Realty Line February 2012 Issue by RealtyLine

in this issue…

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™

• ABoR/HBA Housing Forecast • WCAoR TREPAC Bowling Tourney •AMBA Luncheon • WCR Monthly Luncheon • AYREP 2012 Kick Off Event • and much, much more!

Associates in Progress

Housing Forecast

page 27

page 11 TM

FEBRUARY 2012 • VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 10

Experts forecast 2012 to look similar to 2011 by Stacy Hale

n Jan. 12, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin and the Austin Board of REALTORS

(ABoR) co-hosted the fourth Annual Housing Forecast, the only comprehensive housing forecast in the Austin region. Nearly 750 people were present to hear that the Austin market saw an improvement with increased demand and positive job growth in 2011, which is expected to increase this year—with

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Printed on recycled paper.

Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715

a few caveats.

Speakers at the event included Eldon Rude, director of the Austin market for Metrostudy, the nation’s leading provider of primary and secondary housing market information; Dr. Greg Hallman, senior lecturer in finance and real estate finance at The University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business; and KXAN’s Chief Weathercaster Jim Spencer. Many attendees were impressed with the frankness of the speakers and the data presented, including Terry Godbold of Reliable Property Management (and ABoR’s regional water issues subcommittee chairperson), who says, “It appeared that they ‘told it like it is’, particularly in Jim Spencer’s presentation.” Spencer looked back at last year’s extreme weather pattern, particularly the drought, and provided a forecast for the coming year.

Sept. 2010 was the last time Central Texas saw significant rain, which ended with the arrival of La Nina in late fall. Now after the hottest summer on record, lakes are at record lows and several subdivisions have less than a six-month supply of water in reserve. According to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center, the drought is expected to persist through at least March of this year. “If the spring proves to be as dry, Central Texas may be looking at another excessively hot summer,” Spencer warns. This is not great news during a time when the area’s population is increasing, as population growth would create greater demand for water and put a strain on supply. According to a report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we can expect more frequent extreme

Efforts to reverse sprinkler requirement for new homes built in Westlake derailed

espite the efforts of the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin to have a residential fire sprinkler requirement rolled back, the Westlake Fire Department is moving forward. The policy, enacted in 2007, requires fire sprinkler systems in all new homes and some remodels built within the Travis County Emergency Services District (ESD) No. 9. According to the HBA, requiring residential fire sprinklers increases the price of new homes, thereby reducing affordability for many buyers. On Jan. 24, the Westlake Fire Department staff was directed to work with Travis County’s Transportation and

Natural Resources (TNR) Department to inform builders building within the district. The HBA worked for several months to educate the ESD No. 9 board on the lack of notification procedures. The possibility the requirement may grow to other communities is real. The mayor of the City of Westlake Hills favors the requirement and intends to lobby the Legislature for statewide implementation. Builders who think they may be working on a project subject to the requirement should go to www.traviscad. org/property_search.html to determine if it is being taxed by ESD No. 9. RL

weather events over the next century, even as the Texas population is projected to double during that timeframe. But the good news is that it is possible to recover from a drought with one good rain. Even during the greatest drought on record, there were several rainy periods, and it is expected that our current extended drought will be no different, even if it lasts for years. “In short,” Spencer adds, “the adage, ‘If you don’t like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes’ really can still apply.” Dr. Greg Hallman expressed caution about the national forecast, stating that there is still quite a bit of slack in the economy due

Front Page: Continued on page 18

Upcoming Events Thursday, February 23 WCR District A and Business Resource Meeting - Hyatt Regency Town Lake 1:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, February 28 HBA Networking Social Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 HBA Lakeway/Bee Cave Chapter Fore @ 900 RR 620 S - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 15 NARI General Membership Meeting Dave and Busters - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 NAHREP Monthly Luncheon Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More at www.myRealtyLine.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.™

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February 2012

S OF MILE ILS TRA

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Austin Board of REALTORS®

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Chairman’s Column By Leonard Guerrero • 2012 Chairman

submit your completed form by March 16 to ABoR Foundation Director Laura Pagnozzi at lpagnozzi@independencetitle.com.

ABoR leadership set to protect members’ interests at COVE conference

Members urged to participate in MLS vendor review demonstrations he ACTRIS Advisory Committee is undergoing a thorough MLS vendor review to ensure that we deliver the best possible MLS system to our members. ACTRIS subscribers are encouraged to attend a product demonstration from Feb. 27 to March 5 to experience the functionality of the three systems in consideration: connectMLS, Fusion and Matrix. The sessions are designed to familiarize members with each system’s modern business tools and give you the opportunity to meet with the vendors face-to-face. Sign up for a demonstration today at www.abor. com/mlsvendorreview/events.cfm. We all know that change is difficult, but at times inevitable. In the face of such change, we strive to listen to the concerns and meet the needs of our members. Your opinions, feedback and questions are vital to the success of the new MLS system integration. I urge you to register for a demonstration today as this is your opportunity to view the potential systems before a final decision

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is made. Share your input by completing a survey at the product demonstration or online at www.abor.com/MlsVendorReview so that you are represented in this important association decision.

The Austin Board of REALTORS will be hosting the COVE Conference this year with 23 of the largest MLS system representatives and coordinating leadership in attendance. Scheduled for Feb. 23-24 at the Four Seasons Hotel, the conference will inform ABoR leadership on the cuttingedge industry technology topics so that they may protect the interests of our members more effectively. The conference will focus on MLS and patent issues, and includes a

February 2012

consumer panel. I look forward to sharing the results of this high-level event.

Submit semi-annual MLS dues by March 15 to avoid system interruption The MLS system provides you with the tools you need to serve your clients in buying and selling real estate, along with a variety of MLS-related tools, services and products that are designed to simplify your life and increase productivity. Don’t miss a moment of your MLS access; submit your semi-annual fees by March 15. Members should have received an invoice in mid-February. Submit your payment on time and avoid any late fees or reinstatement fees. If you have questions, contact ABoR's membership department at membership@abor.com or 454-7636. RL

Partnerships now available for ABoR Foundation’s 2012 Mercedes Raffle The ABoR Foundation is gearing up for the second annual Mercedes Raffle, which will help raise scholarship funds to support local students with the costs of higher education. One lucky winner will walk away with a brand-new Mercedes C250 or GLK350 at the raffle drawing on June 7 to be held at Shoal Crossing Event Center. A number of partnerships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 are available for the REALTOR-packed event. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to market your business to Central Texas REALTORS and support a worthy cause. Visit www.abor.com/foundation/events/ home.cfm to obtain an official 2012 Mercedes Raffle partnership commitment form. To become an official Mercedes Raffle partner,

Buy photo: RL_021412_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Dion McCormick of Exit Realty and John Miller of EXIT Options Realty give this potential REALTOR information about the brokerage’s benefits at the Champions School of Real Estate Career Day.

Excellence, Integrity, and Professionalism… These are all attributes that come to mind when you think of First American Title in the state of Texas, being one of the state’s largest underwriters.

At the top is one of Austin’s own…

Congratulations to Debbie Peek for being #1 Escrow Officer* in Texas 3 years in a row! *information based on premium production for First American Escrow Officers in the state of Texas.

First American Title Insurance Company makes no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.

February 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

ABoR Chairman Leonard Guerrero of JB Goodwin REALTORS, Alisa Stubbs and Shannon Powers of Lennar Homes take the opportunity to get the word out about the ABoR Foundation’s 2012 Mercedes Raffle at the Housing Forecast program. The HBA and ABoR co-host the program every year.

Buy photo: RL_020412_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Diana Baldwin Keys of Nextage Lincoln Ray Realty and Ruby Johnson of Austin Real Pros learn about plans for 2012 from WCAoR and ABoR at the Women’s Council of REALTORS’ first meeting of the year. The monthly meetings are held at Cool River Cafe.

Buy photo: RL_020112_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Kenton Brown of Sente Mortgage conducts his first meeting as AMBA president at the group’s monthly luncheon held at the Austin Country Club.

Buy photo: RL_020512_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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Provided for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. Not all borrowers will qualify. DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. NMLS #38686. 12554 Riata Vista Circle, First Floor Austin, TX 78727. Company NMLS #14622. For information on DHIM licensing, please visit www.dhimortgage.com/other-pages/licensing. REV: 01/24/12 / EXP: 01/24/13

BIG DEAL SALE Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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February 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Mike Cusimano, Mike Hall, Kimberly Deckard and Paul Lee, all of Premiere Team Real Estate, are feeling confident in their abilities to win at the TREPAC Bowling Tournament hosted by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown. Buy photo: RL_020612_I.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

ACTRIS Chair Pam Drawbaugh, left, of Austin City Living speaks at the Women’s Council of REALTORS’ first meeting of the year. She answers questions from REALTORS Ann Marie Sandlin of Reta Kays REALTORS and Mary Mealy of Nextage Lincoln Ray Realty. Buy photo: RL_020512_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Melissa Maio of Reliant Title and Sherry Stark of One Percent Realty (PLR) grab a bite to eat at the Tenura Holdings Inaugural Agent Meeting where dozens of other industry professionals turned out. Buy photo: RL_021312_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_020212_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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Candy Chudakoff of MileStone Community Builders gives Al Benavides of Casa Grande Realty the VIP treatment with a personal tour of the Ravenscroft Villas models at the VIP REALTOR Happy Hour.

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Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

President’s Column By Christy Gessler • 2012 President

TREPAC contributions are insurance for your business

f real estate is your profession, then politics is your business. That is a simple yet powerful statement. For those of you who know me personally, you know that I am passionate about the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC) and I am not afraid to have a conversation about politics. For those of you who do not know me personally, allow me a moment of your time to highlight the importance of TREPAC. I routinely hear agents say, “I hate politicians and lobbyists so I don’t want to invest in TREPAC.” I can appreciate that feeling. There are plenty of sleazy politicians and dirty lobbyists out there. However, you should know that we have one of the best, most respected and professional legislative team at the Texas Association of REALTORS. Each legislative year, a team of REALTORS and TAR staff get together and set a positive legislative agenda. They then communicate that agenda to our elected officials through our Hill Visits and many meetings with

legislators and their staff, affecting real change in our industry. While 2012 is not a legislative year, it is an election year. We are in the throws of a heated presidential race—you can’t turn on the television and radio or go online without being bombarded with information on the election— and it’s only going to escalate in the coming months. If you listen closely to these reports or tune into one of the many debates taking place, you’ll hear a lot of talk about the real estate market. With budget shortfalls, many politicians look to the real estate market, and REALTORS, to find sources of revenue. Texas has one of the strongest real estate markets in the nation for several reasons, including carefully crafted home equity lending laws and the absence of a transfer tax on real estate transactions. Why is this? TREPAC! Our association just hosted a terrific TREPAC bowling event at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown. It was a fun time and every lane was filled with our members. It was a great time, raising over $3,000 for

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February 2012

TREPAC. I extend sincere thanks to our TREPAC and government affairs committee, specifically Nicole Scott, Loretta Patschke and Lori Higgins for a job well done. If you missed it, there will be other great events and opportunities to invest in TREPAC this year. However, I encourage you to invest today. You purchase insurance for your home, belongings, automobile and health. Why not

purchase insurance for your business? The fair share investment is only $35 per year. That is an incredible value for the benefits you receive. To learn more, visit www.wcaor.org and click on the “advocacy” tab. Investing in TREPAC gives you a positive voice to protect our business and private property rights in Texas, thus keeping our market strong. Speak up and invest today. RL

Upcoming Events Feb. 16: WC Luncheon - Guest Speaker - TREC Administrator Douglas Oldmixon Feb. 17: Fundamentals of Foreclosure Auctions Feb. 17: TREC Ethics and Legal – Cedar Park Feb. 22-23: Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) Feb. 29: Video Creation & Marketing Workshop

Details at www.wcaor.org

Buy photo: RL_021312_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Garrett Martin, Tim Stegail and Jimmy Dimanoff, all of MileStone Community Builders, walk the company’s project at Ravenscroft Villas where they hosted a REALTOR VIP Happy Hour.

now two more reasons to join re / max

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February 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

HBA Membership Director Debbie Horridge assures HBA board member Doug Scott that this year’s housing forecast program will be chock full of good information. The HBA and ABoR co-hosted the annual Housing Forecast at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

Buy photo: RL_020412_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Rodney Rodriguez of Keller Williams Realty takes the opportunity to explain his company’s profit sharing program at the Champions School of Real Estate Career Day.

Buy photo: RL_021112_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

DeAnne Henry, Chris Dodd and Renee Esacove, all of Buffington Homes, attend the Austin Young Real Estate Professional’s Kick Off the New Year event at Kung Fu Saloon to meet dozens of REALTORS.

Buy photo: RL_021412_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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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 .

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February 2012

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February 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

The Austin Title team learn more about El Nino and how it affects Central Texas weather patterns from guest speaker Jim Spencer, KXAN's chief weathercaster, at the annual HBA/ABoR Housing Forecast.

Buy photo: RL_020412_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

This team of mortgage professionals has something more than business in common—they’re family. Dominik Kilpatrick, Gabriele Brown and Kenton Brown, all of Sente Mortgage, attend the AMBA monthly luncheon at the Austin Country Club. Kenton is the 2012 AMBA President. Buy photo: RL_020112_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Jill Cole of One Percent Realty (PLR) and Leyla Naderi of Private Label Realty arrive early to the Tenura Holdings Inaugural Agent Meeting to guarantee they have a seat.

Buy photo: RL_020612_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_020212_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

These Alley Cats are “the cat’s meow!” Karen McGrath, Leisa Ormsbee, Tammy Gardner and Sandy Topete, all of JB Goodwin REALTORS, help TREPAC raise money by participating in a bowling tournament hosted by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown.

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Déjà Vu

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February 2012

All Over Again

You are Invited to attend the

2012 ECONOMIC FORECAST with Ted C. Jones, Senior VP - Chief Economist for Stewart Title Guaranty Company

Wednesday, March 7th Registration: 8:45 am - 9:10 am Event Start Time: 9:15 am

Shoal Crossing

8611 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, TX (Located on the North bound side of Mopac/Loop 1, exit Steck) www.shoalcrossing.com

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RSVP by Email: RSVP@gracytitle.com or by Phone: (512) 472-8421

Sponsored by: It would appear that the sputtering economy and minimal change in many real estate markets is repeating itself again— not much looks different. While the U.S. has 100,000+ new job seekers entering the workforce each month, job growth in the past 12 months have averaged just 125,000 with 6.6 million fewer jobs in the country at the end of October 2011 than January 1, 2008. Déjà vu all over again… For more information, contact your Gracy Title Sales Executive www.gracytitle.com/staff/sales-team

February 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Sylvia Pack, far left, of RE/MAX Austin Skyline gives important company information to several up and coming agents at the Champions School of Real Estate Career Day.

Buy photo: RL_021412_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Matt Menard and Greg Young, both of The Austin Real Estate Experts team at Keller Williams Realty, have a cup of Joe as they wait for the doors to open at the 2012 Housing Forecast. The annual event hosted by ABoR and the HBA was held at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Buy photo: RL_021212_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_020412_H.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Joanne Jarrett of Star Tex Real Estate and Will Mannis of EXIT Realty show REALTOR in training Melissa Frensley, center, the ropes on open houses at the KB Home Agent Grand Opening. This trio previewed the model in the Plum Creek community in Kyle.

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Call Today! John Mcclellan Branch Manager Supreme Lending - Austin NMLS #207768 3420 Executive Center Dr. #300 Austin, TX 78731 512-279-1150 Office

Loan product availability is subject to loan amount and qualification of borrower. Not every applicant qualifies or is eligible for every loan program. Some loan products may not be available in all states. Loan approval, note rate and annual percentage rate are dependent on factors including, but not limited to, credit, collateral, income, assets and overall financial history. Not all applicants will be approved for a loan. All loan programs, terms and annual interest rates are subject to change without notice. For all other licenses, visit http://www. nmlsconsumeraccess.org/. © 2011 Everett Financial, Inc. dba Supreme Lending (NMLS ID #2129) at 14801 Quorum Dr., #300, Dallas, TX 75254. All rights reserved.

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February 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Gilbert Gonzales and Mike McKim, both of Home Resource Group, have a few words (all good ones of course) with Veronika Montague at the AMBA Monthly Luncheon.

Buy photo: RL_020112_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Tenura Holdings hosts an Inaugural Agent Meeting at its home center where Frank Perdichizzi, left, and Kevin Scanlan, right, both of Private Label Realty, were speakers. Marian Millard and Richard Schley, center, both of Richard Schley Realty (PLR) also attended the meeting. Buy photo: RL_020212_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Judging by the smiles on these faces, Bill Stanberry and Sharon Rosshirt, both of Stanberry & Associates, and ABoR TREPAC Chairman Bill Evans of Austin Real Pros are glad to be in Austin, Texas. We caught up with them at the 2012 Housing Forecast presented by the HBA and ABoR.

Buy photo: RL_020912_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_020412_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

ABoR’s Anna Kong listens to one of the many performers at the ABoR PAC/Asian Real Estate Professionals’ Lunar New Year Celebration at the ABoR Auditorium.

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HBA of Greater Austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

President’s Column By Marshall Durrett • 2012 President

HBA offers great opportunities for real estate professionals including REALTORS

s we settle into 2012, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin’s event calendar is filling up with first-class opportunities for involvement from REALTORS and other real estate professionals.

2012 Parade of Homes The HBA has selected “The Overlook Estates” in Southwest Austin as the site for its 58th Annual Parade of Homes. The five participating builders have closed on their lots and are drawing plans. They are Michael Cohen with Pillar Custom Homes, Greg Dillon with Dillon Custom Homes, Keith Durio with JKD Builder, Kerry Martin with Enertech and Edgar Prats with PGM. This year’s Parade of Homes will take place from Oct. 20 through Nov. 4. The houses will be priced from the low $700,000s to more than $900,000. All will be custom designs specially drawn for the 58th Annual Parade of Homes including Texas Hill Country, craftsman, soft contemporary and ultra modern.

The Overlook Estates development is located off of Circle Drive, just past the Thomas Springs Road intersection. The development features acreage lots with Hill Country views just 20 minutes from downtown Austin at pricing that hits a key move-up demographic with some of the region’s best private schools nearby. The Parade of Homes is an excellent opportunity for participating builders to showcase the best they have to offer to the homebuying public and the regional real estate community. The newest trends in construction, building design, interior decor and landscaping are included in each of these very special homes. The HBA is still soliciting for builders for the Parade of Homes. If you know of a builder that might be interested, please have them contact Harry Savio at harrys@hbaaustin. com or 454-5588. The Parade of Homes Preview Party (for HBA members and invited guests) is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 18.

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February 2012

2012 HBA Tour of Homes The 2012 HBA Tour of Homes is Central Texas’s ultimate open house. This regionwide home show is where home builders and developers partner with the HBA to receive a greater benefit than showing their new homes and communities alone. The tour takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12; and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 13. The partnership allows participants to receive increased marketing and advertising value for their money through $50,000 to $75,000 in media buys. The success of the Tour of Homes is a direct result of the multimedia, promotional approach the HBA uses to drive the public to view these homes and communities. The Tour of Homes’ goal is to generate a steady traffic flow of the homebuying public and provides builders and REALTORS with many sales tools. The event also offers opportunities for vendors to get involved and receive many key benefits. To learn more about the tour, e-mail info@bounceaustin.com or call 524-2953.

2012 Sales and Marketing Excellence (MAX) Awards The HBA honors its “cream of the crop” at its annual MAX Awards Gala. Builder, developer, remodeler and associate members

are selected for their achievements during 2011. Of special interest to many of you are the categories for “Title Industry Professional of the Year,” “Mortgage Industry Professional of the Year” and “REALTOR of the Year.” The deadline for submissions is March 1; apply online at www.hbaMAXawards.com. This year’s MAX Awards Gala—“Under the Stars at the Oasis” on Lake Travis—takes place on Saturday, April 14. The HBA is also looking for several promotional partners. For information, contact Natalie Bowers, Sales and Marketing Council chair, at 844-2152 or natalie@ MyMileStone.com.

How to Take Advantage of These Opportunities These events are open to all professionals who work in the real estate industry and who are members of the HBA, a proud tradition spanning the last 59 years in the Austin region. The HBA offers opportunities to enhance your professional credibility and expand your market share through networking, marketing and promotion. The HBA provides the most direct access to the largest group of successful builders, associate members, government staff and elected officials in our region’s five-county area. To join, visit www.AustinHomeBuilders. com or contact Debbie Horridge at 454-5588, ext. 103, or Debbie@hbaaustin.com. RL

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February 2012 Experts Speak Out

Commentary By Rudy Hopkins • Austin Title

Forecast: Austin will continue to grow in 2012

he last few years have been difficult for the national economy and nearly every local real estate market in the United States. Austin has escaped many of the more severe problems experienced by places like Florida and California—in large part because Austin is seen as a place to live rather than a short-term investment. With profound benefits of community, “brand Austin” continues to deliver phenomenal place and lifestyle value that provides a cultural foundation of national acclaim. Austin’s stability is not a new trend— evidenced by a median home price appreciation that has only fallen twice in 20 years. Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio are expected to balloon by 120 percent and be home to almost 35 million people in 25 years. The Austin metro area has tracked almost 50,000 new residents annually since 2000 and more of the same is expected in the years ahead. Austin as a jobs, education and research hub will continue to attract the best of the creative class; a unique combination of entrepreneurs, highly skilled technology workers, academians

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and artists. Austin Title has a history of celebrating “brand Austin,” along with our REALTOR partners as proud ambassadors to Austin and Central Texas. We see daily the people behind the multitude of national accolades. As a result, Austin’s robust inbound migration and relocation market remains one of the strongest in the country. In 2011 alone, the accolades continued rolling in: • Top 10 American cities of the future, fDi intelligence • Third best jobs destination, Forbes • Second highest wellbeing score, Gallup • Top 10 office investment market, Grubb Ellis • One of the best cities to live and work, Business Review • Top 20 performing metro areas, Brooking Institution • Second healthiest for home builders, Builder Magazine • Top of the list for best places to live, Wall Street Market Watch

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• • • •

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Best city for college graduates, Inman News Austin’s the hotspot for 2012, Orbitz One of five metro areas to hit highest job levels in a decade, Business Journals No. 4 best performing cities index, Milken Institute

Austin is leading the national economic recovery, according to reports in Time, Newsweek, Forbes and CNN. The city was recently named the best city for the next decade by Ki p l i n g e r . During the 20 years prior to the third quarter of 2011, Austin home prices r a n k e d 11th, with a 152 percent appreciation over 20 years. In 2011, during a slow economic recovery, home sales in Austin were up 8 percent over 2010 with 19,220 units sold. The median price remained unchanged and the average price was up 2.7 percent to $250,650—reflecting brisk demand in luxury housing as home sales priced above $800,000 were up 20 percent. Combining a relatively low 6.1 percent unemployment rate with declining inventory should translate into the right dynamics for a continued healthy absorption rate for 2012 and bring additional market strength heading toward 2013. Defying seasonal trends, November and December homes sales were up 10 percent

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

suggesting a possible signal of pent-up demand returning to the marketplace. Record leases through MLS and strong rental occupancy rates further strengthen forecasts for 2012 with average lease prices at new highs. Other stabilizing market factors include a much lower percent of foreclosures for Texas and Austin than the rest of the country. Austin area foreclosures have edged down in recent months and that trend is expected to continue. While new home starts in 2011 were up nearly five percent to 6,115 units, they will remain dramatically down from historic highs seen in 2006 and 2007. Strict mortgage underwriting criteria will continue to skew new home sales away from moderate end pricing to moveup price points— and lot availability in these price points will lag as new lot development catches up in the most desirable areas. Meanwhile, continuing national economic and international turmoil will likely result in conservative actions by banks, corporations and consumers and keep the recovery pace slow toward 2013. Cautious optimism beats scratching in the grit with the chickens. Expect more folks to share that sensible conclusion when it comes to making buying and selling decisions in one of the nation’s most vibrant and rapidly growing cities. RL

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February 2012

ABoR Chairman Leonard Guerrero of JB Goodwin REALTORS thanks Jim Spencer, KXAN chief weathercaster, and Eldon Rude of Metrostudy for presenting at the HBA/ABoR 2012 Housing Forecast.

Buy photo: RL_120511_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

NAPMW President Michelle Goldberg welcomes James P. Gaines of the Texas A&M University Research Center. Gaines gave a presentation on the state of the economy and his predictions for 2012 to NAPMW members at the group’s monthly luncheon at the Norris Conference Center.

Buy photo: RL_021212_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Chelsea Brown of KB Home gets ready to show Ira Jarmon and Mitchell Alberts, both of Realty Texas, the new KB Home model home during her company’s Agent Grand Opening at Plum Creek in Kyle.

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to underutilized capacity, which is caused by a lack of demand. The United States lost over 7.5 million jobs in the recession. Right now, most people are recovering by de-levering—paying off debt instead of spending—which has consumer spending levels far below the national average coming out of a recession. At the same time, corporate profits are surprisingly strong. On average, businesses have increased spending by 25 percent on capital goods, but are hesitant to invest in labor and even more hesitant to put their extra cash in the banks. It seems that no one wants to take a risk, and that includes the banks—causing lending restrictions to remain tight. “While certain parts of the U.S. economy are growing, such as technology spending and some business capital spending, overall growth appears neither strong nor widespread,” Hallman says. “Volatility measures from the financial markets indicate that investors are still worried, and likely with good reason.” Dr. Hallman’s greatest worry is the financial/banking crisis in Europe triggered by government defaults, similar to what happened in the U.S. in 2008. So far, European leaders have avoided the train wreck, but if one bank

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goes down, we can expect a domino effect— likely all the way to the U.S. Hoping instead for a more “virtuous cycle,” Hallman noted that layoffs in our country have come to a halt. And how does Texas compare to the rest of the country? One thing Hallman made exceptionally clear: when gazing out at the national economic horizon, the view is

For 2012, Metrostudy expects new home production in the Austin region will increase for the second straight year.

definitely prettier from here. And finally, closer to home, Eldon Rude of Metrostudy, the nation’s leading provider of primary and secondary housing market information, provided the 2012 Austin market forecast. “For 2012, Metrostudy expects new home production in the Austin region will increase for the second straight year,” says Rude. Metrostudy’s most recent survey indicated 6,115 new home starts in 2011, nearly a 5 percent increase from 2010 levels. In fact, starts were up in every price range except under $150,000, where strict mortgage underwriting criteria are making it increasingly difficult for the growing number of first-time buyers to

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qualify for a loan. The strongest increases in starts were the move-up price points between $200,000 and $300,000, and in the areas of Leander and Round Rock school districts. Average price changes in Texas have remained relatively stable compared to other parts of the country. But we could potentially see some increased pricing in certain locations due to an imbalance of lot supply, Rude explained. Though there were nearly 12,000 homes started in Austin over the last two years, only 8,000 new lots were delivered, resulting in a shrinking supply of lots in the most desirable areas. John McClellan of Supreme Lending reacts to Rude’s analysis. “Jim Spencer’s weather forecast scared the you know what out of me but I was intrigued by the breakdown of developed lots in Central Texas and the shortage of quality sites for local builders to build on. I gleaned—at least in the short term—a supply side shortage of quality homes and lots in Central Texas.” The region is experiencing job growth, increasing population and households, and sharply higher rates in the rental market, pushing tenants into the for-sale housing market. Texas saw a 2.2 percent job growth in 2011 with 227,000 new jobs, second only to California. Austin is No. 29 in MSAs by job growth, at 9,600. As of last November, our local unemployment rate was 6.6 percent lower than the national average. “We're very fortunate to be in Austin,” says Stacy Mock, VP of business development at Capital Title. “And with interest rates at an all time low and apartment rents high it's a good time to buy or refinance. Capital Title is very optimistic and ready to capitalize on the market!” “Unless the national economy becomes an additional drag on the Austin market, I am very optimistic for Austin,” says David Tandy, CEO of Gracy Title. “We have had four years of high population growth and fairly good job growth but have not kept up with the expected need for new household units with new home and apartment building. This will help increase the demand for resale and new homes in 2012.” All in all, the outlook for Central Texas is pretty good, and though the drought persists, it’s not expected that the Austin real estate market will dry up any time soon. RL

Eldon Rude Austin Market Director MetroStudy

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

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: Leondard Guerrero, Marshall Durrett, Christy Gessler, David Tandy, Rudy Hopkins, Risé Johns 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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(front row) Brooke Barrows, Shelby Ranak, Dena Hinds and Robin Gulledge join (back row) Darnel Casper, Anne Cobern, Linda Malesky, and Debbie Kelsey, at the RE/MAX Statewide Convention at Moody Gardens in Galveston. All are with RE/MAX Capital City.

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February 2012

These heavy hitters have big plans for future events. Robert Guice of Private Label Realty, Kevin Klein, president of Tenura Holdings, Jay Tucker, president of Reliant Title, and Kevin Huchinson of OREG host dozens of industry professionals at the Tenura Holdings Inaugural Agent Meeting at its home center. Buy photo: RL_020212_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Brook-lyn Hibbs, NAPMW vice president of education, Matthew Posey, NAPMW recording secretary, of AmeriPro Funding and Laura Rosales of Element Realty hear good things for the 2012 market at the NAPMW monthly luncheon where James P. Gaines of the Texas A&M University Research Center gave his forecast for the region.

Buy photo: RL_020312_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

WCR President Anita Farrell, second from left, hosts the group’s first speakers of 2012. ACTRIS Chair Pam Drawbaugh, left, ABoR's Matt Maire, WCAoR President Christy Gessler and ABoR Chairman Leonard Guerrero pause for a photo before they address WCR’s members.

Buy photo: RL_020612_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

And that, my friends, is how it’s done! Marcus Garcia of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS struts his stuff after he bowls a strike at the TREPAC Bowling Tournament hosted by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown.

Buy photo: RL_020512_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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Larry Molinare and David Tandy, both of Gracy Title, make their own predictions with Mary Ann Nations of Keller Williams Realty at the 2012 Housing Forecast. The event was hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and the Austin Board of REALTORS at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Director ‘s Column By Risé Johns • 2012 Director

Buy photo: RL_020412_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Tatchi Lay of Goldwasser Real Estate, Elizabeth Flores of SPT & Co. Real Estate, Christine Chau of Texas Urban Realty, Jay Gohil of Jay Gohil Realty and Hong Lee of Bridgepoint Investment Group make up the new executive advisory board for the Asian Real Estate Professionals. The group hosted a Lunar New Year celebration at ABoR.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

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Leslie Buck and Helen Edwards, both of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, conduct the company’s meeting where they present a check of over $90,000 to the American Cancer Society. They kicked in a good Mardi Gras theme to spice it up a bit. Buy photo: RL_020812_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Austin is real estate's silver lining in 2012

hile the Mayan calendar is predicting the end of the world in 2012, that is very unlikely. I do think, however, this coming year may bring some significant changes. Our area is one that has been least affected by the economic recession. As a result, our local housing market has not seen the downturn that has plagued the rest of the nation. In fact, the absorption rate in several MLS areas is less than six months, making it a seller’s market. Plus, many builders have been reluctant to build spec homes. The lack of additional new home inventory has really given a needed boost to the resale market. Because of the economic disaster in Europe, investors are pouring into the relatively safe U.S. markets. Bonds are especially appealing to the European investor. A continued demand for bonds will help keep our mortgage rates low. I expect rates to continue to be low through the first half of 2012, probably the lowest rates we will see for years to come.

Since the big banks are still weeding through “bad loans,” foreclosures will have an impact on our market—though a relatively small one. Unlike other areas, they make up a small portion of our market. The good news is there are always folks buying and selling homes. People get married, have children, buy larger homes, get divorced, down-size, move across the country, change jobs, etc. There are thousands of reasons people buy and sell homes. With interest rates at an alltime low and the plethora of affordable homes, people will continue to buy. In other news, the newly formed, independent Austin Area CRS Chapter is up and running. As our own individual chapter group, we will better serve our members by providing more benefits. Come check us out by attending our next bi-monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18 at the Westwood Country Club. For information, call Michelle Busby, membership chair at 616-4000 and take that step to discover CRS. RL

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Gary Hoffarth of Austin Advantage Real Estate, Domingo Cruz of Rooster Realty and Bill Griggs of KB Home discuss the features of the KB Home model home just before they make a mad dash for the BBQ lunch. KB Home held an Agent Grand Opening at its model in the community of Plum Creek in Kyle. Buy photo: RL_021212_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Hoping for good news, Penny Green of Willow Bend Mortgage and Monica Middleton of Capital Title attend the 2012 Housing Forecast hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and the Austin Board of REALTORS at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Buy photo: RL_020412_K.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Kendra Zepeda and Bonnie Berrera, both of Independence Title, discuss the positive market outlook with Patricia Wagner, center, of DHI Mortgage. They all attended the NAPMW monthly luncheon where James P. Gaines, the economist from the Texas A&M University Research Center, gave a presentation on the market forecast for 2012.

Buy photo: RL_021412_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_020312_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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LaQuita King and Diana Kostiuk, both of Affordable Home Protection Services, man their table as potential future REALTORS learn about their services.

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February 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

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Jazz Lough, right, of Champions School of Real Estate thanks Tara Goldwasser of Goldwasser Real Estate for taking part in her company’s Career Day.

Buy photo: RL_021512_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_021412_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

President of Natural Development, Eric Willis, fourth from right, hosts 50 Canadian developers and builders at the Belterra community. The group was on a two-day tour of Austin.

Justin Caudill, right, of Austin City Living gets a personal tour of the Ravenscroft community and model homes by Greg Miller and Natalie Bowers, both of MileStone Community Builders. Milestone held a REALTOR VIP Happy Hour at Ravenscroft Villas.

Buy photo: RL_020312_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_021312_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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Since an actual crystal ball wasn’t available, Kristin Mainz and Gary Smith, both of Intown Properties, attend the NAPMW luncheon with Steve Builta, center, of Hometrust Mortgage where James P. Gaines of the Texas A&M University Research Center gave his real estate market forecast for 2012.

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February 2012

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RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Tickets, please. Ryan Rogers of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Sharon Rudloff of the HBA man the HBA’s registration table at the 2012 Housing Forecast.

Buy photo: RL_020412_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Becky Hopkins, center, and Aisha Dull, right, both of Austin Title, tell Nicole TorresCooke of Schmooze Networking how thankful they are to have her teach a class on how to develop a social media strategy for business to a room full of agents at their Spicewood Springs location. Buy photo: RL_021112_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_020712_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Emily Matthews of Capital City Sotheby's International Realty and Scott Robarts of Keller Williams Realty help the Austin Young Real Estate Professionals kick off the new year at its first event in 2012. The event was held at Kung Fu Saloon.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Austin Real Estate Experts 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 M a r i l y n M c C r a y

ounded by real estate veterans Matt Menard and Greg Young, The Austin Real Estate Experts (AREE) are the 2011 top-producing Austin Keller Williams Realty team in closed volume. The Austin Business Journal consistently ranks them in the top one percent of Central Texas real estate companies. “Thanks to our customers, we have a lot of reasons to be proud,” says Founder/Partner Matt Menard, a second-generation REALTOR who grew up in the business. “We are members of the Texas Monthly Top 150 REALTORS, which means we are not only top producers but also have achieved the highest marks for customer service. Our agents are among the best in the industry, experienced on both sides of the equation saving sellers and buyers thousands of dollars. We have expertise in the resale and new home industry and are prepared to negotiate the best possible terms.” With the company's move up programs, AREE buyer's agents provide assistance to clients for getting out of a lease and planning the purchase of a new or resale home. The team helps navigate through the mortgage process to find the program that best suits the buyers’ financial objectives. According to Menard, AREE listings typically go under contract two and a half

times faster and command nearly two percent more than those of the average REALTOR. He credits these remarkable results to listening carefully to the customers’

www.myRealtyLine.com photography, AREE hosts a website with beautiful images, virtual tours and helpful information about buying or selling a home. The state-of-the-art search feature makes it easy to identify prospective homes using a wide range of criteria that include property type, amenities, school district, location and price. Securing priority placement on other top home search sites for all listings to showcase properties has also become part of the AREE process for maximum exposure. Using television to sell real estate, a hot trend in California, became an opportunity for the AREE. Every Sunday since October of 2009, Menard has cohosted The Austin Real Estate Experts show on KBVO Austin, the market’s newest NBC affiliate. Produced locally in HD by Digital Exposure, three different shows air every Sunday morning. The show combines tours of homes in a variety of price points and a talk show segment with a panel of experts that offers lively discussion and insights into Austin’s dynamic real estate market. The panel includes AREE Partner/Founder Greg Young, Melanie Taliaferro of United Lending, Sandi Gillis of Austin Title, home stager Kasey Rhodes, builders, and other partner organizations. Topics range from the secrets of staging or designing to sell, to tax tips for investors and more. Other questions, topics and guest experts are solicited for the show. “Featuring a home on the show really helps the property stand out,” says Greg Young. “I get referrals from people I have never met because they know me from TV.”

We have expertise in the resale and new home industry and are prepared to negotiate the best possible terms.

needs and using creativity to get to the sale more quickly. “In the past, agents and buyers relied on the MLS paper directories, with small black and white photos to view available properties. The Internet changed the way people shop for homes. Today, many buyers will have already conducted their own searches before contacting a REALTOR and arrive with five or six possibilities. The process of selecting a new home has become an online beauty contest,” says Menard. The company has embraced technology to sell homes. From utilizing professional staging to high dynamic range (HDR)

February 2012

With competitive rates, incomparable services and a process that guides you easily from application all the way through closing, we are confident that you’ll agree that imortgage has made financing your home...

Matt Menard Founder/Partner

The AREE team estimates that a $2,000 television campaign will move a stubborn property and allow clients to hold on to more of their money. Although the company has residential listings throughout the Austin area, they are launching a commercial real estate division that will cover Northwest Travis and Williamson Counties. “Our focus is the area around 183A, Ronald Reagan and 1431,” Menard says. “We want to have a role shaping the responsible growth of the community in which we live.” RL

Austin Real Estate Experts 1335 East Whitestone Boulevard Suite Z-200 Cedar Park, Texas 78613 512-616-4032 www.theaustinree.com

8303 North Mopac Expressway, Suite B125 Austin, Texas 78759 Office: 512-485-3575 Dan.Rushing@imortgage.com

..simple as that® FHA & VA

CONVENTIONAL

JUMBO

www.imortgage.com NMLS ID 256441

USDA RURAL

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Consumer is subject to specific program qualifications. This is not an advertisement to extend consumer credit as defined by section 226.2 of Regulation Z. Rates, terms and availability of programs are subject to change without notice. Licensed by the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending. All rights reserved 2012.

February 2012 Experts Speak Out

Commentary By David Tandy • Gracy Title

Water conservation measures and restrictions likely to impact buyer decisions

f our drought continues this summer— which seems likely according to the weather experts since La Nina has reformed over the Pacific—then water issues will impact home-sellers and -buyers much more than in the past. As Ted Jones, Stewart Title’s chief economist described it recently, “You don’t have a water shortage in Austin, you have a shortage of cheap water. When the cost of water reflects the full replacement cost, then everyone will use water much more efficiently.” He went on to describe how other parts of the world conserve, reuse, and restrict water that may soon become more common in Texas given our conditions. Chris Maxwell-Gaines, P.E. with Innovative Water Solutions described some options available for home owners and home builders to make better use of water including water conservative landscaping, rainwater harvesting and gray water recycling. Some of these solutions may become high priority items for homebuyers when choosing the home they purchase.

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Water conservative landscaping Most of the potable drinking water used by homes goes on our lawns. Chris recommended homeowners first focus on their landscaping as their best option to reduce water use. For example, he recommended limited use of turf grasses since they require more water than other landscape plants. In addition, the irrigation systems for turf grasses can lead to more water waste than irrigation systems for landscaping beds. If the home has an inground irrigation system, the system needs to be adjusted so that it functions correctly, without overspray on driveways and sidewalks.

austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

of the cistern or they can have a pump system that ties into your in-ground irrigation system. Rainwater systems can be configured to capture every bit of rainwater that falls on your roof. This is done by a series of underground pipes that carry the rainwater from the various downspouts around your home to a central cistern location. You don’t have to settle for a single downspout that drains into one cistern located right next to your home. After adapting your landscape to use less water, rainwater systems can provide an additional supply of water that can really make a big dent in your monthly water bill.

Gray water items Gray water systems need a dual-plumbed pipe system with the gray water fixtures (bathtubs, bathroom sinks, and clothes washing machine) and black water fixtures (toilet, kitchen sink, and dishwasher) plumbed separately. This is easy to implement in new construction. In an existing home, the only way to implement a gray water system is if

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

your home is a pier and beam home or you have a clothes washing machine located on an exterior wall. Gray water systems have a quick return on investment since you have already paid for that water from the municipality. Gray water systems are great methods to keep a constant soil moisture level around your house’s foundation. Since you produce “new” gray water every single day, there is no need to store it for later use. For rainwater systems, the City of Austin currently provides a rebate of 50 cents per gallon for non-pressurized systems (systems without a pump) and $1 per gallon for pressurized systems. The maximum rebate is $5,000. With a pressurized system, you are required to install a Reduced Pressure Zone backflow preventer at your water meter to ensure the safety of the municipal water system. If stage three water restrictions are implemented early this year, these and other measures may become preferences by homebuyers wanting to maintain some level of landscaping during a drought. RL

Rainwater harvesting Rainwater harvesting systems are great at collecting the rainwater that would otherwise just flow off your property. They can also help with drainage issues since you can pipe the rainwater to a designated area of your property where the rainwater cistern is located. Rainwater harvesting systems can be simple with a hose bibb to draw the water out

Buy photo: RL_020112_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Jan Hill and David McMillan, both of United Lending, get some good tips on selling at the AMBA monthly luncheon at the Austin Country Club.

Congratulations January Top Producer

Frank Capparelli

Senior Mortgage Banker

512-524-2177 O • 512-497-5777 C fcapparelli@wbmtx.com • NMLS # 29436

Professional Service. Tailored Loans. 13809 Research Blvd, #802 • Austin TX 78750

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â&#x201E;˘

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

www.myRealtyLine.com

February 2012

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RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Real Estate News & Notes

Laura Nye of Stanberry & Associates congratulates Susan Spence of North American Title on her new job. The two ran into each other at the ABoR PAC/Asian Real Estate Professionals Lunar New Year Celebration at the ABoR Auditorium.

Grand Haven Homes expands in phase two Crystal Falls

Buy photo: RL_020912_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Leslie Bradshaw, left, and Eric Willis, right, both of Natural Development, show off the Belterra community to 50 Canadian builders and developers. They are pictured here with Laara Braz and T.J. Keil, both of the Canadian Home Builders Association.

Austin-based Grand Haven Homes announces the second phase of its offering in Cap Rock—a small, gated enclave of homes within the award-winning, master-planned community of Crystal Falls. Distinctive because of their long distance views, deep, canyon-fronting lots, and heavy tree cover, Cap Rock phase two homesites are now available. Grand Haven is the exclusive builder for Cap Rock, selected by Crystal Falls because of its Austin headquarters, reputation, and unique, livable floor plans. “This new unveiling in Cap Rock is the perfect setting for our new 2012 home designs, which feature flexible living space,

bonus rooms that can be adapted to the homeowner’s specialized needs, and fully integrated outdoor spaces complementing the overall home layout,” says Bob Kennedy of Grand Haven Homes. Through key planning strategy and critical product development, Grand Haven is experiencing record growth in the northern corridor of Austin. The company focuses on creating the best possible designs that are specifically customized to buyers’ needs, integrated with architecturally distinctive exteriors and elegant, recognizable streetscapes. Visit today at 1853 Harvest Dance Drive in Leander. RL

RE/MAX Austin Skyline congratulates Pack for winning statewide award

Buy photo: RL_021512_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Chaka Miller, Natalie Bowers and Dustin Compton, all of MileStone Community Builders, welcome arriving REALTORS at the builder’s REALTOR VIP Happy Hour at its Ravenscroft Villas community.

Sylvia Pack, office manager for RE/MAX Austin Skyline, was awarded the RE/MAX of Texas Office Administrator of the Year award for the entire state of Texas at the RE/MAX of

Texas State Convention in Galveston. She was selected from 259 offices around Texas. RL

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, company affiliation and a short description. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Calendar items are free to advertisers and $25 per submission for others. 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. Buy photo: RL_021312_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Texas American Title Company Texas American Title is one of the WCAoR 2011 Nominated Companies of the Year and Summer Pavliska is the recipient of the 2011 President’s Award for dedication and service to the WCAoR!

LAND...LAND...LAND • Ranch Management • Oil and Gas Management Services • Farm and Ranch Brokerage • Land and Livestock Consultation • Live and Timed Land Auctions

Monty Meusch • Area Sales Manager, Auctioneer Phone: (817) 600-9485

Join us in 2012 as we continue to make a difference in Williamson County! Cedar Park Office 715 Discovery Blvd. Suite 205 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Office: 512-259-5950

Round Rock Office 1001 S. Mays Suite 103 Round Rock, TX 78664 Office: 512-255-1550

www.txa mtitle.com

11933 Palisades Parkway Austin, Texas 78732 MMeusch@FarmersNational.com Serving America’s Landowners Since 1929

www.FarmersNational.com Real Estate Sales • Auctions • Farm and Ranch Management Appraisal • Insurance • Consultation • Oil and Gas Management Lake Management • National Hunting Leases

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Sweet Deals

Up to $50,000 in savings on select Taylor Morrison inventory homes purchased between Feb. 1, - Feb. 29, 2012 and close by March 31, 2012

12220 Long Bay Cove Fairways at Steiner Ranch

Roma • 2,745 sq. ft 4 Bed • 2.5 Bath • $400,840 $3,000 Bonus! $4,00 Bonu 0 s!

Brodie Springs

Landry II • 3,813 sq. ft 5 Bed • 4.5 Bath • $547,237 $4,000 Bonus! 0 ,00 $3 nus! Bo

February 2012

Realtors are the of our Business

2500 Champions Corner Dr. Crystal Falls - The Fairways

Buckingham • 3,370 sq. ft 3 Bed • 3 Bath • $399,990 $3,000 Bonus! $5 Bo ,000 nus !

11621 Shadestone Terrace Shadestone Villas at Steiner Ranch

Coronado • 2,922 sq. ft 3 Bed • 2.5 Bath • $524,990 $5,000 Bonus!

For a complete list of our available homes, please visit taylormorrison.com/austin or call Heather Fox at 512-845-7350 © February 2012 Taylor Morrison of Texas Inc. All rights reserved. Prices subject to change without notice. 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. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. Homes must be purchased between February 1 and February 29, 2012 and must close by March 31, 2012.

www.taylormorrison.com

HOMES AVAILABLE NOW Floorplan

Bd/Bth/St/Car

Sq. Ft.

New Price

BRODIE SPRINGS • (512) 292-6186 Landry II 5 / 4.5 / 2 / 3 3,096 Montclair 5 / 4.5 / 2 / 3 3,379

$3 Bo ,000 nu s!

3009 Raspberry Road

www.myRealtyLine.com

$547,327 $470,640

FALCONHEAD WEST Copper Canyon • (512) 263-5196 Sorrento 4 / 3.5 / 3 / 2 4,015 $588,881 SHADESTONE VILLAS in Steiner Ranch • (512) 266-6503 Coronado 3 / 2.5 / 2 / 2.5 2,922 $524,000 Santa Cruz 3 / 2 / 1 / 2.5 1,859 $442,000 Santa Cruz 3 / 2 / 1 / 2.5 1,859 $383,000 PALISADES in Steiner Ranch • (512) 266-5968 Montclair 5 / 4.5 / 2 / 2 3,485 $557,006 Easton 4 / 3.5 / 2 / 2 3,346 $506,963 Nottingham 5 / 4.5 / 2 / 3 3,659 $535,965 FAIRWAYS in Steiner Ranch • (512) 266-1577 Roma 4 / 2.5 / 2 / 2 2,745 Messina 3 / 2 / 1 / 2.5 1,957 Palermo 3/2/1/2 1,998 Sicily 4/2/1/2 2,393 Florian 3/2/1/2 2,004 Sicily 4/2/1/2 2,393

$400,840 $353,070 $359,512 $371,109 $362,652 $371,653

SENNA HILLS GARDEN HOMES • (512) 263-2655 Santa Cruz II 4/3/2/2 3,310 $511,683 CRYSTAL FALLS Crystal Cove • (512) 260-0718 Sonora 5 / 3.5 / 2 / 2 2,800 Sonora 4 / 2.5 / 1.5 / 2 2,800 Silverleaf 3 / 2.5 / 1 / 2 2,449 Silverleaf 4 / 3 / 1.5 / 2 2,449 Sonora 5 / 3.5 / 2 / 2 2,449 Sonora 5 / 3.5 / 2 / 2 2,800

$263,865 $269,527 $234,990 $238,721 $265,990 $264,990

CRYSTAL FALLS Mesa Oaks • (512) 260-0718 Lexington 5 / 3.5 / 2 / 2 3,200

$349,990

CRYSTAL FALLS The Fairways • (512) 260-0718 Buckingham 3/3/1/3 3,370 Sorrento 5 / 4.5 / 2 / 3 4,197 Siena 5 / 4 / 2 /3 4,136 Ellington 3 / 2.5 / 1 / 3 2,899 Worthington 4 / 3.5 / 2 / 3 3,794

$399,990 $519,761 $449,938 $375,644 $425,746

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

www.myRealtyLine.com

February 2012

We catch up with a very dapper Terry Godbold of Reliable Property Management while he visits with Vicki Harris, ABoR executive assistant at the 2012 Housing Forecast. Every year the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin co-hosts the big event with the Austin Board of REALTORS.

Buy photo: RL_020412_N.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

After her company raises more than $90,000 to help fight cancer, Helen Edwards of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS gladly presents John Kyger of American Cancer Society with one of those Happy Gilmore size checks.

Buy photo: RL_020612_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_020812_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Wendy Power of Keller Williams Realty does her happy dance when she bowls a strike at the TREPAC Bowling Tournament hosted by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS at Mel’s Lone Star Lanes in Georgetown.