HBA’s annual Parade of Homes May 17 through June 1
The annual Parade of Homes presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA) is on track for the public opening on May 17; the Parade will be open through June 1. This year’s parade is situated in the community of Rough Hollow Waters’ Edge in Lakeway. Six beautiful homes are now taking shape overlooking a deepwater
arm of Lake Travis at Rough Hollow. Homes are priced from just over $2 million to more than $3.1 million. Some of Austin’s finest builders will offer the latest design trends and architectural features. Purchase cash only tickets at the gate for $12 ($10 for seniors and children 3-17). The parade will be open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
APRIL 17 REALTOR GRAND OPENING Mercedes Homes’ Denim & Diamonds Quarry Lake Estates, Liberty Hill - 5 p.m. MAY 5 AMBA Annual Golf Tournament Avery Ranch Golf Club - 10 a.m.
MAY 5 HBA “Cinco de Mayo” Golf Tournament Falconhead Golf Club - 1 p.m. MAY 6 WCR Style Show Balcones Country Club - 6 p.m.
MAY 8 19th Annual WCAoR Golf Tournament Cimarron Hills - 10 a.m. MAY 19 REALTOR GRAND OPENING Ash Creek Homes - Arboretum Park 9707 Anderson Mill Road, Unit #36 - Noon
Inside…
on the
Associates In Progress
APRIL 2008 • VOL. 12 • ISSUE 12
Enjoyable. Entertaining. It’s all About You.
Steve Klein Custom Builder Capital Real Estate Training
Agent Spotlight
Diane Christy of Diane Christy REALTORS
Local REALTOR joins Commission Gov. Rick Perry appoints Avis Wukasch to six-year TREC term position earlier this year after learning that one of the member’s terms was expiring. Despite having CONTRIBUTING WRITER risen to these other top positions and Avis Wukasch, general manager of Keller having served the governor previousWilliams Realty’s Williamson County Market ly as a member of the Property Tax Center in Round Rock, has long been an established Appraisal Task Force, she wasn’t sure leader in the industry. She just finished a term as if she would be selected. chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS, “I was driving to Temple to teach a and now she is emerging in a new statewide role as class on contracts when I got the call a member of the Texas Real Estate Commission, from the governor’s office that I had which regulates and licenses real estate brokers and been appointed,” Wukasch says. “I salespersons. tried to be cool and stay calm but as Gov. Rick Perry appointed her to a six-year term soon as I hung up I screamed out at the end of March. TREC is composed of nine loud. People in the other car must members, six of whom must be licensed real estate have thought I was crazy. It was hard brokers who have been engaged in the real estate not to tell the people in class what had brokerage business as their major occupations for at just happened, but I thought I should least five years preceding their appointments. tell my family and office first.” Wukasch, who has also served as president of the When she did get a chance to tell Williamson County Association of REALTORS and others, she says they offered congratthe Women’s Council of REALTORS during the ulations but also wondered why she course of her 28-year career, says she applied for the had taken on yet another volunteer position. TREC members are unsalaried and meet Presorted Standard once every six weeks. U.S. Postage PAID “It’s a lot of reading Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715 and not a lot of meeting,” the experienced leader P.O. Box 81366 justifies. “They gave me a Austin, Texas 78708-1366 binder that is two inches thick. But it’s really not that big a deal— it’s all about time blocking.” Wukasch, who prides herself in her ability to Don’t forget: You can visit us online 24/7 at www.realtylineonline.com boil down complex sub-
By Linda McNabb
jects and make them clear to others, says she is excited about becoming instrumental in making positive changes for her colleagues. “Some people are gifted in different ways,” she says. “Some sing in the choir at church and some drive for Meals on Wheels. I feel like I am fairly levelheaded and can cut through the baloney and look at something logically and make good decisions.” For starters, she says she wants to make it easier for people to figure out what to do to get a license or to renew a license. “I see an opportunity to help streamline the processes for getting into real estate and to help ensure that the people who enter this profession are top notch,” she said. “I am not implying that there are bad processes, but there is room for improvement.” Kiersty Lombar, who works with Wukasch, says she is confident Wukasch will lead the way. “She is a real force to be reckoned with,” Lombar TREC Commissioner Continued on page 6
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April 2008
State Representative Hubert Vo, left, honors the incoming officers of the Asian Real Estate Professionals at the group’s installation. Continuing from left: Gary Ho, treasurer; Jeanne Nguyen, president; Kim Jamar, secretary; Vinh Tran, general counsel and Hem Ramachandran, president elect.
A PUBLICATION OF © CAXTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.
Realty Line of Austin is published monthly by ©Caxton Publications, Inc., as a non-subscription publication for the more than 8,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR), the more than 1,000 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCAoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. ©Caxton Publications, Inc. dba Realty Line of Austin is an active member of the Austin Board of REALTORS, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS and is a honorary member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS. Caxton Publications, Inc. dba Realty Line of Austin 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 (®), for the purpose of saving space. Wherever the word REALTOR appears in this publication, the registered trademark should be assumed.
Doren L. Carver PUBLISHER
Tawanna K. Carver MANAGING EDITOR
Sue Ellett, second from right, and her team consisting of Jaime Ulmer, Ginger McGill-Sofia, Carol Uranga and Natalee Pertile have opened a “mega-agent” office in Marble Falls due to their Top Producer status in the Keller Williams Realty Lake Travis/Highland Lakes Market Center.
Linda McNabb CONTRIBUTING EDITOR/WRITER Diana Williamson OFFICE ASSISTANT
COLUMNISTS Socar Chatmon-Thomas Linda Hall • Gary Henley Gary Cocanougher
All photos, press releases or article submissions can be sent to
E-mail: realtyline@austin.rr.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708 Office: 821-1900 www.realtylineonline.com
Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
ABoR CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Association Leadership Positions Available By Socar Chatmon-Thomas • Coldwell Banker United REALTORS 2008 Chairman • Austin Board of REALTORS Help shape the future of your industry—consider participating in an ABoR or TAR leadership role. Nominations are currently being accepted for the following positions: five ABoR directors; two Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) directors; and two TAR regional vice presidents for the 2010-2011 term. Over their three-year terms, ABoR directors function as the association’s trustees. As the direct link between ABoR and its membership, the directors play an active part in translating the needs of agents into ABoR policy. Prerequisites for these positions may be found in Article XI, Sections 1, 3 and 5 of the ABoR Bylaws, available online at www.abor.com/pdf/bylaws.pdf. TAR directors serve three-year terms and constitute the governance division of the association. During their two-year terms, the TAR regional vice presidents act as the link between ABoR and TAR. Review the application process for TAR leadership positions in Article V, Section III of the TAR Bylaws, found online at www.texasrealtors.com/web/2/16/bylaws.pdf. Nomination forms will be available beginning in May at Abor.com. The deadline for submitting nomination forms is Monday, June 30, 2008. Interviews will be held in August following a month-long vetting period. For more information on the available leadership positions and the nomination process, contact Vicki Harris at vharris@abor.com or 454-7636. ABoR Offers Assistant Certification Course A knowledgeable and organized assistant is an invaluable tool for busy REALTORS. Ensure your assistant can handle the demands of the real estate industry by sending him or her to ABoR’s Central Texas Assistant Certification course. Course instructors Rita Barousse and Marcie Roggow will cover the basic skills assistants need to be productive members of real estate teams. Both licensed and unlicensed assistants are welcome. This four-day course consists of five MCE courses: “Duties of an Assistant” on day
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one; “Personal Skills for Professional Excellence” on day two; “Code of Ethics” and “Real Estate Forms” on day three; and “MLS Program for Assistants” on day four. The Central Texas Assistant Certification course will be held from May 5-8, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day and carries 28 hours of MCE credit (various TREC numbers, provider #0127). The cost for the class is $250. For more information and to register, visit www.abor.com/courses.
Avoid $100 Fine by Using Proper Images In a recent study by the National Association of REALTORS, Austin consumers ranked photos and virtual tours as two of the most popular features on real estate Web sites. Adding multiple pictures and interactive visual content to your listings is a surefire way to attract home buyers. But before you upload any images, make sure you are adhering to the ACTRIS Rules and Regulations. The ACTRIS Rules and Regulations prohibit the use of branded photographs—pictures containing your photograph, name, company name and/or phone number—on property listings posted on IDX Web sites. Article XI, Section 3 “Immediate Fines” of the Rules and Regulations states that publishing branded photos on public-facing Web sites carries an immediate fine of $100. The MLS Rules and Regulations are available online at www.abor.com/MLS/MLS_rules.cfm. If you have questions about which images may be posted on your property listings, contact ABoR’s MLS support team at mlssupport@abor.com or 454-7636.
Previewing the newly renovated UT Campus area condos during the monthly Spotlight Austin hosted by the Patten Law Firm were Ashley Patten and Tiffany Stillwell along with guest Joe Payton.
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April 2008
Deb Mosley of F o l k e r s o n Communications joins Jennifer Etner of Texas American Title, Cheryl Tucker of Bests Agents in Texas and Krista Spring of Keller Williams Realty on a tour of the benefit home at the HBA crawfish boil.
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Laurel Brown and Amy Thompson, both of Keller Williams Realty, enjoy a mimosa while waiting their turn for a manicure at a recent REALTOR promotion at Steiner Ranch.
Cindy Phillips and Nicole Black, both of Taylor Morrison, relax at Hudson’s on the Bend, where the company launched its Platinum Crown REALTOR program.
Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
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5,000
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on select homes sold between 3/28 and 4/30 and close by 5/31 SAN MARCOS
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1 El Camino Real
11 Lakes at 0 Northtown 0 0 $5 USe From the $160s N s BO t he on mes! 1,659–3,728 sq. ft.
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Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2008 KB Home (KBH). *All sales must be financed through Countrywide KB Home Loans. 3% commission will be paid at slab for Built to Order homes. Commission is calculated on base price and lot premium only. Realtor eligible to be paid a $5,000 Commission Bonus at Close of Escrow. Realtors participating in KB Home approved Move-Up programs do not qualify. Realtor acknowledges that receipt of Commission Bonus for completed Inventory homes is contingent upon Buyer closing escrow within 21 days of purchase date. Brokers representing self in transaction are not eligible for any prepayment of commission. Optional Studio selections are not included in calculation of commission. All sales made with a contingency, GBO or any sale made as a non-principal residence purchase will be paid at close of escrow. Restrictions and limitations apply. This promotion may change at any time, without notice. Prices/terms subject to change, prior sale, lot premiums and/or predetermined options. Floor plans,options,elevations and views vary by community and are not guaranteed. Sq.footage is approximate. Realtor must be legal U.S.resident,18 or older and active full-time Realtor licensed in state of Texas. See sales representative for details.
888-KB-HOMES
kbhome.com
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April 2008
Jeffrey Nyland, Gina Nyland and Rick Ellis, all of Prudential Texas Realty, arrive early to meet some of the other top producers at the company’s awards presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
TREC Commissioner Continued from front page
says, “and I mean that in the nicest way. She combines that force with an incredible egalitarian nature and always keeps in mind the best end result without looking to further her own agenda. There aren’t many people in business like that.” Lauren Sansing, assistant market center administrator, says she is looking forward to seeing Wukasch’s skills be put to use on such a broad scale. “Avis has a way of getting things done and seeing the future,” Sansing says. “She cares deeply for the real estate agents and the people of Texas.”
It’s no wonder she feels passionately about the industry, as she has a history steeped in real estate. Her father’s more than 50-year career as a broker spurred Wukasch and her siblings to enter the business. She is married to a real estate broker and one of her children has joined the REALTOR family. “I feel like being a member of TREC will allow me to give back to the property owners of Texas,” Wukasch says. “Real estate has been good to me and I feel like I am obligated to pay for the space that I take up on this planet.”
Keller Williams Realty Northwest Market Center Recognizes Its 2008 Agent Leadership Council
Allison Olson
Beata Gmurowski
Carol Cedato
Debbie Harber
Karen McCarty
Linda Bueltel
Margaret Reed
Mary Merrell
Maxwell McDaniel
Mike Takao
Sherri Teepen
Stephen and Emmy Sunshine
Steve and Judy Scott
Theressa Boisseau
9430 Research Blvd., Echelon IV • Austin, Texas 78759 Linda Bartlett Team Leader 101 E. Old
Michelle Busby Asst. Team Leader Settlers Blvd, Suite
190 •
512- 346-3550
Round Rock, TX •
512-255-5050
Nancy Peterson and John Hinion, both of Taylor Morrison, were in attendence as the company launched the Platinum Crown REALTOR program at Hudson’s on the Bend.
Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
WCR PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
WCR Networking Proves To Be Successful By Linda Hall • Realty World, John Horton & Associates 2008 President • Women’s Council of REALTORS The Austin Chapter of the Women’s Council of REALTORS is one of many successful chapters across the country. National members receive a Referral Roster that has our members listed by city and state, making our referral network very powerful. Our members participate in several national meetings throughout the year where we meet WCR members who live and work in other cities. Our commitment goes further than that! We plan programs to benefit our members in their business…and we deliver! Our goal is to present programs that can provide our members with knowledge and skills that they can use immediately. WCR Austin has a strong commitment to the real estate community. Join us on Friday, April 25 as we enjoy a presentation from Oscar Gonzales and move on to our Cultural Diversity Bake-Off and Auction with the proceeds benefiting TREPAC. You can RSVP at www.austinwcr.org and come join us! Are you ready? I want to share some testimonials from other chapters:
Where It All Comes Together “Last year, I received 17 percent of my business from closed WCR referrals.” — Anita Davis (Baltimore, MD) “I’ve learned so much from my WCR friends. I close three WCR referrals per year because of these relationships.” —Jan Brinkman (Columbus, IN) “I joined WCR to surround myself with the best of the best in the industry.” —Donna Joerling (Washington, MO) “In 1982, I was so bashful that I wouldn’t talk to anyone. I jumped into WCR and have kept going ever since. Now people come to see what I’m going to do next.” —Jean Chalk (Raleigh, NC) We Are… • Established…as a reliable source of knowledge
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• Committed…to the personal and professional success of our members • Trusted…by professional REALTORS for more than 60 years • Standard Bearers…of professionalism & personal excellence • Educators…providing the programs to build relevant skills • Business Builders…with a referral network generating 100 million commission dollars annually.
WCR Fashion Show & Networking Gala presents
You’ve Come a Long Way Baby! Styles from the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and More! Honoring decades of Women Empowering Women
When: Where:
Tuesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. Balcones Country Club 8600 Balcones Club Drive
Live Music • Fashion Show • Dancers Silent Auction • Centerpiece Contest • Great Prizes
Featuring
Local Upscale Designers & Boutiques
Tickets are $35
Purchase online www.austinwcr.org RSVP to ali@youraddressmagazine.com
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April 2008
Charles McMillan, 2008 NAR president-elect, greets Women’s local Council of REALTORS officers at a recent meeting. From left: Susanna Boyer, vice president of membership; Linda Hall, Austin WCR president and Mary Ann Jeffers, state WCR chapter president.
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Charlie Henson of Highland Lakes Real Estate encourages REALTORS who have buyers looking for lake views to bring them to Kellywood Estates, just past Jonestown.
John Guerra, center, of Elite Properties gives Jeannette Spinelli of AvenueOne Properties and Kevin Stutz of Watermark Properties a personal tour of his family home during the second annual Barton Creek Tour of Homes, hosted by The ABoR Foundation.
April 2008
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April 2008
Jean Wiedenfeld, Gerry Misko and Helga Curtis, all of Prudential Texas Realty, gather for an afternoon of awards at the company’s awards luncheon at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
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Justin Poague of Burgess Inspection Group checks appliances on a recent listing for a potential client.
Shannon Allen of Mercedes Homes pours some wine for Shannon Fitzpatrick of Avalar Real Estate at an open house in Flintrock Falls.
April 2008
Realty Line of Austin
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G e o rg e t o w n Builders and golfers support the HBA Georgetown chapter scholarship fund by playing golf at Forest Creek Golf Course.
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Catherine Jones of Steiner Ranch welRetha comes Isaksen of Exit Realty to a REALTOR promotion featuring mimosas and manicures. The smell of mountain laurel was in the air, which added to the delight of the event.
Elaine Garner of Keller Williams Realty and Debbie Peek of First American Title live it up to some Cajun music at the sixth annual crawfish boil hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.
Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
HBA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Working with Custom Builders: Tried and True Tips for a Smooth Sale By Gary Henley • Henley Homes, Inc. 2008 President • Home Builders Association of Greater Austin As you know, every home sale is different. Working with a custom builder, for instance, can be a completely different process from selling a re-sale home. You don’t have to be an all-around expert to make a great custom home sale. But you do need to do your homework. When you bring your client to a custom builder, you need to understand why that builder ’s level of service and product is going to be right for your client. If you have a set of plans and you give it to three different builders, each one is going to approach it differently and the end result will be a different house, explain Joel and Lucy Katz of Katz Builders, Inc. For custom builders like the Katz’s, a REALTOR can be a great asset to the transaction. From their years of experience they have learned that in the most successful transactions, the buyer ’s agent approached them knowing the personality of the client, the type of house and budget they had in mind, the level of service they wanted, and often even the neighborhood (or type of neighborhood), they wanted to be in. Knowing all these things from the start helps the builder manage the project efficiently and establishes the groundwork for a good working relationship between you and the builder. When a customer approaches you, they’re assuming that you have more knowledge than they do. What they’re really asking is for you to help them find the right builder for the kind of home they want. Below, the Katz’s and I offer some tips to make the process a great one: 1. Know the builder ’s style. Custom builders often specialize in certain styles, for example: ultra-contemporary, Tuscan, Mediterranean,
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Craftsman, etc. 2. Know the builder. Know several builders. Develop relationships with them so you know what their program is. Look for builders who are helpful, thorough, and will end up making you look like a hero. Find several you know you can trust, who will keep you informed throughout the process. 3. Make a thorough introduction to your clients. When it comes to introductions, three is the magic number. Introduce any more to your client and it just gets confusing. Prescreen these three builders so that they are like apples to apples when it comes to price range and service. 4. Know your client. Understand their budget, what kind of land they’re building on, and respect their limits. If they’re on a tight budget, don’t take them to a site that they’ll fall in love with if it has a lake view and a slope and will need an expensive septic system. 5. Getting paid: find out up front what the builder is offering. Spec builders usually build 3% into the price of the home for REALTOR fees, sometimes as high as even 6%. But custom homes are different, and there’s several ways to do it. Be prepared by knowing up front what the builder is offering and when it will be paid (at slab pour, when the contract is signed, or as you go along)—before you introduce them to your client. 6. Remember: Big names don’t always mean the best quality, and custom doesn’t always have to mean expensive. Always go for a builder who believes in structure first, glitz second. Pick a builder who’s got experience building homes in your client’s price range. Make sure the builder has a good reputation and check the TRCC (www.trcc.state.tx.us) for complaints. If they have them, were the demands of the complainant justified or unrealistic? Did the builder respond diligently and politely, and stand by his or her home? To learn more about how to choose a builder or buy a new home, visit the Home Builder ’s Association of Greater Austin’s Web site at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com.
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April 2008
Emily Moreland of Moreland Properties and Diane Dopson of Diane Dopson Properties join Jim Garrison and Holly Downs, both of Stewart Title, at the Elite 25 announcement dinner at Sullivan’s.
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David Bair accepts congratulations from Rick Jenkins, Prudential Texas Realty’s CFO, after being named the number two agent at the company’s awards presentation.
Ann Carson looks on in amazement as the strong wind at the St. Patti’s Day Golf Tournament blows the ball back to Christine Rivera and her club. Both are with Independence Title.
April 2008
Realty Line of Austin
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Tom Rhodes, Kent Brown and Kristin Carroll, all of Sente Mortgage, join Mike Carroll of GMAC Real Estate at the Austin Mortgage Bankers Association luncheon at the Austin Country Club, where they got some industry news from guest speaker Angelos Angelou.
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Michele Tran of ING Financial Advisers and Debbie Ates of Homes Wilshire attend the recent installation of officers at the Asian Real Estate Professionals installation. They were there to support Jeanne Nguyen as she was installed as the organization’s new president.
Kirk Lewis of Homecity and Teresa Villalobos of Stewart Title get ready to enjoy an awesome dinner at the Elite 25 announcement party at Sullivan’s.
Discover why no one can do what Countrywide can. JENNIFER LINSCOTT
Home Loan Manager/Production
NORTH AUSTIN OFFICE 9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 550 Austin,Texas 78759 Office Main: 346-0339
Direct: 231-3423 Cell: 563-2727 Jennifer_Linscott@Countrywide.com home.countrywide.com/jenniferlinscott
KIM GHANEM Sales Manager
Direct: 231-3424 Cell: 743-8609
FRANK HUNT Sales Manager Cell: 633-6922
CHRIS KEEFER, Sales Manager
KENT KILLOUGH Sales Manager Direct: 231-3435 Cell: 736-9310
Direct: 231-3426 • Cell: 261-5002
ATHENA KOLER, Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3413 • Cell: 673-2510
JARED KOLER, Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3414 • Cell: 673-2614
MARK SUMRALL
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3436 Cell: 585-1481
“JP” PALMERI
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3418 Cell: 791-2476
RANDALL ROBINSON
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3420 Cell: 432-528-3218
STEVE SIFUENTEZ
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3412 Cell: 762-2856 Se Habla Espanol
STEPHANIE DELEON
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3433 Cell: 788-2207
MATT MORROW, Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3427 • Cell: 779-1132
Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
WCAoR PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Forty Years Later, REALTORS Remain Vigilant to Ensure Fair Housing for all Americans By Gary Cocanougher • Avalar Real Estate 2008 President • Williamson County Association of REALTORS Forty years of fair housing As recently as 1967, there were no laws that prohibited discrimination in the leasing, purchase and sale of real estate. That changed with the enactment of fairhousing laws as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. These laws guarantee the right to own, use, and transfer real estate and housing in a diverse, yet discriminationfree, marketplace. The laws are about not only providing equal opportunities, but ensuring that the housing industry, as a whole, supports these opportunities.
What’s the difference between fair and affordable? Too often, we find that affordable housing and fair housing get lumped together. They’re not the same thing—not even close! Your rights under the Fair Housing Act can be violated whether you’re a student trying to rent a one-bedroom apartment, a retiree seeking to purchase a million-dollar property, or a buyer looking for your first affordable home. Affordable housing, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is when a household spends no more than 30% of its annual income on housing expenses, including basic utilities. Any household that spends in excess of 30% is considered “cost burdened” and may have trouble affording other necessities and establishing healthy long-term savings.
Seven protected classes Fair-housing laws prohibit housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, national origin, and familial status. The Fair Housing Act applies to most types of housing and shields the protected categories from discrimination such as: • Refusing to rent or sell housing; • Refusing to negotiate for housing; • Making housing unavailable; • Denying a dwelling; • Setting different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling; • Providing different housing services or facilities; • Falsely
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denying that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental; • Denying anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing. The Fair Housing Act applies to mortgage lending, as well, and prohibits using any of the protected categories as reasons for: • Refusing to make a mortgage loan; • Refusing to provide information regarding loans, • Imposing different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees; • Discriminating in appraising property; • Refusing to purchase a loan; • Setting different terms or conditions for purchasing a loan. Bear in mind that fair-housing laws shield everyone in these protected groups—not just those that have been historical targets for discrimination. In other words, someone who is refused housing because he is white has as much protection as someone who is refused housing because he is disabled. Under the fair-housing laws, it is also illegal for anyone to threaten, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising a fair-housing right or assisting others who exercise that right.
Don’t be offended If you’re in the market to buy a home, you’ll likely have a great deal of contact with your real estate agent. Because he or she is so knowledgeable and accessible, you may feel as though she’s got all the answers about the local market. It’s a logical, and usually correct, assumption. Agents—particularly Texas REALTORS— know their communities and the real estate industry very well. Part of knowing the industry, though, is having a thorough understanding of fair-housing laws. As such, there are certain questions that a real estate professional simply can’t (or shouldn’t) answer. If you ask your REALTOR to eliminate or include certain areas or neighborhoods in your home search based on any of the protected classes, he or she legally cannot follow your instructions. Don’t be offended or angry. No matter how benign the request may seem, it would be a violation of fair housing laws and her or she would be risking a hefty fine, his or her reputation, and his or her career. WCAoR President’s Column Continued on page 34
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Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
The North American Title team host the MCE course, “How to circumnavigate red flags during a transaction.” From left: Cella Lancaster, marketing director; Julie Schneider, marketing director; Gwen Johansen, director of sales and marketing; George Stablein, general counsel; Georgia Duke, Austin division president; and Kelly Stiles, marketing director. the pics Purchase ine at L View or y lt in Rea m you see nline.co o e n li y lt a e .r w ww
G w e n d o l y n Watkins of Keller Williams Realty and Linda Beber of United County Bastrop look forward to hearing industry leader Gary Keller discuss lead generation in a buyer’s market. His speech was part of a continuing education seminar.
Cindy Schumann of RE/MAX Spicewood hands over her KB bucks to Mikel Peterson of KB Home who exchanged them for real dollars at the Eat and Run Dash for Cash event at one of the builder’s models in Westwood in Leander.
April 2008
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April 2008
Friends come to the Asian Real Estate Professionals installation to support Jeanne Nguyen, right, of Prudential Texas Realty as she was installed as president. With her were Jennifer Myhanh Huynh of Southwestern National Bank and Vinh Tran of the law office of Vinh Tran.
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K a r e n Cunningham of A v e n u e O n e Properties and Gaye Pierce, Stewart Title president, enjoy refreshments at Sullivan’s, where Stewart Title announced the members of the Elite 25 for 2008.
Paulette Bostur of Prudential Texas Realty displays her award for Top GCI and units for the Round Rock office. She was also named to the president’s circle at the company’s awards presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
April 2008
Gerald Thibodeaux of Keller Williams Realty did not want to miss an opportunity to listen to company namesake Gary Keller speak at a seminar at the company’s south office. Diana Proud and Fran Drakeford, both of Avalar Austin, joined him.
June Cooper of Cooper REALTORS mingles with Warren Marshall of Realty World, John Horton and Associates as they get ready to listen to NAR president-elect ºCharles McMillan address the Women’s Council of REALTORS.
A group from Taylor Morrison enjoy an evening with friends outside at Hudson’s on the Bend, where the homebuilder held the Platinum Crown REALTOR launch party.
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Bruce Jones, right, of Taylor Morrison welcomes Sami Dinhoble, left, of Expertise Realty and Marty Kaye of RE/MAX Capital City to Hudson’s on the Bend, where the homebuilder hosted the Platinum Crown launch party.
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Cretney, Judy Stewart Title’s director of marketing, greets Eric Copper of Keller Williams Realty as he arrives for the Elite 25 dinner at Sullivan’s.
Harold Frisch of Keller Williams Realty has a chance to catch up on some homework before Gary Keller speaks at the company’s south office about lead generation.
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April 2008
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April 2008
Leigh Ann McCoy and Terri Miles, both of Mission Mortgage, visit with Penny Green of City Bank Mortgage at the Austin Mortgage Banker’s Association luncheon.
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Irene Lutz and Susaraba, Jean both of Blue Sky Realty, have a meeting at Starbucks. The company is celebrating its fifth year. Congratulations, Jean and Irene!
Event chair Mari Edwards of Wilshire Homes and LyLy Fisher of Fisher & Company Real Estate go over last minute changes to the AREP installation program which was held at Kim Son Restaurant.
Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS
Capital Real Estate Training By Melinda Seifert CONTRIBUTING WRITER Since 1990, Capital Real Estate Training Center has provided the solid foundation of knowledge necessary for real estate professionals to be successful—and they do it without creating a major interruption in the lives of their students. Rick Knowles, owner, president and founder, says his is the oldest real estate school in Austin still under its original ownership, which says a lot about the level of customer service and satisfaction provided. The school’s Home Study™ courses replace traditional classrooms and are selfpaced. Assignments can be completed on-line and the amount of time necessary to complete a course depends on the student. Knowles stresses that the correspondence program has been associated with Texas Tech University CPD since 1994, and that Texas Tech is still involved in the programs offered on a regular basis. Students use the school’s courses as core classes necessary to get licensure, or to complete SAE requirements. As for popular offerings, one of the newest courses offered by Capital Real Estate Training Center for MCE requirements is called “Scams & Scalawags.” The program educates students in how to identify frauds and scams through lying, cheating and stealing. The “Mega Marketing” course is an SAE course and provides a solid review of marketing concepts using a book written by a Dallas area real estate broker. Knowles says all courses are distance learning courses and all are either TREC approved or TREC accepted. Other popular courses include: Texas Legal Update & Ethics (MCE), Psychology of Marketing, and Real Estate Brokerage. He adds that each course is intended to provide information that will stay with the REALTOR after the final exam. “We are a resource for REALTORS and the entire industry,” says Knowles. According to Knowles, REALTORS and new agents or prospective agents are attracted to his school due to the trust students have come to associate with Capital Real Estate Training Center. “Claims of wealth, quick completion, instant success—
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these aren’t reasons to chose a school that will provide the foundation for your business accomplishments,” says Knowles. He advises prospective students to “do their homework,” and when looking at programs, to talk with fellow REALTORS about their own satisfaction regarding levels of trust, quality and customer service associated with their educational experiences. “It is not uncommon for former students, brokers, and managers to call and ask for advice and counsel about real world transRick Knowles actions,” says Knowles, Owner who has a no nonsense, straightforward way of getting to the facts of a situation. He says his background in finance, real estate and education gives him a unique view on the real estate world that few others can offer. Knowles says new courses are always in the process of development, with some in direct response to requests for specific information. According to TREC requirements, each correspondence course offered by the school is through Texas Tech University CPD, TREC Provider #0143. In addition to operating the Capital Real Estate Training Center, Knowles is past president of the Texas Real Estate Teacher’s Association, past broker member of the Texas Broker Lawyer committee, a contributing editor for Kaplan Publishing, and a past member of the TREC MCE rule making task force.
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April 2008
Bob Almand of IBC Mortgage, Eddie Rinehart of Treaty Oak Mortgage and Doug Scott of First Horizon Home Loans discuss business at the Austin Mortgage Banker’s Association meeting at the Austin Country Club.
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April Downing of Independence Title gives an extra ticket for the ABoR Foundation’s second annual Barton Creek Property Tour of Homes to Flynn Fletcher of Amelia Bullock REALTORS.
Cathy Meyer, right, of Steiner Ranch shows Lana Prince of Keller Williams Realty the designer purses she could win by writing new home contracts in the development through April 20.
April 2008
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April 2008
Margarita Bagwell, Tracy Pennington, Bethany Campbell and Teresa Villalobos, all members of the Stewart marketing Title team, tend to last minute details at the Elite 25 announcement party at Sullivan’s. the pics urchase P r o w Line at Vie in Realty e.com you see lin n o altyline www.re
Marie Dang Schwartz, right, of Realty World, John Horton and Associates congratulates Jeanne Nguyen of Prudential Texas Realty for being installed as president of the Asian Real Estate Professionals. Marie is the outgoing president. Fran Pullin and Melinda Carroll, both of First American Title, find this home in Barton Creek shows especially well for the ABoR Foundation’s second annual Barton Creek Property Tour of Homes.
Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS
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is what makes his job enjoyable. “I don’t go to work,” he insists. “I have fun every day. There is no monotony in this business.” Because his office is in Georgetown, Klein said he is particularly blessed with dealing with clients who have migrated from other regions and as a result are influenced by designs prevalent in their home states. “They come with a lot of different ideas,” Klein says. “Our team members work directly with them throughout the entire buildBy Linda McNabb ing process to address their concerns and personal taste right there on the spot. CONTRIBUTING WRITER Higher expectations and better communication consistently yield better homes.” One of the reasons buyers and REALTORS are choosing to work with Klein is that Steve Klein has built more than 500 custom residences, but not once has he used he is a two-time National Association of Home Builders’ “America’s Best Builder” the same mantel over a fireplace. Not once. That’s 500 different mantels and then award recipient in the custom category. Less than 100 builders nationally and only some. “Every residence is a one-of-a-kind original,” Klein explains. “Custom proj- a few in Texas hold this distinct honor. Award winners are selected based on strict ects have included golf, waterfront, ranches and a wide variety of city development criteria for architecture and interior design, quality construction methods and matelocations. We build in our own communities, in rials, superior customer satisfaction and preferred other developers’ communities and on owners’ business practices. From site analysis, through “Steve Klein Custom Builder is in the business of lots and land. What remains the same is that we are design, specifications, scheduling, construction, to designing and building high-quality custom, a relationship and process driven company. It is a service after the sale, builders must score well semi-custom and pre-designed homes in a very total building experience and we take that serious- professional environment… To accomplish this, the Klein above the industry average in all areas. Out of the ly.” 100,000 plus members of the National Association Companies are committed to constantly providing What that means is that buyers can walk into of Home Builders, only five to six builders receive a ‘total building experience’ that will please our Klein’s office in Georgetown with a notebook full this recognition each year. clients and provide a broad base of customer referrals of photographs they have collected from their travKlein also was awarded Custom Home who will be served by our team of dedicated, els and clippings they have made from various Magazine’s Pacesetter Award. This is a national customer-focused employees, suppliers and trade magazines and the Internet of things they like and recognition for excellence in management, systems contractors who share our beliefs.” in a few months walk into a home that is a true and processes, design and marketing. “Success in reflection of their lifestyle and budget. the building industry today is more about management than about building,” Klein “The residence they have in mind is the home that they get when they walk in says. “Professional builders must be very experienced and adept at providing the the front door,” says Klein, whose company will mark its 20th anniversary this year. client a total building experience that fits their lifestyle, budget and expectations.” “When they have their first dinner party or have friends and family over, their One testament to the kind of relationships Klein builds is that buyers often keep guests can truly feel their personality in their home.” in touch long after the sale. He recalls having tea on the back porch with one of his Just as the buyers’ differing personalities foster unique designs, they also bring a buyers. “The reason is that they had a good experience,” Klein says. “Sixty five pervaried focus and interest into the home construction process, Klein has found. “The cent of our business is from referrals because we deliver to the customer 100 percent artists are interested in cosmetics, the engineers are interested in the foundation and of what we promise by properly communicating and understanding thoroughly the techies are interested in the wiring.” their expectations. We provide service to our customers on time, in a quality workCatering to the different requests might seem like a lot to juggle, but Klein says it manship manner and with a smile.”
Steve Klein Custom Builder
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Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
The sales and marketing council team the Home of Builders Association of Greater Austin cook crawfish for the annual builder/REALTOR mixer.
the pics urchase P r o w Line at Vie in Realty e.com you see lin n o altyline www.re
Stewart Title chairman and CEO Nicki Tyler welcomes Barbara Wallace of Amelia Bullock REALTORS to the Elite 25 announcement party at Sullivan’s.
Debbie Lippert, right, of Mercedes Homes welcomes Vicki Karp of Realty World, John Horton and Associates and Karen McCarty of Keller Williams Realty out of the cold and into a cozy model during a recent open house.
April 2008
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Oh my! That’s a brave way to eat crawfish. Kristy Smallwood and Margarita Bagwell of Stewart Title try some of the bugs at the sixth annual HBA crawfish boil.
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Prudential Texas Realty converted the vault on the lower floor into new offices on Congress Avenue. From left: Michelle Castille, Torrie Bishop, Jessica Todryk, Rick Ellis, Carl Shurr and Dede Jenkins.
RJ Garcia of Portrait Homes shows Susan McVicker of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS around the Buttercup Creek Townhomes.
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April 2008
Colette Fitzgerald, right, of KB Home, gives Pamela Peck and Ivo Hurvitz, both of Keller Williams Realty, some hints for finding cash in one of the model homes during the Eat and Run Dash for Cash event.
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Robbie Le Grant of Sellstate accepts a Tiffany crystal vase from Alison Blake of Taylor Morrison at the homebuilder’s Platinum Crown launch party at Hudson’s on the Bend.
ABoR Foundation chair Carol Medley Parker and ABoR secretary/treasurer John Horton stop in front of this spectacular home at 7901 Escala, which was one of 10 homes featured in ABoR Foundation’s second annual Barton Creek Property Tour of Homes.
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Realty Line of Austin
April 2008
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Diane Christy of Diane Christy, REALTORS by Linda McNabb, contributing writer A G E NT S PO T L IG HT :
Texas star. Nearly 500 have been sold, helping to raise funds for needy single mothers with infirmed and handicapped children. “It’s a great project,” she says. “I take them to open houses, bunco parties and little league games. They make great gifts.” Christy admits that she is starting to ease back a bit as she prepares for retirement, probably in about five years. She wants to have more time to visit her two sons, who are now grown and live in Ohio and Colorado, and her four teenage grandchildren. She also likes to crochet, read, travel, go boating, attend movies and watch her friends’ and clients’ children play baseball and basketball. “I am also into politics,” says Diane, who is active in the local Republican Party. “I like to read biographies of presidents and most anything political.” It may be hard to wind down, however, as even when Christy is seemingly “off the clock,” she is always using her people person skills, which naturally helps cultivate business, whether she is trying to do so or not. “Art and I have been to several movie screenings lately,” she says. “You have to get there early and many of the same people are there, so we end up talking to one another. Now they know me as the real estate lady. I have picked up three clients that way.” Perhaps her original career as a teacher made caring for others come so naturally. “I am not a sales person,” she insists. “I am an educator. People look to me as a source of knowledge. I help them make decisions and that gives me much joy. In this business, if you are only concerned with the money you are going to make, thinking real estate is a lucrative business, then you lose something—you lose the pleasure of making a difference in someone’s life by performing a valuable service for a client and friend.”
“We found the house on our own and I thought to myself if I can’t find a teaching job here then I am going to go into real estate.” A former third grade teacher, she thought real estate would be a good part-time career choice while raising her two young sons. There was no coursework required back then so she simply took a test and got her license. Christy quickly became a big believer in education though, and obtained her CRS and GRI designations and takes as many MCE classes as she can so she can stay abreast of all the changes in the industry. “I didn’t have any experience other than having bought two houses,” Christy says. “I was totally green, but I knew I was a people person.” She courted her first listings by finding moving boxes for families who were trying to sell their homes themselves. Eventually they would tire of the For Sale By Owner process, remember her attentiveness, and ask her to list their house, she reasoned. It worked. “I found that if you are helpful to people they don’t feel pressure,” she says. “I soon learned though, that there is no such thing as a part-time real estate agent.” Christy started out affiliated with a few other brokerage firms and just over two years ago became broker/owner of her own company, Diane Christy REALTORS. She also gives back to the real estate community by becoming involved in charity projects, such as the Any Baby Can project sponsored by the Austin chapter of Certified Residential Specialists. She is spearheading the sale of silver necklaces shaped like a
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All Diane Christy had to do to sell her first house was sweep the porch—at least it seemed that way because within 24 hours of whisking that career-defining broom back and forth she had a buyer. “We went up to see some friends in Dallas and they were disappointed that their house had been on the market for a year,” Christy recalls of that sale 32 years ago. “I asked them to let me list it since the listing had expired. I put up my sign, swept out the pill bugs and it sold the next day.” It was that “I can do it” attitude that had led her into the business just a few months before. She plunged into real estate shortly after she and her husband Art, an IBM engineer, got transDiane Christy ferred from Diane Christy REALTORS New Jersey to Austin and realized she could do as good a job as the REALTOR they hired to help them relocate. “We moved here in 1972 and the REALTOR we used was as nice as he could be but had no clue,” says Christy, who despite having lived more than three decades in Central Texas still has a bit of a Jersey accent in her friendly voice.
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April 2008
Dede Jenkins, CEO of Prudential Texas Realty, checks in with Carl Shurr, Christina Bull and George Hughes, at the open house of the company’s downtown office.
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WCAoR President
Charlene Renzi and Karen Wilson, both of RE/MAX All Stars, take time to visit the Buttercup Creek Townhomes by Portrait Homes during a recent open house.
Peter Buckley of Mercedes Homes shares some fine wine and appetizers from Hudson’s on the Bend with Carla Gerlich, left, and Lindsay Robl, right, both of Capital City Sotheby’s International Realty, at a REALTOR event in Flintrock Falls. Continued from page 17
An agent’s job is to match her client with properties based on factors such as available features and sales price—not on the demographics of the client or the area. Such action could be considered “steering,” which is the illegal act of funneling of homebuyers either to or away from a particular area based on demographics. For instance, showing a black family only homes which lie in predominately black neighborhoods is considered steering, as is refusing to show a family with three children a home in an area with mostly single residents. Ethnically based and racially based steering are the most common, but any such practice is unacceptable and goes against fair-housing laws.
Forty years is just not that long ago, folks. It’s hard for many of us to believe that there were no laws on the books to protect the housing interests of every American until so recently. And, although we’ve made tremendous strides as a country, we’ve still got a long way to go— we must remain diligent in our pursuit of discrimination-free society. If there's a problem If you think your rights have been violated, you can contact HUD and complete a Housing Discrimination Complaint Form. It's available for download on HUD's Web site ( www.hud.gov), or you can contact the HUD office nearest you.
April 2008
Dede Jenkins and Martha Browning, both of Prudential Texas Realty, welcome guest speaker and former local news anchor Neal Spelce to the company’s awards presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Jimmy Dirks, vice president of sales for Wilshire Homes, presents a $2,500 check to Tom Russell of JB Goodwin REALTORS for winning the Texas 4 Step promotion.
John Gavurnik, second from left, joins his team at the St. Patti’s Day Golf Tournament at Forest Creek Golf Course benefiting the HBA Georgetown chapter’s scholarship fund. From left: Wayne Decker, Dennis Westrick, Luis Zavala and Ben Carlson.
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Past presidents of the Women’s Council of REALTORS gather at a recent monthly meeting. From left: Sheila Hawkinsof Bucklew Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, 2006; Ann Marie Sandlin of Reta Kays REALTOR, 1984; Mary Mealy of Realm Realty, 1999 and Jeanne of Butterfield RE/MAX Austin Associates, 2004. the pics Purchase ine at L View or y lt in Rea m you see nline.co o e n li y lt a e .r w ww
Prudential Texas Realty CFO Rick Jenkins, right, names Ed Askelson as the number one company agent for 2007 at the awards presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Kendra Zepeda and Kara McGregor, both of Independence Title, get lost in this $6 million plus home in Barton Creek. It was one of 10 homes available for viewing during ABoR Foundations’s second annual Barton Creek Property Tour of Homes.
April 2008
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Show me the money. Collette Fitzgerald and Ellen Jacobs, both of KB Home join Noble Davis of Lakeline Realty at the Eat and Run Dash for Cash that KB Home hosted at Westwood in Leander.
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David Durham of Keller Williams Realty takes the opportunity to meet Gary Keller (yes, he is the Keller part of Keller Williams Realty) at the company’s south office. Gary was the guest speaker at an education seminar about generating leads in a buyer’s market. Jodi Gregg of Jodi Gregg Property Group and Ryan Rogers of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS arrive at Hudson’s on the Bend to see what Taylor Morrison has in store for its Platinum Crown launch party.
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Real Estate NEWS NOTES
North American Title promotes Gwen Blaise Johansen
North American Title is pleased to announce Gwen Blaise Johansen has been promoted to Vice President, Manager of Marketing, Austin Division. She joins us from EDS Corporation were she served as Director of Communications; Manager of Corporate Programs, Advertising and Business Unit Internal Communications. Johansen has served on Johansen the Board of The Dallas Society of Visual Communicators and is the Past Chairman of The Art Directors and Artists Club of Sacramento, California.
April 2008
Klam appointed as County Manager for First American Title Insurance Company
First American Title Insurance Company proudly announces the appointment of Jason Klam as County Manager of its Austin operation servicing Travis, Williamson, Hays and Caldwell Counties. Jason most recently served as the Austin Division Chief Operating Officer. Jason has 11 years in the industry in title, escrow and management. Before moving to Austin, Jason served First American as the County Manager for Beaumont Title Company covering Southeast Texas. Along with his wife Amber, children Peyton and Ashlea, Jason is proud to call Austin his new home.
Home Builders Association of Greater Austin Announces 2008 Marketing and Advertising Excellence (MAX) Award Winners Klam
The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin honored its members at the prestigious MAX Awards gala at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. The MAX Awards are the HBA's premier annual event for recognizing excellence of achievement in marketing, advertising and product by its members. The HBA’s 880+ associate and builder members compete for the celebrated awards in 75 categories. Judges from across the country score each entry, narrowing the field to three finalists for each category. The gala recognizes each winner with a MAX Award, and runners-up receive a Silver Award. The Grand Awards are given to the builders who earn the most points in the judging process. Best Color Ad, Builder Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction
Best Special Promotion, Developer Belvedere
Best Color Ad, Developer Belvedere
Best Overall Ad Campaign, Builder Kimball Hill Homes of Texas, Inc.
Best Sales Brochure, Builder Streetman Homes
Product Design Less than $100,000 – Volume Main Street Homes, 113 Talcome Drive The Park at Brushy Creek
Product Design $3,000,001 – 4,000,000 – Custom Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction 3718 Hunterwood Point Hunterwood
Product Design $100,001 – $125,000 – Volume Main Street Homes, 12302 Waterford Run Stonewater
One of a Kind - Custom Russell Eppright Custom Homes Barton Creek Estate
Product Design $125,001 – $150,000 – Volume Main Street Homes, 14916 Truman Oaks Cove Forest Bluff
Interior Merchandising $150,001 - $175,000 Legacy Homes 2903 Wickham Lane Austin's Colony
Best Sales Brochure, Developer Durrett Interests, LLC Best Sales Brochure, Associate Cody Pools Best Direct Mail, Builder Meritage Homes Best Television, Builder Main Street Homes Best Television, Associate Cody Pools Best Website, Volume Builder David Weekley Homes Best Website, Custom Builder Jon Luce Builder Best Website, Developer Durrett Interests, LLC Best Website, Associate CGA Partners LLP Best Billboard, Builder Meritage Homes Best Billboard, Developer Crystal Falls Best Billboard, Associate Cody Pools Best Online Ad, Volume Builder Meritage Homes Best E-mail, Volume Builder Kimball Hill Homes of Texas, Inc. Best E-mail, Custom Builder Russell Eppright Custom Homes Best Sales Office under 1,000 sq. ft., Builder Grand Haven Homes Best Sales Office over 1,000 sq. ft., Builder Wilshire Homes Best Design Center under 1,000 sq. ft., Builder Wilshire Homes Best Design Center over 1,000 sq. ft., Builder Kimball Hill Homes of Texas, Inc. Best Showroom, Associate Leons Carpet and Floors Best Special Promotion, Builder Green Builders
Product Design $175,001 – $250,000 – Volume Kimball Hill Homes of Texas, Inc., 1456 Clary Sage Loop Shadow Pointe Product Design $250,001 – $350,000 – Volume Kimball Hill Homes of Texas, Inc., 2508 Quiet Water Pass Falcon Pointe Product Design $350,000 – $475,000 – Volume Meritage Homes 7529 Wisteria Valley Meridian 70's Product Design $475,001 - $600,000 - Volume Grand Haven Homes 10411 Brodie Springs Trail Brodie Springs Specialty Product - Volume Oaks at Wildwood 30 Wildwood Drive Oaks at Wildwood Best Green Home - Volume Streetman Homes 2320 Tom Miller Street Mueller Best Green Home - Custom Images of… Elliot Johnson, AIA 1354 The High Road Risinger Homes, LP 2006 Elton Lane Tarrytown Product Design $250,001 - $400,000 - Custom Matt Sitra Custom Homes, Inc. 2090 Hawthorne Loop Rim Rock Product Design $400,001 - $750,000 - Custom Russell Eppright Custom Homes 3810 Agape Lane Covenant Estates in Regents Hills Product Design $750,001 - $1,200,000 - Custom Shawn F. Hood Design, Planning-Consultation 203 Flint Ridge Trail Cimarron Hills Product Design $1,200,001 - $2,000,000 - Custom Russell Eppright Custom Homes 1600 Mount Larson The Summit at West Rim On Mount Larson
Product Design $2,000,001 – $3,000,000 – Custom Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction 9017 Camel Back Seven Oaks
Interior Merchandising $175,001 - $250,000 Five Star Interiors 2096 Garlic Creek Garlic Creek Interior Merchandising $250,001 - $350,000 Five Star Interiors 3202 Mayfield Ranch Cove Mayfield Ranch Interior Merchandising $350,001 - $475,000 Mary DeWalt Design Group, Inc. 10411 Brodie Springs Trail Brodie Springs Interior Merchandising $600,000 - $750,000 Monterey Homes 7300 Turnbuoy Overlook at Greenshores on Lake Austin Interior Merchandising above $750,000 Monterey Homes 103 St. Lucia Cove Enclave at Rough Hollow Parade Home or Showcase Interior Depew Design Interiors 203 Flint Ridge Trail Cimarron Hills Remodeled Project $100,000 - $200,000 Hull & Company, LLC 1934 A Holly Hill Remodeled Project $200,001 - $300,000 Risinger Homes, LP 11303 Madrid Drive Remodeled Project Over $300,000 Stuart Home Corporation 7502 Valley Dale Overall Community Under 100 Units - Developer Ash Creek Homes The Cottages at Lake Creek Overall Community 101-300 Units - Developer Belvedere Best Poolscape Cody Pools 1310 University Blvd Georgetown
On Site Sales Person Homes Priced $175,000 - $250,000 Bobby Glenn - Legacy Homes On Site Sales Person Homes Priced $250,001 – $350,000 Andria White - David Weekley Homes On Site Sales Person Homes Priced over $350,001 Guy Mehner - Wilshire Homes Sales Person of the Year - Associate Renee Slater - Pro Source Austin Rookie On Site Sales Person Homes Priced over $250,000 James Swift - Meritage Homes Sales Manager - Builder Ty Burcham - Meritage/Monterey Homes Sales Manager - Associate Roy McDearmon - ProSource Austin Marketing Professional - Volume Builder Abby Feuerbacher - Monterey Homes Marketing Professional - Associate Steve Garcia - Danze & Davis Architects, Inc. Construction Manager - Volume Robert Armstrong - Meritage Homes Construction Manager - Custom Chris Steele - Old World Builders Construction Superintendent - Volume Chelan Pimentel Kimball Hill Homes of Texas, Inc. Construction Superintendent - Custom Jake Badger Russell Eppright Custom Homes Warranty Service Professional - Volume Ray Oertli Kimball Hill Homes of Texas, Inc. Title Professional Kim Bishop - Alamo Title Company Mortgage Professional Michael Nasserfar - Prestige Lending Grand MAX - Custom Russell Eppright Custom Homes Grand MAX - Volume Meritage Homes
Realty Line is pleased to congratulate all its advertisers (in bold) who won at the 2008 MAX Awards!
April 2008
Michelle Castille, Mimi Mallet and Nicole Dravigne, stand in the old vault at 900 Congress that has now been turned into new office space for Prudential Texas Realty.
Tomas Ramirez, second from right, of Monterey Homes, joins, from left, Terri Miles, Buddy Estrella and Mike McCoy, all of Mission Mortgage at the sixth annual HBA Crawfish Boil Builder/REALTOR Mixer.
Harold Stephens and Rosie Stephens, both of Prudential Texas Realty, thank Gary Malady of Taylor Morrison for hosting an elegant evening at Hudson’s on the Bend to launch the homebuilder’s Platinum Crown program.
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Real Estate NEWS NOTES
Newland names Cook to head Austin marketing
Newland Communities has named Erin Cook as Marketing Director for its Austin division, where she will oversee marketing operations for two master-planned developments, the 1,555-acre Teravista community in Round Rock, and the 700-acre Falcon Pointe community in Pflugerville. Prior to joining Newland Communities, Cook was director of marketing for the Austin division of KB Home, where she worked since 2003. Previously, she served as an aide to San Antonio City Councilman Carroll Schubert. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Cook is active in the Junior League of Austin. “We are excited to welcome an experienced real estate marketing professional such as Erin to our Austin office,” said Jennifer Taylor, vice president of marketing for the Central Division of Newland Communities. “Central Texas is an important growth market for our company, and 2007 was our second-best year on record in the Austin region. We are also projecting strong new-home sales in our Austin communities for 2008, so Erin will be a tremendous asset to our team.” Newland Communities has recently added new homebuilders, price ranges and recreational amenities at both of its Austin area communities. At Teravista, a new neighborhood now offers low-mainteCook nance garden homes priced from the $220,000s by Spicewood Residential, expanding a product lineup that ranges from the $170,000s to $400,000s overall. The developer recently completed a new community center amenity and renovated the historic Ranch House at Teravista, circa 1860, for use as a special event facility. At Falcon Pointe, the developer has completed new recreational amenities and has added Morrison Homes as a new builder. Overall, new homes in Falcon Pointe are priced from the $170,000s to $300,000s.
Keller Williams Realty agent earns new GRI designation
Paragon Property Group, Keller Williams Realty, is proud to announce that Team Associate Jaime Ulmer has completed the Graduate of the R E A LT O R Institute course. "Jaime's comUlmer mitment to education is indicative of her commitment to her clients and ensuring they have the best real estate experience possible," according to Sue Ellett, broker-associate at Paragon Property Group.
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*All press releases are free to submit and are considered on a first come basis. Open to all Realty Line advertisers and real estate offices.
Coldwell Banker United recognized as top franchise
Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS was named the number one independently owned company in closed transactions for the entire Coldwell Banker Real Estate System at its 2008 International Business Conference in Orlando, Florida. Chairman and CEO, Richard A. Smith, received the award on behalf of the company. “This recognition represents our commitment to service that exceeds expectations, to a staff that is knowledgeable and experienced, and to a buying and selling process that is both simple and successful,” Smith said.
Millie Regal, vice president, Sales & Marketing and Tom Grant, division president
Regal joins Meritage Homes as its VP Sales & Marketing
Meritage Homes is excited to introduce Millie Regal as its new Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Millie brings over 20 years of experience in the homebuilding industry to Meritage Homes. Her experience as a REALTOR, sales trainer and sales/marketing manager have made her the perfect fit for her new role. Millie is a member of both the NAHB and Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. She is also a member of the NAHB Sales and Marketing Council. In 2007, Millie won the Star Award for Best Sales Manager and was named Best Sales Manager at the HBA MAX Awards for the last two years.
RE/MAX associates make a difference
RE/MAX Capital City received a top award from Children's Miracle Network at RE/MAX International Convention. Undaunted by the challenges facing the real estate industry, RE/MAX associates once again lived up to their motto, "Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results®” in their support of the Children’s Miracle Network. RE/MAX Capital City was recognized for raising $15,750 in 2007 for the Dell Children’s Hospital during an exclusive awards event held in Las Vegas, NV.
KB Home welcomes broker liaison for the Austin market
KB Home (NYSE: KBH), one of the nation’s largest homebuilders, today announced they have hired Colette Fitzgerald to serve as the Broker Liaison for the Austin area. Colette brings over three years of experience in real estate, investments and sales of residential homes in the Central Texas area. As the Broker Liaison for KB Home Austin, Colette will be assisting real estate professionals and their clients throughout the entire homebuying process. Colette can be reached at cfitzgerald@kbhome.com or 512-651-8059. Ken Langston, president of KB Home’s Austin division said, “Our broker and REALTOR network of professionals is very important to our continued success as one of the largest homebuilders in the Austin area and this position is a win-win for our brokers and our new homebuyers.” Advantages KB Home offers to brokers and REALTORS: • Client registration even if you can’t be there— phone and fax registration accepted • Broker and REALTOR e-mails— stay in touch with the latest updates and promotions throughout the year. • Special events— throughFitzgerald out the year, KB Home hosts private broker grand opening parties, luncheons and other fun events. • Full-time support— KB Home’s Broker Liaison is exclusively dedicated to building broker relationships. • Exclusive broker Web site— visit www.kbhome.com and click on “Real Estate Professionals” for a Web site dedicated specifically to help you find the ideal home for your clients.
April 2008
Scott Robarts and Diane Christy of Diane Christy REALTORS get ready to enjoy great food by Alfred Engstrand of Alfred’s Catering at a Portrait Homes open house at Buttercup Creek.
Builders find it’s always a good day to hit the greens when it supports a good cause. This time is was for the HBA Georgetown chapter’s scholarship fund.
Julie Schneider, standing left, and Gwen Johansen, standing right, both of North American Title, welcome these professionals to an MCE course that warns them about red flags to avoid during a transaction. Seated: Ron Cannaday of Ready Real Estate, Sandy Uhl of Keller Williams Realty and Juneva Randig of Terra Properties. Standing, center: Luis Becerra of Realm Realty.
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April 2008
Joe Stewart of Realty World, John Horton and Associates welcomes State Representative Hubert Vo as guest speaker to the Asian Estate Real Professionals installation. He discussed subprime lending in Texas.
Cindy Swannack, right, of CS Mortgage fills Don Fry and Judy Fry, both of Prudential Texas Realty in on the latest on mortgage rates and industry information at Prudential’s awards presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Tommy Board of First American Title discusses marketing trends with Katie Osborne of Full Moon Design Group at the Women’s Council of REALTORS meeting at ABoR.
Gary Henley, HBA 2008 president, and Lisa Aylor of Keller Williams Realty are among the first in line for some shellfish at the sixth annual HBA crawfish boil.
Colette Fitzgerald of KB Home quickly gets out of the way of REALTORS who are ready to make a mad dash for cash in the model home in Westwood.
Ty Burcham of Cimarron Hills and Dan Arnot of Meritage Homes keep it cool at the spicy crawfish boil sponsored by the HBA sales and marketing council.
April 2008
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Mary Lynn Gibbs of Keller Williams Realty gets ready to taste some crawfish with Gary Lowe and Bruce Madry, both of Southwestern Construction Services, at the sixth annual HBA builder/REALTOR mixer.
View or Pu you see rchase the pics www.re in Realty Line a t altyline online.c om
Clara SpriggsAdams and Marvelia Juarez, of Keller both Williams Realty, get a great start on the day by attending a seminar about lead generation at the Keller Williams Realty south office.
Alison Blake and April Solimine, both of Taylor Morrison, thank Lee Whitaker of Reytex Homes for attending the launch party at Hudson’s on the Bend, where details for the Platinum Crown program were unveiled.
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The BACK PAGE It probably needs a new roof, some plumbing and electrical work, but that’s to be expected for a property built in the 1600s. Located in Panama, the property is not actually for sale, but is a good attempt at humor by Steven Gonzalez, broker/owner of 360 Texas Realty, who does sell in Panama and is offering referral fees.
Gavurnik, John seated, and Kathleen Sweeten, both of Gavurnik Builders ride in style with Lauren G. of Hooters and Reece Kuhlmann of Anchor Ventana at the seventh annual St. Patti’s Day Golf Tournament, which was held to raise money for the Georgetown HBA’s scholarship fund.
John McClellen of Supreme Lending and Kevin Bown discuss lending practices on Real Estate Radio 101 which it on the air on Sunday afternoons. Listen to Talk Radio 1370AM from 1 to 3 p.m. each week.
Rebecca Riddle of JB Goodwin REALTORS enjoys a mimosa and a manicure at the Steiner Ranch open house.
Cord Shiflet, second from right, of Moreland Properties hosts his listing on the Barton Creek Property Tour of Homes and thanks Mike Schmuelgen, Joshua Borders and Jim Stone, all of Treaty Oak Mortgage, for having their company be one of the tour sponsors. Steve Klein, Judie Allen and Ben Watkins of Steve Klein Custom Builder work on design plans for the Leal family.