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VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 | JULY 2022
Dispelling VA Loan Myths that Veterans Believe Written by RIKI MARKOWITZ / Contributing Writer
Presorted Standard U.S.. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715
There’s a general belief that government-sponsored programs tend to be expensive, bloated and disorganized. But there is one that, for the most part, seems to have gotten it right. The VA home loan program provides government-backed loans to active duty military, veterans and their spouses. Last year, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), more than 1.4 million home loans were guaranteed by the VA — an increase of 16.5 percent from the previous year. Statistics for 2021 also reveal that the state with the highest number of VA-backed loans was California, followed by Texas. While the number of veterans getting approved for government-guaranteed home loans has increased year over year, it’s not to say the program, which turned 78 at the end of June, hasn’t had its share of hiccups. Like a lot of government programs, education about benefits — such as how to apply and the amount applicants can be approved for — can be difficult to come by or confusing to understand. As a result, lenders who don’t specialize in VA home loans sometimes provide outdated information to clients. Some even talk vets and their families out of applying for VA-backed loans because they have the impression that the paperwork is too onerous. [VA Loan continues on page 6]
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Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
Central Texas REALTORS Are Good Neighbors One of my top priorities as ABoR and ACTRIS President this year has been to bring REALTORS® from across the region together to make a difference in our community. On June 28, we made history with the biggest day of service that the ABoR Foundation has ever attempted.
CORD SHIFLET
2022 PRESIDENT
During our first-ever Central Texas REALTOR® Service Day, over 300 members gathered to build 1,500 Wellness Kits for our Austin neighbors experiencing homelessness. Volunteers lined dozens of tables in assembly lines to fill backpacks with non-perishable snacks, hand wipes, socks, deodorant and other vital items. Attendees were so excited to make an impact that we finished compiling all 1,500 kits in under 20 minutes!
Then, over 40 distribution teams set out across Austin to deliver the Wellness Kits to those in need throughout the city. My team connected with Austin City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly to deliver 200 -plus Wellness Kits to the Austin Police Department, so that APD officers can distribute the kits as they encounter individuals experiencing homelessness on their routes. Oh, and did I mention that the thousands of Wellness Kit supplies were made possible thanks to generous donations to the ABoR Foundation? I’m so thankful for the hundreds of ABoR members who donated supplies and ABoR’s amazing staff who unpacked a lot of boxes for weeks leading up to the event. Stay tuned for more information on our next Central Texas REALTOR® Service Day happening this October. This type of giving back is only one of the ways that ABoR is taking action to eliminate
homelessness in Austin. The ABoR Foundation has a 10-year, $1 million partnership with Community First! Village and I encourage you to volunteer with the Foundation at an upcoming service day or take a trip out to the Village if you’ve never been. It’s an awe-inspiring place that proves what can happen when we focus on restoring dignity and community, first.
Must-Read: Central Texas Housing Development Fees Analysis Earlier this month, we released the Central Texas Housing Development Fees Analysis – a joint publication with the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. The analysis, which provides a snapshot of Austin housing development fees as they relate to those in major cities throughout Central Texas and the largest metro areas in Texas, confirms what you and I have known for a long time: Austin is one of the most expensive cities to build new homes in Texas, with fees that are drastically higher than most other cities throughout Central Texas and major metro areas across the state. ABoR and the HBAGA sent the report to Austin City Council with a joint call for action for greater transparency in development fee structures that are right-sized for our community and various types of development. ABoR is committed to working with policymakers at the local, state, and national levels to implement policies that champion housing equity and accessibility for all. We believe allowing the creation of more housing should be a regional priority and that our communities must come together to meet the challenge of housing for our rapidly growing population. This latest report from ABoR is a must-read for you and your clients. Download the full publication at ABoR.com/FeesReport.
Upcoming ABoR Events You Won’t Want to Miss July 27 | REACH Labs Innovation Showcase: We’re bringing in social media and digital lead generation expert, Marki Lemons-Ryhal, as our keynote presenter during our Innovation Showcase. Marki will show you how to kick your social media game into high gear and give you the scoop on the latest social media innovations and trends. It wouldn’t be an Innovation Showcase without being able to connect with leaders of rising tech companies. Register online at ABoR.com/InnovationShowcase and get ready to hear about the services from three of our Pitch Partners: Chappy, Doorsey and Revive have to offer. August 2 | TREPAC Dare-E-Oke: TREPAC’s putting a twist on your typical Karaoke night. Join us for Dare-E-Oke night and sing, dare someone to sing a song of your choice, or invest to not sing at all. Do you have what it takes? Sign up at ABoR.com/Dare and get ready to sing your heart out!
Scott e F lder o H mes Red White and e N wo M dels Event: The Anthem Texas Development Team
AMBA o M nthly Luncheon
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Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
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888-KB-HOMES | kbhome.com ©2022 KB Home (KBH). ENERGY STAR® and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered U.S. trademarks. See sales counselor for details. *Based on an internal compilation of the nationwide average of customers in third-party surveys over the prior 12 months through to February 1, 2022 among large production homebuilders. These are the top 20 U.S. homebuilders ranked by number of closings on the most recent annual Builder Magazine Builder 100 list and identified as operating in at least two regions (excluding any company primarily operating a single-family rental, build-on-your-lot or a manufactured home business, or operating as a nonprofit organization). Please note that KBH is part owner with other homebuilders of, and has a board seat at, Builder Homesite, Inc. (BHI), whose subsidiary, Builders Digital Experience (BDX), conducts the TrustBuilder survey through NewHomeSource™. However, BHI has an independent management team, and KBH is not involved in TrustBuilder’s collection or reporting of reviews or ratings. While we strive to be the highest-rated homebuilder in customer satisfaction, ratings are subject to change, and we cannot guarantee that we will be #1 in any given survey or in any given market at any point in time or over any particular period, nor that any particular customer will be fully satisfied with their KB home. All trademarks are owned by the respective trademark owners. See sales counselor for details. †Based on an internal compilation of the nationwide average of publicly reported HERS® scores from 6/2021 through 12/2021 among large production homebuilders. These are the top 20 U.S. homebuilders ranked by number of closings on the most recent annual Builder Magazine Builder 100 list and identified as operating in at least two regions.
JULY 20, 2022 - AUGUST 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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Williamson County Association of REALTORS®
Great Opportunities to Connect, Learn and Give Back While the first half of 2022 is winding down, the activity happening within the walls of WCREALTORS is moving full speed ahead. Our leadership, committees, and staff are gearing up for a busy second half to the year with a multitude of opportunities to learn, connect and to give back.
August 2022 Aug. 15 - Board of Directors Applications will open
MICHELE SHERWOOD
2022 PRESIDENT
Aug. 24 - City Update Series: An in-depth look at the City of Georgetown. Join us on LIVE @ WCREALTORS. Our City Updates are focused on education and we will hear from different city officials about what’s happening in Georgetown Aug. 30 - Board of Directors applications close
SEPTEMBER 2022 Sept. 1 - Candidate Open House: This new and exciting opportunity will give our membership the chance to come and meet all the local candidates who will be running in the 2022 General Election. This event will be less formal than our previous candidate forums and will mimic the Super Bowl of Builders providing mingling opportunities at specific booths set up throughout the auditorium. Sept. 7 - TREPAC Bowling: Join us for our annual TREPAC Bowling Tournament on September 7th at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown! This year theme is “A Night at the Movies!” Come with your team dressed as your favorite movie characters
[VA loans continued from front page] Despite some common misconceptions, each year the VA loan program helps millions of qualified applicants buy a home, with no money down and with terms saddled with fewer fees and penalties. Clearly the benefits of the program outweigh legitimate and perceived downsides. For example, vets with full entitlement, or certain surviving spouses, often qualify for more funds than homebuyers in the market for a conventional loan. (A conventional mortgage means that it’s not secured by a government entity). In 2020, the limit imposed by the VA for loans over $144,000 was lifted. So while the program may have some flaws, when it comes to repaying service members for their sacrifices and commitment to defending and protecting our country, there are few other gestures of appreciation that are as impactful as providing a feasible roadmap to homeownership. An expert we spoke with agreed that misinformation is still a problem, but issues arise more often with loan officers who don’t specialize in VA home loans. This is important information for REALTORS because brokers and agents are oftentimes the ones who refer clients to lenders. Before Chad Bowman became a loan officer, he experienced such a problem firsthand. Years ago when the Marine was in the process of purchasing his first home, a lender advised steering clear of a VA home loan. “I was actually talked out of it,” Bowman said. But something didn’t sit well. A little voice told him to check out the program himself. It turned out to be a life-changing decision. “When I looked at the numbers, my reaction was, this is the best program on the planet! Why would I not use this?” Today, Bowman dedicates his life to helping vets and surviving spouses secure VA-backed home loans. “Now you can’t get me to shut up about the program,” he said. Bowman works with vets all the time who have their own run-ins with REALTORS and lenders who relay bad information about applying or qualifying for a VA home loan. He says to help industry insiders, which consequently helps vets, it’s important to attend continuing education classes. As more and more real estate professionals learn the ropes of government-backed VA loans and, importantly, squashes some persistent misconceptions.
Sept. 13 - City of Taylor & Samsung: Update Join us for an exclusive opportunity to learn about what’s been going on in Taylor, Texas and hear from representatives of the Samsung Plant Sept. 20 - 2022 Annual WCREALTORS Golf Tournament: Drive yourself over to the Golf Club at Star Ranch for an above par experience. The annual golf tournament promises lots of networking with the best in the business and a great day out in beautiful Hutto. Sept. 29 - Heritage Night: New to WCREALTORS, join us for a trip around the world for Heritage Night! Our membership committee is working hard to bring cultures from all around the world for this educational and inclusive networking opportunity.
[VA Loans continues on page 8]
AYREP The a D ily Social Strategy Class: and both of eXp Realty
,
OCTOBER 2022 Oct. 12 - Bus Tour: Get a taste of luxury on our Last Bus Tour of 2022! We will have a day filled with all the finer things in life Oct. 18 - Annual Business Meeting: With updates on the year’s successes and an opportunity to meet the 2023 Board of Directors, there is plenty of news to tune into. Oct. 27 - The Pre-Gamer Pub Crawl: This event is back! This year we will take on downtown Round Rock for an afternoon filled with fun
NOVEMBER 2022 Nov. 9 - Visions and Mimosas: Get ready to plan the best 2023 ever! Visions Boards and Mimosas will take place LIVE @ WCREALTORS Nov. 10 - 18: 2nd Annual Deck The Halls: Get ready for a ‘treemendously’ good time! The 2nd annual Deck the Halls Christmas Tree Open and House and Toy Drive is back! This year the tree auction will end November 18th with the Toy Drive continuing through Dec. 9.
DECEMBER 2022 Dec. 8 - Installation & Awards Celebration: The biggest event of the year! This year’s event will be held at the Georgetown Community Center. Get ready to put on a different type of mask than we’ve worn for the past two years — this year we will be taking a trip to old France with a Masquerade Ball
EDUCATION Every week we add more Continuing Education Opportunities to our calendar. Be sure to grab one of the quarterly remaining Legal 1, Legal 2, Contracts, and Broker Responsibility courses that are offered free to our primary members. There is no doubt that your calendar is already beginning to fill up for the last half of 2022, be sure to make room to spend some time with us here at WCREALTORS. Our amazing volunteers who serve on the committees dedicate so much of their time to make these events possible. We couldn’t do it without their passion for our membership and for our profession. If you have a heart to serve, think about joining a committee in 2023. We would love to welcome you.
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AREAA Austin Boat Party: of Better Life Realty and C W REALTORS 20 President of e K ler Wiliams Realty
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[VA Loans continued from page 6] Here are a few of the most common mistakes lenders make in regards to VA home loans:
Only combat veterans qualify for a VA home loan Not true. All persons serving a uniformed branch of the military — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force — must have two years of honorable active-duty service. Reservists and National Guard members must have six years of honorable active-duty service. During wartime (which includes the period between World War II and the present), eligibility is reduced to 90 consecutive days. Once applicants meet their minimum service requirements, they can get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). There are a few ways that surviving spouses are eligible for a VA loan. A non-married partner can qualify for a certificate if their husband or wife died on duty, or during a service-related accident or injury. Also, if the veteran had a classified disability that led to their passing or, in certain scenarios, the veteran died from a cause unrelated to a disability, the surviving spouse may qualify for a COE. REALTORS who want to know all of the VA loan qualifications should go to the VA’s website, contact the VA, or speak with a VA-approved lender.
VA loan benefits are use-it or lose-it and can only be used one time Not true. The Department of Veterans Affairs is partly responsible for this misinformation. Entitlement is a term that indicates how much of a benefit veterans are able to use. There’s a line at the bottom of every vet’s COE. It indicates the person’s “basic entitlement” benefits. If a certificate says “no entitlement” some loan officers mistakenly believe it means the applicant depleted their benefit. That’s something that happened to one of Bowman’s clients. “He called three lenders before talking to me. Three separate loan officers told him he couldn’t get a VA loan.” So Bowman requested to see the certificate and skipped down to the bottom of the page. As suspected, the client’s basic entitlement was tied up, however, the veteran qualified for a second-tier entitlement. In most cases, only a VA-approved lender with years of experience would solve a problem like that so quickly. That same day, the client was pre-approved for a VA home loan. “The thing about the VA program is that you need to do these loans on a regular basis,” said Bowman. “There are so many new things I still see every day.”
A HB MAX Awds:ar and
VA loans have too many fees and penalties This is not only false, but the purpose of the program is to help vets afford home ownership. One of the biggest ways the program achieves this is by backing loans so that if the borrower defaults, the government guarantees payment. Also, vets are not required to take out private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is like a loan fee or default penalty. “Mortgage insurance is something you pay when you don’t put 20% down,” said Bowman. Since the government guarantees VA home loans, there’s no reason for vets to take out a PMI policy. It’s hard to stress how significant this benefit is. According to Rocket Mortgage, a PMI premium costs about 0.5 to 1 percent of the loan amount. So for an average home in Pflugerville, at roughly $500,000, a mortgage insurance payment can cost about $100 to $300 per month. “Going VA instead of FHA (or U.S. Federal Housing Administration) can get a homebuyer 15 percent more buying power due to the removal of PMI,” says Bowman.
To qualify for a VA loan, applicants must have a good credit score Not true. For conventional borrowers, the way to get a low-interest loan is by having a good credit score — which can range from 700 to 739. The same goes for VA-home-loan applicants. As for a credit score on the low end — around 620 — vets are more likely than ordinary borrowers to get a loan because the VA loan is backed by the government. Since conventional mortgages don’t come with a guarantee, banks are reluctant to loan funds to applicants who have bad credit. Even some vets with really low credit scores — hovering over 500 — may get approved for a loan. Of course, they’ll pay a lot in interest. But it’s almost certain that a non-veteran applicant with a credit score lower than 620 will be turned down for a conventional loan. When it comes to helping vets and their surviving spouses find the perfect home, REALTORS are on the front lines. So it’s really important that brokers and agents refer veterans to a VA-approved lender who has experience with VA home loans. There’s a level of experience that lenders who specialize in VA home loans have that makes all the difference.
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Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Change Is Constant If we’ve learned nothing else over the last two and a half years, we have learned this. To be resilient, in anything, we must be adaptable to change. During the pandemic, you learned how to video and create a virtual tour. You adapted and still earned your living.
not about the product you sell, it’s about the story you tell.” Create a visual story that attracts buyers to visit. Allow your seller to write a note to their buyer about their experiences in the neighborhood and what they have loved about living in the house — leave it on the counter for every potential buyer to read (note: Make copies. Some buyers like to take the note with them). Agents who have been licensed three years or less are being given the opportunity to learn so many techniques for getting listings sold. Those of us who have
been in this profession longer have the opportunity to brush up and adapt some of our “tricks,” because, let’s face it — the world has changed since the last time we had a house on the market longer than one week. Remember you are a Real Estate Consultant. Your sphere relies on your knowledge of the market to help them navigate so many changes and make the best decisions to reach their goals. Being authentic and realistic will gain their trust and loyalty when change is the only constant. Happy selling!
When the inventory was extremely low and each listing had 50-plus offers in a single weekend, LORRIE you contacted “hard-to-sell” property owners (the KENNEDY 3000 sf with two bedrooms upstairs types) and 2022 PRESIDENT found a way to support yourself. You thought outside of the box to connect buyers with sellers who didn’t want 1000-plus people parading through their homes. Now the opposite is true. Two years of insanely fast homes sales driving values higher and faster than we have ever seen, followed by interest rates soaring just as quickly this year have given buyers one shock after another. The last couple of weeks, we’ve seen the rates settle and buyers peaking out their heads as inventory increases. Seller concessions are once again being explored and list prices are being reduced. First -ime homebuyers are cautiously re-entering the market and counting their pennies. They are more particular now. So once again, you adapt to the change and survive this new market trend as well — you will make your living, just as you have done with other market shifts. While this recent market shift has given us the space to breathe again, some sellers are having a difficult time accepting this change and some buyers are still timid about entering the market again. To attract buyers to your listings takes more ingenuity — think outside the box to make your sellers home stand out from their neighbors. Get creative with your descriptions and add descriptions to the photos. I’ve heard and adopted this saying, “It’s
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New Homes $300s - $500s + BrohnHomesAgents.com | 512-643-5400 Real Estate Agent Bonus Program available only when your client closes on a home in a participating Brohn Homes community pursuant to a contract your client signs and executes on or between 1/1/22 and 12/31/22. Bonus will be dictated by order of closing: 3% upon first closing, 4% upon second closing, and 5% upon third closing and thereafter on contracts written by 12/31/22. All bonuses will be paid at closing. Payments of total commissions and bonuses will only be made to actively licensed Texas brokers. Bonus paid to Broker upon client’s successful closing and funding and is based on the original contract price as stated in the Purchase Agreement, excluding any Seller incentives, subsequent change orders, re-writes, or upgrades. Broker is responsible for all applicable taxes. Since seller reserves the right to modify or discontinue this program at any time without notice, please call the applicable sales center in advance to confirm that the program is still in place. Bonus/commission offer not valid for Purchase Agreements signed by buyer prior to publication of this advertisement. Commission cannot be used with any other special offers. May not be combined with any other broker bonuses or offers. Please see a Brohn Homes Sales Consultant for complete details. Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes reserves the right to make changes to pricing, floor plans, specifications, features, dimensions, elevations, and incentives without prior notice. Stated dimensions and square footages are approximate and should not be used as representation of the home’s precise or actual size. Copyright © 2022 Clayton Properties Group, Inc. Formerly known and Qualified to do business in Texas as CMH Parks Inc. DBA Brohn Homes.
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5% COMMISSION ON ALL INVENTORY HOMES IN ALL COMMUNITIES FOR TWO ENTIRE MONTHS!
Offer valid on all released inventory homes. All qualified sales must be original contracts with Highland Homes written between July 1, 2022 and August 31, 2022. Realtor must be identified in the initial contract package at contract signing to qualify. Homes must close within 12 months of the date of the original contract. Highland Homes reserves the right to change or cancel this offer at any time without notice. Some restrictions apply. See Sales Counselor for details. Highland Homes, LLC © 2022.
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Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
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GUEST COLUMNIST
I N T E RV I E W
Housing Market Stabilization Brett Wischnewsky Loan Officer HomeVantage Austin and its surrounding areas are experiencing a housing market boom of great magnitude. The low interest rate-fueled home buying frenzy has sharply increased demand, and therefore housing prices, as well. The Austin Business Journal reports that the city gained 116 new residents per day in 2021. Growth drivers for Austin’s housing market include families relocating to Austin for employment opportunities, and the COVID-19 pandemic induced work from home, or better named “work from anywhere” culture which has allowed for more relocations to popular cities like Austin. As a result, the median sales price for the city of Austin recently hit a new peak at $667,000 for the month of May 2022. The sharp run-up in price began pre-pandemic for the city of Austin, as housing demand was already at high levels prior to the Federal Reserve’s decision to lower interest rates via bond buying programs, and setting the federal funds rate near zero. The Federal Reserve recently announced it aims to hike the rate a total of six times in the year 2022, in order to combat rapidly increasing inflation figures. The higher interest rates are intended to slow spending, as the cost of borrowing
rises, therefore cooling our hot housing market. Mortgage financing is at the epicenter of these interest rate increases.
for many home buyers. However, I do not predict housing
However, In the Austin area market, competition for housing is still fierce. Multiple offers with full appraisal waivers, extremely short option periods, and offer prices well over asking are still being received on listings as demand remains high, and inventory remains low, at only one month of inventory as of May 2022.
believe the market possesses more than enough long-term
So what does all of this mean to you, and your clients? I believe that Austin’s housing prices will continue to grow, but at a much slower pace than in the recent past. There are already signs of slower, but more sustainable growth in the median sales price. The rate in which housing prices have increased recently is not sustainable, as more and more market participants are priced out of our housing market seemingly every week. Higher interest rates, and rapidly increasing tax values have damaged affordability
prices to go down much, if at all in the Austin market, as I demand to support higher prices going forward. This demand is coming from well-financed transplants from other cities, and states who typically have a large sum of cash to use for a home purchase, as well as the ability to afford higher prices due to higher wages. In conclusion, I believe that the Austin housing market will stabilize in the face of rising interest rates. I believe that less offers will be received per listing, making room for clients who have been on the sidelines due to losing bids. Housing prices will slow the rate of growth, yet continue to grow at a more sustainable pace. The Austin housing market looks strong going forward.
Cedar Park, Texas
NATIONAL TITLE SERVICES, LOCALLY DELIVERED. The only way to truly appreciate the BNT of Texas difference is to try us out! AUSTIN 7000 N. MoPac., Suite 100 Austin, TX 78731 office: 512.600.9699
Denise Guerrero VP of Sales 512.844.7572
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Christine Scoggins VP, Business Dev. 512.796.5656
GEORGETOWN 215 W. University Ave Georgetown, TX 78628 office: 512.501.6284
Brian Davis
VP, Business Dev. 214.802.8656
Kylie Prior
VP, Business Dev. 512.947.3445
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995. C W REALTORS esW t Side Bus Tour: Kim Tayle of Talley Real Estate and JW Smith of SouthStar Bank
AREAA Austin Boat Party
HBA MAX Awards: The Scto eldr F Homes Team Award Winners o f r: Best Single aF mily tDe ached Home Under $500,000, Best Single aF mily tDe ached Home over $850,000 and Construction Superintendent of the eaY r edr F anBeltr
; MAX
Upcoming Classroom CE
Featured Designation
EYE ON REA L ESTATE:
TRENDS & DISRUPTORS
SENIOR REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST
18-HOUR CE PROGRAM | $119 | Austin Campus
10-HOUR CE ELECTIVE | $ 219 | Virtual Classroom
AUG 11–12
AUG 24 –25
T HU: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM FRI: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
WED: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM T HU: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
KEY TOPICS:
• Americans 50+ are the fastest-growing market in real estate
• 5-Hour Eye on Real Estate: Trends and Disruptors
• Learn how to counsel senior clients
• 2-Hour Technology Update
• Help with relocating, refinancing, or selling the family home
• 8-Hour TREC Legal Update I & II • 3-Hour Contract Review
• Elective for the ABR & SRS designations Add 11 Hours of required CE for $80 (Legal I, Legal II, and Contract Review)
AUSTIN CAMPUS 13801 RANCH ROAD 620 N AUSTIN, TX 78717
SPE A K TO A C A REER COUNSELOR
( 51 2 ) 5 6 6 -31 1 3
Open to the Public. TREC Provider #0005. Courses: Essential Topics: 3-hour Contract Review 40030; Eye on RE: Trends & Disruptors 40466; Legal I 42039; Legal II 42040; REPA 41902; Tech Update 42238; SRES 31836.
JULY 20, 2022 - AUGUST 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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LATIGID & XT ,NITSUA | 2202 ,42–32 TSUGUA
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NEITHER SNOW, NOR RAIN, NOR HEAT… No, not even the seemingly never-to-end excessive heat with humidity can keep our dedicated escrow team from timely completion of your escrow closing needs.
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About
CAMP
Mega Camp is back in full swing this summer, but with a hot twist! Introducing Mega Agent Camp 2022. We’re debuting our hybrid, agent-exclusive training event at the Austin Convention Center from August 23-24, so you can get wealth-building insights from Gary Keller and develop fresh connections with agents from all around the world — whether you’re attending in person or catching all the remarkable content right at home.
Melanie Kennemann Northwest Market Center
melanie@kw.com
Mallory Mundy
Southwest Market Center
mallory@kwaustin.com
EVENTS.KW.COM/EVENT/MEGA-AGENT-CAMP-2022/
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asx Te ealtyR dbSumi
JULY 20, 2022 - AUGUST 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
Brandy Barton
10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 130, Austin, TX 78750 512.345.5535 office | BLBarton2@dhititle.com dhititle.com | AC ID 1877175 DHI Title is a title insurance agency, underwritten by several national title insurers. For information specific to our underwriters, please contact your local DHI Title Office. DHI Title is an affiliate of D.R. Horton. Homebuyer is not required to utilize the services of DHI Title in order to purchase a home with D.R. Horton. The information contained herein does not constitute legal advice and DHI Title makes no express or implied warranties respecting information presented and assumes no responsibilities for errors or omissions.
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
FEATURED ADVERTISER
I N T E RV I E W
CMAsnap story by Rachel Arterberry
CMAsnap was born out of one REALTORS need to make his own life easier. CMA’s (good CMA’s) took too long. You could easily spend a couple of hours at your desk, researching comps and doing math — busy work. There had to be a way to do an accurate comparative market analysis in a fraction of the time without sacrificing accuracy or quality. As a REALTOR since 2008, owner Tom Cunningham understands the struggles REALTORS experience plodding through pricing when they’re short on time. In 2012, he began developing a software product designed to be used as an API (Application Program Interface) for appraisal management companies. After the market crash, he began doing Broker Price Opinions (BPOs) and immersed himself in the pricing process. He’d become a Certified Broker Price Opinion Resource, but regardless of his level of mastery, BPOs were still extremely time-consuming. All too often, he’d found himself muttering, “This shouldn’t take this long…” and “I don’t have time for this….” And so, being an “old data head,” as he refers to himself, he decided to come up with a simple, fast, highly automated yet super flexible solution to a problem that was driving him crazy and bring it to REALTORS who were doing BPOs. He felt sure that if he could build it, they would come. He went to work interviewing REALTORS, contracting appraisers, and working with developers and soon realized just how complicated it is to make
something simple.
Watch CMAsnap in Action, click here!
As time went by, the market started to turn around. He was out showing houses again and going on listing appointments and found himself facing a familiar problem. Time. And this time was even more precious — REALTORS trying to make it have to be out and about, not at their desks. Yet, to do the job, you still have to analyze the market.
He decided that it was time to make a shift; the framework of the original idea had been established on a beta server, and it needed to be readily available to give to REALTORS. He felt that giving them the pricing intel required, 10X faster than they can get it anywhere else, could change things for a lot of people. Working with developers, contracted appraisers, and talking to thousands of REALTORS, Cunningham has successfully created a tool for REALTORS to do a complete market analysis quickly and accurately, no matter where they are. The crucible of the CMAsnap business lies in words that Cunningham lives by. “You are either a vitamin or a pain pill. A vitamin is something you take to look and feel better. But a pain pill has a specific use. We take the pain out of CMA’s. Bottom line.” “Although CMAsnap is not the only comparative market analysis software out there, our approach has been to listen to our customers and focus on their needs. I’m a REALTOR. I know what it’s like to be in the trenches, customer-facing and
Now Open!
competing for business.” says Cunningham. “We would absolutely not be here without the feedback, patience and continued support of a lot of outstanding REALTORS, talking through ideas, problems and solutions with us. It truly is ‘By REALTORS for REALTORS’ and a fresh approach at a universal problem.” Now available in Austin and the Central Texas MLS, Houston and San Antonio, CMAsnap is growing. With both paid and free subscriptions, soon, REALTORS nationwide will be able to see how much difference a pain pill for their busy work will make. As CMAsnap expands its reach into other markets, they are looking for curious people with a heart for helping others. Whether you are a REALTOR interested in offering a fast, convenient service to your clients or team or a future employee looking to make a difference, reach out to the team at CMAsnap.com.
Close to it all Welcome to University Heights. This brand new community from Scott Felder Homes puts you close to it all—employers, shops, restaurants, and the great outdoors. That means more time for you to spend on family, friends, and all the things you love, like our swimming pool, pocket parks, and walking trail. Experience the warm feeling of your new home and the peaceful feeling of convenience at University Heights, where you are close to it all!
Round Rock Scott Felder Homes
A Scott Felder Homes Community 4637 College Square Dr, Round Rock, TX 78665 | 512.298.3576 ScottFelderHomes.com All information provided here is from sources deemed reliable. However, the builder assumes no responsibility or warranty for the presented information including any errors, changes, omissions, or other conditions due to unforeseen or changing circumstances. 1/2022
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Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
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REALTORS
CASH IS
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OPTION 1
We will purchase the chosen property for the client for cash and then flip it back to them (or assign it to them before closing).
OPTION 2 We will purchase the clients property to free up equity, the mortgage and potential contingencies, then the agent lists and sells it. If the property sells for more the difference is giving to the client.
CLICK HERE — TO LISTE
N LIVE!
REALTORS
is available anywhere you get podcasts.
JBGodwin50thAnniversaryPicnic: ;and
Join our host Sandy McIlree
and
and
(from the #1 show in Austin the JB & Sandy show, now Sandy and Tricia are syndicated and The Sandy Show is on 20 stations in Austin and around the U.S.).
Interested in being a guest? Email: Sandy@AmeriFirst.us
to use in nd you clips and videos se d an it t os bo it, st We’ll po g presentations! social media and listin
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David McMillan | Regional Manager NMLS 117439 Office: 512.917.8658 | Mobile: 512.917.8658 Email: DMC@AmeriFirst.us www.themcmillanteam.com 24
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Southta S rBankGeorgewn ot 5thAnniversary
and
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
$6500 YOUR WAY When your client uses our preferred lender they’ll recieve $6500 towards closing costs or purchase price. Home sale must close by November 30, 2022. Cannot be combined with any other offer or incentive, with the exception of the Hero Loan. Homes by Avi reserves the right to change or cancel the offer without notice.
AVAILABLE
ADDRESS
PLAN ELEV.
STORY
SQ. FT.
BED/BATH
PRICE
DUPLEX Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022
111-B Pinnacle Lane* 123-B Pinnacle Lane 123-A Pinnacle Lane 113-A Pinnacle Lane 113-B Pinnacle Lane 117-A Pinnacle Lane 117-B Pinnacle Lane 135-A Pinnacle Lane 135-B Pinnacle Lane
Live Oak - B Live Oak - B Live Oak - B Barton A Barton A Live Oak A Live Oak A Live Oak B Live Oak B
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
1524 1524 1524 1594 1594 1524 1524 1524 1524
3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath
$377,308 $376,308 $377,308 $386,808 PENDING $377,308 $377,308 $377,308 $377,308
Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022 Late 2022
211 Pinnacle Lane 213 Pinnacle Lane 215 Pinnacle Lane 217 Pinnacle Lane 219 Pinnacle Lane 221 Pinnacle Lane
Lady Bird A Canyon A Mueller B Lady Bird B Canyon B Lady Bird A
2 2 1 2 2 2
2018 1921 1570 2018 1921 2018
3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 4 Bed / 3 Bath 3 Bed / 2 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath 4 Bed / 3 Bath 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath
$462,500 $439,725 S O L D D $405,808 S O L $462,500 $440,725 $462, 500
SINGLE-FAMILY
SOL
D
SOL
D
*Note: this unit is attached to the model
For more information contact:
For a 5 minute loan approval contact:
Tim McFadden
Arien Bowersock
(512) 736-8580
(512) 699-8306
Sales Consultant
plumcreekhomes@homesbyavi.com
Texas Loan Experts - The Bowersock Team arien@thehomeloanexpert.com
www.homesbyavi.com *Contact Sales Representative for requirements and details. Photo of model building. Possession subject to availability. Prices are subject to change without notice. Effective March 5, 2022 JULY 20, 2022 - AUGUST 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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BRANDED. CONCISE. COMPREHENSIVE. ACCURATE.
actionable intelligence - a powerful marketing asset a competitive edge
Clearwater Ranch | Northgate Ranch | Santa Rita Ranch The Oaks at Highland Village | The Hollows on Lake Travis
Comparative Market Analysis from anywhere, on any device in a e fraction of the titiv e p m he r c o r s e l f t p. u o time. e y e you Asna eas iv
TRY ITLF! E S R U O Y Individual, Team & Enterprise pricing available. 26
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Incr and g it h CM e w edg f time o gift
Dedicated to putting a face to the name in real estate since 1995.
So many
Georgetown ROUND Leander
ROCK
CEDAR PARK
to choose from
183 N. / OAK KNOLL
TNT has multiple branch locations to serve the closing needs of the Central Texas community. Need a certain Escrow Officer in a TNT closing location where they are not regularly anchored? Not a problem! We also have a very knowledgeable list of staff notaries to assist with signings at alternate locations.
LAKE TRAVIS Lakeway
WESTLAKE / 360
MIRA VISTA
Austin
DRIPPING SPRINGS
www.TexasNationalTitle.com
Don’t forget to mark each special closing occasion by tagging TNT on social media
Driftwood
BUDA
WIMBERLEY
JULY 20, 2022 - AUGUST 19, 2022 | REALTYLINE.US
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Join Our Team Today! Berkshire Advantages: One-on-one support Great commission splits 50 FREE leads a month
Daniel Hain Business Development Manager daniel.hain@bhhstxrealty.com Call/Text: 512-565-7425
BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH US! Call Daniel for a confidential interview!
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