Innovative, Sustainable Housing Ideas Evolve by RealtyLine

DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 8

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Innovative, Sustainable Housing Ideas Evolve Buying a home is a hallmark of achieving the American dream. And to some that dream looks like a two-bedroom, two-bath suburban home with a yard and, yes, a white picket fence. But if we’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that the American Dream means different things to different people. Not everyone wants the cookie-cutter house in the ‘burbs. And the market has been very willing to accommodate a variety of housing needs. Innova-

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Fowler compared housing innovations to the electric car. While the technology has been around for a long time, electric autos only really started to gain traction over the past few years, partly because they’re only just becoming more affordable and more accessible to middle class Americans. “It’s the same with housing,” he says. Right now we’re at the point where a small demographic is interested in alternative style homes. That said, innovation is important for the future of the housing market. “It’s all part of research and development of where our housing goes,”

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tions in homebuilding can be seen in home designs, in building processes and in ways to reduce costs. While it’s always exciting to see innovation in any market — whether it’s technology, transportation, or homebuilding — it takes time for new ideas to evolve from the brainstorming session to widespread accessibility. We’ve found that’s especially true in Central Texas. Joe Fowler, in his final days as president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA), tells us that it’s the mission of the HBA to promote all kinds of housing and housing options. Regarding innovations in homebuilding and home ownership, he says, “alternative style housing options is something we want to see. And we want to see more of it.” But, Fowler adds, “it doesn’t mean they’ll become mainstream anytime soon.”

During the last 10 to 15 years, building science has become popular in homebuilding. Overall, the way houses are built hasn’t changed that much, but the types of things that go into new houses to make them energy efficient and to make the environment healthier encourages the industry to look at homebuilding with a new outlook. And then there’s the law of diminishing returns, says Fowler. “We can only spend so much on homebuilding innovations because if it costs too much, it defeats the purpose.” If homebuyers are asked to continually pay more than they’ll eventually save, they won’t want to spend their hard-earned money.

written by RIKI MARKOWITZ

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Tiny homes are an example of successful home building innovations around the country. The 250 to 400-square-foot dwellings became popular after the Great Recession, says Fowler. “Around 2008 to 2010, when the world stopped spinning economically, you had people looking for different ways to live. The conversation went toward seeking smaller and more efficient houses and simpler living styles.” Two tiny home communities in Travis County are Village Farm in East Austin and Village Tiny Homes, located in Mustang Ridge, about 24 miles [Innovations continues on page 16]

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standard on all models or not included in the purchase price. Availability may vary. Prices do not include closing costs and other fees to be paid by45 buyer (including a builder fee as described in SOUTHEAST the purchase agreement) and are subject to change without notice. Maps are not to scale and are for relative locationBUDA purposes only. Models/lifestyle photos do not reflect racial or ethnic STONEFIELD preference. Third party companies are not affiliated with this promotion, nor do the third-party companies sponsor, endorse or support this promotion. This is not an offer inAUSTIN states where prior WHISPER registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Copyright © 2020 Lennar Corporation. Lennar, the Lennar logo, Village Builders, and the Village Builders logo areSCHRIBER U.S. registered service RANCH KYLE Date 12/20 Whisper marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. COOL SPRINGS in San Marcos DECEMBER 2020

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Austin Board of REALTORS

Looking Back On 2020 — A Year We Will Never Forget

ROMEO MANZANILLA

2020 PRESIDENT

At ABoR, we shape the future of real estate. Your Association has been embracing change and pushing the industry forward since 1926. In 1952, we were one of the first real estate associations in the country to create our own MLS. In 1966, ABoR was the first local REALTOR® association in Texas to accept Black members following desegregation. In 2013, we made national news when we became the first REALTOR® association in the country to implement data integrity standards for third-party listing sites. And in 2018, we were once again the first local association in the U.S. to livestream our Board of Directors meetings as part of our commitment to transparency. We innovated again this year in the face of a global pandemic. If there is one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that things don’t always go the way you expect them to go. We had many great events planned this year, including our first-ever ThinkUp conference that was sure to put ABoR in the national spotlight. But when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in March, we took immediate action knowing that lives are more important than business. ABoR was one of the first associations in Texas to proactively close our facilities and shift to remote operations, all while fighting to ensure your business was considered essential, and without skipping a beat in our level of service to you. It’s been this collaborative spirit of making sure that our members are safe while still having the ability to make a living that sets ABoR apart from other associations. We turned this necessary pivot into an opportunity to serve you better and in more ways than ever before. We launched ABoR On-Air; an online REALTOR® Store with curbside pickup at ABoR HQ and ABoR South; online chat support and powerful new professional development programs such as our How to Hustle Series. Though I miss interacting with the members and all of my colleagues in

DECEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

person, I am so proud of the work and direction that ABoR has taken to pivot and adapt but still achieve the goals set in our strategic plan, including a significant Matrix update, redesigned ABoR.com and the new Property Search Portal this fall. In light of all of this, what I’m most proud of accomplishing this year has been the renewed interest in volunteering for our Association. We had a record number of members apply to serve on our Board and committees this year. Thanks to our hundreds of ABoR volunteers, not only did ABoR stay relevant during this pandemic, we provided guidance and inspiration like never before. During my term as President, I have worked hard to lead by example, hold myself to a higher standard and create a path for those who come behind me to be successful. But serving as president of the Association is really the embodiment of the collaborative efforts of so many. ABoR members who sacrifice their time and talent to serve on our Volunteer Groups, including the Board of Directors, are rewarded for their service by making a tangible difference in our industry, communities and Association. Every volunteer and staff member is a reflection of ABoR and their contributions do not go unnoticed. I would like to extend a special thank you to my fellow Directors who haven’t always agreed with me but have always respected the process and my leadership. I would also like to thank our executive staff, including ABoR CEO Emily Chenevert, CMO Kelea Youngblood, Executive Administrator and Policy Officer Vicki Harris and Director of Business and Professional Development Danielle Archambault, for always being so meticulously organized and open to new ideas, for their guidance and — more than anything — for their friendship. The great strides that we have made this year would have never been accomplished without the effortless execution of these great women leaders. Finally, I want to thank you — our members — for caring for your clients, this industry and the communities you serve each and every day. Our market is once again experiencing record-breaking growth, and real estate is leading the way for economic recovery due to your hard work in the field to ensure people have homes. As my year as President comes to a close, I can’t help but feel a bit melancholy. Not because there are things we didn’t accomplish as an Association, or because of the missed opportunities to travel and interact with other real estate professionals across the nation, but because 2020 has been a year that no one will ever forget. We are fortunate to be in an industry that is doing great, but there are so many others in our great city that have not done well socially, economically or physically. I can only hope 2021 will mark a year of new beginnings, a return to normalcy and continued focus on what matters most. I have no doubt our future is bright for ABoR. We have many committed members who have a passion for service and will keep this year’s momentum going. As for me, it is my goal to continue serving our industry and community by staying involved and following my commitment to always lead by example, even when no one is looking. It has been my honor and privilege to serve you this year. Thank you!

Coming Soon New homes are on the way. KB Home is excited to announce that a new community is coming to Belton. We would love to add you to our interest list so that you can be one of the first to pick a new home at West Canyon Trails. It’s the first step in building a house that’s as unique as you are.

West Canyon Trails in Belton • 1,246–2,755 sq. ft. • 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths • Commuter friendly; easy access to IH-35 and IH-14 • Convenient to major employers in Belton, Temple and Killeen, including Fort Hood • Close to desirable Belton ISD schools • Minutes to entertainment at Bell County Expo Center • Near outdoor recreation at Lake Belton 1314 Ayham Trails Belton, TX 76513 512-488-0704 Sales office is coming soon.

888-KB-HOMES | kbhome.com Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2020 KB Home (KBH). No affiliation or sponsorship is intended or implied with Bell County Expo Center, and all trademarks are owned by the trademark owner. Placement on interest list does not guarantee qualification for a loan, lot location or purchase of a KB home. 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. Photo may depict upgraded landscaping/options and may not represent lowest-priced homes. Military images and/or information do not reflect nor imply endorsement by Dept. of Defense or Service Branch. See sales counselor for details. AUS-331753

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Home Builders Association of Greater Austin

Resiliency Emerged During Challenging Year — The Best of 2020

JOE FOWLER

2020 PRESIDENT

Much like the rest of the world, here at the HBA 2020 was a roller-coaster ride unlike any other. But, instead of focusing on the challenges this year created, we’d like to celebrate the wins that came out of this unprecedented situation. When asking both leaders from the HBA membership and staff, overwhelmingly the theme of resiliency emerged. The HBA community truly pulled together to keep both our association and the home building industry itself moving forward when so many businesses were collapsing. Thank you to our members, especially the 2020 Board of Trustees, for their commitment.

Keep Austin Building One of the most significant accomplishments this year was the role our Government Relations team. Made up of a small army of engaged members representing different areas of home building and our Senior Government Relations Director, played in ensuring our industry was deemed essential, especially during the early stages of the pandemic. This effort required aggressive lobbying at the local, state and national levels and being nimble as government orders ebbed and flowed throughout. Thank you to this group for stepping up to the plate for this critical work.

New Leadership At the height of the coronavirus spikes in the spring, the HBA was handed another curve ball which required our Board of Directors to spring into action in an unexpected way when our CEO announced she would be leaving within the next two months. Immediately, our Board formed a strategic task force and launched an intensive search for our next leader. Though this was an arduous process to undertake while also focusing on keeping our industry working, everyone agrees that the outcome was a gift in disguise. Out of this

challenge came Taylor Jackson who has performed with grace under pressure in the six months since being handed the reins during such a tumultuous time. Taylor, thank you and we are so happy to have you at the helm of the HBA.

Switching Gears As with other Associations like ours, our funding depends heavily on the support of our members through event sponsorships. Unfortunately, unlike other businesses and non-profit organizations, trade associations were excluded from applying for PPP monies making event sponsorship more important than ever. In order to help keep the HBA afloat, the staff quickly and efficiently turned many of our most important events including the Marketing and Advertising (MAX) Awards, the Parade of Homes and the Mid-Year Housing Forecast into successful virtual events. Our members really stood by the HBA, continuing to sponsor and attend events resulting in most either meeting or exceeding profits from previous years.

Membership The only reason the HBA exists is to serve our members. As you can imagine, many businesses were forced to cut their budgets, meaning many members had to make the tough choice to renew or drop their memberships this year. Additionally, tight budgets made attracting new members all the more difficult. Thanks to the HBA Membership committee for leading the crusade to not only retain 74 percent of existing members but to also bring on 121 new members year-to-date. Incredible!

Giving Back A bright light during the pandemic has been the HBA Benefit Home Program — the annual construction of a home built mostly — if not entirely — through donations of construction management, materials, supplies, labor and monies of HBA members. A portion of the proceeds from the sale benefits a local charity. This year, we were lucky to close on the sales of two homes, one built in 2019 by Taylor Morrison which sold earlier this year and the 2020 Lennar Benefit Home which sold in October. The sale of these two properties allowed us to donate more than $200,000 to HomeAid Austin. Additionally, construction began on the 2021 Benefit Home thanks to the generosity of Johnson Development and Chesmar Homes. Undoubtedly, this has been one of the toughest years the HBA has ever faced. It is through the strong support of HBA members that we have been able to survive. Thank you for your commitment to this organization. We look forward to serving you in 2021 and beyond.

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TREPAC Wine Tasting: 2020 WCREALTORS President Kriston Wood and Michele Sherwood of Keller Williams Realty

DECEMBER 2020

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Williamson County Association of REALTORS

Five Simple Ways To Kickstart Into 2021

KRISTON WOOD

2020 PRESIDENT

This year has been a whirlwind of ups and downs, starts and stops, and for so many, a year of massive growth both personally and professionally. REALTORS® across the country have been diligently planning, restructuring processes, educating themselves and implementing new strategies. Now is the time to put all that work into action, propelling our businesses into 2021. Often, we can overthink or over complicate our process and delay taking the first step to move forward. Here are five simple steps for getting started and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

First: Do Not Overthink It As a REALTOR®, we are in the business of relationships and this is the perfect time of the year to nurture your database. Reach out to people and check in on them. Send them a card, drop them off something nice. Just let them know you care. Second: Review Your Business Plan If you do not have one, write one. Keep it simple and measurable. Allow someone to hold you accountable, whether a business partner or a coach, to the actions in your plan. Know how many conversations you need each week to hit your goals. Track your conversion rates and hold every penny you spend accountable to a return.

Third: Get Your Taxes Done Early Hire someone and get those books in order. This will free you from having that unknown hanging over your head all year. Fourth: Plan To Leverage Write down the things you like doing the

DECEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

LEAST, then plan to leverage those out. This can easily happen as you meet your goals. Plan for it, then leverage it. You will grow your business bigger than you can imagine with the right WHO. Fifth: Review Your Business Plan Twice A Month (minimum) Time block a business plan review for 15 minutes on the 1st and the 15th of every month. If you consistently review your plan, it is harder to veer from it. You will find that having it fresh in mind will also help you see slowdowns in your business happening in advance, which will help you to adjust in enough time to hit your goals. As a final reminder, don’t forget to take some time to breathe, slow down and spend quality time with those you love. You are important and need to be at your best to give your best. On behalf of Williamson County Association of REALTORS®, we wish you a successful 2021!

Floor King Grand Reopening: Denise Twellmann of Floor King and guest

HBA Golf Tournament: Erin Scott, Taylor Jackson and Jenny Jackson, all of the HBA; and Natasha Martin of Broadway Bank

KW Blood Drive: Gilbert Gonzalez of Keller Williams Realty

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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

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Floor King Grand Reopening

HBA Golf Tournament: Hank Smith, Chris Schedler and Stephen Delgado

KW Blood Drive: Vanessa Fontenot of Championship Title

There is no time more fitting to say Thank You and to wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a New Year of health, happiness and prosperity.

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BUILDER INVENTORY UP-TO-DATE DAILY EVENTS 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). 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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contributors Riki Markowitz Katie Agness 2020 Presidents Romeo Manzanilla, Austin Board of REALTORS Joe Fowler, Home Builders Association of Greater Austin Kriston Wood, Williamson County Association of REALTORS Susanna Boyer, Residential Real Estate Council (CRS)

DECEMBER 2020

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The Residential Real Estate Council

More Innovative Solutions Needed To Keep Up With The Housing Demand SUSANNA BOYER

2020 DIRECTOR

With a such a large number of people moving to our area, urban housing is offered at premium pricing. We need affordable

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help house the homeless and are partnering with Mobile Loaves and Fishes and Cielo Property Group to build out Community First! Village to also help house the homeless with dignity. ICON (located in Austin) develops advanced

On the opening day of the inaugural Innovative Housing Showcase, June 1, 2019, Dr. Ben Carson stated “During this month, we are reminded that homes are not simply physical structures — they are social, cultural and economic engines. They are where families are raised, and communities are interconnected. Housing problems are fundamentally human problems — and ultimately, that is the bottom line that truly matters. That’s why, in response to the affordable housing crisis facing our country, new construction technologies and development techniques play a pivotal role in lowering the cost of production and increasing the affordability of new homes for millions of hard-working Americans.” Some of the new and innovative ways to get affordable housing include (but are not limited to) 3D printed houses, Boxabls, IndieDwell, container homes, tiny homes on wheels as well as stationery.

https://www.iconbuild.com/ Boxabls are built in a precision factory environment from cutting edge materials and are packed with the latest technology. This means your building will be stronger, last longer and be more energy efficient. They are bug resistant, fire resistant, as well as water, wind and mold resistant and can be delivered to your location and set up in one day. https://www.boxabl.com/ indieDwell builds modular, affordable housing solutions that are energy efficient, sustainable, healthy and durable. indieDwell builds from a set of modules that can stand alone as a single family home or be combined to make attached homes (duplex or fourplex) or even a commercial multi-family apartment building. https://www. indiedwell.com/ Piedmont Green specializes in creating container homes that are customized to meet your unique needs, all while providing you with a stylish, affordable home. These homes meet all building requirements but offer a much faster construction time. These factory-made homes can be prefabricated before being installed on-site, resulting in less mess, hassle and construction on your land. Boasting steel cores and a modern, sleek design, these custom homes are incredibly durable, highly energy efficient and built to last. https://greenvilleaﬀordablehousing.com/ You can even purchase tiny home kits that you build yourself from Amazon. Some even have free shipping! https://amzn.to/2JllUyF Along with the need for purchasing affordable homes is the need for more affordable rental properties. Some people have decided to gather several friends or acquaintances and do a communal rental where all parties share in the cost of the rent, utilities and groceries. We have seen this in the Austin metro area for quite some time, due

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[continued from front page] south of downtown. One of the first things you notice about these neighborhoods is how much

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they resemble master-planned communities, complete with trails, gardens, dog parks and picnic and recreation areas. So the target buyer has many of the same desires as those looking at a traditional home, but they clearly want to spend less and, for any number of reasons, occupy a smaller space. But here’s where innovation slows to a crawl. While the idea of living in a tiny home seems to have hit a pop-culture nerve (just look at the dearth of reality TV shows about building, cohabitating and styling tiny homes), communities are not taking off with as much zeal as some forecasters predicted. It’s a problem here in Travis County, says Vaike O’Grady, a housing market researcher at Metrostudy. “Part of the issue is that land has gotten so pricey. It’s hard to find a site on which to put less expensive homes.” O’Grady recalls seeing tiny home models at different homebuilding exhibitions, including a recent Parade of Homes event, a few years ago. “There was a lot of activity,” she says. “I do think people are interested in it.” Another recent innovation in homebuilding are single-family rental (SFR) communities. O’Grady has studied these projects and says it’s a growing segment of the market. “It suits people who want to be out of an apartment, but either for financial or lifestyle reasons, don’t want to own a single-family home.” Single -family rental communities are another product of the Great Recession. It started when homeowners went into foreclosure and companies gobbled up properties as rental investments. “Then we saw builders start to explore it as a business opportunity here in Austin,” says O’Grady. “One of the first companies out of the gate, around 2013 or 2014, was Brookfield Residential, who partnered with American Homes 4 Rent.” Investing in SFR communities is a good deal for builders because it’s practically hassle-free. They don’t have to make a lot of changes like they would with an ordinary homebuyer. And then the investor just runs the property like an apartment complex. For renters, SFRs are ideal. They live in a home with a yard, and in a neighborhood — not a complex — with a clubhouse and pool, but they’re not required to come up with a

If your clients are looking for hill country views, resort-style amenities and miles of hiking trails, they will love the masterplanned community, Sweetwater. • Located off HWY 71

down payment or apply for a mortgage. Romeo Manzanilla, 2020 president of Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR), says renting a single-family home is also a good option for young couples or young families who are “in a situation where they’re not quite ready to buy, but they don’t want to live in an apartment complex anymore.” Some of the companies that have dipped their toes in SFR developments in Austin include Lennar, Lonestar Development Partners, Clark Wilson Homes, AHV Communities and Capstone Management. And many other builders are currently considering such projects, says O’Grady. Like with tiny home communities, SFR neighborhoods in Central Texas have taken longer to multiply the way they have in other cities, like Phoenix. “Taxes here can really get in the way of an investor’s ability to make a good return,” says O’Grady, who adds, “I do expect the category to continue to grow.” There’s a lot of capital coming into the SFR market right

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now and builders are being approached quite frequently.

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printed home in the country — also in Austin. On its website, the company says, “Stagnancy in

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growing housing crisis.” Icon got into the market because it believes “traditional home build-

Icon is a company that builds 3D-printed houses with technology they developed and designed. They’re headquartered in Austin and boast constructing the first permitted 3D home building has not kept up with demand and population growth. This has contributed to a ing methods are inefficient and wasteful,” according to the company’s mission statement, so they’re working to inspire interest in a new category of affordable homes for ordinary people. Icon recently built a slew of homes in the local Community First! Village and several

Find out the latest updates and join the V.I.P. 512.253.7338 or SalesAustin@mihomes.com

more in Mexico for people living in extreme poverty. A “printer” erects the walls of the home while workers lay the foundation, install the electrical, insulation, windows, doors and roof. It takes a fraction of the time to complete the entire home, and a fraction of the laborers, too. Right now there’s no plan in place to use 3D printers on a wide scale, but the technology is

mihomes.com/Sweetwater

only in its infancy. Who knows what will happen in five to 10 years. In 2019, Inman reported that when the idea of 3D printed houses first emerged several years ago it was “met with some derision.” But more companies have been exploring the possibility of using the technology to meet affordable housing needs. If there’s one thread that weaves its way through these different homebuilding innovations, it’s accessibility. It’s the force that drives builders, investors and even the inventors and developers of new technologies like 3D printers and the special concrete used to rapidly erect inexpensive housing practically handsfree. “From an affordability standpoint, prices for these types of homes are low enough that we’ll see more of them go up,” says Manzanilla. “There’s no doubt that this type of construction will start to flourish.”

DECEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

DECEMBER 2020

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HBA Golf Tournament: Melissa Nicewarner Daly and Kelsey Helton, both of HomeAid Austin

Floor King Grand Reopening: Kim Wanslow, James Brown, Jack Surko and Kelly Surko, all of Floor King

TREPAC Wine Tasting: Amy Kobza and Avery Hutson, both with Better Life Realty

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DECEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

ADVERTISER FEATURE

Brohn Homes

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Your Style. Your Home.

Founded in 2002 by brothers who constructed a single home, Brohn Homes has since grown into one of the top 10 builders in Central Texas. “Brohn Homes builds in the most sought-after areas in Central Texas, with a steadfast commitment to provide superior designs, quality craftsmanship, world quality customer service and an unparalleled value,” says Aaron Boenig, President and co-founder. Since its founding, Brohn Homes has expanded its home offerings and markets. In 2017, Brohn AARON BOENIG Homes introduced the WaPresident & Coterloo Homes brand, which Founder offers affordable homes while maintaining a commitment to quality, style and craftmanship. In 2018, Brohn Homes joined the Clayton Properties Group, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, which expanded the company’s commitment from the growth and development of the Central Texas region to throughout Texas.

Legends Village and Pecan Park,” Boenig says. “In 2021, we will be delivering Arrowpoint in Georgetown, Harvest Ridge in Elgin, Clear Creek in Round Rock, Orchard Ranch in Liberty Hill, Hymeadow in San Marcos and Edgebrooke in Pflugerville.” With homes ranging from the high $100s to the $500s, Brohn Homes offers a variety of architectural styles ranging from Hill Country Contemporary to Farmhouse to French Provincial. “We build so many different product types to meet the needs of a very wide demographic,” Boenig says. “Each community is different, so we aim to meet the needs of the buyers based on their location and demographic. We will never put our product offering in a box. We always think about our buyer first to identify what features, style or price point they’d expect to see in that particular market and community.” To ensure its homeowners are completely satisfied with the look and feel of their new property, Brohn Homes offers a full service design center experience regardless of the offering, which is something many builders don’t provide. “Whether you are buying a Waterloo Home

“We build so many different product types to meet the needs of a very wide demographic,” Boenig says.

“Austin residents have come to expect superior quality from Brohn Homes, so we are excited to bring our products to more customers at different price points and areas of Texas,” Boenig says. “Whether it’s your first home or an exquisite luxury home on acreage, Brohn Homes has something to meet any future home buyer’s needs.”

in our Harvest Ridge Community in Elgin or buying an Brohn Estate Home on one acre in Dripping Springs, you get to personalize your home at our House To Home Design Studio,” Boenig says. “With the guidance of a designer, our buyers are able to choose from a range or architectural styles as well as virtually limitless combinations of top-quality finishes and features. The Brohn House to Home Studio gives buyers the opportunity to customize their new home which makes creating the ultimate dream home an exceedingly rewarding experience.”

Within the Central Texas market, Brohn Homes is currently building in 14 communities with six additional communities coming in 2021. “Today, we are building in communities from Georgetown to San Marcos, including Trace, Saratoga Farms, The Oaks, Lago Vista, Carmel, Double Eagle, MorningStar, Bar W, Wildhorse, Cross Creek, Cassetta Ranch, Cloverleaf, Park at

With nearly two decades of proven expertise in home building in Central Texas, Brohn Homes has become one of the most sought-after builders in the area. “At Brohn Homes, we are committed to delivering high-quality designs, craftsmanship, customer service and value, all combined into an offering that is second to none,” Boenig says.

DECEMBER 2020

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TREPAC Wine Tasting: Renee Damron, Stephanie Marek, of Austin Title, and Robin Hart

KW Blood Drive: Aimee Stephenson, Donna Garel, Kerri Parker and Marty Kelly, all of Keller Williams Realty

HBA Golf Tournament: Bobby Jones

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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 1/1/20 and 12/31/20. 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 12/31/20. 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 © 2014 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes.

DECEMBER 2020

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Succession Title CHL Class: Melia Gardner, Kim Correa and Alicia Teague, all of Succession Title

TREPAC Wine Tasting: Bryan Hutchinson of WCREALTORS and Joseph Towns of Keller Williams Realty

HBA Golf Tournament: The Pulte Group and Zgen Planning

DECEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

ADVERTISER FEATURE

Taylor Morrison

and Travisso in Leander.

by KATIE AGNESS

Wherever Life Takes You, We’ll Be There The fifth largest homebuilder and developer in the United States, Taylor Morrison is committed to sustainability, its communities and teams by delivering thoughtfully designed living experiences for homeowners to enjoy for generations.

APRIL WHITAKER Austin Division President

“We have more than 100 years of experience building a lifetime of memories for our homebuyers,” says April Whitaker, Austin Division President of Taylor Morrison. “From start to finish, we create a seamless and inspired homebuilding experience. We approach each home with a discerning eye, ensuring we select locations and amenities that fit our homebuyers’ lifestyles. We want their homes to be a place where they can create a lifetime of lasting memories.”

Taylor Morrison operates under a family of brands including Taylor Morrison, Darling Homes, William Lyon Signature Home and Christopher Todd Communities built by Taylor Morrison. “Through all of the Taylor Morrison brands, we’re able to serve consumer groups coast to coast, from first-time to move-up, luxury to 55-plus buyers,” says Whitaker, who leads the Austin division of Taylor Morrison and oversees all divisional aspects of day-to-day homebuilding operations. Taylor Morrison currently has 29 communities in the Austin area. The company has had a presence here since 2000 and has grown with the acquisition of William Lyon Homes earlier this year, which allowed Taylor Morrison to move into entry-level markets with prices starting around $270,000. Taylor Morrison currently has 29 Austin-area communities, including Austin, Buda, Liberty Hill, Leander, Round Rock, Dripping Springs, San Marcos, Pflugerville and coming soon in Hutto. The company is on track to build more than 1,300 homes in 2020 in communities like Sunfield in Buda, Heritage at Vizcaya in Round Rock, Arrowhead Ranch in Dripping Springs

“We select locations, school districts and amenities that fit our homebuyers’ lifestyles,” Whitaker says. “Right now, more people are looking for larger floor plans within masterplanned communities because of the increased quality of life. Since people are spending more time at home, it has caused homebuyers to rethink their living situation and some are accommodating a multigenerational family or adding office space.” In addition to selecting communities that fit their customers’ needs, Taylor Morrison offers an array of floor plans and styles for any type of buyer, from a first-time homeowner to move-up to active senior. They offer traditional, farmhouse and modern elevations, as well as one and two-story floor plans. “In 2020, the traditional home was reinvented — transitioning from a conventional place of rest and relaxation into a new, multi-faceted living, working and learning environment,” Whitaker says. “Now, more than ever before, our floor plans and design trends are focused primarily on functionality, efficiency and comfort as the world redefines its relationship with home.” To help buyers customize their homes, Taylor Morrison recently rolled out CANVAS, an online design tool with carefully curated design collections inspired by the homeowner’s life and unique design style. CANVAS gives buyers the option to select their interior finishes from the comfort of their home, on their terms and with their preferred budget. In addition to offering a virtual customization tool, Taylor Morrison has sold several homes in Austin completely virtually. “A range of options are being offered, from online home tours and design center selections, to hosting scheduled walkthroughs virtually by leveraging FaceTime or Skype,” Whitaker says. “Customers can schedule virtual or in-person tours from their desktop or mobile devices. In addition, ‘curbside’ or ‘drive thru’ closings are being offered nationwide. Customers can park outside the title office and a notary will deliver the documents and witness signatures — all while maintaining six feet of distance.” With over a century of building experience, Taylor Morrison has remained committed to evolving and growing with its customer base. “As America’s Most Trusted® Home Builder, we know the very nature of building homes means our customers place an incredible amount of trust in us each and every day,” Whitaker says. “We are determined to make that experience as magical as it can and should be. With great trust comes great responsibility. That’s what inspires and motivates us to continue to always do the right thing and put our customers at the forefront of everything we do.”

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DECEMBER 2020

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Evans Talks TREPAC

Texas REALTORS To Monitor 19 Key Issues During Legislative Session That Begins In January BILL EVANS

TREPAC Chairman 2021

Goodness, gracious! The 2020 election has come and gone, and most of us who follow races and elections are exhausted. Nationally, the election was non-stop news, and that election coverage goes on as I write this. But let’s take a few minutes to talk about TREPAC, the election results in the great state of Texas, and what we can expect as we get into the next legislative session… Overall, the general election was a huge success for REALTOR®-supported candidates in Texas: Nearly 96 percent of candidates supported by TREPAC and RPAC in state and federal races, respectively, won their Nov. 3 races. The 87th Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 12, 2021. What happens after then is anyone’s guess. Whatever happens, Texas REALTORS® will be there, advocating for real estate consumers and professionals. In fact, the association just released its Legislative Priorities for the 87th Texas Legislature, which outlines 19 priority issues the association will monitor during the 2021 session and is available at www.texasrealestate.com/issues. Following are four priority issues on the association’s radar:

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) Issue: Homeowners associations exist to enhance neighborhoods and increase property values. Increasingly, though, HOAs are taking on functions local governments traditionally provide. The Texas Legislature has addressed HOA issues a number of times over the last 20 years, yet property owners and property buyers still voice concerns over actions taken by HOAs. Most of the problems with HOAs generally fall into three categories: • Money or collection issues • Deed-restriction enforcement • Lack of responsiveness from the HOA Texas REALTORS® Position: Texas REALTORS® supports efforts to reform laws governing Homeowners Associations to ensure HOA operations are transparent and resident friendly. We understand that HOA legislation should seek to provide an appropriate balance between privateproperty rights and agreed-upon community standards, but any reforms must uphold property owners’ First and 14th Amendment rights. • We support legislation requiring HOAs and related nonprofit corporations to have regulatory oversight (whether from their county or an agency of the State of Texas), and to be registered entities and make available relevant and current contact information. • Texas REALTORS® supports firm timelines for producing HOA documents related to property sales as well as reasonable and necessary fee limits.

DECEMBER 2020 | REALTYLINE.US

• Our association also supports legislation to eliminate the exemption for fees paid to 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 corporations from the transfer fee ban in the Texas Property Code.

Local property taxes in Texas have increased dramatically over just the past few decades.

Due to an insufficient revenue stream, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been forced to over-rely on bond debt to fund roadway maintenance and new transportation projects. However, TxDOT’s main bond programs (State Highway Fund bonds, Texas Mobility Fund bonds, and general-obligation highway bonds) are effectively exhausted. Additionally, the agency currently pays approximately $1 billion per year (about 10 percent of its annual budget) in interest payments on the outstanding bond debt — which exacerbates the funding shortfall.

From 1998 to 2017, the total property tax levy statewide increased more than 211 percent, or $40.35 billion, according to the latest data from the Texas Comptroller available as of Dec. 1, 2020.

With the uncertainty of future federal dollars, diminishing revenue, and depleted bond capacity, TxDOT has also resorted to a large number of public/private partnerships (i.e., toll roads).

Part of the increase in local property tax revenue can be attributed to new property added to the appraisal roll and higher property values. However, an increase in property value should not be an automatic increase in property tax revenue.

Clearly, bonds and toll roads are important pieces of the transportation-funding solution, but they will not meet the growing demands on transportation infrastructure by themselves. The agency needs to re-evaluate the current transportation model for the state to identify new methods to efficiently handle the population increases and the state’s transportation needs.

Property Taxes Issue: In 2019, REALTOR® supported property tax reform legislation (Senate Bill 2) brought monumental changes to the state’s property tax system.

If a local taxing entity needs more revenue, a more honest and transparent conversation needs to occur at the local level, so taxpayers completely understand why. Texas REALTORS® Position: Texas REALTORS® supports continued monitoring of the implementation of law changes that resulted from passage of the Texas Property Tax Transparency and Reform Act of 2019, and a case-by-case evaluation of minor modifications to those statutes that may be deemed appropriate and necessary during the 2021 rollout phase.

Sales Tax on Professional Services Issue: The State of Texas imposes a sales tax on retail sales, leases and rentals of most goods and some taxable services. All local governmental entities have the option of imposing an additional local sales tax for a maximum combined state and local tax of 8.25 percent. During past legislative sessions, some discussion has concentrated on expanding the state sales tax base to include professional services. All professional services, including real estate services, would be taxed. Texas REALTORS® Position: Our association steadfastly opposes efforts to expand the sales-tax base to include professional services. Furthermore, the association believes any taxing structure should not place an undue burden on the real estate industry or hamper the economic recovery in Texas.

Transportation Infrastructure Issue: Despite statewide Proposition 1 passing in 2014, highway and road construction in Texas remains underfunded. The shortfall is due mostly to an underperforming gasoline tax and an unwillingness to adjust the tax or increase other transportation-related fees. The problem is magnified by a population boom, mostly in and around urban population centers. In fact, Texas has four of the 11 most-populous cities in the United States (Houston, Dallas/ Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin), each of which is growing rapidly.

Texas REALTORS® Position: The state of Texas must ensure its citizens the right to a safe and efficient transportation system. In doing so, the state must address numerous issues: congestion, capacity, construction and maintenance costs, safety, age and condition of roadways and the impact transportation delays have on air quality, cost of goods and quality of life. Failing to pay for infrastructure needs will ultimately cost state taxpayers an extraordinary amount of money in the future. Our association supports the following: • The Texas Transportation Commission and Texas Department of Transportation should ensure accountability, transparency and public involvement in the transportation-planning process. • A statewide, multimodal transportation system that facilitates safe and efficient movement of people and goods, including sufficient transportation choices such as roads, freight and passenger rail, waterways, sea and inland ports and air. • Local option transportation funding sources, in addition to state funding, which may include toll roads. • A study on transportation funding sources needed to create infrastructure at or above the state’s current levels of service. • TxDOT’s efforts to secure BUILD grant funding for rural roadways near energy sectors. • The concept of high-speed rail as a mode of transportation in Texas. WOWZA! That’s a lot of information to try to digest, and that is just four of the 19 Legislative Priorities your association will be watching this legislative session. This is just one of many reasons that your TREPAC investments work for you every day, to make sure our elected officials know the issues that affect all property owners and REALTORS®.

DECEMBER 2020

| REALTYLINE.US

TREPAC Wine Tasting

Floor King Grand Reopening: Cain Scott of Floor King

HBA Golf Tournament: Mike Dahlem, Kent Wallis and Ben Cecil

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