in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• WCAoR Annual Golf Tournament • Lennar Homes REALTOR Lunch • AMBA Monthly Meeting • ABoR Mercedes-Benz Raffle • WCR Casino Night • and much, much more!
Associates in Progress
We are on the move!
page 25
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pages 9 & 31
JULY 2012 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 3
How to avoid disputes and protect yourself against lawsuits by Stacy Hale
I
n real estate, homebuilding and property management, disagreements will arise. Fortunately there are some easy methods for avoiding them before they turn into true liabilities. For the instances when that’s not possible, we’ll share some strategies for navigating safely through disputes.
Protecting yourself – the givens
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Protecting yourself from future disputes is something you should ideally consider before even hanging out your shingle.
Consider the structure of your business—sole proprietorship, incorporation, LLC—and set yourself up under the model that best limits your legal liabilities and tax burden and fits the way you do business. Know the laws, codes, and standards of practice specific to the professional organizations that issue licenses, protect your interests, and that act as governing bodies in your industry. For example, if you are a builder, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), Texas Association of Builders (TAB), and Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin offer a wealth of resources. If you are a REALTOR, the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is the state’s regulatory and licensing agency. Agents (in addition to real estate inspectors, residential service companies, real estate schools and timeshare managers) are required to follow the rules of the Texas Real Estate Commission in every transaction. TREC also provides the contracts and forms you will need for real estate transactions. Membership with the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR), and local affiliates such as the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) and Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCAoR) will keep you networked and up-to-date on the latest industry news and regulations. If you’re a property manager, check out the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) and its local chapters, as well as the National Property Management Association (NPMA). Property management is one of the most litigious areas of real estate. If you are not considering hiring a property manager for your investment properties, this is one area where you’ll definitely want to do your homework. All of these organizations offer the guidelines, best practices, rules, resources and education (including accredited classes) you’ll need to stay knowledgeable and protected.
Put policies in place It’s a good idea to have written policies in place that everyone in your organization understands and follows. For example, TREC rule 535.2 states “A broker shall maintain, on a current basis, written policies and procedures to insure that each sponsored salesperson is advised of the scope of the salesperson’s authorized activities subject to the [Real Estate License] Act and is competent to conduct such activities”… and so on. Rule 535.2 is important because it stresses the relevance of maintaining an organizational standard in your company— so that everyone’s on the same page about how you do business. But as TREC Chairwoman Avis Wukasch (also of Keller Williams Realty in Round Rock) says, the best policy is the policy of people taking care of people.
Follow the golden rule – and commit to communicate About 90 percent of disputes, according to Wukasch, are minor and can be resolved by active listening. First, that means returning your calls. Human nature is to stick our heads in the sand when conflict is imminent, but that’s the worst thing you can do. Be proactive when you feel the agitation of a client. Make sure they feel heard. The faster and more effectively you can communicate that you hear the aggrieved person, that you are actively listening and taking notes, and that you are committed to finding a mutually agreeable solution, the faster the issue can be resolved without a formal complaint or litigation. Let them vent, and after they have communicated everything they wish to say, go back over your notes and be sure you’re clear on what happened. Confirm the facts with them. Most of the time, the client simply wants you to know that they are hurt, and they want to know that you care. Offer a solution
Front Page: Continued on page 26
Upcoming Events Wednesday, July 18 NAHREP Monthly Luncheon Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 19 NARI General Membership Meeting Dave & Buster's - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sente Mortgage Power Luncheon Sente Office - 12 to 1 p.m. ABoR PAC Movie Night iPic Theatre - 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 21 Milestone Community Builders: Mega Jackpot REALTOR Event West Cypress Hills - 3 to 5 p.m Tuesday, July 24 HBA 2012 Mid-Year Forecast HBA Office - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 26 HBA Networking Social Lakeshore Home Gallery - 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 27 WCAoR Monthly Farm/Ranch Meeting WCAoR Office - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, August 9 Rescheduled: WCAoR Tech Tune-Up WCAoR Office - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 15 CRS Bi-Monthly Luncheon - Westwood Country Club - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, August 16 WCAoR August Luncheon WCAoR Office - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, August 23 ABoR PAC Wine Tasting Max's Wine Dive - 5:30 to 7 p.m. More at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Congratulations Belterra Marlins on a great season! New model homes and new neighborhoods NOW OPEN! Buffington Homes • David Weekley Homes • Highland Homes • Sitterle Homes • Treaty Oak Homes 151 TRINITY HILLS DRIVE • AUSTIN, TX 78737 • 512.301.5000 • BELTERRATEXAS.COM
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
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Chairman’s Column By Leonard Guerrero • 2012 Chairman
Get involved in your community before the window of opportunity passes
S
ummer is upon us and things are heating up at the Austin Board of REALTORS. We are currently seeking volunteers to sign up for ABoR committees. We have a variety of committees to pique any REALTOR’S interest. Visit www.abor.com/committees to learn more about our committees such as Education, Government Affairs and Professional Development. Committee volunteers help to shape this organization and, subsequently, the real estate industry at the local, state and national level. Joining a committee is a great way to be in the know about the real estate environment, expand your network and make real changes to the real estate landscape. There are some great opportunities out there, and I encourage you to sign up before the Aug. 1 deadline.
TREPAC to toast successful fundraising with annual wine tasting event Beat the heat, and celebrate the end of the 2012 Texas Real Estate Political Action
Committee (TREPAC) fundraising year by attending ABoR’s Wine Tasting event. The event will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Max’s Wine Dive. Enjoy your favorite Pinot Grigio or Shiraz while celebrating a great year for TREPAC. You can purchase your toast-worthy tickets online at www.abor.com/winetasting.
All roads lead to San Antonio and the 2012 Texas REALTORS Conference The Texas REALTORS Conference will take place in San Antonio from Sept. 7 – 11. Find "conference" under the "event" tab at www. texasrealtor.com now to save your spot because you won’t want to miss all that this event has to offer. The weekend will be kicked off by the speaker and author of the book The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner. The trade expo is always an exciting part of this yearly conference, offering the latest and greatest gadgets, businesses and trends of real estate from over 150 vendors. This year’s Trade Expo
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is bigger than ever and will only be happening on Sept. 9. The cutting-edge Xplode Real Estate Technology Conference will take place on Sept. 10 with a full lineup of speakers and discussions. Then, to top it all off, a range of MCE classes will be offered each day for real estate professionals seeking to get those hours. Don’t forget to fit in a boat ride and Tex-Mex. Reserve your seat at the conference, hotel rooms and all other activities well in advance as spaces are limited.
and encouraged to get them punched at all partner exhibitor booths for entry into the grand-prize drawing. Keep an ear out for information on free MCE courses at the event and an illustrious keynote speaker. This year’s Realty Round Up also features free parking and entry. For more information about the event, booths or partnerships, visit www.abor.com/roundup or contact Gina Willemsen at roundup@abor.com or 454-7636, ext. 1601.
Realty Round Up offers creative Find marketing opportunities at a partnerships The 31st annual Realty Round Up is just night of dancing and stars around the corner. The Oct. 9 event is already promising to draw a great crowd adorned in great western attire. Partnerships and booths are still available, but you’ll need to act fast or get left in the dust. Booths, partnerships and additional advertising must be confirmed by Aug. 15 to ensure company names and ads appear in the program and on the map. We’re offering a range of partnership levels so any business that wants to participate in this event gets the exposure they’re looking for. The latest addition to the partnerships is the Bronze Partner, which offers increased booth visitation and networking opportunities. Attendees are given the new RRU punch cards
On Dec. 7 ABoR will be hosting the 2013 Dancing with the Stars of Real Estate Installation and Awards Gala. Partnerships are now being accepted for this annual event that is expected to bring in over 500 real estate movers. A variety of partnerships are available to choose from that range from $500 to $7,500. These marketing opportunities are a great way for businesses to gain visibility from real estate professionals, honor the new board of directors and recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to this industry. For information and forms, go online to www.abor. com/installation or contact Shirley Williams at swilliams@abor.com or 454-7636, ext. 1603. RL
July Educational Courses July 18: ZipForm: What You Need to Know July 19: Professional Dining Etiquette July 20: TREC Ethics MCE and TREC Legal MCE July 26: 8 Touches: Your Image Matters July 27: Lunch and Learn July 30: United Texas: Housing Initiatives that Work and Help for Homebuyers
More at www.ABoR.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
Ken Renner of Keller Williams Realty brings his daughter Julia to Grand Haven Homes’ special event to watch the premier of an episode of "House Hunters" on HGTV where the builder was featured. Ken sold the home that appeared on the show. Buy photo: RL_071012_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
The team at Alfred’s Catering is always on hand when you have a craving for good food and service. They catered the WCR 2012 Casino Night at Monte Vista Condos Clubhouse.
Buy photo: RL_070112_H.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Martin Ochs of Hometrust Mortgage tries to sway the dealer into giving him a winning hand at the ABoR Foundation Mercedes Give Away event at Shoal Crossing Event Center. Buy photo: RL_061112_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Andrew Constancio of JB Goodwin REALTORS does a little business before pleasure at the WCAoR Annual Golf Tournament at Cimarron Hills.
Buy photo: RL_070612_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2012 KB Home (KBH). ENERGY STAR and the ENERGY STAR mark are registered U.S. trademarks. KB Home reserves the right to change or discontinue features, options, products, materials and suppliers at any time without notice. Nothing herein shall be deemed an irrevocable guarantee or commitment that the home will be built with specific products or with products from any specific manufacturers. For Broker Fast Pass, Brokers should keep a copy of client’s registration card. Broker named on earliest-dated registration card, up to 60 days, will be the agent of record. If buyer has not purchased a home within 60 days of registering, buyer must be re-registered. Payment of Broker Co-op requires Broker or agent to accompany and register buyer on first visit and comply with Broker Co-op Agreement. See Built to Order™ options and upgrades offered at KB Home Studio. All options/upgrades require additional charges and ordering at predetermined stages of construction, and are subject to change/discontinuation anytime by KB Home. KB Home is not a custom homebuilder. Plans, pricing, financing, terms, availability and specifications subject to change/ prior sale without notice and may vary by neighborhood, lot location and home series. Buyer responsible for all taxes, insurance and other fees. Sq. footage is approximate. HOA applies. Photo may depict upgraded landscaping/ options and may not represent lowest-priced homes. Photo does not depict racial preference. See sales representative for details. AUS-102501
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Our own Doren Carver, right, happily presents Patrick Klier of 1836 Realty with the ABoR Foundation Mercedes-Benz raffle ticket he won by finding Doren in Realty Line’s recent “Where’s Doren Now?” sweepstakes. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Buy photo: RL_070312_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
CRS Immediate PastPresident Kay DaSilva of Avalar Austin welcomes Gary Knippa of Knippa Properties and Michael Dillon of Critter Ridder to the group’s bi-monthly meeting at the Westwood Country Club.
Buy photo: RL_070512_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_070812_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Sean Chandler of Lennar Homes and Leslie Ann Crozier of Hot On!, which is now back on Austin airwaves on Sunday mornings, catch up at the builder’s REALTOR Luncheon at Falcon Pointe in Pflugerville.
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1 Chisholm Trail Suite 3100 Round Rock, TX 78681 t: 512.255.6550
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
President’s Column By Christy Gessler • 2012 President
Follow up and attention to detail—protecting yourself can be simple as that
W
elcome to the heat! As temperatures rise throughout Central Texas, and our summer heats up, so does our market. Our numbers continue to shine. The Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCAoR) just hosted a quarterly luncheon featuring marketing experts from local businesses including GSD&M, Tito’s Vodka, Intel, K&N Management (the owners of Mighty Fine Burgers and Shakes) and Schmooze Networking. These industry experts talked to our members about how you craft out your niche in any market, from vodka to hamburgers to real estate. The insights given at this extraordinary seminar were incredible. The panel highlighted the importance of a comprehensive marketing strategy that is fully compliant—legally and ethically. The issue of being compliant and ethical is critical to our businesses as we hold the public’s trust in each and every transaction. I believe this obligation is summed up in two
phrases: follow up and attention to detail. It truly is as simple as that. As independent contractors, you have the privilege to manage your own small business. You make decisions each and every day that dictate whether you will make money that day, in the future, or not at all based on your activities. As we learned at our recent luncheon, each marketing decision that you make impacts not only your budget, but successful growth of your business. How many of you actually track the rate of return of your marketing efforts to determine which programs are adding to your bottom line? We heard very loudly from the expert from GSD&M that they spend more time analyzing the success of a campaign than they do creating the campaign to start with. The effort placed in determining the success or failure of the program is critical because they can then adapt quickly to make changes to avoid wasting a lot of money on a low rateof-return campaign. Marketing “mistakes” in our business can equate to a violation of the Code of
www.myRealtyLine.com Ethics, can violate MLS rules and regulations and can place an agent at a great liability. It is so important to look at your marketing pieces as an overall campaign of selling your business. Take some time to review all of your marketing campaigns and check for accuracy, compliance, and ensure that the overall message is what you truly want to deliver to the public. Take time to Google yourself and your listings to ensure that information is not being used in alternative ways without you or your clients’ knowledge and permission. Watch closely that your listings are not being used by people to scam the public in any way. Make sure that you are managing your online reputation, as well. I routinely communicate in the classes I teach that the public will be “researching” you online before they elect to call you for an interview. Is the message
July 2012
you are putting out there on the information super highway the one that you want the public to judge you on, in both a personal and professional manner? It is important to keep these concepts in your mind so that you can maintain compliance, grow your business, and enjoy the journey. On the horizon at the WC includes some great classes for brokers, our annual Tech Tune-Up event in August, new lifestyle features on our everchanging website, and another outstanding luncheon featuring Google that will give you incredible information about all of the exciting gamechangers being orchestrated by Google. You won’t want to miss a beat of the information and education events taking place at the WC. I look forward, as always, to seeing you around the association. RL
Upcoming Events & Education August 2 & 3: Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation class August 8: Video SEO-Lead Generation Using Video August 9: Tech Tune-Up Interactive Expo August 15: Basics of Real Estate Photography August 17: Fundamentals of Foreclosure Auctions August 17: TREC Ethics and Legal (Cedar Park Location)
More at www.WCAoR.org
Buy Photos + Find Events + View Archives
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RE/MAX hAs spEnt Billions to MAkE You A housEhold nAME On yOur very first listing presentation as a RE/MAX agent, your client already associates you with
4 things:
• • • •
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quality integrity experience success
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This year alone, the RE/MAX organization and its Associates will spend more than a billion dollars to promote themselves and their listings. And every one of those dollars will promote the RE/MAX brand and every agent associated with it. Each office independently owned and operated.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Will Lynch of Village Builders and Shannon Powers of Lennar Homes answer questions from Nextage Lincoln Ray Realty's Ron Ward about the builders’ inventory at a REALTOR Luncheon hosted by Lennar Homes in Falcon Pointe community in Pflugerville. Buy photo: RL_070512_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Barry Adelman, second from left, of JB Goodwin REALTORS, his wife, Tara, third from left, and their kids proudly took home the top prize for the Goodwin Games at the company's annual picnic.
Submitted Photo
Hey wait, he has more chips than we do… No fair! Becky Hopkins, center, of Austin Title and Ruby Johnson of Austin Real Pros try to convince Mike Farrell to “lend” them some of his chips at the WCR 2012 Casino Night.
Buy photo: RL_070612_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Wayne and Kim Gayer, both of Gayer Group REALTORS, hope they have the winning ticket for the Mercedes-Benz as they wait patiently for the drawing at the ABoR Foundation Mercedes Give Away event at Shoal Crossing Event Center.
Buy photo: RL_070112_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Focused on you. Vista Lending is comprised of Local Lending Experts who, with our Realtor partners, have helped thousands of Texans finance their dream home. Please call to reconnect or to meet and discuss how we can help you!
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July 2012
We’re Moving!
eander Bell
1431
Blvd
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901 Cypress Creek Rd., W Ste. #204, Cedar Park, TX 78613
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183 Lakeline Mall
Joy Stokes
Escrow Officer joy.stokes@austintitle.com 512.823.2800 Office
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Erin Precopia
Branch Manager/Escrow Officer erin.precopia@austintitle.com 512.823.2800 Office
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901 Cypress Creek Rd, Suite 204 Cedar Park, Texas 78613 512.823.2800 Office/512.258.3328 Fax
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As of July 16th the Austin Title Anderson Mill and Round Rock East Offices will be moving to
ess
pr Cy
734
Sp
Ashley Smith
Escrow Officer ashley.smith@austintitle.com 512.823.2800 Office
Anderson
Jollyville
734 e Dr
Cheryl Scully
Business Development cheryl.scully@austintitle.com 512.632.5136 Mobile
www.austintitle.com
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Dorie Dillard of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Roxanne Watson of Austin Title give back at the real estate company's American Cancer Society Potluck Luncheon and Silent Auction.
Submitted Photo
Bill Evans of Austin Real Pros is a beast when it comes to collecting dollars for TREPAC. He hits up WCR President Anita Farrell and Maryann Nations, both of Keller Williams Realty, for donations at the WCR meeting at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_070812_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Buy photo: RL_070712_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Networking is key to success in the business. Memo Vargas and Karen McCarty, both of Keller Williams Realty, attend the bi-monthly CRS Networking Luncheon at the Westwood Country Club to meet other successful REALTORS like themselves.
Austin Area Market Update Weekly Interest Rate Changes 7.00%
Freddie Mac 30-Year Fixed Rate Loan
Partnerships Built on Trust
6.75% 6.50% 6.25% 6.00% 5.75% 5.50% 5.25% 5.00% 4.75% 4.50% 4.25% 4.00% 3.75%
Jan-08 Jan-08 Feb-08 Mar-08 Apr-08 May-08 Jun-08 Jul-08 Aug-08 Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08 Jan-09 Jan-09 Feb-09 Mar-09 Apr-09 May-09 Jun-09 Jul-09 Aug-09 Sep-09 Oct-09 Nov-09 Dec-09 Dec-09 Jan-10 Feb-10 Mar-10 Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10 Dec-10 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 Jul-11 Aug-11 Sep-11 Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12
3.50%
For more information, please contact one of our sales executives. www.gracytitle.com
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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July 2012
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4 new neighborhoods 11 model homes
1 incredible community The greatest luxury of all. A choice. Choosing Teravista is easy. The rest is up to you. With the opening of 4 new neighborhoods, your clients can enjoy an even greater luxury of choice. From the elegant custom homes of Fairway Estates to homes for those just starting out, we’ve never offered a wider selection. Come discover the home that’s just right for your client.
Discover more at teravista.com/choice New homes from the upper $100,000s to over $600,000 CastleRock Communities • Centerra Homes • D.R. Horton • Lennar • Partners in Building Ryland Homes • Spicewood Communities • Village Builders • Wilshire Homes
Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the United States from coast-to-coast. Together with our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com and www.nashcommunities.com NNP-Teravista, LP (‘Fee Owner’) is the creator of the Teravista Community (‘Community’). Certain home builders unaffiliated with the Fee Owner or its related entities (collectively ‘Newland’) are building homes in the Community (‘Builder(s)’). Newland is not co-developing, co-building or otherwise responsible for any of the obligations or representations of any of the Builders, and Newland shall have no obligations to any buyer regarding a home purchase from a Builder. Purchasers of homes from any of the Builders waive any claims against Newland arising out of their purchase transaction. No guarantee can be made that completion of the Teravista community will proceed as described. Prices, specifications, details, and availability of a builder’s new homes are subject to change without notice. All square footage is approximate. © 2012 Newland Real Estate Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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Excellent! WCR Austin 2011 President Cheryl Jenkins of RE/MAX Capital City III and WCR Austin 2012 President Anita Farrell of Keller Williams Realty show off the 2011 Chapter Excellence Award earned by the chapter from the Women’s Council of REALTORS Texas. Buy photo: RL_070712_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
This REALTOR wants everyone behind them in traffic to know they can help them buy or sell a home… Smart move!
Buy photo: RL_070812_H.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
These high producing loan originators discuss their approaches to selling and originating in today’s competitive environment at the AMBA luncheon. Pictured are (front row) Jim Bane, Jr. of Starkey Mortgage, Stuart Napier, Josh Penland of Sente Mortgage, (standing) Mark Abernathy, Michael Scott and Eddie Rinehart of Starkey Mortgage.
Buy photo: RL_070112_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_070412_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Burn ‘em and turn ‘em baby. Laura Rosales of Element Realty Austin tries to hold on to her chips in a game of Texas Hold ‘em at the WCR 2012 Casino Night at Monte Vista Condos Clubhouse.
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Round and round it goes, where it stops, nobody knows. Glynda Marcus of Keller Williams Realty is hoping for the jackpot on the slot machines at the ABoR Foundation Mercedes Give Away event at the Shoal Crossing Event Center.
Buy photo: RL_070612_H.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Excited to see the CRS Austin Chapter growing with more than 80 professionals attending the group’s networking luncheon is Cindy Reeder of RE/MAX Capital City, Susan Horton of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, and Beverly Polyniak of Old Republic Home Protection. Buy photo: RL_070812_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
David Durham and Rita Snyder, both of Keller Williams Realty, are ready to get this show on the road. They sit anxiously in the golf cart at the WCAoR Annual Golf Tournament at Cimarron Hills. Buy photo: RL_070212_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Realty Line’s Caroline Carver keeps her cool despite the heat at the ABoR Putt Putt with TREPAC event at Peter Pan Mini Golf.
Buy photo: RL_061112_I.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Candy Buzan
Max Leaman
Kim Nielsen
Amy Oehler
Janet Widmer
Branch Manager Sr. Loan Officer
Branch Manager Sr. Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Trudy Savage
Mary Kennedy
Missy Driskell
Sr. Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
GREAT RATES LOW FEES
Diane M. Clark Sr. Loan Officer
Eiric Smith Mark Hoffman Sr. Loan Officer
CLOSE ON TIME CALL (512) 238- 7888 Amanda Stewart
Misty Lynch
Jori Stern
Sherri Eckert
Marie Cyr
Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Sr. Loan Officer
Loan Officer
Loan Officer
810 HESTER’S CROSSING, STE 150 | ROUND ROCK, TEXAS 78681
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, HomePath & Jumbo just to name a few loan products! © 2012 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS #: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in TX. Texas Regulated Loan License-license #7293. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. NMLS #: Buzan 179412, Leaman 151263, Nielsen 180307, Oehler 225339, Smith 176530, Savage 180854, Kennedy 179666, Driskell 180066, Clark 268025, Hoffman 171464, Stewart 292478, Lynch 280093, Stern 177299, Eckert 357516, Widmer 232054.
Sr. Loan Officer
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Brian Baize, right, of Austin Title congratulates David Burton and Christine Choate, both of Horizon Realty, for being one of Platinum Top 50 REALTORS' 2012 finalists. The group held a mixer for all finalists at The Reserve at Lake Travis. Submitted Photo
The Council of Residential Specialists (CRS) attracts some of the most successful REALTORS. Susan Black of Avalar Austin, CRS Austin President Risé Johns and Avis Wukasch, both of Keller Williams Realty, and Cindi DarraghLeech of Avalar Austin are no exception. They attended the group’s bi-monthly meeting at Westwood Country Club.
Buy photo: RL_070812_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
These two are trying to break the bank with some slot machine winnings at the ABoR Foundation MercedesBenz Give Away event. John Moore of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, and Prissy Pense wish for some good luck juju as they shake their cup of coins.
Buy photo: RL_061112_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
“No judging— I’m just the sponsor here,” says Kelea Piper of Champion School of Real Estate to Jim Goldrick of Texas American Title at the WCAoR Annual Golf Tournament at Cimarron Hills. Kelea’s company sponsored the putting tournament and Jim was the judge.
Buy photo: RL_070612_M.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Social Media:
What Works, What Doesn’t TREC MCE Elective Course #: 01-00-123-23719 Register today for Sente’s
August
MCE Power Lunch Thursday, August 23rd 12 Noon – 1PM FREE WORKSHOP
Optional 1 MCE credit hour for $10 (Cash or check only, payable at the door.)
Social Media:
What Works, What Doesn’t It seems too good to be true—just gather a bunch of friends and the business flows. Social media is a powerful networking tool, IF it is used appropriately. We look at a consensus of the experts, plus our own experience, to provide some guidance.
Treat Yourself. With the $300 we pay you for referring investors who sign a management agreement with us, you can treat yourself to something nice... because you deserve it!
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We keep you informed over the life of the agreement and refer the listing back to you when the investor is ready to sell.
Call 512-732-8388.
For more information on any of our MCE Classes and to register visit:
www.SenteMortgage.com
Click on Real Estate Power Lunches at the bottom of our homepage or call 512-637-9900 • Sente Mortgage, Inc. MCE Provider #9841
RELIABLE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. Terry Godbold, MPM® RMP® ARM® GRI® TRLP® www.LandLordAustin.com • www.ReliableTeamHome.com
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President’s Column By Marshall Durrett • 2012 President
T
HBA Parade of Homes website goes live
he Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin is excited to announce the launch of a brand new website that will serve as the main hub of information for the 2012 Parade of Homes and beyond. Unveiled last month, www.ParadeofHomesAustin.com was created to make information about the event readily available and easily found on the web. Information about participating builders, their homes, awards, tickets, press releases and even inclement weather information for tour
attendees will be posted on this new, robust and easily navigated website. The Greater Austin Parade of Homes Facebook page is also integrated with the new site. A link to
the fan page can be found on the home page of www.ParadeofHomesAustin.com. Everyone is encouraged to “like” the Facebook page for additional information, updates and potential prize giveaways. While ParadeofHomesAustin.com and the Facebook page will be rich sources of upto-the minute details of this annual event, HBA members can continue to get the latest information at AustinHomeBuilders.com. This year’s Parade of Homes will take place from Oct. 20 through Nov. 4 at The Overlook Estates. The homes are priced from the mid $800’s to just over $1 million. All floorplans are custom designs drawn for the 58th Annual Parade of Homes and range in style from Texas Hill Country and Craftsman to Soft Contemporary and Ultra Modern. The Overlook Estates development is located just southwest of the Y at Oak Hill 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
www.myRealtyLine.com the region’s best private schools nearby. The five participating builders are Pillar Custom Homes, Dillon Custom Homes, JKD Builder, Enertech Builders and PGM Design + Build. The Parade of Homes is an excellent opportunity to see some of the best the area’s premier builders have to offer to the home buying public and the regional real estate community. The newest trends in construction, building design, interior décor and landscaping are included in each of these very special homes.
Hundreds attend “Raise the Roof” Street Party at 2012 site of the Parade of Homes Thanks to the more than 250 REALTORS and guests, the HBA’s recent “Raise the Roof ” REALTOR Preview Street Party at the 2012 site of the Parade of Homes was a huge success. REALTORS, their clients, and other guests, received the latest information on the homes that will be showcased in the 2012 Parade of Homes this fall, met the builders and architects and learned more about this up-andcoming community nestled within the Central Texas Hill Country, all while having fun and networking with fellow colleagues. In addition to the complimentary food from Alfred’s Catering, drinks and door prizes, local Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tribute band, The Damn Torpedoes, entertained guests during this educational event. Congratulations to everyone who won these fantastic door prizes: • Enchanted Rock Vodka: Matt Moore with Eagle Management Services • Texas-themed liquor gift basket: Lucy Guilbeaux with California Closets
July 2012
• Body Tonic gift certificate: Debbie Kirtland with Keller Williams Realty • Steiner Ranch Steak House Gift Certificate: Paul Marshall with FBS Factory Builder Stores Did you miss this preview event? Be sure to bookmark www.ParadeofHomesAustin. com and “like” the Greater Austin Parade of Homes Facebook page for up-to-the minute information so you don’t miss out.
Dr. Jim Gaines to present mid-year housing forecast July 24 Dr. Jim Gaines will give an update on the regional housing market and forecast for the remainder of 2011 at the HBA’s annual MidYear Housing Forecast luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24 at the Phillips Event Center. Dr. Gaines, a well-known research economist from Texas A&M who focuses on housing and land development issues, has more than 30 years of experience in a broad array of professional real estate activities. He has consulted numerous businesses, institutions, developers, and all levels of government organizations. He served as president of the Rice Center, an urban research center affiliated with Rice University and was an associate professor of real estate and finance at the University of South Carolina. All HBA members and future HBA members are welcome. Tickets can be purchased at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com for just $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Tables seating 10 people can be purchased for the discounted price of $250. Ticket prices include lunch and the program. For additional details, visit www.AustinHomeBuilders.com or call Debbie Horridge at 454-5588, ext. 103. RL
Earn MORE with MileStone’s VIP Realtor® Program! http://www.MyMileStone.com/realtor-registration/
West Cypress Hills
Southpark Meadows
5200 Cypress Ranch Blvd. • Spicewood
3039 Little River Road • South Austin
Cypress Creek
Ravenscroft
Scenic Homes from the $200’s 512-264-0900
Townhomes from the $130’s 512-215-5220 1900 Little Elm Trail • Cedar Park
The Reserve at Brushy Creek Single Family Homes from the $200’s 512-961-5556
Breakway Rd. & Brushy Creek Rd. • Cedar Park
Paradiso Villas
Garden Homes from the $160’s 512-215-3424 11400 West Parmer Lane • Cedar Park
Southbridge Villas
Garden Homes from the $180’s 512-804-2605
Garden Homes from the mid $100’s 512-961-5553
Townhomes from the $150’s 512-410-7790 11309 Lost Maples Trail • South Austin
Shadow Creek
Single Family Homes from the $120’s 512-782-2040 203 Shadow Creek Blvd. • Buda
Arbor Ridge
Garden Homes from the low $100’s 512-410-1993 5001 Nuckols Crossing Rd. • Southeast Austin
Riverside Villas
7233 Manchaca Rd. • South Austin
Garden Homes from the high $100’s 512-410-0899
Preston Village
2001 Faro Drive • Downtown Austin
Single Family Homes from the mid $100’s 512-630-8978 16016 Travesia Way • Austin
Volume Home Builder of the year 2012
Austin Business Journal
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Sherri Williams of Keller Williams Realty and Diana Proud of Avalar Austin are delighted to find out they are among the Austin finalists for the 2012 Platinum Top 50 REALTORS' elite group. The two attended the group's finalist mixer at The Reserve at Lake Travis.
Submitted Photo
Tammy Gardner, left, and Molly Avilla, center, both of JB Goodwin REALTORS, kick back as they take in a little R&R at the company's annual picnic.
Buy photo: RL_070212_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com ITCmcmahan070112c.pdf
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Shannon Bubel of ABoR chases the ball as her son tries desperately to keep it on the green at the Putt Putt with TREPAC event at Peter Pan Mini Golf.
We’ve moved just up the road! Join us in our new Arboretum location with great amenities, covered parking, easy access from MoPac, 360 and 183.
Independence Title McMahan Group Mona McMahan Escrow Officer, CTIA
Arboretum – 9442 Capital of TX Hwy. I Plaza 1, Suite 100 I Austin, TX 78759 Office: 512/306-8521 I Fax: 512/306-8531 I www.IndependenceT itle.com
ITCbarton070112b.pdf 1 7/2/12 Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Your Westlake closing headquarters!
Barton Oaks Office 901 S. Mopac, Plaza II, Suite 150 Austin, TX 78746 Main: 512/329-5299 Fax: 512/329-0379
Toni Vance Halseth
Branch Manager/Escrow officer
Laura Pagnozzi Escrow Officer
Bonnie Barrera
Elizabeth Elford
Brandi Hale
Christi Tennison
Debbie Thornal
Jodie Wilkinson
Escrow Officer
Commercial Escrow Officer
Escrow Officer
Escrow Officer
Escrow Officer
Independence Title E x p l o r e w w w. I n d e p e n d e n c e T i t l e . c o m A u s t i n B u s i n e s s J o u r n a l ’s N u m b e r 1 T i t l e C o m p a n y
Escrow Officer
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First Class Service from Straight “A” Closing Teams
David Tandy
Wanda Frederick
Gaye Pierce
Larry Molinare
Michelle Piperi
Bill Bradshaw
Latra Szal
Allison Craig
Bob Roberts
Denise Moody
Donna Simmons
Holly Schuler
Kathy Morford
Kenneth Osborn
Susie McCreary
Stacey Johnson
Karan Knippa
Marie Farber
Paula Gonzales
Enriqueta “Que” Reyes
Lacey Warren
Cathy Bade
Lillian Gentry
Lynna Lichtenberger
Jill Morgan
Ann Townsend
Becky VanWesten
Andrew Walls
Kim McCarthy
Kristy Smallwood
Phyllis Blackwell
Susan Robertson
Marie Love
Elizabeth Young
Minnie Barnhart
It’s been a great year so far. The staff at Gracy Title love what they do and are having fun doing it. We’re here to raise the standard in today’s real estate transactions by offering today’s most advanced title to close services. We look forward to working with you on your next real estate transaction.
S
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Purple Santa Toy Driv e
July 2012
Foundation Comm u n Luncheon ities
Tom Berry
Nicole Boynton
Lisa Altamirano
Melissa McGuire-Cason
Tracy Blair
Whitney Hauser
Shelley Hill
Janis Shields
Debra Holloway
Annie Barkowsky
Tracy Miller
Sarah Scholwinski
Haylie Shearer
Pam Freydenfeldt
Cheryl Sullivan
Lucy Gallagher
Shelley Broadhurst
Michelle LeMay-Fleming
KC Clark
Kathy Lagaza
Vicky Wilhelm
Angela Hruska
Par tnerships Built on Trust
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Austin CRS Chapter
President ‘s Column By Risé Johns • 2012 President
Terese Peabody, center, of Stanberry and Associates and Bettye Turner, left, and Lynda Conway, both of JB Goodwin REALTORS chitchat as they await lunch to be served at the CRS Networking Luncheon at the Westwood Country Club.
Buy photo: RL_070812_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Life is good in Austin real estate. Victoria Reviel of 98th Meridian and Susan Brown of Realty Executives have it written all over their faces. The two brought their happy to the WCR meeting at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_070712_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
When it's all said and done, get it in writing
P
rotecting yourself legally in this business is of the utmost importance. How you set up your business is the first step in shielding yourself from litigation, and there are several different ways to do so, including sole proprietorships, corporations and limited liability partnerships. I do not presume to give legal advice so please talk to your attorney to determine which is the best for you. This article focuses on what we can do to protect ourselves above setting up a legal entity. This is the “CYA” stuff. First and foremost— and the most basic of all— get everything substantive and important in writing. We can negotiate verbally until an agreement is reached, but then you should put it in writing. Whether this is the original contract or any amendments, make sure the agreement is written and signed by all parties. Save important e-mails either on an offsite server or print out a copy and place it in the contract file. Do not rely on your computer. You do not want to be involved in a lawsuit and not have access to important e-mails because your computer crashed. You absolutely need a backup plan. Texting is the quickest way to transfer
information. My phone only saves a limited number of text messages. When you have a substantive text message, follow up with an e-mail or something in writing detailing what has been agreed upon or decided. The same goes for voicemail. If it is important, reduce it to writing. One practice I have done for over 20 years is to keep a detailed log of what is going on. Originally, in the early 80s, I used what I called a progress log. It was a form I created which detailed the date, who spoke to whom, and what was discussed. It was a pain, though it allowed me to keep track of what had occurred. Thank goodness for Top Producer and the many other programs that allow you to computerize the details of a transaction. It is so easy to input the information while you are having a conversation. There cannot be a dispute, for instance, as to whom was supposed to order the survey. If you keep very good notes, it's all right there. I had one agent ask me, “How do you remember so much?” I don’t— I just keep good notes. This also is a great tool if a lawsuit is threatened. Finally— there are many programs that can be utilized to protect you. Find what works for you and use it. At the very least, get everything in writing. RL
Texas American Title Company
Julia Bechara Escrow Officer
Karen Black Escrow Officer
Donica Williams Escrow Officer
Katharyn Azzarello Escrow Assistant
Rachelle Gwynn Escrow Assistant
We are your Williamson County Team!
Summer Pavliska Account Executive
Cedar Park Office 715 Discovery Blvd. Suite 205 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Office: 512-259-5950 Fax: 512-259-0540
Jim Goldrick Account Executive
Round Rock Office 1001 South Mays Round Rock, TX 78664 Office: 512-255-1550 Fax: 512-255-2329
www.txa mti tl e.com
Experience the SWBC Difference Our commitment to you: •
On-time closings
•
In-house underwriting, processing, and funding for smooth, seamless transactions
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Control of the servicing for most conventional loans we close
We’re a best company to work for and with!
Find out why much of our business for the past two decades is from repeat customers or referrals from agents, builders, and clients who appreciate exceptional service. Linda Komm, vP nmls# 219050 512.422.7958
Rhona Bogie nmls# 222089 512.917.1954
Conventional
•
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Kathleen Condry nmls# 214903 512.658.7436
FHa
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Emily Franke nmls# 223977 512.797.5480 •
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Ann Jones nmls# 221084 512.422.9036
investments
the avallon building, building 1 | 10415 morado Circle, ste. 100 | austin, tX 78759
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Laura Pagnozzi of Independence Title fills in the top 50 tickets in the final drawing for the Mercedes-Benz giveaway at the ABoR Foundation event to raffle off the car and a trip to Germany.
Buy photo: RL_070612_O.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Diana Brown of Independence Title and Pam Jamison of Sente Mortgage congratulate all of the new incoming officers at the NAPMW Installation event at Norris Conference Center.
Buy photo: RL_061112_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades! Chris Ott of Keller Williams Realty is hoping for a big win in his future as he and Summer Pavliska of Texas American Title head for the green at the WCAoR Annual Golf Tournament at Cimarron Hills.
Buy photo: RL_060912_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Women’s Council of REALTORS®
President’s Column By Anita Farrell • 2012 President
If Jill Marsh of Keller Williams Realty gets a hole-in-one, she could win a car. Wait, that’s the Price is Right. Kylie Lynch hopes she gets a hole in one anyway at the ABoR Putt Putt with TREPAC fundraiser at Peter Pan Mini Golf.
Do you have the heart of a volunteer?
Buy photo: RL_070212_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Liz Zepeda, Camille Ulmann, Cathie Richard, Sylvia Pack and Craig Noling, all of RE/MAX Austin Skyline, attend the GenGenAustin Seminar at Barton Creek Club and Resort. The seminar was based on the best-selling book, The Seven Levels of Communication, by best selling author, Michael Maher.
A
s a REALTOR, we have numerous opportunities to impact our industry. Are you one of those people who will give of your time, talents, or your funds to make a positive impact in the real estate profession? It may be a thankless job, or it may be many years before the results of your efforts are realized. However, as a member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS (WCR), I am very grateful to the women who took their time, money, and talents to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) in 1938 to advocate for women in real estate. I am also very grateful to the nine women who formed the Austin Chapter of the WCR. We now have a vibrant, thriving association of women and the men who support them that would not have been created without these volunteers. Do you want to make a difference in any aspect of the profession? If you have the heart of a volunteer, you are needed in so many ways. Volunteering in an industry related organization has its advantages including meeting people from different companies and/or organizations—the synergy of working together
Submitted Photo
Erin Harrell of First American Title, Robert Creamer and Tony Brodie, both of Keller Williams Realty, wear their driving shoes to the ABoR Foundation Mercedes-Benz Raffle event in the hopes of taking home the car.
Buy photo: RL_070612_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
and the exchange of ideas are energizing, referrals grow from members of the organization from other parts of the country as you expand your influence and attend national and state meetings, and exposure rises to state and national meeting procedures including parliamentary procedures, election processes, and board meeting procedures. The advantages to your personal life are also significant—a volunteer position will quickly teach leadership skills such as public speaking, chairing a committee, fundraising, and working with others to successfully put on an event. The success of your efforts will greatly build confidence which spills over into every aspect of your business and your life. To see a home built from the ground up as with working with Habitat for Humanity is a heart-warming reward itself. Donating to TREPAC is a great way to make a difference in the laws that will govern the industry. Those who contribute are the heart and soul of the profession. Get involved. You will reap the benefits of a career worth having, and a life worth living. RL
Keller Williams Realty Northwest Market Center
We are thrilled to welcome Pat and Shannon in celebration of our 400th agent!
Ready to serve you with: • Potential financial savings • A variety of products and choices • Convenient online prequalification • Personal assistance for all your clients
Pat Fitzpatrick
Shannon Fitzpatrick
Summer Present Year-to-Date our office is up 43% in Closed Volume. Contact Gene or Tony to learn why. Gene Frederick 512-637-8221 SOUTHWEST Diane Johnson 448-4111
NORTHWEST Gene Frederick 346-3550
LAKE TRAVIS Mary Lynne Gibbs 263-9090
Phone: 512-257-5629 • Efax: 866-385-6765 Email: slpresent@dhimortgage.com 12554 Riata Vista Circle, First Floor Austin, TX 78727
Tony Brodie 512-637-8457 ROUND ROCK Avis Wukasch 255-5050
Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #399033
CEDAR PARK/LEANDER Michelle Busby 616-4000
www.dhimortgage.com
Provided for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend; not all borrowers and/or properties will qualify. DHI Mortgage Company, LTD, NMLS# 14622, 12554 Riata Vista Circle, First Floor, Austin, TX 78727. NMLS #38686. For information on DHIM licensing please visit http://www.dhimortgage.com/other-pages/licensing/. EXP 5/29/13.
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Choose Your Own Adventure: Check Out Our 20 Available Inventory Homes Join Us in Welcoming Centerra Homes Greenbelt, Canyon and Lakeview Homesites
Featuring
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Homes from the $290’s to over $1M 512.617.1776 | RoughHollowLakeway.com | Developed by Legend Communities in partnership with Crescent Resources. Exclusively marketed by Legacy International Resort Properties. Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.
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WCAoR President Christy Gessler of Keller Williams Realty and WCAoR Executive Director Marge Phillips do their part to get everyone situated before the start of the association's June luncheon. The WCAoR put together a panel of marketing powerhouses to discuss strategies and allow members to ask their questions. The event was held at the WCAoR office in Round Rock.
Buy photo: RL_071112_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Shirley Williams and Vicki Harris, both of ABoR, enjoy the festivities at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Finalist Mixer at The Reserve at Lake Travis.
Buy photo: RL_070212_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Submitted Photo
Hole in one, two … just give me something! Tony Brodie of Keller Williams Realty works on his short game at ABoR’s Putt Putt with TREPAC event at Peter Pan Mini Golf.
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Lennar Homes 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
S
ince 2000 Lennar Homes has been building homes and communities in Austin and the surrounding areas. Dedicated to excellence in the business of building and designing homes, Lennar offers 16 floor plan collections in nine communities. With this dedication comes a commitment to provide guidance and the expertise necessary to create your dream home. Lennar homes are located in the most popular and desirable areas of the region where quaint communities and home elevations have been value engineered to reflect hill country influences. Founded in 1954, the company is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality new homes in 18 states. Lennar offers homes for the first-time, move-up and retirement buyers in communities that cater to almost any lifestyle from golf to active adult in an urban or suburban setting. “Record low interest rates, coupled with the 96 percent occupancy in Austin’s rental market and a four month resale cycle have created a housing shortage in Austin,” says Shannon Powers, director of sales. “Lennar is opening the door to make buying a new home more attractive for first-time and move-up buyers.”
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“Our new homes allow a buyer to choose the amenities they want while providing great value, technology and energy efficiency,” says Powers. “Our sales team members have detailed knowledge of each of our communities and we partner with REALTORS to prove a great home purchasing experience. Buying from the
Lennar family of companies. “More home purchases now start online and the Internet has produced a more educated buyer,” says Powers. “They arrive knowing the details of our communities, the floor plans as well as financing options. We now process contracts with DocuSign for added convenience and to close more quickly.” Lennar has embraced the power of the Internet with a multi-featured website filled with resources to educate potential buyers on a variety of topics related to home buying. The site offers videos, podcasts, check lists as well as the ability to speak with an Internet new home consultant. The “my Lennar” microsite offers a onestop home buying experience through a personalized home page where potential buyers can log on, begin the mortgage prequalification process and save any of the details about their upcoming purchase right down to the name of the neighborhood cable TV provider. Project Dream Home on Lennar.com reaches people earlier in the process to work with potential buyers providing help with problems that range from credit repair to preparing documentation for the mortgage process. In addition to the website, Lennar has expanded its online presence with social media. The Facebook page functions as a focus group to test new products and concepts while creating an active, engaged community. The statistics are impressive. The page has 141,929 likes and 27,027 people are talking about this. The 34 Lennar employees in Austin
"
Buying from the builder can provide pricing advantages with a seamless process to close in record time. Shannon Powers, Director of Sales
"
builder can provide pricing advantages with a seamless process to close in record time.” Lennar provides assistance with the steps toward homeownership. Buyers can look forward to a worry-free closing with impeccable customer service by working with Universal American Mortgage Company, a full service mortgage company, North American Title Company, North American Advantage Insurance Services and the other members of the
July 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...
Shannon Powers Director of Sales
are dedicated to giving back to their own community. “We all knew people affected by the wildfires last fall,” says Powers. “Our office wanted to help, so we donated 10 percent of October’s home sales to the victims of the Bastrop County Complex fire.” “We have regularly organized volunteer activities where our employees assist the Capital Area Food Bank, Mobile Loaves and Fishes and other organizations. “Plans call for aggressive growth in the next 36 months,” says Powers. We are looking to make 12 new land purchases each year for the next three years, building the biggest and best new home communities in the Austin area.” For more information on Lennar Homes and its Austin communities, visit www.lennar.com. RL
8303 North Mopac Expressway, Suite B125 Austin, Texas 78759 Office: 512-485-3575 Dan.Rushing@imortgage.com
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July 2012 Front Page: Continued
and ask for their input. Ask what they need to happen for the situation to be resolved, and if an apology is appropriate, offer one. Sometimes that is all that’s needed.
Common sense means CYA There simply is no substitute for commemorating in writing the agreements you make with your clients. If a dispute arises later and it isn’t properly recorded in writing, no one will know who’s telling the truth. That’s when the real trouble ensues—thus the importance of a CYA (as in, cover your… assets) file. “Is this okay? Is this enough?” These are the most common questions James Rudnicki of The Bush Firm hears every day. The Bush Firm is a boutique firm with offices in Austin and Dallas that specializes in representing residential and commercial contractors. Rudnicki is the NAHB state director and drafts the contracts used by the Texas Association of Builders and HBA of Greater Austin. Inevitably, the object in question ends up being a pile of e-mails or printed out text messages in which the context of the conversation is lost in shorthand, assumed knowledge left over from previous phone conversations, and slang. “In this industry, we’ve become almost completely dependent on e-mail, text and our mobile devices,” Rudnicki says. “But the days of the handshake deal are over.” You need a paper trail for your verbal agreements—and that includes texts, which are no good in court. Follow up any verbal or text agreements with a detailed e-mail summarizing the agreement. Be specific, as in: It was good to speak with you today. Based on our conversation earlier, we have agreed
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to do X, Y, and Z no later than this date at this price. If you are not in agreement, please contact me by e-mail in response, no later than X p.m. tomorrow. Anything that involves changes, modifications, selection orders, etc., needs to be in writing, Rudnicki insists. If you’re a REALTOR, keep the paper file for at least four years after the transaction is closed. Anything you could be potentially sued for would be subject to a four-year statute of limitations. If you’re a builder, keep your CYA file on each client for at least 10 years because of the Statute of Repose (which allows a builder to be liable on every home for up to 10 years).
Common disputes and how to avoid them For REALTORS, the most common disputes originate from disclosure issues. On a resale, although it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to fill out the disclosure form completely and accurately, if there is a problem, the new homeowner typically sues the seller agent. In these cases the buyer claims that either their agent or the seller’s should have known about a problem with the house that was not disclosed, or was misrepresented. Whether you’re the buyer’s agent or the seller’s, Rudnicki advocates paying close attention to the disclosure form. Beware of “undersold” issues (aka, “Yeah, we had a leak a few years ago, but it was minor and it’s been fixed.”) Call the issue to the buyer’s attention by e-mail, and recommend that they do a more detailed investigation of the issue; find out the total value of the repair, what exactly was repaired, and obtain a report from the professional who made the repair, if possible.
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Put in writing a recommendation to retain an independent expert in the particular area of the repair. The more trouble the issue could potentially present down the road, the more investigation you should do up front. The usual culprits are plumbing, re-roofing, and foundation problems. If you make the recommendation for further investigation and the buyer turns it down, it becomes their responsibility. Typical lawsuits for a builder are usually one of two things, according to Rudnicki: 1) Payment disputes arise related to payment or cost of the house (change orders, overages, punch list items and getting final payment, etc). 2) Alleged defects on the home often become disputes if the repair cost is substantial. These disputes are governed by Chapter 27 of the Texas Property Code.
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P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com Managing Editor:
Put an Arbitration Clause or Waiver of Jury in your contract or listing agreement Many standard listing agreements require the homeowner to waive their right to a trial. If your agreement contains a waiver and a homeowner sues you, you will still go to court, but it will be a private bench trial in which the judge decides the case. With an arbitration clause, disputes are settled by an arbiter exactly like a trial with a judge, except the proceeding is private and usually takes place in a law firm conference room. Both sides have their attorneys present, and the arbitrator will issue an award within 30 days. Unlike a bench trial, the results of arbitration are binding on both parties. There is no appeal. A third option is a mediation clause, in which both parties agreed to a mediated agreement for disputes. Most TREC forms have a mediation agreement option.
Handling a dispute If you are served with papers or even if you suspect there’s a problem, immediately let your broker know. Brokers have vast experience with disputes and typically have an insurance policy that provides for hiring a lawyer to defend your case. Next, make sure that you preserve all evidence related to that client. Keep thorough digital records of texts, e-mails and voicemails. If you are a builder and ever receive a letter sent certified mail with return receipt requested, you can be sure your client has consulted an attorney about an alleged problem with the home. You are required by law to inspect the home within 35 days of receipt of the letter alleging the defect and make a reasonable offer of repair or settlement within 45 days. Misunderstandings and disagreements are inevitable to human nature and most often the result of miscommunication. The outcome, of course, depends on the behavior of the people involved. As Wukasch mentioned before, the most important rule is the golden rule— treating others fairly, communicating clearly and proactively, and keeping your clients’ needs as a top priority will help you avoid the vast majority of disputes and go a long way to build a great reputation and book of business. RL
Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb Contributing Writers: Stacy Hale, Marilyn McCray, Naomi Bludworth Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver Columnists: Leonard Guerrero, Marshall Durrett, Christy Gessler, Risé Johns, Anita Farrell, Bill Bradshaw 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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Reta Kays and Ann Marie Sandlin, both of Reta Kays REALTOR, are anxious for the program to start at the monthly WCR luncheon at Cool River Café.
Buy photo: RL_070712_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Kathy Morford of Gracy Title, Susan McVicker of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, Patti Stevens and Suzanne Jacobs help Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS raise money for the American Cancer Society at a potluck luncheon and silent auction. Submitted Photo
A big crowd gets together in Rough Hollow to see Grand Haven Homes’ premier on HGTV’s "HouseHunters."
Buy photo: RL_070612_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Twenty-one baby, come on! Jennifer Archambeault of Neuhaus Realty Group tries her luck at the blackjack table at the ABoR Foundation Mercedes-Benz Give Away event at Shoal Crossing Event Center.
Buy photo: RL_071012_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
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July 2012 Experts Speak Out
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Commentary By Bill Bradshaw • Gracy Title
Divorce traps for the unwary
W
hat do real estate professionals need to know with respect to files in which there is a divorce amongst the parties? Let’s assume that it is the buyers that are involved in a divorce. Here is the problem—all property acquired during marriage, even a marriage about to be dissolved, is presumed to be community property—meaning that both spouses have an interest in the property. Also, the property may be or become the homestead of the purchasing spouse. Given these issues, does the non-purchasing spouse have to sign anything? In a cash transaction probably not insofar as title or property lawyers are concerned. The community property issue is left to the divorce lawyers and without a loan we most likely have no homestead issues that will cause delay. If there is a purchase money loan, the community property issue still belongs to the divorce lawyers; but title and property lawyers are split as to a potential homestead issue. Some say the non-purchasing spouse
has to sign the deed of trust and the T.I.L. form. (Note that the non-purchasing spouse could sign “pro forma” which means that said spouse would have no liability for the repayment of the note or the performance of any of the terms of the deed of trust.) If a lender’s lawyer or a title lawyer requires the pro forma joinder of the nonpurchasing spouse, it is mostly because of a potential issue regarding homestead, though the community property issue may figure in. So, inquire of the lender, the title company and the divorce lawyers as to what will be required in your transaction. Now, let’s assume that the sellers are the divorcing parties and the divorce is pending. Here are the possibilities: a. The property is homestead and in one name b. The property is homestead and in both names c. The property is non-homestead and in the name of only one spouse d. The property is non-homestead and in
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the name of both spouses In a, b and d, both spouses are required to execute the deed. When title is held in both names, both spouses would be required to sign. If both sign because of the title issue, then any homestead problem is averted. Where homestead property is just in one name, both spouses still must sign because in Texas, there is a possessory right associated with a homestead. Again, the nontitled spouse could sign pro forma to avoid liability in any warranty contained in the deed. In the situation, where the property is non-homestead and only in the name of one of the spouses, then the title company will, no doubt, require a designation of other property as homestead from the non-titled spouse. Again, when divorcing parties are the sellers and the divorce is pending, you will need to know who is in title and whether the property is homestead. Getting this information early and getting it to the title company will avoid delays later on. Now let’s suppose that the divorce is concluded and a decree has been entered. In
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this case, we must examine the divorce decree. If the decree awards the property to one of the spouses, a title company will require: 1. A recorded deed from one spouse to the other in accordance with the decree (in which case only the spouse in title (now ex)) will be required to sign, or; 2. A divorce decree that awards the property to one of the spouses. In this case the decree must have all of the formalities required of a deed and be recorded in the Real Property Records in the county in which the property is located. (Note: this is a common source of friction between divorce lawyers and title lawyers. So get those decrees to the title company early on.) If the decree is unacceptable, a deed from both spouses may be required. I have exceeded my allotted space; but there is more. I have assumed in my examples that both spouses are willing to sell. What if they aren’t? As usual, this is not intended as legal advice. Next time: spouses who are unwilling to sell and probate matters. Stay tuned. RL
Buy photo: RL_070812_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Buying custom REALTOR plates like this one shows great pride and helps raise money for the Texas Association of REALTORS.
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July 2012
GRAND HAVEN HOMES CHOSEN ON HGTV’S HOUSEHUNTERS Grand Haven Homes is honored to announce that its home in the Woodlands of Rough Hollow Lakeway was chosen as the buyer’s purchase selection in the June 20, 2012 episode of HGTV’s Househunters series.
The nationally aired program featured the Hoffarth family, who relocated to Austin from California. Of the three potential homes presented in the episode, Grand Haven’s home was the family’s final purchase choice.
Visit us today and discover what makes our homes different!
VISIT OUR MODEL HOME IN ROUGH HOLLOW: 102 Kildrummy Lane, Austin, TX 78738 CALL US: 512-608-9610 EMAIL US: lakeway@grandhavenhomes.net LEARN MORE: www.grandhavenhomes.net
Special Thanks to:
lifezones EXPERIENCE THE LUXURY OF GRAND HAVEN’S LIFEZONES
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“It’s a great day for some golf,” says Jay Southworth of Independence Title and David Matthys of RE/MAX I. The two headed out to Cimarron Hills to take part in the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’ Annual Golf Tournament. Buy photo: RL_061112_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Come on in, the water’s fine! Chris Padgett of E-executive Realty isn’t so sure. He makes his putt at the Peter Pan Mini Golf course at the Putt Putt with TREPAC event hosted by ABoR.
Buy photo: RL_070212_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Linda Schulman know the importance and stays in touch with her peers. She attended the recent Mercedes-Benz giveaway hosted by the ABoR Foundation. With her was Gabriele Brown of Sente Mortgage.
Buy photo: RL_071012_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Buy photo: RL_070612_I.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Put your Trust in our Experience With over 100 years of combined industry experience, our executive team continues to take aggressive steps to innovate and improve the industry.
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Excited to have both Rough Hollow Lakeway and Grand Haven Homes featured on HGTV’s "HouseHunters" show, Judd Brook of Rough Hollow Lakeway and Sharon Murray of Grand Haven Homes congratulate each other at the premier viewing party.
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Vice President/Branch Manager troy.conover@austintitle.com 512.329.0777 Office
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As of July 2nd the Austin Title South MoPac Office has moved to Hartland Plaza 1717 West 6th Street, Suite 105/Austin Texas 78703 512.329.0777 Office/512.469.5813 Fax
Escrow Officer heather.kelly@austintitle.com 512.329.0777 Office
Josh Williams
Director of Commercial Business josh.williams@austintitle.com 512.632.7507 Mobile
Michaela Hachtel
Business Development michaela.hachtel@austintitle.com 512.789.1965 Mobile
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July 2012
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Ready, set, go! J.B. Goodwin of JB Goodwin REALTORS lets everyone at the company picnic know when they can race to the world's longest bananna split. Let the games begin!
Submitted Photo
Such a beautiful day, these folks couldn't help but enjoy it. John and Susan Horton, both of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, Kay Andrews, second from right, her husband, to Kay's right, and Kristin Carroll of Sente Mortgage have a little R&R time at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Finalist Mixer at The Reserve at Lake Travis.
Buy photo: RL_070612_N.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Tammy Templin of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Alisa LeBlanc-Stubbs announce the winner of the ABoR Foundation’s Mercedes-Benz Raffle to a crowd sitting on pins and needles at the event at Shoal Crossing Event Center. And the winner is … it’s a woman … yes, she’s a REALTOR … ok, ok, we’ll stop stalling … it’s, Terri Romere of Keller Williams Realty. (applause)
Submitted Photo
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Chris Gatlin and Kelea Piper of Champions School of Real Estate take a look at some of the homes at The Reserve at Lake Travis since they were in the neighborhood. The two met up at the Platinum Top 50 REALTORS Finalist Mixer.
Submitted Photo
Shara Parker of Max Avenue and Mark Hairston, right, tell Chris Rodriguez, center, of Austin Real Pros they’ve never really played poker before. The Women’s Council of REALTORS invited everyone out to its 2012 Casino Night at Monte Vista Condos Clubhouse. Buy photo: RL_071112_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Eager for some answers to improve their marketing strategies, Greg Hodge of RE/MAX Capital City II and Suzanne Gantner of Sky Realty attend the Williamson County Association of REALTORS June luncheon where big names in marketing were on hand to tell their stories.
Buy photo: RL_070112_I.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
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July 2012
Real Estate News & Notes Tanya Gripton Joins RE/MAX Metro Realty Tanya Gripton has joined RE/MAX Metro Realty as the newest member of this dynamic sales team. Gripton was formerly a legislative director in the Texas House of Representatives. “I am ecstatic to bring my energy, focus, and detailoriented services to the team. When Forbes Magazine listed Austin as the fastest growing city in the nation earlier this year, I knew I could thrive in this fast-paced real estate environment. Austin is a unique city with a superb quality of life, and I love sharing my knowledge of the city with others. My first responsibility is to help my buyers and sellers," says Gripton, "and my move to RE/MAX will be a significant benefit to my clients.” Gripton said another advantage offered by her new company is the focus on continuing education. RE/MAX offers real
estate courses 24/7, with an online platform that allows associates to access hundreds of full-length training programs on-demand. "No other real estate organization has a higher percentage of Associates with advanced, professional designations," says Gripton. "Keeping on top of the changes in protocol and procedure is extremely important. As an agent, I need to know the latest techniques so I can do the best for my clients." Gripton believes in giving back to her community. She is a volunteer for Austin Pets Alive!, Special Olympics of Central Texas, and Cure Autism Now. RE/MAX Metro Realty is located at 5501 W. Hwy. 290, Ste C. Gripton may be reached at 899-2900. Gripton’s listings and can be found at www.remax.com. 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.
It’s a Round Up,,Y’all lasso a booth or partnership today October 9 is the 31 annual Realty Round Up at the Austin Convention Center. We still have booths and partnerships available, but not for long. Reserve your booth or partnership by August 15 and have your company name appear in the event program and map. st
Don’t be a lonesome dove. With a variety of ways to participate in this year’s event, you and your business are sure to get as much buzz as a new sheriff in town. For all the details visit www.abor.com/roundup or contact Gina Willemsen at roundup@abor. com or 512-454-7636, ext. 1601.
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Austin’s first LEED-certified volume builder home opened by Wilshire Homes in Teravista From a covered back patio overlooking a scenic golf course, to a gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, Wilshire Homes’ new Oak Creek model in Teravista in Round Rock has plenty of bells and whistles. But the most unique feature of this 3,574-square-foot home is its status as the first LEED-certified home completed by a volume builder in the Austin region. It is open to the public as a decorated model home in the new Fairway Estates neighborhood in Teravista. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a rating system for the design, construction and operation of high performance green homes and buildings developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This Wilshire home received its official LEED certification plaque from the USGBC Central Texas-Balcones Chapter in a recent ceremony. “The opening of this new Wilshire home begins a significant new chapter for green building in Austin,” says Pam Losefsky, executive director of the USBGC Central Texas-Balcones Chapter. “While there have been a few high-end custom homes in the Austin area to receive LEED certification under the LEED for Home program, Wilshire Homes is the first volume builder to commit to building LEED-certified homes in the region.” Wilshire also builds new homes in Teravista’s Huntington Villas neighborhood, and these homes are also now LEED certified. Features contributing to the LEED certification include:
• Energy saving features such as a home tightness test. • Wilshire’s LEED features include mechanically controlled fresh air intakes and 4-inch pleated MERV air filters. • Water efficiency measures include PEX plumbing with dedicated manifolds for each bathroom, allowing hot water to reach fixtures twice as quickly. Drought tolerant plants are used for landscaping. • Resource efficiency is another focus, and the use of engineered lumber means that fewer trees are cut down, and byproducts are recycled into new building materials. Exterior cladding materials, including brick and cementious fiber planks, have a 25-year guarantee. • Continuous, unobstructed drainage plane behind the exterior cladding material, so water can drain off and not sneak behind enclosed surfaces. • Third-party verification is another important area, and Wilshire’s process includes at least four independent verifications by groups including the EPA and Green Built Texas. RL
Wanted
Real Estate Wranglers
p u d n u o r y t l a e 9 r r 2 e 1 b 0 o 2 oct 7/6/12 9:35 AM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
5%
h t i w f f o l o Co
July 2012
35
*commission on July Closings
The Designer Label of Luxury Homebuilding ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ. FT.
BD/BA/STORIES
COMMISSION
PRICE
1. BRADSHAW CROSSING • ERIC: 512-407-0404, OR BORIS: 512-626-8473 10112 Copper Ridge Cove
Jasmine
1418
3/2/1
August
5%
$
5820 Zachary Scott Street
Jasmine
1,418
3/2/1
SOLD
6%
$
174,631
171,890
2. COLORADO CROSSING • J.R: 512-762-0316, OR CLYDE: 512-496-4163
7204 Outfitter Drive
Saguaro
1,789
4/2.5/2
NOW!
5%
$158,790
7208 Outfitter Drive
Carlsbad
1,230
3/2/1
SOLD
6%
$
140,090
3. FALCON POINTE • BRUCE: 512-657-3326 1912 Drifting Meadows
Cantera
1,550
3/2/1
NOW!
5%
$194,254
19604 Maiden Grass Drive
Alabaster
2,731
4/3/2
NOW!
5%
$194,254
2908 Dusty Chisolm Trail
San Jacinto 2,850
4/3.5/2
July
5%
19616 Maiden Grass Drive
Travertine
1,983
4/2/1
July
5%
$
1913 Meandering Meadows Obsidian
2,384
4/2.5/2
July
5%
$
307 Sandstone Trail
Onyx
1,797
3/2/1
NOW!
5%
$
325 Travertine Trail
Cantera
1,550
3/2/1
NOW!
5%
$
317 Travertine Trail
Obsidian
2,384
4/2.5/2
NOW!
5%
$195,443
283 Sandstone Trail
Terrazzo
2,521
4/3.5/2
NOW!
5%
$238,440
4. STONEFIELD • SALLY: 512-401-7717
5. SUMMERLYN • WILL: 512-913-1863, OR DENISE: 512-777-9565
271,878
$
204,555 207,308
ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ. FT.
BD/BA/STORIES AVAILABLE COMMISSION PRICE
1. TERAVISTA • SANDEE: 512-670-6804 4522 Cervinia Drive
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
SOLD
6%
$
388,290
1596 Courmayeur Court
Belmeade
2,407
4/2/1
SOLD
6%
$
4520 Cervinia Drive
Savoy
2,834
4/3.5/2
June
5%
$
4516 Cervinia Drive
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
June
5%
4611 Monterosa Lane
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
June
5%
$
4318 Woodledge Place
Oakmont
3,501
5/4/2
June
5%
$
4609 Monterosa Lane
Savoy
2,834
4/3.5/2
June
5%
$
4303 Woodledge Place
Bayberry
3,487
5/3.5/2
July
5%
$
322,130
343,708 367,574
$
405,607 437,987
373,808 446,183
193,391
166,940
141 Housefinch Loop
Terrazzo
2,521
4/3.5/2
NOW!
5%
$
175,340
152 Housefinch Loop
Navajo
1,641
3/2.5/2
NOW!
5%
$
109 Chickadee Lane
Lavendar
1,753
4/2.5/2
NOW!
5%
$
121 Chickadee Lane
Iris
1,899
4/2.5/2
July
5%
$179,276
149,821 172,081
6. TERAVISTA • TAMARA: 512-461-1711 2017 Autumn Run Lane
Travertine
1,983
4/2/1
NOW!
5%
$241,399
2009 Autumn Run Lane
Obsidian
2,384
4/2.5/2
NOW!
5%
$240,063
4618 Chestnut Meadows Bend Sabine
2,675
4/2.5/2
July
5%
$278,195
4625 Chestnut Meadows Bend Blanco
2,101
3/2/91
July
5%
$240,599
7. VISTAS OF STONEY RIDGE • J.R: 512-762-0316, OR CLYDE: 512-496-4163 6809 Plains Crest Drive
Carlsbad
1,230
3/2/1
August
5%
$117,778
6805 Plains Crest Drive
Sante Fe
2,206
4/2.5/2
August
5%
$143,990
6739 Plains Crest Drive
Sante Fe
2,206
4/2.5/2
August
5%
$143,990
6735 Plains Crest Drive
Sedona
2,402
4/2.5/2
August
5%
$147,990
LENNAR.COM/AustinRealtors
Prices, features and amenities are subject to change without notice. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details. To qualify for any applicable referral bonus/incentive, registration must occur on the first visit. Offer valid only in states where referrals are permitted. *Effective 7/1/12, 5% commission will be paid on select inventory homes that sell between 7/1/12 and 7/31/12. Ad must be presented at time of contract. Homes must close and fund by 7/31/12. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Offer good for a limited time only. Copyright © 2012 Lennar Corporation. Lennar and the Lennar logo, and The Everything’s Included logo are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 7/12
2. RIM ROCK • KYLE: 512-627-0900 1122 Flint Rock Loop
Langford
3,154
4/3.5/1
NOW!
6%
$
429,643
268 Southern Sunset Cove
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
NOW!
6%
$
262 Southern Sunset Cove
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
JUNE
6%
$
1158 Flint Rock Loop
Oakmont
3,501
5/4/2
JULY
5%
$
1140 Flint Rock Loop
Concordia
3,548
5/4/2
SOLD
6%
$
098 Flint Rock Loop
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
SOLD
6%
$
1072 Flint Rock Loop
Kinsley
2,800
4/3/1
SOLD
6%
$
425,874
444,640 466,177
433,007
403,045 415,132
3. ROUGH HOLLOW • WILL: 512-809-8026 204 Tavish Trail
Belmeade
2,834
4/3.5/2
SUMMER ‘12
5%
$
382,900
101 Waverley Spire Court
Concordia
3,766
4/2/1
SUMMER ‘12
5%
$
205 Wester Ross Lane
Savoy
2,834
4/3.5/2
SUMMER ‘12
5%
$
205 Tavish Trail
Castille
3,246
4/3.5/2
SUMMER ‘12
5%
$
428,900 391,900 412,900
VILLAGEBUILDERS.COM/AUSTIN
Prices, features and amenities are subject to change without notice. Visit Lennar.com or see a Lennar New Home Consultant for further details. To qualify for anyapplicable referral bonus/incentive, registration must occur on the first visit. Offer valid only in states where referrals are permitted. *Effective 7/1/12, 5% commission will be paid on select inventory homes that sell between 7/1/12 and 7/31/12. Ad must be presented at time of contract. Homes must close and fund by 7/31/12. *Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. Offer good for a limited time only. Copyright © 2012 Lennar Corporation. Village Builders and the Village Builders logos are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 6/12
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
July 2012
36
David Burton of Horizon Realty and Emily Chenevert of ABoR catch a ride on the pedicab to visit Barton Place just down the street from the Peter Pan Mini Golf course where the Putt Putt with TREPAC event was held.
Buy photo: RL_070212_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
When the players in the WCAoR Annual Golf Tournament are ready to get “their party started” they head over to Shannon Powers and Kandis Henkes, both of Lennar Homes, at the beverage cart sponsored by their company. The 2012 tournament was held at Cimarron Hills.
Buy photo: RL_070112_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_061112_K.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com
Ron Urias, aka Elvis, of Farmers Insurance is such a big hunk ‘o love he has fans wherever he goes—even at the WCR 2012 Casino Night. Pictured with Ron is Anita Spadaro of Real Living.