 2021 2021 REALTOR INCENTIVE REALTOR INCENTIVE

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SEPTEMBER 2021 | REALTYLINE.US

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CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995

SEPTEMBER 2021

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Women’s Council of REALTORS, Austin Network

REALTOR Safety Is Non-Negotiable September is REALTOR® Safety Month and for the first time ever, Austin Young Real Estate Professionals (AYREP) and Women’s Council of REALTORS® Austin Network came together to host the first annual REALTOR® Safety Event. Proceeds from this event support the Beverly Carter Foundation, a completely independent not-for-profit foundation dedicated to the ideal that every agent goes home safe every day by providing scientifically based research, information, consulting, training and support at little to no charge to every MLS, association, brokerage and agent.

LORRIE KENNEDY

2021 INTERIM PRESIDENT

“Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014 was an exceptionally beautiful, fall-like day. For Beverly, it started as a great day. Not only was it a busy day in the office, but Beverly had even won $50 in an office competition. Around 5:15 that evening, her day began to wind down. Beverly called Carl, her husband of almost 35 years, to let him know that she had one last 6 p.m. appointment. She told him she was going to end her day by showing a house to a couple and then pick up dinner on her way home. What Beverly didn’t know was that her clients — a man and a woman who had identified themselves as a relocating, married couple — weren’t looking to buy a home. They had a sinister plot in mind to use Beverly to get quick cash. What started as a great day ended tragically. Beverly was kidnapped; her captors

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intended to obtain ransom money from her family. When the ransom didn’t go as planned, Beverly’s kidnappers became her murderers. She was killed in an attempt to cover up their initial crimes. “I wanted her gone” … words spoken by one of the murderers in the January 2016 trial. When asked “Why Beverly?” her killer explained that she was “a woman that worked alone — a rich broker.” Beverly’s death was a devastating tragedy to her husband, children, grandchildren, extended family and her many friends. Although Beverly had followed many industry-standard safety protocols, it wasn’t enough. Within the industry she loved, Beverly’s murder catapulted a national conversation about safety to the forefront of real estate organizations. From the Beverly Carter Foundations website: https://beverlycarterfoundation.org/ We are easy targets due to the public’s perception that we all have money and the ease of getting us alone in a vacant or empty house. I am Jennifer Gordon, AYREP vice chair and Women’s Council of REALTORS Austin Network program director and I am very passionate about the safety of my fellow REALTORS. Putting together an event focused on safety, education and best practices is something I’ve wanted to do for some time. In my current positions and with the dedicated work of fellow board members on the Boards of these two amazing organizations, that vision has become a reality in a collaborative event like no other, featuring Beverly’s son, Carl Carter, Jr. delivering a powerful presentation on REALTOR® Safety. For more information on any of these great organizations, please visit: AYREP: https://www.ayrep.org/, WCR: https://www.wcr.org/ or BCF: https:// beverlycarterfoundation.org.

The article for this edition was written by Jennifer Gordon, program director for WCR Austin

CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995

SERVING THE AUSTIN METRO AREA AND SURROUNDING CITIES

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RealtyLine is published monthly by Caxton Publications, Inc.™ as a non-subscription publication for the more than 16k+ members of the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), the more than 1,800+ members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCREALTORS) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. RealtyLine is a proud member of ABoR, WCREALTORS, HBA and an honorary member of WCR Austin Chapter. We are equally proud to be a Major Investor in TREPAC (2019, 2020). RealtyLine is not responsible for opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any by-products in advertising or editorial copy. REALTOR® is a registered trademark. The word REALTOR® sometimes appears in this publication without the registered trademark symbol (®) to save space. Wherever the word REALTOR® appears in this publication, the registered trademark should be assumed.

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Inventory Homes at

The Colony Move-in ready homes avilable now, and more homes under construction ready for early 2022. • Master-Planned Community • Just Minutes from the Tesla Gigafactory • Single Family Homes from the Low $300s • Resort-style Amenities: Pool, On-Site Lifestyle Coordinator, Playground, Nature Trails, and a Dog Park • Bastrop ISD

Schedule a virtual appointment for your clients: 512-253-7338 SalesAustin@mihomes.com

2021 Presidents Susan Horton, Austin Board of REALTORS® Chad Durham, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin Kriston Wood, Williamson County Association of REALTORS® Lorrie Kennedy, Women’s Council of REALTORS®

SEPTEMBER 2021

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[Legislation continued from front page] state-level political advocacy organization. Here are a few of those victories.

TOPAGENT

HOA REFORM Senate Bill 1588, which was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support from both chambers, provides a more equitable relationship between property owners and home owners’ associations (HOA). With at least six million Texans living in communities governed by an association, HOAs are tasked with providing value to their homeowners. The legislation enhances property rights for Texans and ensures that homeowners have a clear understanding of HOA management structures. The bill caps fees for subdivision information and resale certificates, and in the event of fine and fee disputes, owners are protected from negative credit reporting. Associations must provide homeowners with a detailed report of charges and a payment plan prior to reporting delinquencies. In a nod toward more transparency, HOAs are required to maintain a website and post management certificates, meeting information and notifications. And for contract services valued over $50,000, HOAs are required to solicit bids. According to Jaime Lee, director of advocacy communications at Texas REALTORS, the association couldn’t have advanced SB1588 without help from members. Prior to the legislative session, the organization set up a website at myhoastory.com and asked REALTORS and consumers to relate their HOA experiences, which were then presented to lawmakers. “Getting this bill passed was a massive lift for us,” says Lee.

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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 1/1/21 and 12/31/21. 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 12/31/21. 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 © 2020 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | REALTYLINE.US

Senate Bill 30, co-authored by and named for State Senator Royce West of Dallas, passed by unanimous vote. At the request of property owners, the legislation provides an avenue for county clerks to remove discriminatory language that prohibits property ownership. Notably, the bill eliminates what was once an extremely time-consuming process for removing language that prohibits ownership based on race, color, religion or national origin. When the bill passed, Senator John Whitmire of Houson released a statement saying, “Racial deed restrictions were put in place for the sole purpose of banning blacks and other minorities from living in certain neighborhoods in Texas and I join with Senator West and the entire Senate to once and for all right this injustice.” Lee, part of the Governmental Affairs department at Texas REALTORS, called it another, huge victory for everyone. “Real estate deeds are extremely important legal documents and changing them gives some people concern,” she says. Discriminatory language had been deemed unconstitutional and unenforceable years ago, but there was no mechanism in place for easily removing the language, Lee says.

BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS Passing House Bill 5, legislation to increase broadband access statewide, was a no brainer, says Lee. This bill also had broad support across just about every group and strong bipartisan support in the legislature. “Everyone agreed that we need to get broadband internet access across the state, especially to rural areas, but also in some urban areas that have pockets of inaccessibility,” Lee says. The bill called for the creation of a new state office, called the Broadband Development Office, that will be responsible for issuing grants to expand broadband access and increase reliable and affordable internet access across the state. REALTORS fought for HB5 even before the pandemic because this population is more likely to have non-traditional wifi needs compared to other professionals. Last March, Representative Hugh Shine of Temple said in support of the bill he co-authored, “Businesses no longer have to relocate to a major city, and employees don’t have to work in an office for many businesses. It is important for our economy across Texas that we have [internet] access.”

EXPAND APPRAISAL OPTIONS Thanks to House Bill 2533, when lending guidelines do not call for a full appraisal, appraisers won’t be required to be in compliance with Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) while performing an evaluation for a transaction. “This one was especially timely,“ says Lee, referring to the shortage of appraisers in Texas and also noting the hot real estate market in the Austin metro area. “They can be backed up for weeks.” So the bill affords buyers more options and expedites the loan process. Texas REALTORS work hard year round to advocate for good legislation. But they also talk to legislators about bills that would present more obstacles for REALTORS and consumers. While Texas passed and fully implemented remote online notarization (RON) laws, there have been discussions about limiting their reach. “That got shut down pretty quickly,” says Lee. “We came out hard against that because, frankly, our members and clients are dependent on those virtual options.” Texas REALTORS also opposed legislation to grow the sales tax base, which would have expanded taxable services to include real estate brokerages. “This comes up just about every session,” says Lee. By the end of summer, the legislature was in its second special session, with a third scheduled for the end of September. So there may be more wins to come. But there’s no time for folks at Texas REALTORS to rest. Between now and the 88th legislative session, there’s more work to do listening to members and educating state lawmakers. For agents and brokers in Texas who are interested in working with the organization, go to Texasrealestate.com and consider joining one of the association’s 20 committees. If you don’t have time to volunteer, each spring the organization holds a Day at the Texas Capitol event where REALTORS can meet with all 181 senators and representatives. Also, the organization is always looking for feedback on legislative outcomes, as well as the issues agents and brokers are dealing with back home. “As we approach 2023, we need to know what REALTORS are seeing locally,” says Lee with her foot on the gas even though the current special session is still full-steam ahead.

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FEATURE STORY | Partners In Profile

Buyers are able to personalize their properties through the KB Home Design Studio. A personal design consultant will work with the homebuyer hand in hand, helping them choose everything from appliances and cabinets, to paint colors and counters, to flooring and light fixtures.

by katie agness

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KB HOME

“

... we give the buyers the ability to personalize their homes — from floor plans to exterior elevations, from

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design options to where they live in the community.

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As one of the largest and most recognized homebuilders in the country, KB Home has built more than 650,000 homes across 45 markets during its 60-year history. “What sets KB Home apart is the exceptional personalization we offer our homebuyers — from those buying their first home to experienced buyers — allowing them to make their home uniquely their own, at a price that fits their budget,” says Chelsea Brown, broker liaison for KB Home.

“At KB Home no two homes are ever the same because every home is uniquely built for each customer,” Brown says. “Their home comes to life in the KB Home Design Studio, a one-of-a-kind experience where they get both expert advice and the opportunity to select from a wide range of design choices that will help make their new home your own. We build strong, personal relationships with our customers so they have a real partner in the homebuying process.” While customer service and building strong customCHELSEA BROWN er relationships is one of KB Home’s main priorities, they Broker Liason are equally invested in their partnerships with the real estate community. “We offer continuing education classes, VIP model home tours and resources to REALTORS to make it easier to navigate the real estate industry,” says Brown, who helps bridge the gap between KB Home’s REALTOR partners and the builder world. “We are grateful for our REALTOR relationships and the opportunity to work with their clients.”

As the real estate and builder communities have had to adapt to the changes and challenges caused by the pandemic, it has also led to opportunities for KB Home to expand its offerings. As many people are now working from home, whether temporarily, part time or permanently, the need for at-home office space has become Operating coast to coast, KB Home has a strong local presence here in Austin, imperative. “To adapt to this new trend, KB Home introduced the new KB Home Office, a dedicated and private workcurrently building in 12 different communities. “Some of our newest developspace that delivers comfort, function and aesthetics,” Brown says. “The new home office concept makes working ments include McKinney Crossing, Villas at McKinney Crossing, Berry Springs, from home easier and more productive. In this work-friendly space, homeowners can host online presentaSalerno and East Village,” Brown says. “We are continuing expand our presence tions, hold small in-person meetings and boost their productivity. We have redesigned our floor plans to meet in the Austin area and plan to open another six communities in 2022.” the needs of today’s homeowners.” Depending on the community, KB Home offers various types and home styles As one of the most recognized and longstanding home builders, KB Home has built a strong reputation that are specifically unique to that market. “One of the unique things about KB through a commitment to outstanding service and building tailored, customizable homes that are specific to Home is we design and offer floor plans that fit the local market’s needs,” Brown its market and buyer needs. Because of this, KB Home has the distinction of being the #1 customer-ranked says. “We offer a wide variety of homes at an affordable price, and we give the buyers the ability to personalize their homes — from floor plans to exterior eleva- national homebuilder in third-party buyer satisfaction surveys. tions, from design options to where they live in the community.”

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Congratulations to ABJ Profiles in Power 2021 Nominees

SNIPPETS Introducing new local real estate leader Goodman Andy Goodman and his family recently moved from the Philadelphia suburbs to Austin as Coldwell Banker Realty’s new District Manager. Goodman has a background as a top real estate agent and former national Floyd Wickman Real Estate Trainer and Business Coach. He established himself as one of the top real estate recruiters and business builders for agents in the large and competitive Pennsylvania region. Goodman is passionate about helping real estate agents discover leverage in their business through systems and technology so they can enjoy a highly profitable career and balanced life. With this in mind, Goodman is on a mission to change lives through positioning the strengths of the hugely successful Coldwell Banker Realty brand/platform offering a new and cutting-edge value proposition for agents throughout his strategically located Coldwell Banker Realty Austin offices.

Send us your news! All press releases can be sent to tawanna@myrealtyline.com

KRISTON WOOD, senior manager Keller Williams Realty Round Rock Lucy Yang, owner The Legacy Realty, LLC Rebecca Zigterman, broker ECR (Equitable Commercial Realty) Kristi Svec Simmons, first vice president CBRE Frankie Turner, vice president Coldwell Banker Realty Haley Smith, broker ECR (Equitable Commercial Realty) Amy Seely, owner The Seely Group Kerry Redding, owner Allure Real Estate Noa Levy, broker The Boutique Real Estate Tiffany Lauchlan, director ECR (Equitable Commercial Realty) TANYA KERR, partner Jorgenson Group - Keller Williams Realty Caitlin Gary, broker ECR (Equitable Commercial Realty) Carol Dochen, broker/owner Dochen REALTORS YVETTE BOATWRIGHT, broker/co-owner Realty Austin >>Click on the links to read more about the nominees above.

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