February 2023

A FAMILY-0WNED PUBLICATION SERVING THE AUSTIN METRO AREA AND SURROUNDING CITIES

Protect Yourself From Real Estate Listing Fraud

Written by TAWANNA VEROCK / Associate Publisher

As a REALTOR, you know it’s important to put your best foot forward when listing properties. You also know that real estate listing fraud is an unfortunate reality of doing business in the industry. But how can you protect yourself and your clients from becoming victims of fraud? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various types of real estate listing fraud, how to identify them, and how to protect yourself as a REALTOR. By taking the right steps and remaining vigilant, you can ensure that you are not taken advantage of and that your clients get the best possible outcome.

What is real estate listing fraud?

Fraudulent real estate listings are becoming more common as criminals target unsuspecting home buyers and sellers. Listing fraud occurs when someone uses false or misleading information to list a property for sale, usually in an attempt to steal the down payment or other funds from the unsuspecting buyer.While most real estate agents are honest and ethical, there are a few bad apples out there who are looking to take advantage of people. That’s why it’s important for REALTORS® to be aware of the signs of listing fraud, so they can protect themselves and their clients from becoming victims.

Here are some red flags that may indicate a listing is fraudulent:

- The listed price is significantly lower than similar properties in the area

- The property has been on the market for an unusually long time

- The listing agent is unresponsive or evasive when asked questions about the property

- The agent refuses to provide a tour of the property or meet in person

- The listing includes fake or outdated photos, or no photos at all

- The contact information for the agent or owner is fake or incomplete

- There are grammatical errors or other red flags in the listing description

How can REALTORS protect themselves from fraud?

There are a few things that REALTORS can do in order to protect themselves from fraud when it comes to real estate listings. First, they should always be on the lookout for anything that seems suspicious. If something doesn't seem right, it's better to be safe than sorry. Second, they should never give out their personal information to anyone unless they are absolutely sure that

the person is who they say they are. Third, if they are ever asked to wire money or send a check to someone, they should make sure that they know the person well and trust them before doing so. Fourth, they should keep all of their communication with clients and potential clients secure. This means using a secure email service and never sharing passwords with anyone. Lastly, if they ever have any suspicions about someone or something, they should report it to the proper authorities. By following these simple tips, REALTORS can help keep themselves safe from fraud.

What are the consequences of being a victim of fraud?

The consequences of being a victim of fraud can vary depending on the type and severity of the fraud. Generally, victims may suffer financial losses due to stolen money or property, as well as emotional distress from the experience. Victims may also be subject to identity theft, which can cause further damage to their credit score, credit history, and other personal information. Additionally, victims may be held liable for any unpaid debts incurred by the fraud perpetrator in some cases.

Who is most at risk for real estate listing fraud?

Anyone can be a victim of real estate listing fraud, but there are certain groups of people who are more at risk. For example, people who are buying or selling a home on their own (without the help of a real estate agent) are more likely to be targeted by scammers. This is because they may not be as familiar with the process and may be more trusting of the person they are dealing with. Other groups at risk include those who are buying or selling property in another country (where they may not be as familiar with the laws and regulations), and those who are using online listings to find a home (which can be easier for scammers to manipulate). How to report fraud

If you believe that you have been the victim of real estate listing fraud, it is important to report it as soon as possible. In addition to reporting fraud to NAR, you should also contact your local law enforcement authorities and file a police report. Be sure to keep all documentation and evidence of the fraud, as this will be helpful in pursuing any legal action against the perpetrator.

Real estate listing fraud is a real problem and REALTORS must take steps to protect themselves. While it can be difficult to detect fraudulent listings, there are certain signs that you should look for when vetting potential buyers or sellers. Additionally, taking proactive measures such as having clear contracts in place and conducting background checks on clients can help minimize the risk of being scammed. With the right precautions in place, REALTORS can enjoy greater peace of mind while continuing to serve their clients with professionalism and integrity.

Advocacy Everywhere

Why Advocacy?

ASHLEY JACKSON 2023 PRESIDENT

We have declared 2023 as our Year of Connection, but you can't have connection with your clients and community without advocacy as a tool in your toolbox. For your businesses and our real estate industry to thrive, it is imperative that your voices and the voices of your clients are heard at all levels of government. By advocating for public policies that uphold private property rights, real property ownership, and strong communities, we are safeguarding a prosperous future for our industry. Connection and advocacy are cornerstones of our association, and ABoR Advocacy ensures that our members are part of developing solutions for Central Texas and bring their experience and expertise to each policy discussion.

For nearly a century, the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) has supported expanding homeownership opportunities, protecting property owners’ rights, and advocating on behalf of consumers for issues like affordability, taxation, housing and more. Ultimately, we strengthen the opportunity to rent, own, buy, and sell real property, and it is easier for us to be successful when we have the collective voice and support of our membership.

What ABoR’s Advocating For

ABoR has been sounding the alarm on housing availability for years and has been advocating for our local elected officials to prioritize housing and take bold actions to help increase our region’s housing supply. We have consistently advocated for local elected officials, like the Austin City Council, to approve policy and process changes designed to help increase Central Texas’ housing capacity.

We must continue to advocate for solutions to increase the abundance and variety of housing needed to house our rapidly growing population and address our region’s housing affordability issues so that anyone who wants to buy a home in Central Texas can do so, and at price point they can afford.

How You Can Advocate

There are several ways that you can get involved in Advocacy, whether it’s at the local, state, or national level. Here are several upcoming events that you can attend to stay informed or start getting involved:

• Attend an exclusive meet-and-greet with District 5 Council Member Ryan Alter on Wednesday, March 8. Council Member Alter will be discussing his policy priorities and

how REALTORS® can be engaged in helping to tackle the major challenges facing the district and community at large. Come chat with the Council Member and ABoR’s advocacy team and get an inside perspective on what is happening in the community you serve. Register online at ABoR.com/Events.

• REALTOR® Day at the Capitol on March 22 – Join me along with REALTORS® from across the state to meet with legislators to discuss issues affecting private property owners and the real estate industry. Register online at ABoR.com/Events.

• With plenty of time to plan ahead, I am a firm believer that every REALTOR® should attend NAR’s Legislative Meetings at least once during their career. This year, the 2023 REALTOR Legislative Meetings will take place from May 6-11, 2023 in Washington, DC. Registration opens on February 15 at www.legislative.realtor.

If you feel like you don’t have the time to get involved at the time, make sure to sign up for the Live from City Hall Newsletter. You can stay informed all year long with important local policies, events and more. Just email advocacy@abor.com to subscribe.

ABoR Happy Hour at Cord's: Lauren Bach and Bob Kenny both of Kenny Grant Realty

888-KB-HOMES | kbhome.com

Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2023 KB Home (KBH). To receive 1% off the base purchase price, at least one buyer must be a full-time police officer or firefighter in the Austin area and show valid proof of employment, or be an active-duty military personnel member in the U.S. Armed Forces and provide a valid GREEN U.S. Armed Forces Identification Card (Form 1173); present flyer on or before date of signing purchase agreement; sign an owner-occupancy agreement at time of purchase; sign purchase agreement on a new KB home in the Austin area between 1/30/23 and 6/30/23; and close escrow in time required under contract. Offer is a reduction of base sales price only, and does not apply to lot/elevation premiums, options or lender charges. No substitutions; not transferable, redeemable or exchangeable for cash; cannot be combined with any other offers and supersedes previous offers. Offer will be credited when buyer has closed escrow. All public sector employees who are designated employees in their conflict of interest code should consult their agency attorney. KBH employees and their family members are not eligible for this offer. KBH reserves the right to extend, modify or discontinue offer at any time without prior notice. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. Payment of Broker Co-op requires broker or agent to call

Expand, Strengthen Your Real Estate Network

With the shifting trends in the current real estate market, it is now more important than ever to branch out your network. Even with the current shift, Williamson County and the Central Texas area are still growing at exponential rates. From east to west, north and south, our communities are seeing growth.

Every month, the Association shares real estate market data compiled by the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) and the Texas A&M Real Estate Center. The data is compiled by TAR and consists of data from each MLS across the state of Texas. From there, the Texas A&M Real Estate Center scrubs the date to remove duplicates to publish accurate and precise data. Finally, the numbers are analyzed by your local Association to be presented to the membership and the media.

Over the past seven months, the Association has seen a shift in the real estate data presented. New home sales have slowed, and months of inventory has nearly doubled, sometimes tripled in the Central Texas area. This is a huge change from what we’ve been seeing over the past few years, where we had less than a month’s inventory in most places.

This shift has changed the way that we do business and how our clients see the entire buying process, which might leave you with the question, “how can I continue to thrive in this market?”

Plugging in, expanding your network, and staying connected with your communities will help you continue to navigate the current market. Getting involved with your local Association gives you the tools necessary to continue to educate yourself to be the best REALTOR® that you

Our Williamson County Association of REALTORS® JENNIFER TUCKER-NEELY 2023 PRESIDENT

can be. As REALTORS®, we have a commitment to serve the communities that we work in. Our clients trust us to be knowledgeable, informative and actively involved.

There are a number of networking and educational opportunities WCREALTORS has planned for its members this year. Three bus tours will take us to local communities still experiencing growth in new developments, along with five city updates so that you can hear from local officials, public safety officers and school districts. WCREALTORS.org/calendar has a full list of events.

As your local Association, we are here every step of the way, navigating this current market with you. If you ever need anything, please remember that we are just a phone call away.

ABoR Happy Hour at Cord's: Lauren Bach and Bob Kenny, both of Kenny Grant Realty

Priority is

O N T I M E . E V E R Y T I M E .

HOW TO REACH US

PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT DOREN CARVER

doren@myrealtyline.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER TAWANNA VEROCK

tawanna@myrealtyline.com

EDITORIAL

ASSISTANT

CAROLINE CARVER caroline@myrealtyline.com

Founded in 1995, RealtyLine is a trade publication for real estate professionals. As a nonsubscription publication, it is distributed by the US Postal Service to over 18k+ members of the Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), over 1,800+ members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCREALTORS) and the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, as well as those involved in the real estate industry.

It is our pleasure to be a member of ABoR, WCREALTORS, HBA, and have been designated as an honorary member of the WCR Austin Chapter. We are equally proud to be a Major Investor in TREPAC (2019, 2020).

In advertising or editorial copy, RealtyLine is not responsible for viewpoints, facts, or errors expressed by non-staff writers. REALTOR® is a registered trademark. There are times when REALTOR® appears in this publication without the registered trademark symbol (®). A registered trademark should be assumed whenever the word REALTOR® appears in this publication.

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Up-to-date Calendar of Events

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SERVING THE AUSTIN METRO AREA AND SURROUNDING CITIES

ABoR Happy Hour at Cord's: Dave Kapur of All City Real Estate and Lee Easter of Lee Easter, Inc.

Level Up 2023: WCR Is Ready, Are You?

What an amazing January! The first event of the new year titled, “New Year, New You," which brought our members together to network, create vision boards and create new headshots for 2023, was a great bonding moment for our board and our members. Throughout the year, I intend to focus my leadership on our members. Many of them expressed that they felt very welcome, which is all that we can ask for.

KACEY TAYLOR

PRESIDENT

Our second successful event in January was titled “Shifting Your Mindset,” where Dragan Trajkovski, Tony Robbins’ business partner, spoke at the Centro Event Center. This was an epic event and one of the most heavily attended events to date. If anyone is interested in taking the class, please let me know, as tickets are at an all-time low of $495.

In early February, WCR participated in the TREPAC Chili Cook Off at the Williamson County Association, where we won the “People’s Choice” for the best chili. It was Tanya Chappell (events director) and Ashley Long (treasurer) who created the masterpiece. I felt I had to be there to taste test it along the way for quality control. We had so much left over that I ate it for three days after the event!

Mark your calendars as our annual Winter White Party. This year's event will be held at the Kinningham House (1000 Southcreek Drive, Round Rock) from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, February 24. The cost is $35 for members, $50 for non-members, and affiliate non-members is $60. This is a great opportunity to bring your friends and fellow co-workers who may not know much about our organization.

Our membership team will be on hand to answer any questions potential members may have, and help them get involved. You won't want to miss the networking, the music and dancing and the raffle giveaways!

2023

Stewart Title Annual Forecast: LeAnn Fitch of Stewart Title; Dr. Ted Jones; Laura Harrington and Kathryn McCurry, both of Stewart Title

HBA YPN New Year Kick Off Happy Hour

Spyglass Realty #RealtyHack: Ryan Rodenbeck, Charlotte Lipscomb, Serene Aandahl, Cord Shiflet and Berry Jenkins

Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty Quarterly Meeting: Alessandra Burenin, Mary Fealkoff and Alicia Cabezuela, all of Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty

Shifting Your Mindset: Jennifer Lish of Urban to Suburban Realty and Ashley Whittenburger

Since 1986, with over 100 years of combined staff experience, we confidently offer performance guarantees to our residential property owners.

Our full focus is on providing the best property management services possible to our clients. For you, that means your client is referred back to you when it’s time to sell. That’s our promise.

by Rachel Arterberry

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services | Texas Realty Doing Business the Right Way in Austin

Navigating the real estate industry under the same ownership for more than forty years, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Texas Realty (BHHSTx) embraces what Chairman and CEO Warren Buffet defines as a “Forever Brand.” Positioned as “Forever Agents,” this highly respected and trusted brokerage team is more like family than coworkers, sharing decades of experience and knowledge with their clients.

Located in the thriving city of Austin and affiliated with the Berkshire Hathaway brand, this Texas Realty Homeservices company has the unique advantage of being owned by the same experienced and responsible owners since 1980, Dede and Rick Jenkins. Austin has transitioned from a sleepy college town to a more robust, dynamic, multicultural city built on the technology and research of prestigious local universities. The Jenkins have been along for the ride as the real estate market has made the transition, catering to the thirty-year-old first-time homebuyers the area attracts. From the temperate climate of the Austin area to enormous job and education opportunities, people flock to the region and most certainly need the experience of real estate professionals with the longevity and knowhow Berkshire Hathaway has to offer its clients.

Since the company’s inception, employees have been committed to doing business the right way with an unwavering commitment to success. They remain focused on four core, longstanding pillars: trust, integrity, stability, and longevity. This longevity and vast experience bring significant leadership skills in coaching, technology, education, marketing, social media, and client-centric services.

Rick Ellis, chief operating officer, has been with the company since 1996, starting as a new agent like many others. He chose this brokerage because it was a strong learning environment with big brand recognition. After four years, he was asked to manage the office, leading to becoming General Manager and later the (COO) Chief Operations Officer. Having been in the Austin real estate industry for 27 years, he shares, “the experiences I’ve had can be shared with others not only to help them make their businesses more successful but also to draw a distinction between other real estate agents in Austin and our Forever Agents in order to meet the needs of communities, consumers, and clients.”

He says, "education is a part of the (real estate) business that's sometimes overlooked. It can be an expensive process within a brokerage. Having a training director and more classes and more people involved in sharing their experiences and opinions and guiding the agents who are

often in a new career is a huge undertaking.” He believes it is critical to have “some sort of education in process as a thoroughfare of introducing people to new ideas and methods accomplishing things.”

But education is more than simply teaching professionals how to sell homes. “I believe when families are putting a responsibility on the shoulders of their real estate professional, it is a pretty big responsibility. Buying a home is typically a family decision, and a lot goes along with it, including what is often the determining factor in buying a home…the schools.” The education system available to homebuyers and their families is an important part of the real estate conversation.

“Agents and brokerage firms need to have a learning environment where people can be a part of a productive environment, but also a place where they can feel comfortable and safe and get a learning experience to help them sell more real estate, which is what we do.”

For the last eight years, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Texas Realty has placed in the elite circle of Berkshire Hathaway's approximately 700 real estate companies in the United States. According to Ellis, it all starts with leadership, the core group of people which drives the success of the agents themselves and demonstrates to clients that they have made the right choice in choosing a Berkshire Hathaway agent to represent them.

The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Texas Realty team are strong supporters of Sunshine Kids, sponsoring an event each year, the Teen Lake Escape, raising funds and awareness for teens with cancer. Community service is an important foundation of the Forever Brand's longevity and is not only necessary but expected from successful companies like BHHSTx, and the giving does not end with this one event. The homeless of Austin are generously supported with an annual sock drive, providing much-needed toiletries and necessities to the area’s less fortunate.

The real estate business has changed in the Austin area, as we have seen it change before, and it will in the future. RealtyLine Publications has always been a premier resource to identify, educate and report on such changes, and sharing these ideas can help provide solutions to them. Rick sincerely hopes to meet more real estate professionals in Austin and surrounding areas to help each other grow their respective businesses. Contact Rick Ellis at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Texas Realty at rick. ellis@bhhstxrealty.com to stay in touch!

HOME FINANCE RESOURCE

WCREALTOR Affiliate Breakfast: Donna Sherrill of Independence Title; JW Smith and Shirley Sears, both of SouthStar Bank

R E A L T O R

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Available in these communities:

CLEARWATER RANCH

NORTHGATE RANCH

SANTA RITA RANCH

THE HOLLOWS ON LAKE TRAVIS

WHISPERING WIND

$4,500 $4,500

Offer effective 11 30 2022 for a limited time

$4,500 bonus to be paid in addition to standard 3% commission

ABoR Advocacy Kick Off: Christine Chau of Texas Urban Realty and 2023 ABoR President Ashley Jackson

Spyglass Realty #RealtyHack: Sam Matta and Trey Metoyer, both of Spyglass Realty

Free REALTOR Headshots with KB Home: Joshua Larios of eXp Realty (pictured left)

WCREALTORS

Affiliate Breakfast: Ryan Johnson of The Hollows at Lake Travis, WCREALTORS

TREPAC Chair Ruby Johnson and Darla Ekrut of The Hollows at Lake Travis

RECOA Launch Party: Rick Maggitt of Realty Texas and Tony Cubbage

ABoR Happy Hour at Cord's: Jenai Hales and Sheri Brummett, both of Coldwell Banker Realty

ABoR Advocacy Kick Off: Matt Lipina of Texas REALTORS and Bill Morris of RE/MAX Capital City

AmeriFirst Financial Divorce Real Estate 101: Julie Hutchinson of eXp realty; Natalia Roush, Adriana Hamre and Susan Patterson, all of Realty Austin

Financing Strategies Class: Rodney Orta of Priority Settlement Group and Debra Montag of eXp Realty

Spyglass Realty #RealtyHack: Debra Rivira, Kelly Tanner, Lyndsey Mills, Toni Sepeda, Peggy Duran and Tracy Trevino, all of Spyglass Realty

AmeriFirst Financial Divorce Real Estate 101: David McMillan of AmeriFirst Financial

WCREALTORS TREPAC Chili Cook Off: The BNT of Texas Team

and Rick Rabon of Realty Austin

Spyglass Realty #RealtyHack: Kent Redding of Berkshire Hathaway Texas Realty and Ryan Rodenbeck of Spyglass Realty

ABoR Happy Hour at Cord's: Emily Chenevert, 2023 ABoR President Ashley Jackson and 2023 ABoR Past President Cord Shiflet

Shifting Your Mindset: Janet Lovell, Tina Walden, Ruby Johnson, Measha Montoya, Leticia Ford and Lauren Rohr

RECOA Launch Party: Kim Correa of Doma Title and Mackenzie Downs of Classic Realty

Free REALTOR Headshots with KB Home: Kyle Moulton, Severo Hernande, Chelsea Brown and Phillip May all of KB Home

WCREALTORS TREPAC Chili Cook Off: Laurel Brown of Freedom 512 Real Estate and Suzette Whitehead of Realty Texas

2023 / "The New Normal"

Wednesday, March 8 10:00 - 11:00am

SpeakeR: David Tandy

CEO, Texas National Title

Zoom Videoconference

Use the QR code to learn more about this event and to pre-register! Virtual Space is Limited! | Registration Required

50 LEADS per month to any agent!

Multi-sourced LEADS available daily!

Social media LEAD generation!

Corporate LEADS available by qualification!

We'll help grow your client database!

Marketing campaigns for automated emailing!

"Live Hand-off" LEADS / immediate contact!

Rick Ellis | COO & General Manager

rick ellis@bhhstxrealty com

Call/Text: 512-947-8151

Our Marketing Department is highly proficient in lead generation through social media and personal branding! They are your professional support team for all your marketing needs!

Daniel Hain | Business Development Manager

Daniel Hain@bhhstxrealty com

Call/Text: 512 565 7425