December 2022

New Faces, New Voices To Lead ABoR In 2023

Written by TAWANNA VEROCK / Associate Publisher

December and the holidays are right around the corner, and that means a new year is upon us. In preparation for 2023, The Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) has installed its newly elected leadership. The new leadership is already very busy at work and are gearing up for a successful year.

Ashley Jackson of Realty Austin has taken the reins as the 2023 President with Cord Shiflet transitioning to the position of 2023 Immediate Past-President. President-Elect is Kent Redding of Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty and the Secretary/Treasurer will be Kacy Dolce of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty.

Jackson is a graduate of St. Edward's University who earned a bachelor's degree as well as a master's degree. Aside from being a real estate expert, she also has experience in IT and the nonprofit sector.

Spyglass Realty's John Crowe will serve as one of the five newly elected members of the ABoR and ACTRIS Boards of Directors during the period of 2023 to 2025, along with Job Hammond of Dash Realty, Jonna LaGrone-Haynes of Keller Williams Realty - Austin, Jill Leberknight of eXp Realty and Anne Wheeler of Gottesman Residential Real Estate.

The following directors will be returning to the Board of Directors: Christine Chau (2020; 2021-2023), Texas Urban Realty; Lockie Ealy (2022-2024), Realty Austin; Robert Higgs (20222023), Central Metro Realty; Charlotte Lipscomb (2018-2020; 2021-2023), Compass; Brian Talley (2018-2020; 2021-2023), Regent Property Group; Sunny Tracey (2022-2024), Spyglass Realty; Greg Ward (2022-2024), Compass; and Brandy Wuensch (2021-2023), City View Realty.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a Happy Holiday and a joyful New Year. Best wishes from all of us at Stewart Title of Austin.

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2022's Top Moments

What a year it has been! There have been so many great things that our association has tackled this year. While I wish I could go through them all, I want to share three of my favorite moments from my year as President. All three are firsts in ABoR’s 95-year history, which is why ABoR is known as one of the most innovative REALTOR® associations in the country.

through our new entirely virtual and distance education platform, ABoR On-Demand, to allow members to earn CE credit at their leisure – anytime, anywhere.

One of the most significant benefits to launch this year is ABoR’s partnership with Austin Regional Clinic to provide members with a discounted subscription to 24/7 virtual doctor’s visits through NormanMD.

I am proud of our association for continuing to find and launch benefits that enhance members’ personal and professional well-being.

Leading the Industry

In addition to our many successes, ABoR elevates the industry and advocates for the community with our research collaborations and reports. In April, we commemorated Fair Housing Month with our 2021 Diversity Report. This long-awaited follow-up to our 2019 report showed how we’re closing the gap when it comes to having a Board of Directors that reflects our diverse membership and a membership that reflects the communities we serve.

CORD SHIFLET 2022 PRESIDENT

When I started my presidency, I set a goal to bring agents together and give back in a big way to our community. In June, we did just that! During our first annual Central Texas REALTOR® Service Day. We provided nearly 1,500 wellness kits to our homeless neighbors throughout the Austin area. Each kit had food and personal items donated by members, along with housing applications for Community First! Village. It was a truly remarkable day, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous ABoR members.

Second, ABoR had its first-ever international trade delegation to Ireland this summer. Through our award-winning ABoR Global program and in addition to having partnerships with CREA in Canada and AMPI in Mexico, ABoR is the NAR Ambassador Association to Ireland. Several ABoR members and staff, including myself, attended the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV) conference in July. Our CEO, Emily Chenevert, was a featured speaker, and we were able to sit down for several meetings with IPAV leaders and conference attendees to discuss how we can collaborate to support real estate agents in both of our countries.

Lastly, I’m most proud of our Central Texas Housing Summit held here at ABoR Headquarters in July. Hundreds of members gathered to hear experts across the industry talk about the state of housing throughout our region. We explored trends and challenges in residential home buying and selling, housing development, leasing and property management, and housing equity and affordability. Our Central Texas Housing Summit will become a permanent addition to the next-level benefits and programming ABoR members have. A recording of this year’s program is available to members and non-members online at ABoR.com/HousingSummit.

Association Highlights

Speaking of member benefits, we’ve launched many of them this year! ABoR Studios, ABoR’s very own video production studio, launched earlier this year. We’re now hosting events that can simultaneously reach hundreds, if not thousands, of ABoR members.

We’re also doing more than ever before through our ABoR Academy. This year, we resumed in-person classes at our ABoR North and South locations and delivered high-quality CE classes and designations through ABoR On-Air.

In 2023, we’ll be launching a full suite of CE courses, MLS training, and digital content

In July, ABoR and the Homebuilders Association of Greater Austin released a landmark report on the impact of Austin’s housing development fees on housing affordability. The Central Texas Housing Development Fees Analysis showed that Austin is one of the most expensive cities to build a home in Texas and discourages the development of smaller, more affordable housing types.

And lastly, ABoR Global released its third-annual Central Texas International Homebuyers Report in collaboration with NAR Research.

In addition to these informative reports, we also accomplished many other feats, including:

• Setting a new high-water mark for TREPAC – raising over $600,000 and reaching a participation rate of 37%.

• Awarding $70,000 in higher education scholarships and $10,000 to local disaster relief efforts through the ABoR Foundation.

• Celebrating the industry’s elite in person for the first time in two years at the 2021 Industry Awards.

• Bringing back the Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program and honoring our new graduates in early December at our Annual Installation program.

MLS UPDATE

In February, ACTRIS will launch a new Leasing Management System, RentSpree, in our marketplace. RentSpree will provide standardized leasing processes, including a tenant screening process, to guide agents along a clear path during the transaction and improve organization and professionalism during a transaction.

As we ensure we have the right tools for our businesses, our vision of creating the MLS of the future continues to evolve with our investment in Remine. I want to remind you of Remine’s jaw-dropping farming capabilities and analysis of on and off-market data. Outside of the MLS,

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buyer’s loan amount that is required in excess of the amount of seller’s contribution to provide the interest rate, and for all other costs of buyer’s loan. Interest rates and APRs may vary based on the borrower’s credit score, actual closing costs, change in index, and other variables. Monthly payment includes principal, interest, taxes and insurance. HOA fees and other costs not included and will result in a greater actual monthly payment amount. Not all buyers may qualify. This offer is subject to underwriting guidelines, which are subject to change without notice and limit third-party contributions, is available only for owner-occupied homes and may be discontinued at any time without notice. Rate buydown contribution offer valid only on advertised properties (and is not available at all communities) for which buyer (a) signs a purchase agreement after 11/3/22 and before 11/30/22, (b) finances with KBHS Home Loans, LLC (“KBHS”) and qualifies for an eligible loan program, (c) enters into an interest rate lock agreement with KBHS no later than twenty-one (21) days after the date of the purchase agreement, for a period as described above, (d) confirms in writing to KB Home and KBHS that the home will be owner-occupied, and (e) closes escrow per the terms of contract with KBHS as the lender. KB Home reserves the right to discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Talk to your KB Home representative for more details. Buyer may finance with any other lender but will not be eligible for this offer. KBHS Home Loans, LLC NMLS 1542802 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) Headquarters: 300 E. Royal Ln., Ste. 250, Irving, TX 75039. 855-378-6625. Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply. Equal Housing Lender. KB Home and KBHS Home Loans, LLC share common ownership and because of this relationship may receive a financial or other benefit. You are not required to use both KB Home and KBHS Home Loans, LLC as a condition of settlement on your loan or for purchase or sale of any real estate. CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE

The End of 2022 Is Near

I can't believe that 2022 is almost over. Last year around this time, I was installed as Williamson County Association of REALTORS® President for 2022. Although I was unsure of what lay ahead, I knew that I was surrounded by talented people.

A Year of Relationships, Advocacy, Community and Education

MICHELE SHERWOOD 2022 PRESIDENT

Relationships - As a board we strengthened relationships with our members, industry partners and neighboring associations. The Region 8 Texas Realtors Leadership Program, for instance, focuses on educating participants and creating bonds between them and other agents outside our region. I was amazed to see the membership of WCREALTORS continue to respond to the call to serve, not just locally, but also at the state and national levels.

Advocacy – We shattered every record surrounding advocacy this year. A new milestone was reached in terms of fundraising as we added hall of fame members, major investors, and broke a new fundraising barrier. It is important to remember that every level of investment plays an instrumental role in protecting private property rights for our clients and making our profession more sustainable. I would like to thank our membership again for making this TREPAC year a success. In 2023, I know we will knock it out of the park again.

Community – The culture of community encompasses Williamson County as a whole, making it distinctive. We participated in Habitat for Humanity, a food drive for local food pantries, stuffed backpacks for Backpack Friends, and held an auction to benefit Share the Will Foundation and the Texas Fallen Project. Members, thank you for sharing your time and talents with our community.

Education – This year, we expanded our education offerings with more virtual opportunities to ensure unlimited participation. By listening to our members, we were able to deliver timely, relevant classes that everyone could benefit from.

We accomplished a lot this year, and none of it would have been possible without the staff, committee chairs, and board of directors. Please accept our thanks to our committee chairs who agreed to serve this year.

Our 2022 Board of Directors achieved several significant milestones that assisted in moving our Association forward in the years to come. With a new candidate interviewing process, a revised strategic plan, and a new membership milestone, we were able to earn a state allocated seat on the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors.

It was an honor to serve as your President for the last year. I wanted to have fun together while moving the Association forward and supporting what matters most to members. Let's get to 2023!

As the end of the year approaches, one of the true joys for us is the opportunity to say Thank You for allowing us to help with your clients closing.

Market Manager

Nicole Feliciano nicole feliciano@prioritytitleus com

Berkshire Hathaway Thanksgiving Potluck: Gary Dittmar, Robbie Cutbirth and Nathan Edge, all of Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty

Realty Texas Thanksgiving Lunch: Jamie Barron, Monica Saldana, both of BNT of Texas; Remina Reyes of Realty Texas; and Kylie Prior of BNT of Texas

Austin Title Charcuterie Board Class: Cece Montemayor of JPAR Real Estate, Leigh Hilliard of Keller Williams Realty; Lee Ann Ray and Sarah Delfino, both of Austin Title

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RealtyLine is published monthly by Caxton Publications, Inc.™ as a non-subscription publication for the more than 18k+ 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.

Hello Austin, Texas!

As your Women's Council of REALTORS Austin President, I am blessed to be called to serve in such a prestigious organization. I am honored to add value to the communities we serve and to our members. Here, leaders are naturally made and are given the tools and resources necessary to succeed as they step into their leadership roles. We are equipped with a stellar team of people who will bring something entirely unique to the table in the upcoming new year.

Our chapter installation took place on Nov. 17. It was at this annual event that the 2022 board stepped down and the new 2023 board was sworn in. This was a lovely and intimate evening surrounded by generous sponsors, strategic partners, family, and friends. A big thanks to Lorrie Kennedy who saved the network from falling off the grid. It is with great pride that we announce that we have reached mega network status due to our influx of members. I will continue to strive for excellence in the coming months.

KACEY TAYLOR 2023 PRESIDENT

I had the pleasure of attending the Dallas network installation to support incoming president Gabriela Mares. I was also in attendance supporting one of our strategic partners, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS, at their annual installation for incoming president, Jennifer Tucker. I understand the importance of partnering with our local associations and supporting TREPAC.

Event details for 2023 have been finalized and have been posted to facebook.com/ wcr.austin. We are thrilled to announce our first event of the year "New Year, New You!" There is a cost of $50 for the event, which includes two headshots taken by Sara Lynn and a framed vision board that you create. It's time for you to activate your goals for this year. Light refreshments and beverages will be served. The event takes place at LendFriend Home Loans from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Members can come and go as they please. At the same location, we will also host a New Member Orientation between 1 and 2 p.m. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Mimosas and Masterminds: Tom Britton, Craig Potts of The Potts Cares Team and Roy Swan

HBA Fall Fest and Chili Cook Off: Erin Scott, Taylor Jackson, Stephanie Evans, Barbara Nichols, all of the HBA; and Lynn Williams of HomeAid Austin

by Rachel Arterberry

A Match Built for Community

Homes by Avi & The Home

Although Homes by Avi has been building quality homes since 1978, the company is relatively new to the Austin area. However, with three new communities, the company is establishing a name for itself by providing unprecedented service and quality in the home building industry. Homes by Avi is positioned in the single-family upscale market in communities where families want to live, work and thrive.

Brad Versteegh, director of Sales and Marketing in Austin, explains, “we are smaller scale, so we put a lot of focus into each home. For instance, many of our homes are built with two-by-six construction as opposed to the two-by-four construction every other builder uses, which provides a lot better sound density as far as keeping the exterior noises out of your home. Also, it's much better insulated for keeping the coolness in during the summers and the warmth in during the winters.”

Homes by Avi offers a unique approach to single-family homes, including Lock and Leave, tailored to the modern lifestyle. Avi Aftercare offers an advantage to homeowners who want the flexibility of owning their own property yet do not have to manage the maintenance and protection of the home's exterior. As Versteegh shared, this warranty service offers residents “protection from end to end.” Learn more about one of the Homes by Avi communities at www.homesbyavi.com.

This family-owned and operated builder not only offers customers an exceptional homebuying experience, but employees flourish and thrive in the nurturing and supportive environment in which everyone is treated like part of the family. From sponsoring neighborhood block parties in southeast Austin to a

Loan Expert

Halloween Trunk or Treat in Kyle to the Georgetown Poppy Festival, Homes by Avi and its employees share in developing their communities as more than just row houses. This culture extends to the importance of the lending process and the trust Avi places in its preferred lender — Arien Bowersock.

Homebuyers in the Austin area don’t need just any home loan expert but the home loan expert made up of the all-women team at Arien Bowersock – The Home Loan Expert. Arien and her team understand the importance of providing home loan services to families. They are a group of strong, educated women with one goal — to get you into the right house for you. For these loan partners, underwriters, and processors, the home-buying process is not simply a transaction but a relationship.

Arien Bowersock has been passionate about the lending industry for more than twenty years. The joy each loan brings her goes beyond completing a job well done; it is her way of life. She always puts her clients first, pays attention to their needs, and really listens to what they are not saying, giving her and her team the ability to control the transaction from the beginning to the end. Bowersock loves the process of helping people so much that if she could, she would do it for free, sharing, “If I won the lottery, I would just be the happiest loan officer in the world. I would still go to work every day, shouting, ‘you get a loan, and you get a loan.’”

Although there are dozens of home loan lenders in the area, Bowersock’s philosophy sets them apart from the rest, as she describes, “where there’s a loan, there’s a way!” Every loan is different, but Arien and her team take the time to educate home-

buyers to navigate the tricky parts of the process to determine the best option for them. They ask the important questions and take a holistic view of the loan process, evaluating a borrower’s debt, income, and available cash to structure the loan with options that best meet their needs. For Bowersock, education equals empowerment, and because she is not the one making the mortgage payment, she wants buyers to feel confident and comfortable with what may be the biggest financial decision of their lives.

For the Home Loan Expert team, giving back to the community is paramount to their success. Employees are encouraged to use their additional “vacation” days to support a charitable organization of their choosing. And for this team, nothing is too big to tackle. Members of the team have hiked the Appalachian Trail for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, climbed a volcano to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer, and adopted and sponsored a Ronald McDonald House Room for the families of sick children at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin. As part of its mission statement, Team Bowersock supports as much “giving” as possible, stating, “we're always going to be able to give; if we can't give a penny, we're going to give our time.”

In the world of lending, not everyone should purchase a home right now, but as Bowersock shares, it is still a good time to buy a home in the Austin area as the market is still geared toward buyers. She advises those seeking to purchase a home not to allow the interest rate environment to deter them from buying the home they want but to reach out to the Bowersock Team at The Home Loan Expert to find out how they can help find the best options. With education and a team that cares, anything is possible!

Austin Title Cedar Park Open House: Weston Blynn; Carianne Gillmore, Josh Williams, Reagan Sansom, all of Austin Title; and Dan Janjigian

HBA Fall Fest and Chili Cook Off: Nancy Herd Heather Gaddes of Independence Title, Jimmy Goff of Goff Properties and Dusti Herman of Independence Title

AmeriFirst Financial Thanksgiving Lunch: The AmeriFirst Financial Team

AMBA Marketing Panel: Natalie Penland, Amy Maddox and Jennifer Goodwill

HVAC Regulation Changes Class: Lynn Allen of Keller Williams Realty, Bill Lanfer of Solutions Real Estate and Sherri Berry of Integrity Land Title

Berkshire Hathaway Thankgiving Potluck: Bonnie Visnius, Racquelle Ortiz and Angela Muir, all of Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty

Mimosas and Masterminds: Asha ThuneClark, Terry Council, Brandon Rains and Claudia Sparkman of Realty Texas

Realty Texas Thanksgiving Lunch: Gilbert Almonte, Michael Avila, both of Realty Texas; and Bobby Cloud

ABoR Annual Meeting: 2023 ABoR President Ashley Jackson

KB Home Legal 1 Class: Betty Austin of Keller Williams Realty; William Thomas Ragsdale Mary Miner of Nextage Loan Star Realty; Sonia Roberts and Jim Canady, both of Canady Realty

Austin Title Cedar Park Open House: Stephanie Marek, Blair Renner, Alexis Thomas, Roxanne Ford, all of Austin Title; and Aaron Lancaster of Realty Austin

WCREALTORS Annual Meeting: Michaela Potts of WCREALTORS, Trudy the Goat and Ruby Johnson of Urban to Suburban Realty

Austin

WCREALTORS Annual Meeting: Kriston Wood of Keller Williams Realty, Patricia Perez and Susanna Boyer of Pure Realty

We’re

GLOWING with Gratitude

For your business & partnership in 2022

We’re grateful for YOU in 2022 Central Texas! We’ve been so lucky to have bountiful opportunities to work together in real estate and pay it forward locally. Thank you to our staff and community partners for helping make Central Texas a better place to live, work, and thrive together.

Happy Holidays!