in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• ABoR/TREPAC VIP Screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" • Parade of Homes "Raise the Roof" Street Party Preview • ABoR PAC Spelling Bee Hunt • and much, much more!
Changing the rules!
Associates in Progress
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page 25
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AUGUST 2012 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 4
Back to school: innovative classes in real estate worth their salt By Marilyn McCray
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P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708
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ever before has the real estate industry experienced so much change. Now real estate professionals can choose from a widerange of classes and programs to increase their skills, proficiency and knowledge. The courses range from initial licensing and brokers classes to continuing education, professional and personal development. They focus on the basics as well as current
topics and trends in real estate. Courses are available in a traditional classroom setting, online and by home study/correspondence. Some organizations even offer private or one-on-one classes. Here is a brief overview of the more innovative offerings currently available in Central Texas. Technology has changed real estate. Many classes are devoted to teaching REALTORS to navigate the technology from discovering the most popular apps to social media. Tools like smart phones or the iPad have made it
possible for REALTORS to spend less time behind a desk—making it feasible to be more productive as a mobile agent. Here are just some of the classes that cover the tips and tricks of utilizing technology to enhance productivity. Check out iPad for Real Estate from Independence Title Company, iReal Estate at Gracy Title, Technology 101 from the Austin Board of REALTORS, Top 20 Tech Tools from the Williamson County
Front Page: Continued on page 26
Special Report: real estate fraud and identity theft on Craigslist revealed By Stacy Hale
F
or two weeks, Austin area REALTORS Wayne and Kim Gayer were knocked out of commission. Business came to a screeching halt and almost every marketing communication outlet they had was suddenly untrustworthy. The cause? Two back-to-back incidents of real estate fraud and identity theft. Recently, a rash of Craigslist scams have cropped up in the real estate world across the U.S., affecting real estate agents, homeowners and renters. In many cases, con artists post a fictitious real estate listing for a rental or for sale property with unbelievably low rates. The listings include photos from actual properties on the market. The goal is to con the first and last months’ rent out of the victim before they even see the property or sign a contract, often under the premise that the listing agent or owner needs to make a quick sale. In the Gayers’ case, the several fraudulent ads stated that Kim was a widow and needed money right away. Even though the e-mail address listed on the ads sent inquiries directly to the scam artist, Kim’s phone number was still
included. Over a 36-hour period, she received over 500 texts and phone calls from interested parties who saw the ad and decided to call for more details. “I’d be showing a property and my phone would lock up with all the constant calls and texts,” Kim says. At first the Gayer’s suspected a prank, but after the fifth call they knew they’d been the victims of fraud. Wayne blocked the ads on Craigslist (reporting it as fraudulent through the Craigslist system), but the listings would appear again days later under a new dummy account, each time resulting in a flood of calls and texts with inquiries about properties, vehicles for sale, and some concerned friends who wanted to make sure the Gayers were okay. He then contacted the Austin Police Department. Nine days later, an investigator followed up with the Gayers stating that they were unable to investigate ads that had been blocked or were no longer active. Wayne also contacted the FBI, but because of the millions of similar complaints the bureau simply did not have the
Scam: Continued on page 34
Upcoming Events Thursday, August 23 HBA Speed Selling Event HBA Office - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ABoR PAC Wine Tasting Max's Wine Dive - 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, August 24 WCAoR Farm & Ranch Meeting WCAoR Office - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 4 HBA Lakeway/Bee Cave Chapter Fore - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, September 6 Capital Title Lakeway Office Grand Opening - 2501 RR 620 South Time TBD as of press time Friday, September 7 HBA Networking Social BMC Select Showroom - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, September 13 WCR Business Resource Meeting Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. WCAoR TREPAC Cheesburgers in Paradise - WCAoR Office - 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 19 NAHREP Monthly Luncheon Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, September 20 WCAoR Pardner Up & Cowboy Cook Off WCAoR Office - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. NARI General Membership Meeting Dave & Busters - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. HBA 2012 Golf Extravaganza Forest Creek Golf Club - 12 to 6 p.m. CCIM Skeet Shoot & Horseshoe Tournament - Four-O Ranch - 1 to 7 p.m. More at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
What do the 1980s and cycling have in common? Spandex, spandex, spandex.....
7th Annual Belterra Hill Country Bike Race September 2, 2012 7 am - 4 pm www.TheTourofAustin.com
New model homes and new neighborhoods NOW OPEN! Buffington Homes • David Weekley Homes • Highland Homes • Sitterle Homes • Treaty Oak Homes 151 TRINITY HILLS DRIVE • AUSTIN, TX 78737 • 512.301.5000 • BELTERRATEXAS.COM
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Chairman’s Column By Leonard Guerrero • 2012 Chairman
Raise a glass to a great TREPAC year
T
REPAC’s fundraising year is coming to a close, and ABoR will be hosting the TREPAC Wine Tasting event to celebrate. Mark your calendars, and prepare your palates as the event will be held from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Max’s Wine Dive, TREPAC members and friends will toast a successful year of fundraising and REALTOR-supported political initiatives. Along with wine, the event will feature a silent auction and wine toss. The ticket price is $35, which will cover wine tastings, pairings and valet parking. You may purchase your tickets online at www.abor. com/winetasting.
Mercury is rising and so is anticipation of Realty Round Up I hope you’re ready for the upcoming Realty Round Up. The 31st go-around of the event is sure to be a rowdy-good time with a western theme and boots galore. For the first time, Realty Round Up will be entirely free to attendees, including the parking at
the Austin Convention Center. This year's Realty Round Up will feature a new component: the RRU punch card. As you visit exhibitor booths, have your card punched for entry into a grand-prize drawing. The event will also be featuring free MCE courses and keynote speakers Dr. Jim Gaines of the TAMU Real Estate Center and Daymond John of ABC’s Shark Tank and clothing company FUBU. For more information on the Oct. 9 event, visit www.abor. com/roundup.
Industry stars to align for installation and awards gala The date for the 2013 Installation ceremony is set for Dec. 7, and the stars are sure to align that night as attendees enjoy an evening of “Dancing with the Stars of Real Estate.” You can make sure your business is visible at this see and be seen event when you become an official partner. The event, themed Educate · Advocate · Participate, has already sold out of one of its partnership op-
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portunities. The packages remaining range from $500 to $5,000 and are going fast. This year’s festivities will honor ABoR’s incoming board of directors and spotlight the 2012 industry award winners. For information on the fun-filled event, forms and tickets, go online to www.abor. com/installation or contact Shirley Williams at swilliams@abor.com or 454-7636, ext. 1603.
without dropdown menus. Plus, the site features improved mapping capabilities, detailed neighborhood information and enhanced REALTOR profiles. Go to AustinHomeSearch.com to view the changes or stop by the AustinHomeSearch table at the TREPAC Wine Tasting event on Aug. 23 to learn more.
AustinHomeSearch gets a face lift
As kids are gearing up for a new school year, REALTORS are finally catching their breath from a whirlwind summer season. While the families you helped find homes over the school break are settling in and preparing for that first day back, consider doing the same. Now is the perfect time to accumulate those MCE credits, so you’re not rushed to fulfill them at the last minute. Prepare yourself now for the goals you hope to achieve in the coming year by visiting www.abor.com/ education and getting your MCE credits or designations now. RL
This month, prospective homebuyers will be experiencing a brand new look and feel when they visit AustinHomeSearch. com. The updated site displays the winning design for the AHS logo and an updated color scheme. Amid the new “skin” is a more streamlined navigation for greater ease of use. The site draws in over 83,000 unique monthly visitors, who can now begin searching for properties directly from the homepage. The property search allows users to easily search based on city, county, zip code, area, subdivision and region
A new school year, a new start for education
August Educational Courses August 18: Intro to Residential Service Contracts August 18: Intro to Home Mechanical Systems August 21: Green MLS: The Key to Unlocking the Green Home Market August 23: 8 touches: Your Image Matters August 23: Texas Residential Eviction Steps August 28: MLS Advanced Features & CMA (North location) August 29: CMA's Adjustments and Theories August 29: CMA's and Unique Properties August 30: Broker Responsibility MCE Course
More at www.ABoR.com
The wait is over!
First American is pleased to announce the opening of our new branch conveniently located in Wolf ranch. For all of your title needs in North Williamson county and beyond, choose First American Title. Here now and to stay!
First AmericAn title - WolF rAnch 1015 W. University Avenue, Suite 507 | Georgetown, TX 78628 p h o n e 512.942.6556 | fa x 1.866.407.4713 First American Title Insurance Company makes no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. First American, the eagle logo, First American Title, and firstam.com are registered trademarks or trademarks of First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates.
©2012 First American Financial corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. | nYse: FAF
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Amidst all the fantastic singing going on at the AYREP Karaoke and Networking Event at Common Interest, Linda Knowles-Katz, right, of AmeriPro Funding reminisces about her former home in New Orleans with Mella Gardner of Capital Title.
Buy photo: RL_080712_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Natalie Ridder of Sente Mortgage takes advantage of all the networking opportunities out there and this one is no exception. She meets Jerri Conrado of Staybridge Suites and Tanya Renee Figliozzi of Real Tree Realty at the WCR Happy Hour at Jasper’s Austin. Buy photo: RL_081012_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Buy photo: RL_080212_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
The Keller Williams Family
“Nothing Ordinary, All Extraordinary” ~ Farm & Ranch • KW Commercial • Luxury Homes • Residential ~ Whatever your niche, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Allow us to say “Welcome to the family.”
Ronnie Sue Winters of Diane Christy REALTORS and her husband Robert grab a snack after the VIP Screening of "The Dark Knight Rises"—hosted by ABoR and TREPAC in appreciation for those who’ve donated in 2012. They said the movie was “batastic!”
Put your Trust in our Experience With over 100 years of combined industry experience, our executive team continues to take aggressive steps to innovate and improve the industry.
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Westlake
4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg. 1, Ste 1100
950 Westbank Drive, Suite 104
(512) 450-1222
(512) 615-6499
Steve Builta Jim Sikes Kat Carter Dan Adams Martin Ochs Richie Rodriguez
Bradley Rife Lynn Edgar Cindy Fenley Rosemary Jennings
Mary Lynne Gibbs Broker/Team Leader Lake Travis Market Center 512.263.9090
Round Rock - 255.5050
Northwest - 346.3550
Southwest - 448.4111
www.hometrust.com
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The power of solar living? At your fingertips!
A 1.4kW solar package is included on all homes at The Enclave at Twin Creeks. Call today and learn how you can save on your utility bills.
Solar saves. Discover the energy-efficient benefits at The Enclave at Twin Creeks in Austin • New homes from the $220s • 2,004–3,728 sq. ft., 3–6 bedrooms, 2–4 baths • minutes to hiking, biking and jogging at Lady Bird Lake and Barton Creek Greenbelt Take I-35 to South Austin and exit Slaughter Ln. heading west. Turn left on S. 1st St. and turn right on Wye Oak St. (512) 292-3652
Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2012 KB Home (KBH). A 1.4kW solar power system is included as a standard component of a new KB home at The Enclave at Twin Creeks. Energy bill savings are based on estimated monthly costs for electricity and gas for a home as designed (not as built) with the corresponding solar power system compared to estimated monthly costs for electricity and gas without the system. KBH makes no guarantee of energy production by any solar power system installed with a home or of energy costs or savings, if any, experienced by any homeowner. Energy costs and savings, if any, will vary by floor plan, home size, occupancy, daily activities, appliance usage, thermostat settings, climate conditions and orientation of the home and the solar power system size and operating conditions, among other factors. KBH reserves the right to modify, discontinue or replace any solar options at any time without prior notice. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Solar power systems are supplied by SunPower Corporation®. KBH and SunPower Corporation are independent companies. SunPower and the SunPower logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SunPower Corporation. Plans, pricing, financing, terms, availability and specifications subject to change/prior sale without notice and may vary by neighborhood, lot location and home series. Buyer responsible for all taxes, insurance and other fees. Sq. footage is approximate. Photo may depict upgraded landscaping/options and may not represent lowest-priced homes. Photo does not depict racial preference. See sales representative for details. AUS-103553
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WCR President Anita Farrell of Keller Williams Realty and WCR Past-President Cheryl Jenkins of RE/MAX Capital City III go over the meeting agenda and election of officers at the WCR Monthly Luncheon at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_080312_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Michael Cohen of Pillar Custom Homes thanks Polly Clarke and Michele Turnquist, both of Turnquist Partners REALTORS, for organizing a successful preview event of the homes under construction for the 2012 Parade of Homes. Michael is one of the builders preparing to showcase a home during the fall event.
Buy photo: RL_080112_O.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
NARPM members brave the heat as they pitch in on Habitat for Humanity work day. Pictured are Richard Elias, Karl Jennings, Eric Pesek and Jeff Clawson. Buy photo: RL_080912_A.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Robin Gulledge, right, of RE/MAX Capital City II thanks Dana Gilly of MileStone Community Builders for giving her a tour of her company’s new townhome model in Cypress Creek. Robin makes it a point to get a personal feel for housing choices available to her clients by attending these informative events.
Submitted Photo
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Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®
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President’s Column By Christy Gessler • 2012 President
Don't fall into the trap— take classes that keep you informed and help you grow professionally
B
ack to school time! Summer vacation is over, school supplies are purchased, sports teams and marching bands are in full swing and the kids are back in class. It can be a very crazy time of year. Just because our kids have taken a few months “off ” from school, REALTORS can never take “time off ” when it comes to education and filling your pipeline. Now, don’t get me wrong. For those of you who know me personally, you know that I routinely take vacations with my family. I continuously ask my agents, “So, when is your next vacation and when will you be leaving?” It is not an “if ” question, but a “when” question. However, taking time away can cause a breakdown in your pipeline down the road. This can be especially damaging to your business if you take time away from education. The Texas Real Estate Commission mandates the number of continuing education hours that we must take each year to keep our licenses active and in good standing. Many agents see these classes as a hassle and wait
until the last possible moment to take an unfulfilling course as fast as possible to submit to TREC to beat their renewal deadline. We look to see how many hours we need to complete and find anything, anything at all, that will fit the bill. That is something that I think, if changed, will make an enormous difference in our professionalism and our knowledge to the benefit of ourselves and our client’s experience. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful real estate schools in our marketplace. From outstanding pre-licensing programs to time-saving correspondence courses, to in-depth designation programs, we have it all. I am not sure if you are aware, but the National Association of REALTORS is taking education to the next level. They are offering a comprehensive Masters of Real Estate program, supported by DeVry University. Applications are available and we have members enrolled in the program at this time. How exciting it will be for them to advertise that they have a Masters Degree in
www.myRealtyLine.com real estate and the value that will add to their client’s experience. A far cry from just getting the basics to get by, don’t you agree? Higher education aside, we have a duty and an obligation to stay informed on changes in our industry from contracts to legislative changes to local ordinance changes to changes in lending. Understanding these changes and trying to keep up can be incredibly frustrating, but not taking the time to keep informed on these changes can mean the difference between a successful real estate transaction with a positive experience with another REALTOR and a busted deal with hard feelings that follow. Whether you are brand new to the business or have been around for many years, there is always something new to learn. Our contracts and forms change routinely. Are you familiar with the new Homeowner’s Association
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Addendum (TREC 36-7) and everything that the new form dictates? That is just one example of many changes that affect our everyday business, yet many do not take the time to keep informed on these changes and the consequences in the transaction can be significant. I strongly encourage all of you to time block in your schedule for classes, research what is available, plan ahead, register early, and don’t make excuses not to attend the class. I also encourage you to time block to review the TREC and TAR websites to learn about updates and legal changes that will affect you. Ask your broker to provide you with up-to-date training and information about important changes in contracts, forms, and procedures. Visit the association or log on to www.wcaor.org. I look forward to seeing you around the association. RL
Upcoming Events & Education August 17: Fundamentals of Foreclosure Auctions August 17: TREC Ethics and Legal (Cedar Park Location) September 6: DocuSign Electronic Signature September 13: TREPAC Cheeseburgers in Paradise September 13 - 18: GRI 3: RE Brokerage September 14: TREC Ethics and Legal at WCAoR September 20: Pardner Up & Cowboy Cook-off Event
More at www.WCAoR.org
Buy Photos + Find Events + View Archives
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Mortgage professional Oscar Mendez meets Deb Waldman of the Texas Association of REALTORS at the NAHREP Monthly Luncheon at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_080612_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Bridgette Hager, Gretchen Woellner and Stephanie Transue, all of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, learn tips for success at the company’s Joint Sales Meeting at the Pickle Center.
Buy photo: RL_080912_D.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Buy photo: RL_080412_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Real estate broker Derrick Jones, left, of Austin City Living and Diane Christy, center, of Diane Christy REALTORS congratulate Natalie Bowers, second from left, Greg Miller, third from left, Alfredo Flores, third from right, Dana Gilley, second from right, and Nirav Patel, right, all of MileStone Community Builders, on the opening of the builder’s new models at Cypress Creek.
SARITA VALLEY
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512-260-7302 Mike Tvinnereim
The Colton
www.DreesHomes.com
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Realty Austin celebrates the opening of its Lakeway office with LTCC Chairman of the Board Bob Stubbs, left holding banner, Lakeway Mayor David Deome, Jonathan and Yvette Boatwright, Jolene Weinstein, Sherry Ellenbogen, all of Realty Austin, and LTCC Chairman of the Board-Elect Steve Zbranek, right. Submitted Photo
Coldwell Banker United REALTORS President Valerie Lyday welcomes her agents George Devillan, left, and Ryan Rogers to the company's Joint Sales Meeting at the Pickle Center.
Buy photo: RL_080412_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
WCR Hospitality Director Jan Griffin and WCR President Anita Ferrell of Keller Williams Realty welcome members and sponsors to the WCR Happy Hour at Jasper’s Austin. Buy photo: RL_080512_E.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Terri Romere’s future clients will be riding in style when she returns from Germany with her brand new Mercedes Benz that she won from the ABoR Foundation. ABoR Foundation Chairman Cathy Coneway of Stanberry and Associates congratulates her as she checks out a car like the one she won.
Buy photo: RL_080212_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
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August 2012
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Wanda Stewart, center, of JB Goodwin REALTORS turns 89. Tajuana Fields, Mike Jones and other fellow agents help her celebrate at Red Lobster in Westlake. Happy birthday Wanda!
Submitted Photo
Seth Thompson of Zip Realty and Crystal De La Rosa of Keller Williams Realty take requests for the next Karaoke performer at the AYREP Karaoke and Networking Event at Common Interest.
Buy photo: RL_080612_F.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Passionate about government relations, TAR Chairman Joe Stewart attempts to convince NAHREP members how they can make a big difference in the outcome of legislation affecting the industry at the group’s monthly luncheon at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_080712_A.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Check Out Our 25 Available Inventory Homes Rapidly Progressing on Highland Village Community Center Greenbelt, Canyon and Lakeview Homesites
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The Austin Association of Real Estate Brokers installs officers at a reception at the offices of The Best Agents in Texas. NAREB VP Harold Carter, left, thanks AAREB Treasurer Robert Wright, AAREB Secretary Daffney Henry, AAREP VP J. Rene Ward and AAREB President Marian Williams for their service. Buy photo: RL_081112_I.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Kimberly Dydalewicz and Kelea Piper, both of Champions School of Real Estate toast to proper dining at the WCR/Champions School of Real Estate Professional Etiquette course at ABoR. Kimberly taught the class.
Buy photo: RL_080812_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Thanks to the Tenura Home Center, industry professionals have centrally located place to go to for meetings, closings or a wifi hot spot.
Buy photo: RL_081012_E.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Sometimes it’s all about whom you know—and in this case, Bevyn Bryson, center, and Anne Ames are glad they know “Condo Joe” Bryson of Real Estate Alliance. Because of his donations to TREPAC, they got to tag along with him to the VIP Screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" at the IMAX Theatre at Bob Bullock Museum hosted by ABoR.
Buy photo: RL_081212_A.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
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HBA of Greater Austin
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President’s Column By Marshall Durrett • 2012 President
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HBA mid-year housing forecast stresses slow recovery
he Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin recently hosted its Annual Mid-Year Housing Forecast. Returning to speak at the event was the always entertaining and informative Dr. Jim Gaines, a research economist who focuses on housing markets and development with The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. Dr. Gaines shared valuable information with nearly 350 people who packed the Phillips Event Center, giving us a touchstone on the local housing economy. Dr. Gaines began the program with an example of the kind of humor he brings to his presentations with his “Economics Vocabulary Word of the Day,” which was “liquidity.” His definition – “Liquidity is when you look at your retirement funds and wet your pants.” With a laugh from the audience, Dr. Gaines then began his presentation reinforcing the notion of economic recovery, but stressed that recovery is, and will continue to be, slow.
What’s Taking So Long? There is evidence to show improvement in the U.S. economy: Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) is up from 1.7 percent last year to 1.9 percent in the first quarter of 2012 and employment is growing faster in Texas than in the rest of the country. However, retail sales and consumption are still weak and, for the first time, the housing industry is not leading the way to economic recovery, which is not projected to show substantive growth until 2013 or 2014. Closer to home, economic recovery is doing better in Texas and in Austin than in most other states due to four key items: job gains, housing prices, general business growth and population growth. Dr. Gaines compared the fall of the housing market in Texas vs. the rest of the country and showed that, overall, Texas has fared better. In the U.S., housing prices are down 30 percent since peaking in 2006, while in Texas, prices are only down 4.3 percent since peaking in 2010. In the U.S. in 2011, new home starts were at their lowest in 60 years, while in Texas in 2011, the fewest new homes were permitted since 1992. New households are forming at about 25 percent of their historical rate. While “Generation Y” is moving to Texas to find jobs, they’re renting
www.myRealtyLine.com instead of buying, which was a common trait among baby boomers.
Things Change That’s the one thing you can expect whenever new demographics are released. Dr. Gaines covered changes in demographic, economic and cultural trends. Households are getting older and more diverse while the income gap between the well-educated and less well-educated, the old and young and various ethnicities grows wider. Dr. Gaines adds, “During the next two decades, minorities will account for approximately two-thirds of household growth and half of all first time homebuyers.” Minorities won’t be minorities for much longer. Texas is also experiencing some major population growth. In fact, for a state that is often considered rural, the majority of population growth is happening in the “urban triangle” of Dallas, Houston and Austin/San Antonio, with growth between 100,001 – 700,000 between 2000 and 2010. From 2010 through 2030, Texas is expected to add another 14 million people at a rate of 703,000 per year. That’s 1,925
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people per day! How is homeownership affected by all this change? The current interest rate is the same now as it was back in the first quarter of 1998 and between 1995 and 2005 homeownership exploded from 64.1 percent to 69.1 percent due to low interest rates and new mortgage products.
Current Housing Trends Historically, the housing industry has led the way when the U.S. economy has needed recovering, but that is not the case these days. Government stimulus efforts have had relatively little impact on the economy, which is prolonging market recovery. Nationally, the supply of available housing is greater than demand, which makes for lower home values. That translates to the buyer market viewing renting as a more viable option to buying. Compounding the issue, mortgage lending restrictions have made it even more difficult for first-time homebuyers to buy. With low interest rates and job growth in the Austin market, opportunities remain. The capital area is definitely a good place to be. RL
Submitted Photo
Pamela Longton of Pamela Longton Real Estate, Sherry Ellenbogen of Realty Austin, Elaine Garner of Keller Williams Realty, Kathy Anglin of Realty Austin and Joni Langle of Bee Creek Realty gather for Realty Austin's Lakeway office grand opening.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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August 2012
“I’m excited to join the Reliant Title team, and I look forward to ensuring you and your clients have the best closing experience possible. ”
Tom Berry Senior Vice President of Operations
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Scott Nelligan, right, of KB Home never misses an opportunity to talk about his community at Circle C Estates. Jim and Pam Harris of Third Coast Properties take mental note as they get a bite to eat at the KB Home Agent Mixer at Sam’s Boat.
Buy photo: RL_071212_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Scott Jesek and Howard Kirk, both of Dillon Custom Homes, are glad to see over 250 REALTORS attend the 2012 Parade of Homes “Raise the Roof” REALTOR Preview Street Party at The Overlook Estates. The event was an opportunity to see the homes while under construction. The official 2012 Parade of Homes is coming this fall. Buy photo: RL_080312_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_080112_R.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
It’s time to hold elections for incoming officers at the WCR. Martin Ochs of Hometrust Mortgage and Beth Gatlin of ABoR await the big moment at the WCR Monthly Luncheon at Cool River Café.
Welcoming
our new loan officer
Bart Bade
Mortgage Banker
512-524-2170 W • 512-422-8626 C
bbade@willowbendmortgage.com • NMLS # 241068
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Austin CRS Chapter
TAR Chairman Joe Stewart, right, and TAR CEO Travis Kessler, second from right, attend the installation of the first board of directors of the new Austin Association of Austin Real Estate Brokers. Robert Wright of RL Wright REALTORS and J. Rene Ward of Best Agents in Texas thank them for attending.
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President ‘s Column By Risé Johns • 2012 President
Buy photo: RL_081112_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Penny Rymes and Joydene Ternus, both of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, head into the auditorium with their meeting agendas in hand at their company’s Joint Sales Meeting at the Pickle Center.
Buy photo: RL_080412_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Monica Middleton of Capital Title and Jim Smith check out the homes under construction for the 2012 Parade of Homes at the HBA’s “Raise the Roof” REALTOR Preview Street Party at The Overlook Estates.
Buy photo: RL_080112_P.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
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his month’s topic is education. The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) group focuses on education. In fact, networking and education are the primary goals of the Austin Area CRS Chapter; of any CRS Chapter for that matter. “Business as usual” is not what it used to be. While there are sure and steady signs of a market recovery, the new “normal” is not the housing market we were used to. As the market has changed, so too has business. Agents must adapt to new market conditions by updating skills and adding new ones. Even veterans of past recessions will agree the rules have changed. Buyers and sellers have evolved as well and new skills are needed to market yourself using cutting edge technology and social media tools combined with solid industry best practices and a strong professional network. Experts in their specific fields teach CRS classes. We recently had Tina Daniels teach CRS 204: Wealth Building and Chuck Bode
teach CRS 201: Listing Strategies, and CRS 103: Maximize your Potential. The students gave rave reviews and walked away with a wealth of knowledge, including new strategies to immediately implement in their business. While there have been many changes in the real estate industry, what hasn’t changed is the CRS record of success. CRS designees consistently outperform the average REALTOR in number of sales and transactions, income and years in the business. No matter where you are in your business or the length of time you’ve been a REALTOR, CRS is here to assist you—to help you adapt, reinvent, refine and discover innovative solutions for today’s market challenges. As a group, we can aid you in increasing your income as well as reduce your liability and risk. Plus, using CRS resources, you can boost your reputation and broaden your customer base. To learn more about becoming a CRS and future classes, contact the Austin Area CRS Chapter or attend our next meeting on Oct. 17 at the Westwood Country Club. RL
See our ad on page 18
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NAHREP PresidentElect Jason Garza and Laura Caffey of Exacta thank TAR Chairman Joe Stewart for speaking at the July NAHREP Luncheon. Joe explained to members how they can make a difference in legislation and encouraged them to get involved. The group meets monthly at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_080612_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Oh come on, you know you want to! Carra Elkins of Amelia Bullock REALTORS and ABoR Chairman Leonard Guerrero are not convinced they should be the next Karaoke duet at the AYREP networking event despite our efforts to persuade them.
Buy photo: RL_080912_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Natalie Bowers of MileStone Community Builders gives Debra Kelsey of RE/MAX Capital City II a quick tour of the builder’s new townhome model in the Cypress Creek community. The builder is offering homes in this community starting in the $130s.
Where Austin Closes
Buy photo: RL_080712_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Women’s Council of REALTORS®
Who needs a bat cave when you’ve got a “PAC Cave”? Vicki Harris, second from left, of ABoR, her husband Ron, left, hang out in ABoR’s “PAC Cave” with Ron and Sandy Urias, both of Farmers Insurance, at the ABoR/ TREPAC VIP Screening of The Dark Knight Rises at the IMAX Theatre at the Bob Bullock Museum.
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President’s Column By Anita Farrell • 2012 President
PMN classes are worth their salt
Buy photo: RL_081012_D.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Denise Moody and Lacey Warren, both of Gracy Title, remind Todd Grossman of Realty Austin of their company's Lakeway office. Realty Austin just opened an office at the corner of Lohman's Crossing and RM 620 in Lakeway.
Submitted Photo
Ashley Vincent, Debbie Harris and Lise Rene, all of Exit Realty, arrive thirsty to the KB Home Agent Mixer at Sam’s Boat. We think they came to the right place!
Buy photo: RL_071212_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
t the National Conference in San Francisco, Women’s Council of REALTORS launched the Performance Management Network (PMN) designation. It’s a next-generation REALTOR designation designed from the ground up to bring the real world skills that will help REALTORS keep their business out front and on top of a dynamic real estate market. The first course in the new curriculum, “Effective Negotiating for Real Estate Professionals,” premiered at the national conference with 330 students. It was the most highly attended initial offering of any WCR course to date. The courses offered are: • Harnessing the Power: Skills Based Performance Management • The Business of Your Business: People, Planning, Money and Management • Networking and Referral Systems • Effective Negotiating for Real Estate professionals Currently approved for full credit in the Performance Management Designation: • At Home with Diversity
• E-Pro • Resort and Second Home Markets • Short Sales and Foreclosures To be eligible to receive the designation, a member of WCR who is a REALTOR, REALTOR-Associate, or REALTOR Association Executive must complete three of the PMN courses or replace one course with a course approved for full credit. In addition, a referral to/ from another national WCR member, to/from a non-WCR member, or from a client must be submitted (other conditions may apply). The PMN designee shows the client their commitment to ongoing education and professional excellence. It demonstrates to colleagues an understanding of the value and importance of a powerful network of business connections. PMN designees receive special designee notation of the PMN logo in the “referral center” on the WCR website as well as special discounts. For complete and up-to-date information on the entire program, check out the Performance Management Network section at www.wcr.org. RL
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©2012 North American Title Group and its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. North American Title Group and its subsidiaries are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. | TX12-0778 R 7-26-12
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Commentary By Charles Galati • Private Label Realty
www.myRealtyLine.com bidding happening with foreclosures. Over the past 12 months, REO properties have sold at 98.9 percent of list price. So if your client is
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looking for a deal on REO properties, the deal is already baked in the price, and condition is the true win or lose in this game. RL
REOs – truth be told
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city insulated by high-tech prosperity and a younger generation, the Austin housing market didn’t suffer like other cities across the country. Now however, Austin is beginning to get its fair share of foreclosures, and banks are beginning to take a proactive approach to dealing with nonperforming loans. Some servicers are signing up real estate agents to help list short sale properties in exchange for referring borrowers back to them. Even HUD is looking at new ways to use asset managers in assisting with the disposition of short sales. The “shadow inventory”—as it’s been referred to over the last half decade— is finally subsiding. However, there are still plenty of delinquent loans out there. As banks continue to try to facilitate loan workouts under HAMP2.0, expect more distressed properties to be put out on the open market in 2013 to take advantage of the shrinking inventory of resale listings in the market. With inventories down as much as 23 percent, adding new REO properties to the
market will keep home prices relatively stable over the next twelve months, averaging just 1.2 percent lower by year’s end. Banks are happy to be a seller in this seller’s market. Over the last twelve months the median DOM for a foreclosed singlefamily home in the Austin area is around 30 days. Compared to the year before, REOs are going under contract almost two full weeks faster which will save them as much as 30 percent of the interest cost carried while the property is listed. Besides the low inventory levels, another reason that foreclosed properties are selling faster is due to the fact that the banks have priced their assets better. The median price per square foot for a foreclosed single-family home sold in the last 12 months in Austin was $62.72 ($99.76 for non-REO), compared to $65.57 ($97.56 for non-REO) in 2010. That means the drop in list price per square foot was almost twice that of the decline in price per square foot for the same period. As a result, we are seeing some of the most aggressive
Buy photo: RL_080112_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Karen Matuszewski of Real Estate Services by Design, Susan Horton of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, Beverly Polyniak and Mary Lynne Gibbs of Keller Williams Realty get ready to tour the Parade home being built by JKD Builder for the HBA's 2012 Fall Parade of Homes Oct. 20 through Nov. 4.
Buy photo: RL_081012_G.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Dorothy and Terry Godbold, both of Reliable Property Management, John Horton of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, Barb Cooper of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Leonard Guerrero of JB Goodwin REALTORS agree to sit together at a special VIP premier of "The Dark Knight Rises" hosted by TREPAC and ABoR.
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The Dark Knight is no match for these super REALTORS. Rod Morgan of Landmark Properties, Joy Herring of Realty Austin, David Pavliska of RE/ MAX Round Rock and Dee Shultz of Keller Williams Realty attend the VIP Screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" at the IMAX Theatre. The event was hosted by TREPAC and ABoR in appreciation of those who have donated to TREPAC in 2012.
Buy photo: RL_081012_H.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Certified etiquette instructor Kimberly Dydalewicz of Champion School of Real Estate teaches professional etiquette at a program hosted by WCR and Champions School of Real Estate at ABoR offices.
Buy photo: RL_080412_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Doreen Dillard and Vanessa Bivens, both of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, check out the new previews of the international marketing program after their company’s Joint Sales Meeting at the Pickle Center.
Buy photo: RL_080812_E.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
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512.448.0844 Get a FREE Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange Report. The worst time to HAVE to deal with a serious claim issue is AFTER the closing has taken place. Please call us before you contract and we can make your dreams of a smooth closing come true. And by the way, my wife Sandy works with me too! 4425 Mopac South, Bldg 2, Ste. 101 Austin, TX 78735 Home • Life • Auto • CommerCiAL • renters
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Austin Title A S S O C I AT E S I N P R O G R E S S - A d v e r t i s e r P r o f i l e b y S t a c y H a l e
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his year, two of the Austin area’s most successful title companies joined forces. Alamo Title Company and Austin Title Company are sister companies owned by the largest title insurer in the nation—Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF). Now they will operate as one to bring together the best of both worlds: local roots with financial strength and national reach.
services since 1989. The company grew rapidly and was eventually acquired by Fidelity National Financial in 1998, (NYSE: FNF). Operating under the same leadership for two decades, Alamo is proud of its family culture and its stability and consistency. Austin Title has enjoyed dynamic growth and provided an environment and culture full of opportunity for long-term success since 1953. Both companies have managed
One of the most exciting things about this merger is the strength of our new combined footprint of office locations Brian Baize, President—Austin Division The merger unites two company cultures, each with a longstanding presence in Austin. Alamo Title Company has been a part of the Austin landscape for over 22 years, providing full service title insurance and escrow
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combined footprint of office locations,” says Brian Baize, president of the Austin division, who has been with Fidelity for eight years before taking the lead for the Austin/Alamo team last year. The Bastrop location will continue to operate as Alamo Title. The remaining six Austin area locations are now operating as Austin Title. With a new office at Hartland Plaza in the downtown area and another new office in Cedar Park, Austin Title’s larger footprint now provides more complete coverage of the Capital area. Existing offices now include Cedar Park, Round Rock, North MoPac/183, Spicewood Springs Road, Westlake, downtown and Bastrop. Both companies had their own reputations in the industry, and now the best strategies from each side will be combined to continue and improve a tradition of loyal, long-term customers. “It’s about two great companies coming together to become even stronger as one,” says Baize. “Our goal is to concentrate on doing things the right way and being the best we can be, and size will take care of itself.” What does doing things the right way entail? Austin Title continues to focus
"
to inspire the kind of loyalty that keeps great title professionals around for 20-30 years and more. “One of the most exciting things about this merger is the strength of our new
Congratulations to Marilyn Williams of Keller Williams
August 2012
Brian Baize Austin Division President
on hiring top talent to work in a fun, professional and supportive environment with an emphasis on relationship. “We want to create an environment where the best employees want to stay and grow, top clients and prospects want to do business, and the top talent want to join,” Baize explains. “Austin Title is doing great things and the community is starting to recognize it.” You can find out more at AustinTitle. com. RL
Earn MORE with MileStone’s VIP Realtor® Program! http://www.MyMileStone.com/realtor-registration/ West Cypress Hills
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Greg Miller of MileStone Community Builders presents Marilyn Williams of Keller Williams her new iPad at the Cypress Creek Realtor Preview.
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Single Family Homes from the mid $100’s 512-630-8978
Garden Homes from the $180’s 512-804-2605
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Shadow Creek
Single Family Homes from the $120’s 512-782-2040 203 Shadow Creek Blvd. • Buda
Arbor Ridge
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Riverside Villas
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Preston Village
2001 Faro Drive • Downtown Austin
16016 Travesia Way • Austin
Volume Home Builder of the year 2012
Austin Business Journal
25
www.MyMileStone.com
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August 2012
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Front Page: Continued
Everyone loves a grand opening! Michael and Shae Reilly of Reilly REALTORS asks Scott and Suzanne Michaels of Spanish Oaks how sales are going in the community. The four attend the Realty Austin Lakeway office ribbon cutting event.
Submitted Photo
Christy Gessler of Keller Williams Realty and Mary Miner of Nextage Lone Star Realty have lunch at the Cool River Café before the WCR installation of officers begins.
Buy photo: RL_080312_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Texas American Title Company
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Round Rock Office 1001 South Mays Suite 103 Round Rock, TX 78664 Office: 512-255-1550 Fax: 512-255-2329 Jim Goldrick Account Executive Cell: 512-699-5750
Association of REALTORS and Secrets to Becoming Tech Savvy offered by Champions School of Real Estate. Other popular classes cover how to download and use some of the most popular apps for real estate. Gracy Title offers Zipform and Docusign, a course in how to create forms and contracts with electronic signatures to complete transactions from anywhere. Discover Evernote, the popular app that keeps notes and syncs information across computers and mobile devices with this class from Independence Title. Learn how to create the best possible first impression for listings with Basics of Real Estate Photography taught by a professional photographer and offered by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS. Social media is relevant to real estate. Learn how to leverage the power of Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. What the Tweet? Facebook This and Linked In That! from Gracy Title and the Austin Board of REALTORS course Technology 102: Social Networking for REALTORS teach the basics of how to incorporate social media into marketing and business plans as well as the rules from the Code of Ethics and TREC. Social Media: What Works, What Doesn’t offers practical advice from the experts at Sente Mortgage. Look for classes with a hands-on component, a social media boot camp and special events to create an online presence and learn how to evaluate the results. In addition to technology, there are numerous courses that explore specific topics. Here are just a few. Courses of special interest to Texas REALTORS include Champions School of Real Estate’s Farm and Ranch Real Estate. This class explores the environmental issues concerning ranch land, water and mineral rights for the commercial real estate agent. Gracy Title’s Texas Homestead Rights vs. Community Property covers the knowledge and understanding of Texas homestead laws and their impact on residential and commercial real estate transactions. The Austin Board of REALTORS offers a number of specialty classes. Going Green: The Environmental Movement in Real Estate is the online course that provides a guide for working with eco-minded clients by providing an overview of green footprints, sustainability and the environmental effects of energy-efficient homes. Learn how interests and goals of individuals within diverse populations influence their decision making process within the purchase of real estate in Diversity: Your Kaleidoscope of Clients, an online course. With Seize the Power of Your MLS Subscription, MLS subscribers can discover how to effectively utilize products, services and tools including mobile and marketing options. Professional development for REALTORS goes beyond the regulations and tools of the trade with Professional Dining Etiquette offered by Champions School of Real Estate. This course is a hands-on approach to business etiquette complete with a fourcourse meal taught by a certified etiquette instructor who is also a vice president of business development. Check out new offerings; classes are added all the time. RL
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P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com Managing Editor: Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb Contributing Writers: Stacy Hale, Marilyn McCray, Naomi Bludworth Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Naomi Bludworth Columnists: Leonard Guerrero, Marshall Durrett, Christy Gessler, Risé Johns, Anita Farrell, Bill Bradshaw, Rita Santamaria, Charles Galati Submission Guidelines: Submit photos, press releases and calendar items to naomi@myrealtyline.com. All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name and company affiliation. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Non-advertisers submitting calendar items will be charged $25 per submission. All submissions must be received at least seven calendar days prior to ad copy deadlines published at www. myrealtyline.com/advertise.html. Submission items will be included as space allows. Realty Line 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 1,100 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. Realty Line Austin is printed on recycled paper. Realty Line Austin is a proud 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. Realty Line 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.
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Features that are important to today’s families. INTERNET
Families can have the ability to roam in and out of their home with wireless access.
AUDIO
You can fill your new home with music that you control in every room and outside. The perfect element for entertaining or relaxing with the family.
CAMERA
Hurry, offer ends Aug. 31, 2012
You can keep an eye on your family, home and yard — no matter where you are at any time. You’ll know who’s at your front door before opening it.
INTERCOM
No more running up and down stairs or shouting to communicate with family members in other areas of your new home.
LIGHTING
Right now your clients can own the smartest home on the block at no additional cost! Every home Taylor Morrison builds offers the latest technology that
You’ll have the ability to control the lighting in your new home at the touch of a button — from anywhere you are at any time.
HOME THEATRE
Families can experience movie theatre quality for their TV, videos, Nextflix and DVDs.
TELEPHONE / TV
You can set up a home office in your new home with ease.
enhances entertainment, communication and comfort. When you choose to build your dream home from the ground up you have the opportunity to customize this technology to fit your every desire. Ask a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details about the interactive home technology options that you can can touch, operate and play for yourself. Taylor Morrison is the Official Builder of the Dream Home at Innoventions in Disneyland® Park.
HVAC
You can easily manage your home’s temperature for ultimate comfort year round.
UNITY — a must have. You can have the ability to control any and all of these features from one location with this ultimate home system.
Homes from the $100s to over $1Million
hightechhome.taylormorrison.com/austin-homes © Aug. 2012 Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc. All rights reserved. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Interactive Home technology options are only available in select Taylor Morrison’s Austin division communities. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. 0812
House icons courtesy of legrand. © 2011 Legrand
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August 2012 Experts Speak Out
Commentary By Bill Bradshaw • Gracy Title
Grave issues: how a death affects title transfers
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robate and estate administration is the legal process by which the affairs of a dead person are concluded, and the assets are distributed to the heirs. This process is potentially complicated, and choices should be made only on the basis of sound legal advice. Be clear this is not intended to provide legal advice, as every situation is different. My purpose is to set out only some of the possibilities for dealing with a death in the “chain” of title to real property. First, we assume the deceased person has died leaving a will. No will has any legal force or effect unless it has been admitted to probate. In other words, we are proving that the will is the last will and testament of the deceased (usually easier in Texas than other jurisdictions) and asking the court to oversee the process of administering the estate in accordance with the terms of the will. A properly drafted will includes the appointment of an executor who, generally, has the power to collect estate assets, account for liabilities, and transfer assets of the named beneficiaries. Even if the deceased left a will, the estate
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may not need to be the subject of a proceeding in the local probate court. It may be appropriate in situations where no probate proceedings are necessary to utilize heirship affidavits. These affidavits set out family facts concerning marriage, divorce, births of children, and the like. The idea is to set out facts so that the heirs at law, as established by the Texas Probate Code, acquire title of the deceased’s assets without the necessity of a probate proceeding. Heirship affidavits may be prepared with the will attached as an exhibit. Understand that heirship affidavits will not modify the statutory scheme or schedule of inheritance so that if the deceased has left money or property to a charity or a church then heirship affidavits will not recognize or effectuate that bequest. Alternatively, a revision in the will could divide assets disproportionately between legal heirs. While the heirs at law could honor these provisions and avoid probate, the will could be probated as a muniment of title. This process is available when no administration of an estate is required but it passes title in accordance with
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the will, thereby establishing the ownership of those named heirs that would otherwise vary the probate code inheritance provisions. One other possibility is that a will has been probated in a state other than Texas. In that case, the will and order admitting same to probate can be filed in the county in which the property is located, and this will establish heirship only. Note that this filing will not provide any authority for the personal representative established in our sister state. It will establish ownership in much the same fashion as a will offered as a muniment of title. Now let’s assume that a person owning real property has died without leaving a will. A possibility here is that a court monitored administration is required. In this circumstance, a probate court action is filed in which an interested party is appointed to represent the estate and is charged with securing assets, discharging liabilities, and dividing assets, usually with the close scrutiny of the court. This could be expensive and time consuming. There are other possibilities. Refer back to the information about heirship affidavits set out above. These affidavits are used to establish who owns the property based on the laws of Texas since there is no will. Title insurance standards generally require execution of the affidavit by three people: two that do not stand to inherit, i.e., that are disinterested in the assets of the estate and one heir to establish the facts concerning liabilities and any estate tax that might be due. The use of these affidavits is usually fast and inexpensive. There are a couple of other sections of the Texas Probate Code that might be used in special situations. One is the small estate affidavit. This is available if: 1. The deceased person died without a
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will. If there is a will, a small estate affidavit cannot be used whether the will has been offered for probate or not. 2. More than 30 days must have passed since the date of death. 3. The only real property owned by the decedent must be the homestead. Title to other real property is unaffected by the small estate affidavit. A small estate affidavit cannot be used to transfer title to any other real property other than a homestead. 4. The debts of the decedent (other than a mortgage on the homestead) must not exceed the assets of the decedent (not counting the homestead and exempt property) and there must be no other reason to have a person appointed to handle the business of the decedent’s estate. 5. No estate administration has been opened or if an application to open one has been filed, no order has yet been entered granting letters of administration. 6. All of the assets of the decedent (not counting the homestead and exempt property) are not more than $50,000.00. This process involves a probate court order. Another approach might be used in a situation where a surviving spouse becomes an unqualified community survivor. When no one has qualified as an executor or administrator of the estate of a deceased spouse, the surviving spouse may have the authority to sell community property for the purpose of paying community debts. Real estate professionals are urged to encourage their clients to seek appropriate advice when there is a death in the chain. Further, bring these circumstances to the attention of your title company early in the transaction. This will help avoid closing delays. RL
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We are excited to announce our newest additions in our Austin Branch Nikki Bryant Mortgage Banker NMLSR# 221272 Direct: 512.413.1164 e-Fax: 866.907.4065 nikki@lakehillslending.com
John Segrest Mortgage Administrator Direct: 361.815.5252 e-Fax: 866.907.4064 JSegrest@starkeymtg.com
Daniel Conway Mortgage Administrator Direct: 512.626.8562 e-Fax: 866.907.7194 DConway@starkeymtg.com
Aurelius Sofia Mortgage Administrator Direct: 512.577.2060 e-Fax: 866.907.8228 ASofia@starkeymtg.com
A Solid, Proven, and Committed Lender! At Starkey Mortgage (WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146) we know the mortgage business... inside and out.Based on the keen insight of our founders, our company is strategically placed and well-positioned to succeed for our clients no matter what the current conditions of the mortgage market may be. In today’s market the name of the lender is irrelevant, but it’s the integrity of the people behind it that is essential. We pride ourselves in being a mid-sized company while continually maintaining our small company mentality. WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146 | 807 Las Cimas Pkwy., Suite 150, Austin, TX 78746
Designed by WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146. Any reproduction without the express written consent of WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP is strictly prohibited. This is not a guarantee of financing. All borrowers must meet certain underwriting guidelines and credit criteria. Rules and Regulations may apply.
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AYREP members Scott Fehrenkamp, Shelby Shepherd, Melanie Taliaferro, Jason Arrida, Taylor Nyberg and Robert Creamer just might have the X factor. The group participated in AYREP’s Karaoke and Networking Event at Common Interest. Buy photo: RL_080712_D.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Susan Spence, Dani Patterson and Kristy Santelia, all of North American Title, bring the party to the WCR Happy Hour at Jasper’s Austin.
Buy photo: RL_080212_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Thank heavens Nick Harrison of City Wide Realty learns fast! With all the information he’s taking in from Lori Nash, left, Shannon Allen, right, both of KB Home, and Linda Randall, second from left, of TAR Texas REALTORS University, he’s going to need all the help remembering he can get! The four met at KB Home's Agent Mixer at Sam's Boat.
Submitted Photo
Jolene Weinstein, Yvette and Jonathan Boatwright, all of Realty Austin, welcome guests and dignitaries to the company's grand opening of its office in Lakeway.
Buy photo: RL_071212_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Social Media:
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Click on Real Estate Power Lunches at the bottom of our homepage or call 512-637-9900 • Sente Mortgage, Inc. MCE Provider #9841
RELIABLE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. Terry Godbold, MPM® RMP® ARM® GRI® TRLP® www.LandLordAustin.com • www.ReliableTeamHome.com
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Husband and wife team, Laurel Pratts of Turnquist Partners and Edgar Pratts of PGM Design + Build show off the view from the backside of his Parade house. The midconstruction staged homes were shown to REALTORS at a special preview event. The HBA's 2012 Parade of Homes is from Oct. 20 through Nov. 4. Buy photo: RL_070712_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
RE/MAX agents attend a technology training class in Austin.
Submitted Photo
Texas Association of Real Estate Brokers President, Darryl Malloy, right, gave opening remarks at the local chapter’s Installation Reception where he met J. Rene Ward of Best Agents in Texas and Santiago Jimmy Gutierrez.
Buy photo: RL_080412_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com ITChoa080112c.pdf 1 8/1/12 PM REALTORS Joint Sales Meeting, Philip Haustein Before he speaks on a panel at the Coldwell Banker5:30 United grabs a cup of coffee to get him going.
Buy photo: RL_081112_D.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Solutions Your escrow and business development teams stand ready to help you with the latest information on management companies and HOA fees. Call us prior to your listing appointment for estimated fees to better prepare your seller for new payment requirements.* Ask your Independence Team about payment options! * HOA fees and management companies are subject to change. Be sure and update this info with us before your client sends payment!
Independence Title Explore
www.IndependenceTitle.com
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Judging by the look on these faces, it must be WCR happy hour time! The group hosts the summer event at Jasper’s Austin.
Buy photo: RL_080212_H.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Rabin Jones, Danielle Archambault and Andrea Jackson, all of KB Home, welcome REALTORS to the company’s Agent Mixer and sign them up for door prizes at Sam’s Boat.
Buy photo: RL_071212_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Carrie Maxwell and Leslie Buck, both of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS welcome fellow agents to the company’s Joint Sales Meeting at the Pickle Center. Buy photo: RL_080612_E.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
NAHREP Director of Membership Sandy Urias of Farmers Insurance Group and NAHREP Treasurer Donna Thomas take a final count of the number of people attending the group’s monthly luncheon at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_080412_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
WANT TO WORK WITH THE BEST?
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JOIN THE TEAM AT DHI MORTGAGE!
We are only as strong as the team we build, so we work hard to develop passionate talent and encourage a balanced life of work and family. We have developed a mission statement that represents the heart of who we are: The Right People - The Right Way! The following positions are available in our Killeen and Austin branches: Mortgage Loan Originator • Support D.R. Horton communities as their preferred lender in Temple, Waco, Killeen and Ft. Hood • Incentives available for generating non-D.R. Horton business • Base salary plus commission based on production • Additional bonus opportunities available • 2+ years originating required • Fluent in Spanish a plus! • Comfortable speaking to large groups
Want to work for the best? Contact me today! Patricia Wagner
Branch Manager, NMLS #209414
www.dhimortgage.com
Direct: (512) 533-1369 Fax: (866) 364-8284 E-mail: pwagner@dhimortgage.com www.dhimortgage.com/patricia-wagner
Mortgage Loan Processor • 2+ years processing required • Experience with FHA, VA, USDA, MCC, Bond and Conventional Loans • Comfortable in a fast-paced environment • Base salary + overtime • Monthly bonus opportunities available • Fluent in Spanish a plus! At DHI Mortgage, we offer a diverse and collaborative work place that is unmatched by our competition. As an employee, you will: • Be affiliated with D.R. Horton, America’s #1 Home Builder • Have the ability to do ALL sources of business • Receive a competitive compensation plan with bonus opportunities. • Receive EXCELLENT large company benefits, including 401K matching • Have no-cost marketing support for Mortgage Loan Originators
Provided for informational purposes only. DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. Branch NMLS# 38686. Company NMLS #14622. 12554 Riata Vista Circle, First Floor, Austin, TX 78727. For information on DHIM licensing please visit www.dhimortgage.com/otherpages/licensing. REV: 05/01/12 / EXP: 05/01/13
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August 2012
GRAND HAVEN HOMES CHOSEN ON HGTV’S HOUSEHUNTERS Grand Haven Homes is honored to announce that its home in the Woodlands of Rough Hollow Lakeway was chosen as the buyer’s purchase selection in the June 20, 2012 episode of HGTV’s Househunters series.
The nationally aired program featured the Hoffarth family, who relocated to Austin from California. Of the three potential homes presented in the episode, Grand Haven’s home was the family’s final purchase choice.
Visit us today and discover what makes our homes different!
VISIT OUR MODEL HOME IN ROUGH HOLLOW: 102 Kildrummy Lane, Austin, TX 78738 CALL US: 512-608-9610 EMAIL US: lakeway@grandhavenhomes.net LEARN MORE: www.grandhavenhomes.net
Special Thanks to:
lifezones EXPERIENCE THE LUXURY OF GRAND HAVEN’S LIFEZONES
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Scam: Continued manpower to investigate each one. Shortly following the Craigslist incidents, Wayne’s e-mail account was hacked. The scammers posed as Wayne and sent a plea for help to everyone on his contact list, stating that the Gayers were stranded and needed immediate funds. The signature at the bottom of the e-mail listed a phone number that was nearly identical to Wayne’s, with two numbers transposed. A similar e-mail address was also listed. Once again, the Gayers were bombarded with calls, this time from concerned friends and colleagues. All of the contacts in Wayne’s e-mail address book were erased. He couldn’t log into his e-mail, so he contacted AT&T and Yahoo support. The technicians said that it was an especially difficult case—typically, hackers do not erase the victim’s contact list. Each time the techs reset the password and made it possible for Wayne to log in, the account was hacked again, and incoming and outgoing e-mails were rerouted to a new account with a new phony address so similar to Wayne’s legitimate one that many of his contacts did not notice the difference. Once Wayne’s account was permanently restored, Kim helped piece together his contact list and sent out an e-mail to everyone warning that Wayne had been hacked. The calls from the ads and the e-mails tapered off over the following two weeks, but the Gayers were still shaken. “I was literally sitting there cancelling calls on Kim’s phone, one after the other every few seconds,” Wayne says. “If you have limits on your voicemails and texts, an incident like this can cripple your business.” Now recovering and back to business as usual, the Gayers shared some insight on protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft:
Protect Yourself • Scammers today are very high tech. The police department advises that you change your passwords, codes, and bank PINs
frequently. • Set up your passwords to be as complex as
possible with both uppercase and
lowercase letters, numbers, and special
characters when allowed.
• Use a randomly generated password for
important accounts, or use the first letter of
each word in the title of your favorite song
or book.
• Use one type of password for your business
and another for personal accounts. An
average family should have at least five
different passwords.
• Be cautious about what personal
information you include on social media
sites, such as phone number, address, etc.
If you are the victim of a Craigslist Scammer • If you receive inquiries, ask the person
where they found the ad and get a detailed
description. • Find the ad and report it so that Craigslist
can block it as quickly as possible.
• Notify the authorities and keep detailed
records to aid in the investigation.
For most of us, life and business are per-
manently entwined in the digital world. An invasive scam or a hacked e-mail account can be debilitating and feel like a personal violation. “It feels like someone has broken into your home,” says Kim. And while having your identity compromised is at least in part a matter of bad luck, taking precautions about how much information you share on public sites and using secure passwords can go a long way to prevent it. If it happens to you, the Gayers say, be patient and know that it will pass. RL
Buy photo: RL_080812_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Laura Nye of Stanberry and Associates brings her niece, Michelle, to the Women’s Council of REALTORS and Champions School of Real Estate’s Professional Etiquette course at the ABoR Auditorium.
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August 2012
Applause for Mercedes-Benz of Austin The Austin Board of REALTORS® Foundation would like to send a big THANK YOU out to Bob Nolen for making the success of the 2012 ABoR Foundation possible. Bob and the Mercedes-Benz of Austin literally put the Mercedes in the Mercedes and Martini’s fundraising event. A very lucky Terri Romere of Keller Williams Realty won the raffle and was presented the grand prize by ABoR Foundation Chair Cathy Coneway of Stanberry & Associates. Through the raffle, $31,000 was given to deserving high school and college students. The ABoR Foundation would like to extend gratitude to each one of the raffle participants for their charitable contribution to the organization. A tremendous thanks also to everyone who helped make this such a successful event.
See AustinHomeSearch. Taste Wine. Support TREPAC. Wine isn’t the only thing that gets better with time. Join the Austin Board of REALTORS® at the TREPAC Wine Tasting event on Thursday, August 23, to celebrate the redesign of greater Austin’s most trusted consumer real estate website — AustinHomeSearch. com. You and your clients will love the advanced search features and improved navigation. Register now at www.abor.com/winetasting.
Tickets: $35 207 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin 78701
Buy Photos + Find Events + View Archives + Property Tours at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Experts Speak Out
Commentary By Rita Santamaria Champions School of Real estate
Use proper "netiquette" and "telequette" in business communication
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elephone and e-mail etiquette are hot topics right now as many believe the use of e-mail and cell phones have brought into the business environment a loss of good manners. E-mailing is as important as live phone conversations in today’s companies and many employers are losing customers, leads and dollars due to poorly handled e-mails. One can have their character, performance and intelligence pre-determined by the way they write, reply and use e-mail communication. Let’s start with the basics of e-mail. There must be a subject line that demonstrates the core meaning of your e-mail message. There should always be a greeting as with any mail correspondence; that is just good manners. There should be a closing so as to not make you sound terse or annoyed. Be sure you address the note with the same formality as you would in personal or business communication such as Dear Ms. Santamaria or Dear Rita. Always verify correct spelling of the person’s name and spelling within the
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body of the note. E-mails with typos are not taken as seriously or degrades the person’s intelligence level. Read your e-mail out loud prior to clicking send so as to check the tone of your message. Choose words that reflect your meaning and try not to be abrupt. Using all capital letters give the recipient the feeling you are screaming at them. Bolding your words show you are emphasizing a point and being emphatic. Using all lower case sounds like you are mumbling. Don’t abbreviate words like two, too, for “2” or you with “U”. You are giving a first impression of yourself over the electronic mail delivery system and abbreviations give your associates and clients the impression you are in a hurry, disorganized or uneducated. The use of !!! and ??? demonstrate too much emotion in an e-mail unless it’s a personal e-mail and that is your goal. If the intention is not to have a personally charged tone in your e-mail, walk away from the computer, cell phone, relax for awhile and then reread your remarks and ask yourself if you were on
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the receiving end of the note would a working solution occur based on the wording and tone of the e-mail you are writing? Reviewing the sender’s e-mail to verify you are interpreting their message is a great suggestion. When in doubt, pick up the phone and call that person to verify the sender’s information. Type complete sentences and use correct sentence structure. The use of thank you, please, how are you, and such are always good communication techniques and relevant to every e-mail and form of communication. Teliquette or telephone techniques in the work place are a skill that requires continual training. First impressions are made by the greeting and tone of the receiver. Answering the call with “hello, thank you for calling Champions School of Real Estate, this is Rita” is always appreciated by the caller. Answering in a slow enough pace so as the person calling can understand the name of the receiver is important. Remembering to be polite with thank you, and please will give the first impression people have of an entire company. Answering the phone call on the first ring is an example of the company being prepared and anxious to receive the call. If the call cannot be handled on the first few rings due to lack of call support, put a caller on hold and pick up the other ringing line and get the new caller’s name and phone number or worst case basis, have caller
go into voice mail. Remembering to check voice mail all the time and return calls right away is of primary importance. Never tell the caller how busy you are or that many lines are ringing, etc. That is not your client’s concern or problem to solve. Again, it makes you and your company sound disorganized and short staffed. This is not a good first impression of the company you work for. Always say “thank you for holding” when you come back on the line from putting a caller on hold. Identify yourself with “this is Rita, how may I help you?” Do not sound agitated, too busy, disorganized when answering the phone as people can always call your competitor and perhaps get a happier more positive person to do business with. Cell phones should be on silent when in a personal face-to-face conversation with others. It is never good etiquette to answer a phone call when in a meeting. If absolutely necessary, excuse yourself and step out of the room to take an emergency call. It is not appropriate to talk out loud and answer your cell phone when at an event, meeting, church, seminar, and luncheon. Those wearing Bluetooth devices are no exception to remembering to turn off devices during meetings. The person sitting in front of you having conversation with you is the precedence of any phone call. Teliquette or Netiquette can make and break your business success. RL
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Misty Lynch
Jori Stern
Sherri Eckert
Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Loan Officer
810 HESTER’S CROSSING, STE 150 | ROUND ROCK, TEXAS 78681
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, HomePath & Jumbo just to name a few loan products! © 2012 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS #: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in TX. Texas Regulated Loan License-license #7293. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. NMLS #: Buzan 179412, Leaman 151263, Nielsen 180307, Oehler 225339, Smith 176530, Savage 180854, Kennedy 179666, Driskell 180066, Clark 268025, Hoffman 171464, Stewart 292478, Lynch 280093, Stern 177299, Eckert 357516, Widmer 232054.
Sr. Loan Officer
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
Walk. Sprint.
August 2012
37
Trot.
Run. Stay.
Jog.
Come to Falcon Pointe. With new neighborhoods to choose from, acres of recreation, and the area’s first bark park, there’s something for every member of your client’s family. (Two legs and four legs alike.)
3 new neighborhoods • 30 + Quick Move-In Homes 11 miles of trails • 1st dog park in Pflugerville
FalconPointeTX.com/home New homes in Pflugerville from the high $100,000s to the mid $300,000s Centerra Homes • Lennar • Ryland Homes
Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the United States from coast-to-coast. Together with our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com and www.nashcommunities.com This is not intended to be an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the Falcon Pointe community to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. All square footage is approximate. Prices, specifications, details and availability of builder’s homes are subject to change without notice. Terrabrook Falcon Pointe, LP (‘Fee Owner’) is the creator of the Falcon Pointe Community (‘Community’). Certain home builders unaffiliated with the Fee Owner or its related entities (collectively ‘Newland’) are building homes in the Community (‘Builder(s)’). Newland is not co-developing, co-building or otherwise responsible for any of the obligations or representations of any of the Builders, and Newland shall have no obligations to any buyer regarding a home purchase from a Builder. Purchasers of homes from any of the Builders waive any claims against Newland arising out of their purchase transaction. © 2012 Newland Real Estate Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
38
August 2012
www.myRealtyLine.com
Real Estate News & Notes master planned community. Grand Haven’s newest Paloma Lake designs range from approximately 2,298 to over 3,400 square feet, and are priced from $230,000. The model is located at 2601 Los Alamos Pass in Round Rock. RL
Austin REALTOR launches 10-year campaign to raise money for local AIDS charity; selling raffle tickets for Toyota Prius Austin real estate professional David Owen and his newest company, A List Partners, LLC, began a 10-year philanthropic campaign called “The Prius Project” by donating the first of brand new Toyota Prius’ to AIDS Services of Austin (ASA), with the goal of raffling off the car to raise $125,000 for the organization. “The beauty of this campaign, is that it is more than just writing a check once a year to a deserving organization,” Owen said. “The Prius Project is actually a way for a nonprofit to take a donation and leverage that donation to create five times the fundraising power.” The Prius Project and ASA have been getting the word out and selling raffle tickets across Central Texas all year. “We’re very honored and pleased to have this opportunity to work with A List Partners and The Prius Project,” ASA Communications Coordinator Marcus Sanchez said. “The Prius Project is going to provide much needed funds for people here in Austin and the surrounding area who are living with and are affected by HIV and AIDS.” 1 8/1/12 4:45 PM ITCweb080112.pdf The Prius Project’s campaign comes not
austin
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RE/MAX mid-year awards celebrate Austin agents
Grand Haven Homes Paloma Lake Model Now Open Grand Haven Homes announces its new model home is now open in Paloma Lake. As one of Paloma Lake’s founding builders, Grand Haven Homes has sold out in its original Paloma enclave, and has unveiled its new model and a new selection of generously oversized home sites in this desirable
RL
RE/MAX offices and top producing sales associates in the greater Austin region were honored at the RE/MAX of Texas Mid Year Awards Celebration and networking social hour on July 25, enjoying peer accolades and celebrating a significantly improved real estate market compared to last year. Austin-area RE/MAX agents convened at Dave & Buster’s, where associates let their hair down in the venue’s huge gaming parlor after enjoying cocktails, food and awards. The event kicked off with a bang, courtesy of RE/MAX Town and Country in Fredericksburg Broker Dennis Kusenberger, who brought a large box of world-renowned Fredericksburg peaches to be auctioned for charity. Proceeds benefited the Texas Sentinels Foundation, the charity supporting Wounded Warriors of the U.S. Military
RE/MAX Capital City shows off the peaches they won in a charity auction bid at Mid Year.
founded by RE/MAX of Texas CEO Richard and Jeanne Filip. The auction raised $500 for the cause, with Jeff Osborne, Linda Graves, Mike Freeman and Pam Buske of RE/MAX Capital City teaming up to win the bid. RL
Michele Blood named 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agent
A List Partners with Willie Nelson
a moment too soon for the ASA community, which was notified July 19 that AIDS Services of Austin will be one of the 18 agencies eliminated as a United Way Greater Austin partner – a blow that will cause an immediate loss of $55,000 for the organization. The winner of The Prius Project’s inaugural new car raffle will be drawn on Nov. 3 at an event sponsored by Owen and A List Partners, LLC. Please find The Prius Project on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ThePriusProject, and online at www.ThePriusProject.com. RL
Michele Blood of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS was selected as a Texas Monthly 2012 Five Star Real Estate Agent, an award granted to less than 2 percent of real estate agents in the Central Texas region who score highest in overall customer satisfaction, as measured in a survey of recent homebuyers. Survey respondents evaluated real estate agents whom they have worked with based on nine criteria—customer service,
integrity, market knowledge, communication, negotiation, closing preparation, finds the right home, marketing of home, and overall satisfaction. A third party research firm calculates the results. RL
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Earn more with
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August 2012
5%
39
on August Closings
*commission
114 Invenotry Homes Available NOW!!
The Designer Label of Luxury Homebuilding ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ. FT.
BD/BA/STORIES
COMMISSION
PRICE
1. BRADSHAW CROSSING • ERIC: 512-407-0404, OR BORIS: 512-626-8473 10112 Copper Ridge Cove
Jasmine
1418
3/2/1
SOLD
SOLD
$
5820 Zachary Scott Street
Jasmine
1,418
3/2/1
SOLD
SOLD
$
2. COLORADO CROSSING • CLYDE: 512-496-4163
174,631
171,890
7204 Outfitter Drive
Saguaro
1,789
4/2.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
7208 Outfitter Drive
Carlsbad
1,230
3/2/1
SOLD
SOLD
$
158,790
140,090
3. FALCON POINTE • BRUCE: 512-657-3326 19612 Drifting Meadows
Cantera
1,550
3/2/1
NOW!
5%
$
19604 Maiden Grass Drive
Alabaster
2,731
4/3/2
NOW!
5%
$
2908 Dusty Chisolm Trail
San Jacinto 2,850
4/3.5/2
Sept
5%
$
19616 Maiden Grass Drive
Travertine
1,983
4/2/1
August
5%
$
1913 Meandering Meadows Obsidian
2,384
4/2.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
307 Sandstone Trail
Onyx
1,797
3/2/1
NOW!
5%
$
325 Travertine Trail
Cantera
1,550
3/2/1
SOLD
SOLD
$
317 Travertine Trail
Obsidian
2,384
4/2.5/2
NOW!
5%
$
283 Sandstone Trail
Terrazzo
2,521
4/3.5/2
NOW!
5%
$
4. STONEFIELD • SALLY: 512-401-7717
5. SUMMERLYN • DENISE: 512-777-9565
195,650 233,561 274,139
205,315 207,308
ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ. FT.
BD/BA/STORIES AVAILABLE COMMISSION PRICE
1. TERAVISTA • SANDEE: 512-670-6804 4522 Cervinia Drive
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
388,290
1596 Courmayeur Court
Belmeade
2,407
4/2/1
SOLD
SOLD
$
4520 Cervinia Drive
Savoy
2,834
4/3.5/2
August
5%
$
4516 Cervinia Drive
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
4611 Monterosa Lane
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
4318 Woodledge Place
Oakmont
3,501
5/4/2
August
5%
$
4609 Monterosa Lane
Savoy
2,834
4/3.5/2
August
5%
$
4303 Woodledge Place
Bayberry
3,487
5/3.5/2
August
5%
$
322,130 347,708 367,574
405,607 441,987
377,808
450,508
195,741
166,940 197,268
240,915
141 Housefinch Loop
Terrazzo
2,521
4/3.5/2
NOW!
5%
$
175,340
152 Housefinch Loop
Navajo
1,641
3/2.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
109 Chickadee Lane
Lavendar
1,753
4/2.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
121 Chickadee Lane
Iris
1,899
4/2.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
149,821 172,081 179,276
6. TERAVISTA • WILL: 512-913-1863• TAMARA: 512-461-1711 2017 Autumn Run Lane
Travertine
1,983
4/2/1
NOW!
5%
$
2009 Autumn Run Lane
Obsidian
2,384
4/2.5/2
NOW!
5%
$
244,399
4618 Chestnut Meadows Bend Sabine
2,675
4/2.5/2
August
5%
$
4625 Chestnut Meadows Bend Blanco
2,101
3/2/91
August
5%
$
243,063 280,195
242,599
7. VISTAS OF STONEY RIDGE • CLYDE: 512-496-4163 6809 Plains Crest Drive
Carlsbad
1,230
3/2/1
SOLD
SOLD
117,778
6805 Plains Crest Drive
Sante Fe
2,206
4/2.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
6739 Plains Crest Drive
Sante Fe
2,206
4/2.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
6735 Plains Crest Drive
Sedona
2,402
4/2.5/2
August
5%
$
$
143,990 143,990 149,240
LENNAR.COM/AustinRealtors
Prices, features and amenities are subject to change without notice. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details. To qualify for any applicable referral bonus/incentive, registration must occur on the first visit. Offer valid only in states where referrals are permitted. *Effective 8/1/12, 5% commission will be paid on select inventory homes that sell between 8/1/12 and 8/31/12. Ad must be presented at time of contract. Homes must close and fund by 8/31/12. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Offer good for a limited time only. Copyright © 2012 Lennar Corporation. Lennar and the Lennar logo, and The Everything’s Included logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 8/12
2. RIM ROCK • KYLE: 512-627-0900 1122 Flint Rock Loop
Langford
3,154
4/3.5/1
August
6%
$
433,643
268 Southern Sunset Cove
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
August
6%
$
262 Southern Sunset Cove
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
August
6%
$
1158 Flint Rock Loop
Oakmont
3,501
5/4/2
August
5%
$
1140 Flint Rock Loop
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
1098 Flint Rock Loop
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
SOLD
SOLD
$
1072 Flint Rock Loop
Kinsley
2,800
4/3/1
SOLD
SOLD
$
431,324
449,765 470,177
433,007
403,045 415,132
3. ROUGH HOLLOW • WILL: 512-809-8026 204 Tavish Trail
Belmeade
2,834
4/3.5/2
DEC ‘12
5%
$
422,780
101 Waverley Spire Court
Concordia
3,766
4/2/1
SOLD
SOLD
$
205 Wester Ross Lane
Savoy
2,834
4/3.5/2
NOV ‘12
5%
$
205 Tavish Trail
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
NOV ‘12
5%
$
465,607
432,465 457,724
VILLAGEBUILDERS.COM/AUSTIN
Prices, features and amenities are subject to change without notice. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details. To qualify for anyapplicable referral bonus/incentive, registration must occur on the first visit. Offer valid only in states where referrals are permitted. *Effective 8/1/12, 5% commission will be paid on select inventory homes that sell between 8/1/12 and 8/31/12. Ad must be presented at time of contract. Homes must close and fund by 8/31/12. *Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Offer good for a limited time only. Copyright © 2012 Lennar Corporation. Village Builders and the Village Builders logos are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 8/12
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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August 2012
40
Too bad the Spelling Bee (aka Chris Rodriguez of Austin Real Pros) isn’t buzzing around with all the answers at the ABoR PAC Spelling Bee and Word Hunt where Tiesa Hollaway of North American Title and Chelsea Brown of KB Home try to win an iPad. The event was held at The Park at the Domain.
Buy photo: RL_070912_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Luckiest woman of the year, Terri Romere of Keller Williams Realty takes a test drive of the style of Mercedes she won from the ABoR Foundation before she flies off to Germany to pick out her very own.
Buy photo: RL_081012_A.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
Buy photo: RL_080512_D.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
No, Boy Wonder, I’m Batgirl says Susan Spence of North American Title at the ABoR/TREPAC VIP Screening of "The Dark Knight Rises" at the IMAX Theatre at the Bob Bullock Museum. Her friend Frank Perry knows he’s safe with this caped crusader.