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VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4 | AUGUST 2021
R SUPE ! IT’S RMATIVE
INFO
Ready For Back To School? written by RIKI MARKOWITZ
Presorted Standard U.S.. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715
August is National Back to School Month (yes, that’s a real thing), and no one is more ready to get back into classrooms than students. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what you’re studying. Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) 2021 president Susan Horton agrees. “Our education program is off the charts,” she tells RealtyLine this month. Classes are fuller and the organization is experiencing record-breaking new memberships. ABoR also offers a virtual learning option at all levels, including continuing education classes, for anyone who’s not ready to get back to in-person learning. Parents are also looking forward to kids getting back to classrooms, too. Many K-12 students can hardly contain their excitement. For much of the year, school administrators in Texas have been working hard at getting schools and staff ready for students this fall. As of this moment, all districts surrounding Travis and Williamson Counties will open their doors the third week of August. But the particulars, from mask mandates to virtual learning options, are changing minute to minute, leaving everyone from kids and parents to teachers and administrators unsure about how the fall semester will look. Right now, here is where things stand. In the ongoing battle against Covid-19, Travis and Williamson counties moved back into the highest stages of risk-based guidelines. So parents and teachers are understandably concerned with how schools are going to keep everyone safe. That said, most families are pleased that schools are determined to open their doors for in-class instruction, while some families remain on the fence. For the latter, their decisions hinge on reversing Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order prohibiting face mask mandates in the state, which extends to schools.
Check out current opening plans for school districts in and around Travis and Williamson Counties.
Austin Independent School District (AISD) Classrooms are back in session on August 17. Recently, AISD announced that a virtual learning option will be available for K-6th graders. The reason it’s limited to this age group is because the vaccine has not yet been approved for kids under the age of 12. And since schools are not permitted to
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Events & Classes
Wednesday, Sept. 15 Let’s GLOW Bowling for TREPAC Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCREALTORS) Mel’s Lone Star Lane, 1010 N Austin Ave, Georgetown, Texas
2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Come dressed in your best 80s attire! REGISTER
Videos
Wednesday, Sept. 29 7th Annual Bras 4A Cause & Community Update Women’s Council of REALTORS Reunion Ranch, 850 City Road 255 Georgetown, Texas
PRIOTY SETLMN GROUP
CHATS WITH REALTYLINE
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Danielle Davis Escrow Partner
Stewart Title of Austin is pleased to introduce Danielle Davis to the Austin real estate community. She has joined Branch Manager Karen Hays's team at our 6th and Lamar location as an Escrow Partner. Stewart Title of Austin, LLC 6th and Lamar 524 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200 Austin, TX 78703 512.472.8421 stewart.com/austin/6th-and-lamar
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AUGUST 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
#1 RANKED
3 nnew 0ho0m+es ow wt decemhrboeurgh
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.
AUGUST 2021
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
Be A Part of The Big Picture As we settle into the second half of the year and look toward back-to-school and fall routines, this is a great time to take stock of your goals and what you set out to accomplish at the beginning of year. Are you still on track for 2021 to be your best year yet?
SUSAN HORTON
2021 PRESIDENT
ABoR has several opportunities coming up this fall for you to tune up your leadership skills, expand your network and get ahead of upcoming industry shifts. Let’s dig in.
August 31: ThinkUp LIVE ABoR’s signature event, ThinkUp LIVE, is back and it’s better than ever. On August 31, industry professionals from all corners of the real estate industry will share expert insights on how you can build, lead, advocate, and change. First on the docket is CEO of Edge of Your Seat Consulting Inc. and Six Square, Pamela Benson Owens, with her take on leadership as an inside job. We’ll dive deeper into lead generation strategies with Josh Cadillac, managing member of Magna Venture Partners, as he talks about building credibility and trust to create life-long clients. Jeni Williams, deputy director of Government Affairs and Taylor Smith, senior policy advisor, will team up with NAR Vice President of Policy Advocacy Bryan Greene and Julia Parenteau, director of Public Policy and Staff Lobbyist at Texas
REALTORS®, to give a hot-off-the-presses advocacy update at the local, state and national level.
you! Be a part of this exciting volunteer opportunity that will both enhance your career and make a difference in our marketplace.
Finally, in the fast-moving and white-hot market Austin is experiencing, disruptions in the MLS drastically impact the efficiency and reliability of our marketplace. Deputy Director of MLS Services, Will Burnham, and MLS Compliance and Data Licensing Supervisor, Dré Dargin, will unpack upcoming MLS compliance changes and how we can create the accurate, efficient marketplace we all desire.
Stay tuned to ABoR.com for more information about our 2022 Volunteer Call.
September 20-22: Board of Directors Election The ABoR Board of Directors serves as the governing body of the association and ACTRIS MLS, representing more than 16,000 real estate professionals across Central Texas and beyond. ABoR and ACTRIS Board members directly shape the policies and programs that help REALTORS® succeed on their own terms, in the most robust MLS marketplace in the region.
Plus, catch live hot takes throughout the broadcast from ABoR Chief Executive Officer Emily Chenevert and Chief Marketing Officer Kelea Youngblood with the best takeaways from each session.
Annually, ABoR holds a member-wide election to fill open seats for the following year. Recently, our Vetting Committee announced eight nominees to fill the seven open positions on the 2022 Board of Directors. Now is your chance to choose who you want to represent you in shaping our association and our MLS.
It’s time to tune in and ThinkUp from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31. Register online at ABoR.com/ThinkUp.
September 15-October 15: 2022 Volunteer Call From September 15 through October 15, you can apply to serve on one of our 2022 Volunteer Groups. ABoR and ACTRIS now offer more opportunities than ever to be an ambassador for your industry and give back in a way that work with your skill set and your schedule.
Our 2022 Board of Directors election will take place September 20-22, with results announced no later than September 25. Mark these dates on your calendar and keep an eye on your inbox the week prior to elections for instructions on how you can cast your vote and make your voice heard. Learn more about the upcoming elections and meet the nominees at ABoR.com/Election.
If you have a passion for or specialized expertise in finance, advocacy, international real estate or philanthropic service, then ABoR needs
abor.com/election
Meet your 2022 Board Nominees & Board Officers
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JEFFREY Brown
KACY Dolce
AUGUST 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
LOCKIE Ealy
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
AUGUST 2021
| REALTYLINE.US
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HBA of Greater Austin
CHAD DURHAM
2021 PRESIDENT
MAX Awards Wrap Up On June 26, the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin held its annual Marketing & Advertising Excellence (MAX) Awards. The MAX Awards is the only local awards program to recognize the best in residential construction, development, sales achievement and marketing. More than 400 guests attended the elegant gala-themed Havana Nights at the new Marriott Austin Downtown.
Year awards is a
Hundreds of entries were received spanning six main categories in Branding/Marketing, Design, Urban Living, Custom Homes, Remodeling and Professional Achievement. All in all, 92 awards were presented including nine coveted Grand Max Awards for Home of the Year, Custom Home of the Year, Neighborhood of the Year, Masterplan Community of the Year, Associate Company of the Year, Developer of the Year, Volume Builder of the Year, Infill Builder of the Year and Custom Builder of the Year.
an eye out next
Top producers in new home sales were also recognized including individual salespersons, sales managers, REALTORS, and mortgage and title companies. Winners were selected based on sales figures in bronze, silver, gold and platinum categories.
winners here.
A special congratulations to Sijo Vadakkan of Trinity Texas Realty for winning the REALTOR of the Year Award three years running! As REALTORS, entering the Top Producers or REALTOR of the
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AUGUST 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
great opportunity to be recognized for your hard work and personal achievement. Keep spring for entry details of the 2022 MAX Awards. Take a moment to view a complete list of 2021 MAX Award
SANTA RITA RANCH MAX AWARDS WINNER: Best Radio Ad; Best 30-6 second commercial; Best Billboard; Best Community Amenity; Best Website, Community; and Developer of the eY ar.
Next up for the HBA is the new Fall Fun & Games Fest on Thursday, Sept. 23, taking place at the brand new Q2 Stadium! Members and non-members are invited to join us for food truck fare, beer, wine and cocktails. There will be opportunities to compete in large yard games like cornhole, giant Connect 4, Jenga and more. This event will be a great time to have a blast while mixing and mingling with other professionals in the industry. Visit HBAaustin.com for more details and registration.
CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
Helping Guide Families Home
We’re Here For You FIXED PRICING We market new home prices up-front and are NOT doing highest and best offers.
QUICK MOVE-IN HOMES New homes will be releasing for sale in the fall at sheetrock stage so your clients can visualize “home” when touring and possibly move-in before the end of the year!*
KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP Be among the first to know when the quick move-in homes under construction are releasing for sale throughout Greater Austin. *Availability and move-in dates are estimated and subject to change. 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.
It’s a historically demanding market, and we are building to meet the needs of your clients. From San Marcos to Jarrell, a new collection of homes is underway with opportunities to move-in before the end of the year.*
SIGN-UP TODAY FOR UPDATES.
BrohnHomesAgents.com 512-643-5400
New Homes From The $200s – $500s+
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| REALTYLINE.US
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WCREALTORS.org
Tuttle Named Next Association Executive The Williamson County Association of REALTORS® is announcing that its Board of Directors has chosen Reginia Tuttle as the association’s next Association Executive. Tuttle will succeed Bryan Hutchinson, the former AE/CEO effective immediately. We are thrilled to welcome Tuttle to WCREALTORS and are ready to embark on a new chapter with her. Tuttle is a native Texan and a graduate of Texas Woman’s
KRISTON WOOD
2021 PRESIDENT
University. She is also a graduate of the REALTOR® Institute and holds a REALTOR® Association Certified Executive Designation. Tuttle comes to WCREALTORS with over 25 years of real estate experience including Association Management, Budget/Financial Planning, Operations Management and Stra-
olemanC estBa tesidnPr Susan onrtH
tegic Planning. She also owned a real estate brokerage, giving her a great understanding of what our members do every day and what our affiliates are looking for from the association.
ABoR Member Mixer: and R ABo of John Horton Realty
Though Tuttle holds numerous industry recognitions, she states that she is most proud of her ability to grow an organization and take it to the next level. She is honored to be given the opportunity to serve WCREALTORS’ 2,000+members. Aside from her professional work. Tuttle loves to travel, go on adventures, ride motorcycles and sample fine wine. She is looking forward to exploring everything that the Hill Country has to offer. She and her husband are celebrating 20 years of marriage and her daughter is currently starting her second year of law school. Tuttle is proud to call Williamson County her new home, and we are delighted to welcome her aboard at WCREALTORS.
HBA MAX Awards: Stephani Samuels, obacJ Laon,yt Keylse Laonyt and Taylor acksonJ of HBA
2021 REALTOR INCENTIVE
2021 2021 REALTOR INCENTIVE REALTOR INCENTIVE
RECEIVE YOUR REGULAR COMMISSION UP TO ON YOUR FIRST CLOSING
RECEIVE A BONUS IN ADDITION TO YOUR REGULAR COMMISSION FOR YOUR SECOND CLOSING
RECEIVE A BONUS IN ADDITION TO YOUR REGULAR COMMISSION FOR YOUR THIRD & SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS
For further explanation on this program, ask your Sales Counselor for the 3,4,5 Realtor Bonus terms and conditions. Qualified sales must be original contracts wri en between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.
Inventory available NOW
AUS
RECEIVE A BONUS IN ADDITION RECEIVE A BONUS No bidding. No wait list. No escalation clause.
RECEIVE YOUR REGULAR COMMISSION UP TO RECEIVE YOUR REGULAR ON YOUR FIRST CLOSING COMMISSION UP TO ON YOUR FIRST CLOSING
TO YOUR REGULAR COMMISSION RECEIVE A BONUS IN ADDITION FOR YOUR SECOND CLOSING TO YOUR REGULAR COMMISSION FOR YOUR SECOND CLOSING
IN ADDITION TO YOUR RECEIVE A BONUS REGULAR COMMISSION FOR YOUR IN ADDITION TO YOUR THIRD & SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS REGULAR COMMISSION FOR YOUR THIRD & SUBSEQUENT CLOSINGS
For further explanation on this program, ask your Sales Counselor for the 3,4,5 Realtor Bonus terms and conditions. Qualified sales must be original contracts wri en between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. For further explanation on this program, ask your Sales Counselor for the 3,4,5 Realtor Bonus terms and conditions. Qualified sales must be original contracts wri en between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.
AUS AUS
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AUGUST 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
AUGUST 2021
| REALTYLINE.US
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Women’s Council of REALTORS, Austin Network
Stay Connected with WCR on Facebook @WCR.Austin!
LORRIE KENNEDY
2021 INTERIM PRESIDENT
Mark your calendar and stay up to date on this and more on our Facebook page @wcr.austin! We are planning events that keep us connected AND safe. See you soon!” ROLLINGWOODMANAGEMENT.COM
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AUGUST 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
•Ability to choose from a variety of mortgage options and the flexibility to change products once construction is complete
•Renovation financing also available
*Subject to terms and conditions
John Varner
NMLS 298987
NMLS 1615725
512-789-0350 512-687-0668 mick.donohoe@bxs.com
512-828-2900 512-687-0663 john.varner@bxs.com
Mortgage Loan Officer
option, and up-front rate locks
Mick Donohoe
Mortgage Loan Officer
11149 Research Blvd., Suite 290 Austin TX 78759
•One qualification*, one closing
11149 Research Blvd., Suite 290 Austin TX 78759
Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend.
CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
Inventory Homes at
Cascades at Onion Creek
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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This popular community in South Austin has inventory homes available to close this year and early 2022.
• Minutes from Downtown Austin • Single Family homes from the low $500s • Future Amenity Center and Swimming Pool • Austin ISD Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment at: 512-253-7338 or SalesAustin@mihomes.com mihomes.com
Riki Markowitz, Katie Agness 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®
AUGUST 2021
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HOMES FROM MID-$600K TO $1.2M+ Visit Model Row Today!
[Back to School continued from front page]
Jodi Blynn: jodi@hollowslaketravis.com
Information Center: 512.240.6262
GIDDENS HOMES
COVENTRY HOMES
DREES HOMES
pass a mask mandate, this population of unvaccinated students is more vulnerable to the highly contagious Delta variant. When AISD announced they would be offering a virtual learning option, the board said that they might not be able to accommodate every student who wants it. AISD officials didn’t announce the virtual option until now because they weren’t sure if the district could afford it, according to Claire McInerny, an education reporter with KUT. While funds were allocated to districts under the coronavirus relief package passed by Congress, McInerny says that schools need more. “The federal government is giving school districts money to help with COVID-19 relief, but it is not enough to fund virtual learning in addition to all of the other issues that came up from the pandemic, such as needing to support students who have fallen behind and upgrading HVAC systems in school buildings.” At the end of July, AISD sent a survey to parents asking if they want school staff to make sure children wear a mask. Almost 22,000 responses came in. Some 39 percent answered yes; but 44 percent said yes to an indoor-only mask policy. For parents of elementary-school aged students, 45 percent of respondents want staff to enforce a mask policy.
Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD) Round Rock schools open their doors on August 18. Earlier in the summer, the board announced that kids could enroll in a virtual learning curriculum. Round Rock ISD says they plan to remain flexible, will adjust to and enforce prevention measures “to the extent possible and allowable under Texas law,” and will continue following local health authorities and the Texas Education Agency (TEA). On elementary and middle school campuses, parents are not permitted to escort kids into school. And administrators are planning to stagger dismissal times to limit the number of students and staff moving around indoors at the same time.
Pflugerville Independent School District (PFISD) Pflugerville students are returning to classrooms on August 12. The district strongly encourages unvaccinated students and staff to follow CDC mask guidelines and to wear a mask when in the vicinity of non-family members. Parents won’t be permitted to bring students into the building and staggered dismissal times will be implemented. Kids will be socially distanced in classrooms as much as instructionally possible, according to PFISD.
Hays Consolidated Independent School District
The Hollows is an authentic lakefront community Northwest of Austin resting on the North Shore of Lake Travis, spanning over 1400 acres of Austin Hill Country and offering new luxury estate-style homes and Hill Country inspired Cottages. With countless resort-style amenities, and miles of golf cart and hiking trails throughout the community, The Hollows is the perfect place to call home.
Hays CISD will open doors to students and staff on August 19. After a conference call between the school district and TEA, Hays CSID’s chief communication officer, Tim Savoy, wrote to parents that schools are moving forward without a mask mandate and at this time, they don’t anticipate changing the policy.
Georgetown independent School District (GISD) On August 19, Georgetown schools will be back in session. According to Superintendent Fred Brent, GISD will not be offering a virtual learning program. In a memo to families, he said the decision was based on a variety of factors, including students’ emotional needs and the fact that remote learning reduces the school’s funding qualifications. Administrators said that based on school attendance last spring — when Travis County moved down to Stage 3 health-risk guidelines for the first time since November 2020 — 85 percent of students supported in-person learning. In recent weeks, parents were given a chance to provide feedback on the district’s back to school plan. If any changes are made, GISD will announce them in the coming days. With only a few more days to go before kids are back on campus, some Texans are still hoping Abbott reverses his ban on mask mandates for K-12 public schools. One group of parents launched a petition on July 31 addressed to the governor and TEA Commissioner Mike Morath, an Abbott appointee. It urges the lawmaker and school administrator to “[give] schools the autonomy to determine their own policies for masking.” In nine days, the petition collected more than 22,000 signatures. The day it was filed, some of the largest school districts in Texas went against the governor and announced a K-12 mask mandate. The fight could end up in front of a judge. Undoubtedly, there are some reservations regarding going back to school, no matter your age or field of study. But, again, everyone is thrilled for life to get back to normal. Jazz Lough, a REALTOR and broker at Austin Real Estate Experts, says she’s thankful that her daughter will experience her senior year of high school actually in school. “And my son will finally get to step foot into high school going to his classes for the first time as a sophomore.” Lough admits that right now she has a lot to balance. “It’s going to be an adjustment not only personally, but professionally. [And clients] are seeing that things are moving toward some sort of normalcy, too. We’re all ready for things to settle before school starts.”
Disclaimer: This story was factual at the time of publication and the policies regarding this evolving story may have been updated since the paper was printed.
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AUGUST 2021 | REALTYLINE.US
CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
ANTHONY CHAPPELLE
Business Consultant
anthony.chappelle@doma.com 512.569.9920
JENNIFER CROOKS
Escrow Officer
jennifer.crooks@doma.com
ROUND ROCK
NORTH AUSTIN
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
LINDSAY LONG
Escrow Officer
lindsay.long@doma.com
Bringing together superior associates to ensure we provide you with superior service, every day.
NORTH AUSTIN BRANCH 5608 Parkcrest Drive | Suite 150 Austin, TX 78731
512.302.3892
We are pleased to announce that our team is growing!
ROUND ROCK BRANCH 1 Chisholm Trail | Suite 3100 Round Rock, TX 78681
512.255.6550
VISIT OUR WEBSITE nat.com/Texas Austin.NAT
©2021 Doma Holding, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. | TX 21-17319 R 7.20.21
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CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
Proud to be named 2020 Best of Hays County!
1/4-ACRE SITES with Hill Country Views! Non-Age Restricted! All Age Groups Welcome
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AUGUST 2021
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a M rket Restart with Project Connect: Doedi Meyer and .V Bruce Evans
C W RETORS AL Property c Ex hange: Renee Damron, Melissa o F rt of e K ller Williams Realty and Amy o K za b of Better Life Realty
AMBA Top Golf Mie x r: Kaylene Beck and Angela Bujnoch
HAPPY LABOR DAY The Bluffs | Clearwater Ranch | Northgate Ranch Santa Rita Ranch | The Oaks at Highland Village
SHEILA BALAGIA
LORI WILLIAMS
SHEILA@SWTATX.COM
LORI@SWTATX.COM
JENNIFER RHODES
LENORA LAMBRIGHT
JRHODES@SWTATX.COM
LLAMBRIGHT@SWTATX.COM
Office Manager/Escrow Officer
Escrow Officer
Your dedication and commitment to your work are appreciated. Have a great Labor Day!
Business Development
Escrow Assistant
512-273-7767 1111 N. IH 35, Suite 102 Round Rock, Texas 78664
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CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
FEATURE STORY | Partners In Profile
ence the best it can be, not only during transactions, but throughout all our interactions with you,” Pierce says. “We invest in technology, provide education and training, streamline processes and provide guidance to make you stronger, help you succeed and make you look good to your customers.”
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Stewart Title
A personal, inviting welcome awaits you at our
Stewart Title offices. Our associates take great care to
personalize each interaction. From displaying welcome
signs to providing closing-room treats, our objective is
always the same: to make your clients feel at home.
”
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As one of the largest real estate services companies in the industry, Stewart Title is committed to making all transactions as smooth and seamless as possible while striving to ensure all customers and partners have the best experience possible. “Whether we’re working on a residential or commercial transaction, or with a home buyer, seller or service provider, we approach every transaction with unmatched underwriting expertise and our policies are backed by a century of financial strength,” says Gaye Pierce, executive vice president and senior operations manager for Stewart Title. Founded in Galveston, TX, in 1893, Stewart Title provides an array of residential resale, lending, commercial, development and home building services. With deep roots in Texas, Stewart Title has eight locations strategically located throughout the Austin area to serve its clients and partners. One way Stewart Title has remained committed to quality service is through an unwavering focus on its real estate agent partners. “We focus on our partners’ needs and concerns and are committed to making every experi-
Stewart Title recognizes that buying or selling a home is a big decision and is ready to answer any and all questions for clients while providing valuable guidance throughout the process. “Whether it’s your first time or the 50th time to purchase or sell real estate, we offer homebuyer and home seller title services that include step-by-step guides, insurance products and insights that help you make the most of your investment,” Pierce says. One way Stewart Title achieves such a close working relationship with its partners and clients is through a Customer360 mindset, which defines what everyone involved in the transaction can expect. “We make sure GAYE PIERCE to keep all parties up-to-date throughout the transaction, Executive Vice President and Senior and when questions arise during the process, you can Operations Manager count on our team to get the answers you need ASAP,” Pierce says. “A personal, inviting welcome awaits you at our Stewart Title offices. Our associates take great care to personalize each interaction. From displaying welcome signs to providing closing-room treats, our objective is always the same: to make your clients feel at home.” In addition to personalized, attentive service, Stewart Title is leading the way in technology. “We can accommodate your closings, from in-person and drive-thru to fully digital closings with remote online notarization,” Pierce says. With over a century of proven expertise in the title insurance and real estate services industry, Stewart Title’s longevity has been made possible through its people and experience. “Our team is the best in the industry and makes sure transactions are handled smoothly and professionally, and with the highest level of local market expertise,” Pierce says.
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In line wind damage, South East Austin
512-418-6165 info@austininspectionservices.com
Serving Austin, Central Texas and Surrounding Areas Since 1989 State of Texas Certified Real Estate Inspector
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES 18
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CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
AUGUST 2021
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DIANE JOHNSON 512-732-3803 MELANIE KENNEMANN 775-303-6127
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MICHELLE BUSBY BIPPUS 512-330-1069
KWAUSTINONE.COM
JENNIFER LEWIS 512-330-1069 MALLORY MUNDY 601-913-5085
CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
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Grow your brand with a team that’s focused on you! CONTACT US Doren: doren@myrealtyline.com / 512-514-3141 Tawanna: tawanna@myrealtyline.com / 512-965-0057 Caroline: caroline@myrealtyline.com / 512-577-0454 Martha: martha@myrealtyline.com / 262-271-1826 22
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CAPTURING REAL MOMENTS IN REAL ESTATE SINCE 1995
Dripping Springs
Your Gateway to the Hill Country and Great Closing Service
Like the vast countryside of the Texas Hill Country, this amazing team offers a limitless array of title services for residential, construction, commercial, and farm & ranch transactions.
Dripping Springs 721 Highway 290 West, Suite 200 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 Whitney Wright
Donna LaFitte
Escrow Offccr NEWLY PROMOTED TO Branch Managcr
Cell Phone: (512) 921-7388
TeamWhitney@TexasNationalTitle.com
Donna.LaFitte@TexasNationalTitle.com
Amanda Holmsback Escrow Assistant
Salcs Exccutivc
Dawn Lener Escrow Offccr
(512) 337-0940 www.TexasNationalTitle.com
Heather Allen Escrow Assistant
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CREATING COMMUNITY ONE CLOSING AT A TIME EXCELLEN CE IS TH E H E A R T OF H E R I TA G E | T H R E E OFFI C E S TO S E R V E YO U TARRYTOWN
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ROLLINGWOOD
HeritageTitleofAustin.com
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DOWNTOWN