Realtyline july 13 by RealtyLine

in this issue…

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™

• Gary Keller's "The One" Book Presentation Event • ABoR Mercedes-Benz Raffle • JB Goodwin REALTORS Annual Company Picnic • and much, much more!

New Luxury Homes

Associates in Progress

by Grand Haven

page 25

page 37 TM

JULY 2013 • VOLUME 18 • ISSUE 3

Referrals can be a win for everyone By Riki Markowitz

Visit us online 24/7 at www.myRealtyLine.com

P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708

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t some point in every REALTOR’s career a client will walk through the door with a special request. In a city like Austin, that could mean a buyer whose primary language is Chinese or one that is wheelchair bound and looking for a property they can retrofit to accommodate ramps or wider doorways. When faced with clients who have special needs, including geographic requests, it’s not unusual for a REALTOR to pull up his or her electronic Rolodex and refer the buyer to an agent that’s more qualified in that area. “Our code of ethics says you need to be an

expert in the area in which you work, live and practice,” says Christy Gessler, team leader at Keller Williams Realty Cedar Park. “Victoria Reviel, CEO and designated broker at 98th Meridian Boutique Real Estate Sales and Marketing Group, agrees, “This is one of the largest purchases of a person’s life. I understand that the agent does not want to lose the commission, but they need to think about what’s best for the client and not what’s best for his or her pocketbook.”

How to make a referral Making referrals actually happens often. “There are people moving here from all over the country—and the world,” says Reviel. What’s best for the client often means handing them over to a colleague in the next cubicle or to another brokerage. For REALTORS at big firms, like Christy Gessler, who has 132 agents at her branch alone, finding a co-worker that is experienced in land and ranch transactions or one who knows American Sign Language, is typically not a challenge. “Probably 80 percent of the time we’re able to do referrals within our office,” she says. David Schneider, sales manager and accredited luxury home specialist at the Austin Goldwasser Real Estate branch, also has plenty of colleagues to turn to for support. “Because we have such a large company, if it’s in the greater Austin area we can take care of it. But if a buyer is interested in an area we don’t service, we will refer that client to someone else.” Goldwasser has a second branch in Georgetown.

Doing your homework Since many firms are not that large, making a referral may require some phone calls and research. “It’s pretty important to have a small circle of colleagues that you can call in a pinch,” says Chris Rodriguez, Women's Council of REALTORS president and agent at Austin REAL Pros, a firm with just six agents. “For you to consider referring someone to me, you’re going to want to know who I am, maybe you’re going to want to talk to a few people who have worked

with me,” he says. To build that circle, Rodriguez stresses the importance of networking. Like colleagues at larger firms, the first place Rodriguez looks when referring a client is at his own office but he also suggests letting the broker decide who would be able to handle the business. While Gessler has the convenience of making in-office referrals, that’s not always a suitable solution, especially when a buyer has his eye on a property that’s out of that brokerage’s territory. So not only does Gessler have relationships with REALTORS all over Austin, but thanks to networking, she also has contacts in different parts of the state, from Fort Worth to Abilene and El Paso. To ensure a good fit, she will interview three to four agents on the phone or in person before even setting up an appointment. “I want to get a feel for the agent’s demeanor. I definitely do some front-end homework. Whenever I make a referral, my reputation is at stake.”

Negotiating a referral fee One reason some agents will do anything to keep a buyer is for fear of losing the commission. But working outside of your area of expertise can be risky, says Rodriguez, who is very familiar with downtown. “It’s really inconvenient if you’re showing clients properties and you don’t know where the one-way streets are, or how to access buildings you’re trying to get into. You’re not going to look like a professional.” On the other hand, if a buyer is looking for a land and ranch deal, Rodriguez would quickly refer the client to a colleague who knows that territory. For this reason, giving the referring agent a percent of the commission is common. Rodriguez notes, “A referral fee is a courtesy. Agents are able to determine the commission structure. There are no set rules and it’s not a guarantee. But it’s something I definitely offer.” In fact, all of the agents Realty Line spoke with offer a referral fee. “There’s no real set

Front Page: Continued on page 30

Upcoming Events Thursday, July 18 Serene Hills REALTOR Grand Opening 17500 Hwy 71 W - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. HBA Sales & Marketing Council Happy Hour and Million Dollar Club Awards The Range - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 HBA Mid-Year Housing Forecast HBA Office - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, August 2 ABoR Fan Fair Friday FAN DRIVE ABoR Office - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. NAHREP Austin Filantropia - The Black & White Affair Westin Austin at The Domain 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, August 15 HBA Networking Social Ferguson Ent. Showroom - 5 to 7 p.m.

More events at www.myRealtyLine.com

July 2013

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Get out your bathing suits & air up the floaties... SUMMER HAS ARRIVED!!! HOURS OF SUMMER FUN JUST STEPS FROM YOUR FRONT DOOR ~ Belterra, located just minutes from downtown Austin, offers a lifestyle like no other. With miles of hike & bike trails, over a dozen parks, resort-style pool complex, state-ofthe-art fitness center and an on-site elementary school in the highly acclaimed Dripping Springs Independent School District; there is no better place to call home. Visit the Belterra Welcome Center for more information.

New model homes and new neighborhoods NOW OPEN! David Weekley Homes • Highland Homes • Sitterle Homes • Treaty Oak Homes • Wilshire Homes 151 TRINITY HILLS DRIVE • AUSTIN, TX 78737 • 512.301.5000 • BELTERRATEXAS.COM

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Austin Board of REALTORS®

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Chairman’s Column By Cathy Coneway • 2013 Chairman

www.myRealtyLine.com

July 2013

Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 7 for dancing, live music, and putting on the Ritz. The 2014 Installation is sure to be an extraordinary event, so purchase your tickets at Abor.com/Installation before Wednesday, July 31 or get the discount when you buy your tickets at the Aug. 2 Fan Drive at ABoR.

Wind down at the TREPAC wine tasting

Focus on customer service and sales will follow

EALTORS are in the sales industry, but also the service industry. And the key to remaining a successful salesperson is to continue providing clients with the customer service they expect. According to RISMedia, the following are six simple things REALTORS can do to ramp up their clients’ buying or selling experiences. 1. Respond to customer calls and e-mails with in an hour. 2. Mail a handwritten thank-you note to new customers once a transaction closes. 3. Proactively contact customers to see if they have any service needs. 4. Handle customer requests expeditiously. 5. Strengthen relationships with top clients by taking them out for a casual meal. 6. Keep in touch with customers by mailing out a motivational or business article every six months or so. These tips may seem simple, but quick and personal contact with your clients builds their trust in you. Those salespeople who are skilled at building and maintaining a rapport with their

clients through great customer service experience more customer loyalty and increased referrals. The next time you find yourself delaying response to an e-mail or text, remember: the simple things can make a big difference to your bottom line.

Brokers—don’t miss the pocket listings forum The Aug. 7 Broker/Manager Forum on pocket listings and “coming soon” listings is expected to attract a full house. Be the first to discuss this complex topic. We have invited legal counsel from the Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) and industry experts to speak with us at the forum. You’ll learn about the issues and concerns surrounding pocket listings as well as office exclusive listings. Reserve your space at Abor.com/Broker.

Swanky discount on installation tickets For a limited time only, tickets to the 2014 Installation and Awards Gala are on sale for a special price of only $85 each, which includes a special performance of “A Christmas Story.” Join the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) at the ZACH

Clear your palate and unleash your inner sommelier, because the TREPAC Wine Tasting event is coming up. On Aug. 15, you’ll find your fellow REALTORS at Mercury Hall sipping and swirling their favorite reds, whites, and blends. In addition to wine and food pairings, you’ll have the chance to partake in a silent auction for artwork provided by Austin-area artists. Tickets are available at Abor.com/WineTasting.

Help central Texans beat the heat As the mercury in our thermometers bypasses 102 degrees, it’s easy to only think of our increasing electric bill. This Aug. 2, help ABoR help

those Central Texans who don’t have the luxury of an air conditioning system. We’ve joined with the local non-profit, Family Eldercare, to raise funds and box fans for vulnerable members of our community. We’d love to have you donate fans, time, or other resources to this worthy cause by stopping by ABoR during normal business hours on Aug. 2 or visiting Abor.com/FanDrive2013.

Realty Round Up is racing into the future Mark your calendars, because the 2013 Realty Round Up on Oct. 16 is fast-approaching. As our biggest event of the year, Realty Round Up is a great opportunity for real estate professionals to hear about market conditions from industry experts, learn about the latest products, and network with more than 1,500 fellow real estate professionals. This year, Realty Round Up will be burning rubber at it’s new location, the Palmer Event Center, to allow for more parking and booths. And the best part is the event is free with registration for ABoR members. Stay tuned to Abor.com/RoundUp for registration information. RL

ABoR Academy Educational Courses July 22: Challenges of Multiple Offers July 22 - 23: 15-Hour MCE Renewal Package July 23: Broker Responsibility MCE Course July 23: Green MLS: The Key to Unlocking the Green Home Market July 23: Hot Topics – Brokerage Aug. 1: Residential Service Contract Advanced Aug. 5: Technology 101: An Overview

More at www.ABoR.com

First American Title Austin Sales Team Call to schedule an appointment with one of our Business Consultants to learn about our Technology and Real Estate Tools.

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First American Title Insurance Company makes no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented and assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. First American, the eagle logo, First American Title, and firstam.com are registered trademarks or trademarks of First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates. TX - 07/2013

July 2013

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

NAHREP Austin boasts some of the best leaders in the region. NAHREP Austin President Jason Garza, second from right, thanks NAHREP Past Presidents Oliva Lerma, Ron Urias, Julie Jeter and Nicole Cooke for their ongoing support at the group’s 12th Anniversary Celebration at Gloria’s in The Domain. Buy photo: RL_070213_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Connie Coley, Michael Coley and Jim Carson, all of JB Goodwin REALTORS, find a beautiful shade spot by the water at the company’s annual picnic at JB Goodwin’s home on Lake Austin.

Buy photo: RL_070613_E.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Gary Keller of Keller Williams Realty graciously signs a copy of his new book, “The One Thing” for Mary Garbett of Right Time Real Estate after his presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Buy photo: RL_070913_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Kristin Carroll and Dave Busche, both of Sente Mortgage, find a unique way to promote their company – on stilts – at the Stake Your Claim event at Cimarron Hills.

Buy photo: RL_070113_I.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

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GRAND OPENING EXCLUSIVELY FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS JOIN US July 18th from 11-2 for food, drinks, and entertainment by guitarist Luis Banuelos. Come experience this luxury community and the unveiling of model homes from all three builders. the new gateway to lakeway. 512-284-8968

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July 2013

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Linda Knowles-Katz of Supreme Lending and Sandy Urias of Farmers Insurance make an appearance at AYREP’s June Happy Hour to network with REALTORS and drum up new business.

Buy photo: RL_070313_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Kendra Zepeda of Independence Title, Anita Farrell of Keller Williams Realty and Laura Caffey welcome folks as they arrive at the NAHREP Austin 12th Annual Anniversary Celebration at Gloria’s in The Domain.

Buy photo: RL_070613_H.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_070213_F.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Social Media: What Works, What Doesn’t

TREC MCE Elective Course #: 01-00-123-23719

Build your Business 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.

Thursday, September 19th 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

(Happy Hour to follow for attendees of seminar.)

Sente Mortgage | Barton Oaks Plaza | 901 S. MoPac, Bldg. IV, Ste. 125 | Austin,TX 78746

FREE Workshop Optional 1 MCE credit hour for $10 (cash or check only, payable at the door)

Wayne and Lynn Morgan, both of Austin Institute of Real Estate, enjoy the JB Goodwin REALTORS annual picnic at the home of J.B. Goodwin on Lake Austin.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

President’s Column By Stacey Rider • 2013 President

Have a unique transaction? What do you do?

onsider these scenarios: (a) Your listing goes on the market and within a few hours you have 75 offers. (true situation) (b) Your listing goes on the market and within 15 minutes you have an executed contract. (c) You place a “coming soon” sign in the yard of your noton-the-market listing and 10 agents call to show. What would you do in these situations? Do you have the know-how to successfully maneuver through these and other unique transactions that we are seeing in our market? Disclosing to clients at the start of your first conversation about the real estate market we are in is a big factor in being able to effectively handle those unique situations, should they arise. In addition to the increase of multiple offers we now are faced by the onslaught of “coming soon” signs. Currently this seems to be a point of contention, but it’s always the best practice to refer back to your broker on what they re-

www.myRealtyLine.com In addition to our Hot Topics, there are several other specialty courses available during the WC MCE Madness at WCAoR on July 25 and 26, such as “Contract Analysis” and “Power of Attorney.” Fifteen hours for $99 includes “Mobile Productivity,” “Intro to EverNote,” “Word-of-Mouth Marketing,” “Intro to Video,” “Top 20 iPhone/iPad Tips,” “TREC Ethics and Legal.” Above all, be prepared for anything and per Avis, keep in mind that posting via social media that you have multiple offers

July 2013

on one of your listings may, in fact, be the same as notifying agents without informing them all. If your seller has agreed to tell all agents there are multiple offers, this could create a point of contention and a violation of TREC rules. Avis also noted that a big problem is with agents getting emotionally excited and posting things they shouldn’t say such as “woohoo we have a contract” when it has not been executed. Be mindful in your words and excitement. Prepare, educate and refer to your broker. RL

quire your specific protocol to be, because policies and procedures can vary from office to office. TAR form 1101 Residential Real Estate Listing Agreement Exclusive Right to Sell addresses this on page three, item 6B and allows the agent, per the clients instructions, to not file with MLS for a period of “blank” days for a specific purpose, in this case, “coming soon.” Education is the key that prepares you to tackle these unique situations. There are many specialty courses available throughout our market area that offer information and advice. One such course is the Williamson County Association of REALTORS Hot Topic: How to Juggle Multiple Offers by Avis Wukasch. It’s noted that there are many misconceptions in terms of what a seller must do with an offer and Avis spells it out in an easy to understand series of points, which include discussing multiple offers with the seller in advance and seller choices once the multiple offers have rolled in.

We Didn’t Invent Real Estate Sales

Then

Now

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July 2013

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Sharon Murray, marketing director at Grand Haven Homes and GH Reserve, gives away Stake Your Claim T-shirts at the Cimarron Hills community event held to present the new villas and homes on the fairway. The event also featured prizes, games, food and fireworks. Buy photo: RL_070913_I.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Lyly Fisher of Fisher and Company and Foo Swasdee learn about marketing houses at Chicago Title’s “A Great Moving Adventure” luncheon where author of “Dream Home,” Anthony Alofsin, spoke to the group.

Buy photo: RL_070413_D.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Tara Kessler of D.R. Horton, Doren Carver of Realty Line and Cristy Bloomingdale of Milestone Community Builders shoot the breeze at the NAHREP Austin 12th Anniversary Celebration at Gloria’s in The Domain.

Buy photo: RL_070613_F.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_070213_I.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

J.B. Goodwin, right, of JB Goodwin REALTORS and his son Ben Goodwin of Premiere Nationwide Lending set up the famous 30-foot banana split at the company’s annual picnic at J.B.’s home on Lake Austin.

ARE YOU TRYING TO FIT EVERYONE INTO AN FHA LOAN? Buyers save more with conventional loans insured by United Guaranty. Choosing conventional loans insured with United Guaranty over FHA loans has clear advantages. More home buying power, faster closings and bigger savings for buyers. And that leads to lots of satisfied customers, more referrals and a growing business for you. Compare the numbers at UGCORP.COM/FHA or call 877-642-4642.

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July 2013

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

These two look like they need a new Mercedes-Benz and a trip to Germany. We are rooting for you Kathy De La Cruz of RE/MAX Austin Associates and Chad Cardani of Cardani Group REALTORS.

Buy photo: RL_070513_A.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

REALTORS enjoy the PowerStart class in Austin led by Mike Sumerlin. Many stayed for a Leadstreet Workshop with Al Leissner, both from RE/MAX of Texas.

Buy photo: RL_070713_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

WCR President Chris Rodriguez of Austin Real Pros thanks Terry Godbold of Reliable Property Management for sponsoring the WCR meeting at the ABoR auditorium.

Submitted Photo

Austin Area Market Update U.S. Existing Home Sales and Median Prices 12-Month Rolling Averages Number of Sales

$230

$220

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$190

$180

$170

$160

$150

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For more information, please contact one of our sales executives. www.gracytitle.com Partnerships Built on Trust

J-13

Home Sales (In Millions)

Median Price (in thousands)

Median Price

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July 2013

Are You Ready For a New And Exciting Closing Experience?

Introducing Your New Closing Team at Round Rock-Sam Bass

From Left to Right

Marie Love - Branch Manager / Sr. Escrow Officer Jill Morgan - Escrow Officer Cheryl Hardison - Escrow Officer Holly Schuler - Sales Executive To learn more about your Round Rock-Sam Bass team visit: www.gracytitle.com/locations/round-rock-sam-bass

Round Rock Ave .

Partnerships Built on Trust

N. I-35

. Sam Bass Rd

2007 Sam Bass Rd, Suite 100 Round Rock, TX 78681 Phone: (512) 244-2946 • Fax: (512) 238-0574

July 2013

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Chris Hill, right, of Cimarron Hills shows Hank Smith, past president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin, and his wife Georgia Smith, some of the lots that will be developed in the Georgetown community. They were on hand for the Stake Your Claim event. Buy photo: RL_070913_D.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Kim Smyth-Correa and Kim Baker, both of Lione and Lee P.C. Attorneys at Law, take in the serene view of Lake Austin while at the JB Goodwin REALTORS annual company picnic at the home of J.B. Goodwin.

Buy photo: RL_070613_C.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Jana Dahl, Tami Corbitt, David Burton and Salma Manzur, all of Horizon Realty, fantasize about how they would look in a brand new Mercedes-Benz while waiting to find out if any of them won the grand prize at the ABoR Foundation’s MercedesBenz Giveaway event at the ABoR office.

Buy photo: RL_070813_E.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_070513_F.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

THE FIRST MAJOR AUSTIN HOMEBUILDER VERIFIED LEED FOR HOMES

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ABoR Chairman-Elect of the Board Bill Evans and Ruby Johnson, both of Austin Real Pros, show up faster than a speeding bullet to show their support for TREPAC at the WCR/TREPAC IMAX Pre-Screening of Superman: Man of Steel.

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Back Row: Russ Laing Mary Canales Heather Shuttles Jennifer Cantrell Shawn Andrew

AUS TIN · CEDA R PA RK · GEORGE T O W N · HU T T O · L A K E WAY L E A NDER · M A NOR · PFL UGERV IL L E · ROUND ROCK · SPICE WOOD

Front Row: Sonya Valia Mike Robertson

CoventryHomes.com

Wilshire-Homes.com

*5% REALTOR® commission available on a Realtor Assisted sale with an original contract effective date of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013 for a Wilshire Home or Coventry Home in the Austin metropolitan area. Must be a licensed Texas Realtor to participate. Not available on existing contracts prior to January 1, 2013. Not available with ‘Build on Your Lot’ sales. Builder reserves the right to change or withdraw this program at any time. Prices are subject to change without notice. See a Sales Counselor for complete list of available homes. MHI A 13080

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President’s Column By Brent Allison • 2013 President

HBA designation courses lead to more income

ccording to the most recent NAHB Builder Member Census, those who earned the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB), Graduate Master Builder (GMB), and Certified Green Professional (CGP) designations earned more money than those without them. On average, CGB designees earned $990,189 more, GMB designees made $1,610,529 more and CGP designees made $824,124 more than their contemporaries without designations. That information speaks volumes and to meet the increasing demand for designations, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin has begun offering NAHB designation courses again. So far, classes like “Business Management for Building Professionals,” “Sales and Marketing,” and a two-day session for Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist have been held. Next month, the HBA invites you to learn the art of negotiating at its “Negotiating Skills” class on Aug. 7. Featuring Paul Evans, CGA, CGR, GMB, participants can expect a combination of lectures, exercises, and role-playing.

This course teaches strategies for specific negotiating situations and builds confidence in the achievement of mutually satisfactory results. The class will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the HBA office. HBA members can register at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com for just $220; non-members can register for $330. Then on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 22 and 23, “Lifestyle Merchandising, Advertising and Promotion Strategies (IRM III)” will be offered. Taught by Mary DeWalt, IRM Fellow, MIRM, CMP and Hal VonNessen, IRM Fellow, MIRM, CMP, CSP, CAPS, this course covers a variety of advertising media alternatives, public relations ideas and sales center design techniques that appeal to target markets, optimize traffic flow and increase sales. Registration fees vary from $365 to $465 depending on member status. The course will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days at the HBA office. Steve Zbranek, CGB, GMB, CGP, of Zbranek and Holt Custom Homes will teach two courses; one in September and one in October. First, on Thursday, Sept. 19, “Customer

www.myRealtyLine.com Service” will show you how to manage every phase of customer interaction from the initial contact through construction, the warranty period and beyond. Keep your customers satisfied with planning, execution and followup of your projects and they’ll be spreading good news about you and your company for a long time to come. Then on Thursday, Oct. 17, Zbranek is back to teach “Profitable Business through Quality Practices,” where participants will learn how to develop, implement and assess an action plan that minimizes quality compromises and maximizes customer satisfaction. Both courses will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the HBA office. HBA members can register at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com for each course for $220; non-members can register for just $330 per course. The buck doesn’t stop there. The highly popular Tom Stephani, GMB, MIRM, CAPS, CGP, MCSP, CGB, CSP, CMP, will be coming to town on Tuesday Oct. 29 to teach “Construction Contracts and Law,” providing a step-by-step explanation of how contracts sustain positive customer and supplier relations, provide for resolution of disputes, and minimize the risk of litigation. Wrapping up the year before taking a break for the holidays, the HBA will once again be offering the NAHB BAR and PREP Exams on Wednesday, Nov. 6. These exams are the first steps to becoming a Certified Graduate Builder or Certified Graduate Remodeler. Join the ranks of other Central Texas builders and industry associates like Brent Allison, CGP, GMB, Master CGP; Kyle Anderson, CGB; Gail Austin, CAPS; Brady Behrens, CAPS, CGB, CGP, GMB; Scott Branc, CGB, CGP; John Chatham, CGB, CGP; Michael Cohen, CGP, GMB; Eddie Dick, CGB, CGP;

July 2013

Debra Dowden, CAPS; Kenneth Ehlers, CGP; Jeff Gerlach, CGP; Jared Gossett, CGB; Curtis Hausmann, CGA, CGP; Andy Hempel, GMB; Gary Henley, CAPS, CGB, CGP, GMB, GMR; Thomas Hobbs, GMB; Wayne Jeansonne, CGP, GMB; Lucy Katz, CAPS; Joel Katz, CGP, GMB; Steven Kieschnick, CGP; Becky Krause, CGB, GMB; Brad Marshall, CGB, CGP; Jeremy Martin, CGB, CGP, GMB; Karen Matuszewski, CGA; Duke McDowell, CGB, CGP, GMB; Bill McHug,h CAPS, CGP, CGR; Mark Myers, CGB, CGP, GMB; Eric Perkins, CGB, GMB; Alex Pettitt, CGB, CGP, GMB, Master CGP; Mark Rehberg, CGR, GMB; Jim Rush, CGB, GMB; Matt Sitra, CGB, CGP, GMB; Peter Strobel, CGB, CGP, GMB; Stan Voelker, CAPS, CGB, CGP, GMB; Eric Vogel, CGP; Gary Wagner, CGP; Ben Watkins, CGB, CGP, GMB; Jeffrey Watson, GMB; Wes Wigginton, GMB; Lesa Wilson, CGB, CGP; Scott Wilson, CGP, GMB, Master CGP; Steve Zbranek, CGB, CGP, GMB and start earning your professional designation today. Registration for these courses can be done online at www.AustinHomeBuilders. com—click on “Calendar and Registration.” For more information about these courses or about NAHB designations in general, email Steve Emshoff, HBA director of marketing, communications and education at steve@ hbaaustin.com or call him at (512) 454-5588, ext. 105. Be sure to join the HBA on Tuesday, July 23 for the 2013 Housing Update. Register online at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com—click on “Calendar and Registration,” scroll down to July 23 and click the “Register” link. RL

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Dave Snowberger and Karen McGrath head down to the water to check out the sights while at JB Goodwin’s annual company picnic.

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Becky Hopkins of Austin Title, David Burton of Horizon Realty and Marcy Ringstaff of RE/ MAX Heart of Texas keep smiling even though they weren’t the winners of the Mercedes-Benz at the ABoR Foundation Mercedes Raffle event at the ABoR office.

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While the title of his speech is “The One Thing,” Gary Keller of Keller Williams Realty did cover more than one thing in his presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

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WCR President-Elect Victoria Reviel of 98th Meridian Real Estate and WCR Education Chair Becky DeButts of Star State Realty get ready for the monthly meeting to begin as members make their way in to the ABoR auditorium.

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Cindie Brooks of Chicago Title introduces Anthony Alofsin, guest speaker and author of “Dream Home,” to attendees at its “A Great Moving Adventure” luncheon.

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Like any good REALTOR, Tim Moncrief of Keller Williams Realty takes the opportunity during a break to catch up with clients. He attended Gary Keller’s “The One Thing” presentation at the Renaissance Hotel.

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Commentary By Wayne Morgan Austin Institute of Real Estate

Unique marketing position: do you want to fit in or stand out?

s we determined earlier, marketing is the No. 1 skill to have because it is the engine that drives leads into your business—and the No. 1 tool under marketing on our Real Estate Business Blueprint is a Unique Marketing Position (UMP). A UMP is a phrase, sentence or paragraph that elevates, separates, differentiates and distinguishes you from all your competition. It makes you unique, different and valuable. If someone asked you “Why should I do business with you?” (you can’t say “service”), do you know what you would say? That’s why you need to develop UMP. The marketplace wants to know why or how you are different and why they should buy from you. If there were no REALTORS to help people buy and sell homes and you came along and helped them they would hire you—and you would help them and you would get paid. But you are not the only one. There are thousands of REALTORS in

the marketplace, all helping. Now the public has many to choose from. Why should they choose you? What makes you different? You can’t say “my service!” Ask any title company why you should do business with them. Ask your lender. Ask everyone who wants you to do business with him or her. How do you feel when they say “my service?” It doesn’t pass the marketing test, does it? It doesn’t pass because it is not believable. It is a platitude that means nothing. You are either unique or you are the same as everyone else. If you are the same you are in trouble because if you don’t differentiate yourself, the marketplace will differentiate you. If you don’t have a UMP; if you look, feel, seem, and sound like all the rest, the marketplace will struggle to figure out why they should buy from you. They will look, prod, poke, question and give you every opportunity to explain why they should hire you. If you use a platitude like “service” they will not believe you. The

marketplace will decide you are a commodity and will then default to what most consumers default to when they can’t tell the difference between products and services—price. It sounds like this, “how much do you charge?” Now you are in trouble. You are about to experience a surgical procedure sellers perform on agents who do not have a UMP; it’s called a “commissionectomy.” This is not a function of sales; there is no objection to overcome the lack of a UMP. Explaining how commissions are divided between you and the other broker and what your costs are mean nothing to the seller. They don’t care about that because they are asking, “what’s in it for me?” Here is an example: “Unlike most agents, I am not here tonight for a listing. I am here for a relationship. I don’t want a commission, I want a referral. My clients

are clients for life because I’m their consultant, not their listing agent. I understand the “lifetime value” of a client. I built my business one client at a time by listening to and exceeding their expectations. Tonight is not entirely what your house is worth; it’s what a professional business relationship with an experienced, trusted advisor is worth. I may advise you not to sell. I don’t know yet because I don’t know what your situation is. Can you take a few minutes and tell me what your expectations are? What your goals are? What you want to achieve and why?” This is a UMP. It separates you from all the other agents out there saying “I’m going to sell your home for the most money in the shortest time with the fewest problems.” So what do you want? Fit in or stand out? RL

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Barbara Giglio of Cimarron Hills shows Rod Morgan of Landmark Properties a site map so he will know where to find all the fun activities and homes during the community’s Stake Your Claim event where Grand Haven Homes unveiled its new GH Reserve luxury homes.

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Austin CRS Chapter

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

President ‘s Column By Risé Johns • 2013 President

Susie Stringer of Rising Point Solutions, Victor Henry of Keller Williams Commercial and Kristin Clardy gather for great conversation at the AYREP Happy Hour at iPic Theatre in The Domain.

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Jennifer Baker of Riverstone Real Estate and Anne-Marie Cancienne of Keller Williams Realty catch up during a break at Gary Keller’s presentation of his new book, “The One Thing” at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

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Anthony Alofsin, author of “Dream Home,” tells REALTORS how his book can help their clients find their dream home. Anthony was the guest speaker at Chicago Title’s “A Great Moving Adventure” luncheon.

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When you encounter a unique transaction, learn from it

aving sold real estate for 32 years, I run into those transactions that are truly unique, the transaction which has details you’ve never encountered before. So what do you do? You could throw up your hands and say it just won’t work. Or, you can look at the uniqueness as a learning opportunity. A unique transaction gives us the opportunity to learn something new. It teaches us how to handle things differently. It gives us the opportunity to install another tool in our toolbox. Shoot, when short sales first came on the scene, it definitely was a learning experience for agents. Short sales had not been done before. It was a way to prevent foreclosures. We walked into those transactions learning right along with the banks. We had to learn how to handle them. Yes, we made mistakes. We learned from those mistakes! Some agents embraced short sales and became experts. I have overheard some agents say

proudly “I never do short sales. They are just too much work.” Each group responded to the uniqueness of short sales in a different way. Neither group was right or wrong, they each operate their business how they choose. Fortunately, we are in a business where we can focus on what we like to do. As an agent, we can focus on a given area—downtown condos. We can focus on a specialty—leasing and property management or relocation. We can focus on a group of people—investors or, like me, people who like to live on Lake Travis. We can focus on types of transactions—people who are doing 1031 tax exchanges. Our business is our business. As long as we act professionally, ethically and legally, we can conduct our business how we choose. When you come across a unique transaction, don't fret or sweat it. The “unique transaction” can give you an opportunity to learn something new in your business! RL

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Builder of the Year Special thanks to our team as well as our REALTOR and DEVELOPER partners for helping to make us Builder of the Year in just 4 short years.

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Rough Hollow Lakeway, located 25 minutes from downtown Austin, joined Lupine Lane, a preschool and creative enrichment center, in celebrating the preschool graduation and groundbreaking for the school’s new Rough Hollow location.

Submitted Photo

We've heard of carrying a rabbit's foot for good luck, but a baby? Michael Slavik of Goldwasser Real Estate and Anna Maria Garcia of The Armstrong Group hope they will be the winners of the Mercedez-Benz being raffled off at the ABoR Foundation raffle event.

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It’s time for some barbeque with all the trimmings at the JB Goodwin REALTORS annual company picnic. Buddy “Byron” Schilling and Regan Greer, both of J.B. Goodwin REALTORS, make their way to the back of the line. Yummo!

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

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Karen Elliot of Sente Mortgage shares her “war stories” with fellow mortgage pro Sandy Batise at the AYREP Happy Hour at the iPic Theater in The Domain.

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Who’s the winner of the ABoR Foundation Mercedes-Benz and a trip to Germany? This guy—John McClellan of Supreme Lending. Congrats John!

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Varsha Kapadia of Elite Texas Properties and Sherri Williams of Keller Williams Realty get their copy of Gary Keller’s new book, “The One Thing,” at The One Thing presentation by Gary Keller at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

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Tenura Holdings, Inc. A S S O C I AT E S I N P R O G R E S S - A d v e r t i s e r P r o f i l e b y S t a c y H a l e

enura Holdings is probably not what you’d call your typical holding company. It began in 2002 as an investment in a tiny real estate brokerage in Austin, Texas. Today, Tenura is a family of companies that operate independently but work together to make the home-buying and selling process cohesive. This “down the hall” approach evolved into the Tenura Home Center, and it’s changing the way the industry thinks of the residential real estate transaction. Tenura Holdings, Inc. is the parent company of AmeriPro Funding, Reliant Title, AmeriFirst Insurance and Private Label Realty— which is made up of many different agent and company brands, hence the name. One thing that makes Tenura very different is that the company shares its ownership with its employees/agents through the company Stock Option and Incentive Unit Award program. As a group of wholly owned companies, they have one goal in mind: help the people in our communities find, finance and protect the home of their dreams. It has been said that, “the quality of our lives is a function of the quality of our relationships”. That’s why creating lasting relationships is the foundation of everything at Tenura. REALTORS who bring their clients to the Tenura Home Center know that they are in good hands. With a team of mortgage, insurance and title professionals all under

one roof, the personal relationship and trust are not lost in miscommunications and delays. If an issue comes up in a transaction, a trip down the hall could solve what might take weeks in other settings. The foundation of Tenura started with a mission that outlines the powerful commitments Tenura Holdings makes to its team and customers. Jimmy Mansour, chairman, looked at the value his father-in-law had created through his small east Texas real estate business and asked himself one simple question: What long-term benefit would all that work bring to hardworking people like his father-in-law, who spent their entire lives in the business? When he realized that beyond the commissions they earned in the process of helping people buy and sell homes there would be none, he knew there had to be a better way, and the idea of Tenura was born. In 2005, Kevin Klein, a longtime friend and co-worker from Jimmy’s telecom days, joined as president to create a truly different kind of real estate company. Over the next four years Tenura launched three startups including Reliant Title, Private Label Realty and AmeriFirst Insurance. In 2008, Tenura completed its first acquisition, AmeriPro Funding. With a talented management team in place they focused on three basic principles—an exceptional customer experience; empowerment of the individual and

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an environment of care. “From the very beginning we made a decision to invest in people and build a culture based on those three principles.” Kevin says. “The culture is the company. We strive to create an environment where people can be successful and entrepreneurial and be a part of something bigger.” From those humble beginnings, Tenura Holdings and affiliated companies now have offices in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado completing over 11,000 transactions in 2012. The company’s expansion into other markets is based on one simple, yet powerful idea: it’s all about relationships and those same three principles.

Exceptional customer experience Tenura is both committed and structured to make the process of buying and selling a home easier. The heart of their “down the hall” approach is the Tenura Home Centers. These beautifully designed and comfortable locations provide a place for clients to meet with real estate agents to start their home search, with loan officers to secure affordable financing, with insurance agents to protect their home and contents, and with closers to sign the closing documents. Each Home Center includes a concierge, a coffee and refreshment bar featuring fresh baked cookies, playrooms for the kids, and cutting edge technology. Customers get the best of care from the best of people and in the rare circumstance where a problem might occur, a team of professionals dedicated to providing a great experience are just a few steps away.

Empower the individual The “power” in empower comes from trust. If you hire great people and provide them with the tools they need to do the job, then you can

Kevin Klein, President

generally rely on them to do the right thing. The management and leadership team of Tenura works from a foundation of trust, and that leadership model is supported by Tenura University, where employees can access training courses in many industry related topics. World-class training and development expert Richard Godfrey, who has trained over a million professionals throughout his career, runs Tenura University. Beyond education, trust and empowerment inspire autonomy and leadership in the company culture. Take this example of spontaneous above-and-beyond customer service: Two years ago, the air conditioner went out in a client’s newly purchased home, mid-summer in triple-digit weather. The client was nine months pregnant and an AC repairman couldn’t come out until the next day. She called her agent, who spoke immediately to one of the manag-

Associates in Progress Cont.: next page

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

A S S O C I AT E S I N P R O G R E S S C O N T I N U E D - A d v e r t i s e r P r o f i l e b y S t a c y H a l e

ers. Without hesitation, the manager called and got her a hotel room for the night and made arrangements for an AC repairman to come out the next day—even though the home warranty was not managed through Tenura. She delivered her baby the next day. Sometime later, the manager received a handwritten note thanking him for what would most likely be “the last good night’s sleep for the next 18 years!”

Environment of care Tenura started with the simple insight—we each have but one life to live as fully and positively as possible. Sometimes it’s difficult to separate your business and personal life. They each affect one another. Members of the Tenura family enjoy the opportunity to participate in programs offering support in areas as diverse as health and wellness, goal planning, parenting and building strong marriages and relationships. The goal is simple: help people take care of their one life and the part of that life they dedicate to work will benefit. Tenura pays for employees to attend weekend marriage retreats. “I started receiving personal notes from people saying the experience had saved their marriage!” says Kevin Klein, president. Employees can also take advantage of Love and Logic parenting classes, biometric health screening, and personal financial management courses. Not surprisingly, the results of the personal investment show in the performance numbers. AmeriPro Funding is the No. 1 mortgage bank in Central Texas according to the Austin Business Journal, and ranked 89 in the country by Mortgage Executive magazine. Reliant Title is ranked in the top 15 title companies in the city

by Austin Business Journal. Private Label Realty ranked in the Real Trends top 500 – and No. 3 in Austin. AmeriFirst Insurance also made the top 20 list for independent insurance agencies in Austin, in just under three years. All of these companies were started after 2008, and all are thriving, with a great deal of business from outside the Tenura umbrella. “It’s not just about affiliated businesses working together—our goal is to run the best companies we can in every industry we are in. It goes without saying that we are extremely focused on the customer experience. Just as important, we are focused on the agents and loan officers that have those relationships. After all, their reputation is on the line,” Kevin says.

Technology Tenura has a popular real estate app for Private Label Realty which is also co-branded for the agent. The app is called MyHomeSearch, and is available on iTunes and Google Play. The app lets agents customize the interface to their brand, notifies them when a homeowner has checked out a home or saved a search, and even allows directional search (hold your device up in any direction and an augmented reality screen showing you neighborhood properties for sale in the direction you point the phone or tablet). Through the myTenura customer portal on Tenurahomecenter.com, customers have a secure place to access their closing documents in one location. They can upload and access any and all documents related to the transaction, such as a will and testament or insurance policies. Buying or selling a home can be one of the more stressful events of a person’s lifetime.

Tenura aims to provide the tools and environment to take the stress out and make the process as simple and easy as possible.

Into the future Tenura will be expanding into new markets throughout the country, as well as expanding locations in existing markets. New Tenura Home Centers open this month in South Austin, Southlake and Denver. And the Tenura Builder Network, a new construction program, is on the launch pad for later this year. “Many companies simply focus on profits. If you want to create something of significance, something to be proud of, it has to be more than that,” Kevin says. “If you focus on people—serving your clients and your employees— much of the rest takes care of itself.” RL

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Jacque Smith, Summer Pavliska, Jazz Lough and Marjorie Tinnell enjoy the courtyard entrance at the Grand Haven model home at Cimarron Hills during the Stake Your Claim event. Jacque and Marjorie are with Independence Title and Summer and Jazz are with Netco Title.

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Wow, NAHREP Austin is growing up fast! Laura Mendez of O Realty, Frank Ortega of Goldwasser Real Estate and Nicole Schoening-VonThies of Patten Law Firm enourage you to join the group. NAHREP Austin just celebrated its 12th anniversary at Gloria’s in The Domain.

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Rosy Orozco of Austin Hills REALTORS, Tina Coverman of Sheila Hills Real Estate, Diane Gomez of RE/MAX Austin Associates and Nicole Brady of Chicago Title arrive at Chicago Title’s South Mopac office to hear “Dream Home” Author Anthony Alofsin speak. Buy photo: RL_070413_B.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Jennifer Simko and Christine Zunker, both of Keller Williams Realty in San Antonio, made the trip to Austin to hear Gary Keller’s presentation of his new book, “The One Thing” at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

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Mary Miner of Nextage Lone Star Realty and Summer Pavliska of Netco Title are eager to hear what Capital Metro has to say about plans to improve traffic congestion in the city. The two attended the WCR monthly luncheon at the ABoR auditorium.

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Have you had the pleasure of meeting ABoR’s new chief financial officer? ABoR’s Vicki Harris, left, introduces Susan Veal to members at the ABoR Foundation Mercedes Benz raffle giveaway event at the ABoR office.

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Team

austin DeWayNe NaumaNN

Sr. Escrow Officer dnaumann@netcotitle.com

aNgela ferrales

Escrow Officer aferrales@netcotitle.com

leNora lambrighT

Escrow Assistant llambright@netcotitle.com

Every successful closing has a team full of talent! Netco Title: Local Team with National Resources

25 Years of Exceptional Service Team

DoNica Williams

Escrow Officer dwilliams@netcotitle.com

TriNiTy Truair

sales & marketing

Escrow Assistant ttruair@netcotitle.com

(512) 433-6113 1717 N IH 35 | Suite 100 Round Rock, TX 78664

(512) 919-4614

7719 Wood Hollow Drive Suite 157 | Austin, TX 78731

round rock

summer pavliska

AVP Sales | Operations (512) 577-5166 spavliska@netcotitle.com

jazz lough

Divisional Sales (214) 995-0139 jlough@netcotitle.com

www.NetcoTitle.com

Netco Title-Texas

@NetcoTitle

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Experts Speak Out

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Commentary By Rita Santamaria Champions School of Real estate

www.myRealtyLine.com

July 2013

comfortable. It’s difficult to institute change. The most difficult challenge we have is the battle we have within ourselves to allow change to happen. If your business model is lacking what you need to bring your production and services to the next level, break the current pattern and replace it with a new pattern. New patterns to institute change within you and your business can be time away from the business to work on yourself and your business

model. Reading new literature of substance relating to your business proves fruitful. Signing up and taking a course that allows your creative juices to flow will always improve your business. The same routines that keep us comfortable, predictable, where our ideas are safe and where our skills are sufficient will not produce lives and a company that are wise and skillful. Take a company temperature reading and make plans for change, today. RL

The assessment of your business is personal

t is time to assess your goals you put in place the first of the year. We are half way through the year and if you are not where you intended to be, ask yourself why not. Here are my personal suggestions for moving your business forward fast and efficiently. As part of the process, you might call your good customers and ask them for any feedback they can give you to increase your business, the second half of the year, to the level you expect it to reach based on your good business planning and goals. Work on your marketing program over the next 30 days. Your networking may need to expand either on the personal level or on the E-Social media level. Do an assessment of where your contacts or referrals are coming from. That is the area which deserves extra emphasis including old school “thank you notes” to those loyal persons who are helping you succeed. Speaking of E-Social media, how does your website look? It should be easy to navigate and please make sure there is a phone number as well as e-mail contact on your home page. In today’s

world of technology being accessible via a mobile device is mandatory. People will contact you while traveling and they typically are using their mobile devices. Diversification and delegation are ongoing training platforms which the business owner must consistently visit. Diversify responsibilities while at the same time cross train each associate working with you. Examine your own task list and decide what specific tasks can be delegated to a trained associate in your office. Spend time away from your business to do better “in your business.” Business owners need time to “sharpen the saw.” The best new ideas for change that can take your business activity to the next level often happen while away from the daily must–do on your task list. Go to the beach, the mountains or your backyard and spend time alone to get clarity on growth and development of your company. You didn’t decide to become an entrepreneur by being a slave to your company. We, as human beings, are constantly maintaining stability in our lives. We work hard to get our business to where we feel safe and

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“Well hello Mr. President,” says NAPMW President Laura Rosales to NAHREP President Jason Garza. To which he replies, “Well hello Mrs. President.” The two attended the AYREP Happy Hour at the iPic Theatre in The Domain.

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Two Great Locations! All loans subject to credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Mortgage financing provided by PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. Equal Housing Lender. © 2013 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in TX. V012313. NMLS 179412 (Buzan), NMLS 269403 (Cyr), NMLS 184428 (Hoffman), NMLS 292478 (Stewart), NMLS 280093 (Lynch), NMLS 176530 (Smith), NMLS 180307 (Nielsen), NMLS 268025 (Clark), NMLS 232054 (Widmer), NMLS 179666 (Kennedy), NMLS 180066 (Driskell), NMLS 180854 (Savage), NMLS 151263 (Leaman), NMLS 225339 (Bailey), NMLS 177299 (Stern), NMLS 357516 (Eckert), NMLS 741376 (Creeger).

810 Hester’s Crossing, Suite 150 Round Rock, TX 78681 7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Suite 155 Austin, TX 78731

July 2013 Front Page: Continued

amount, says Schneider, “but 25 percent is a number that gets thrown out a lot.” Internal referrals can be a little lower, he explains, “Because here, we’re all teammates.” According to Gessler, referral fees can be anywhere from 20 percent of the commission earned by the brokerage to even 35 or 40 percent. “There’s quite a range,” she says. For some companies, the fee is non-negotiable. “There’s a system in place and that’s it. But for us, we have flexibility.” For 98th Meridian, referral fees are commonly negotiated. What’s really important is that all financial details are fully disclosed in writing and appear on the settlement statement. “Everything should be legal and there should be no surprises,” Gessler says.

Referral fee vs. kickbacks In the 1970s, everyone from lenders to construction and title insurance companies were handing out undisclosed kickbacks all over the place, causing real estate costs and transactions to spiral out of control. As a result, Congress passed RESPA, essentially banning payola. So it’s no mystery why agents like Gessler stress that getting everything in writing and disclosing all financial details is crucial. “All of the referral fees and every party that’s being paid in the transaction shows up on the HUD-1,” says Gessler.

Getting referrals Referring a buyer to a different agent can hurt. But it’s a great feeling when you’re the agent who gets a call from a colleague. To be that person, it’s helpful to network and expand your real estate knowledge. “One of the best resources for educating yourself is the Austin Board of REALTORS,” says Rodriguez. “Throughout the year,

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they have a whole catalog of real estate courses.” Several times, Gessler has taken advantage of networking opportunities offered by Williamson County Association of REALTORS. There are certain transactions that many agents are more likely to refer out. That includes commercial real estate, land and ranch, certified distress properties, short sales and foreclosures. “If you’re an expert in a niche market, it’s a great way to distinguish yourself in the industry,” says Gessler.

The importance of networking Simply networking is another way to expand your list of contacts and get yourself on some short lists, as well. According to Reviel, who was president of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS in 2011, “If you get involved and go to conferences, like those offered by Texas Association of REALTORS, you get to meet professionals that are really involved in other boards. I know a lot of presidents, past presidents and board of directors from San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, El Paso and College Station. I know a lot of their backgrounds and I feel confident in referring somebody to any of them because I know they’re involved.” If there’s one thing most REALTORS agree on is that looking out for the customer’s best interest should be their top priority. Since there’s so much repeat business and word-of-mouth reviews and recommendations in this industry, faking it can not only result in losing the client, but that buyer may even walk away from your firm all together. “I know almost instantly if I’m not qualified — or if I just am not the right agent for a specific buyer,” says Reviel. It’s not a great feeling when you have to refer a buyer to another agent, but sticking with it can foster a negative, irreparable experience. RL

Second Liens

are back! - Rates are at the LOWEST levels they’ve been at in years! - Purchase Money/Refi programs available to 90% cltv - Home Improvement Loan programs available to 90% cltv - Competitive Rates and Fees - Exceptional Customer Service

Gretchen Rossington, NMLS ID#555982 Austin/San Antonio Account Manager Wholesale Second Liens C. 512.484.1860 gretchen.rossington@cadencebank.com

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com

Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com

Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com

Managing Editor: Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com

Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb

Contributing Writers: Stacy Hale, Naomi Bludworth, Riki Markowitz

Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Linda McNabb

Columnists: Cathy Coneway, Stacey Rider, Risé Johns, Gaye Pierce, Wayne Morgan, Hannah Myres, Rita Santamaria 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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July 2013

CaLL today to SCheduLe a tour to view avaiLabLe homeS and the newLy CompLeted highLand viLLage.

Where extras come standard from the $300’s

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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.

July 2013

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Experts Speak Out

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Commentary By Hannah Myres, Reliant Title

Dana Goodman of GH Reserve, Grand Haven Homes’ new luxury brand, stamps visitor cards at the model home for Kelley Watkins and Anita Pantillion, both of Keller Williams, and Jerry Seay of KW Commercial at the Cimmaron Hills event to present the new villas and homes on the fairway.

What happened to the “shadow inventory” in real estate

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Time sure does fly! NAHREP Austin founder Julie Jeter and Ron Urias of Farmers Insurance can’t believe it’s already been 12 years since the forming of NAHREP Austin. They celebrate with fellow members at Gloria’s in The Domain.

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he problem with the “shadow inventory” in the real estate market is that nobody knows how many residential properties are between pre-foreclosure or anxious-to-sell and being listed on the MLS. In 2012, The Wall Street Journal estimated the shadow inventory held from three to 10 million homes. That potentially massive glut of bargainbasement real estate was a big drag on the fledgling housing recovery. But as of January 2013, according to CoreLogic, the shadow inventory hit 2.2 million properties and falling. At the same time, housing prices have been rising steadily—the Case-Schiller composite index of 20 cities just posted a record 12.1 percent average jump in prices in April, the most recent month, versus a year earlier. What happened to all those houses? Christopher Matthews at TIME asked CoreLogic Deputy Chief Economist Sam Khater, and came away with three explanations. First, prices had fallen so low by 2012 that investors swooped in—both individuals and larger entities like investment trusts—

often looking to convert the homes into rental properties. Jim DiPaola at Keller Williams in South Florida notes that about half of local home purchases are in cash these days, normally, fewer than 10 percent of transactions would be in cash. The second big explanation is last year’s $25 billion settlement between major mortgage servicers and state attorneys general. One term of that deal was that banks had to more aggressively modify the loans of struggling homeowners. That can often work out to everyone’s best interest, but it certainly keeps homes off the market. The final reason that the market isn’t being flooded with “shadow” houses is that lots of homeowners are still underwater on their mortgages. With the housing supply restricted and buyers stepping in, prices are rising. “This dynamic will unlock some borrowers, but it won’t lead to a flood of new homes on the market,” Khater tells TIME. “It’ll be more of a slight opening of the spigot.” And that’s just what the market needs. RL

Congratulations June Top Producer Julie Black, NMLSR # 232023

Senior Loan Officer Phone: 306-6357 e-Fax: 866-561-8955 jblack@starkeymtg.com

Patty Chapman, Senior Processor Robb Spreen, Loan Administrator

Julie Black

Senior Loan Officer NMLSR # 221272 Phone: 306-6357 e-Fax: 866-561-8955 jblack@starkeymtg.com

A Solid, Proven, and Committed Lender! WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146 807 Las Cimas Pkwy., Suite 150, Austin, TX 78746

This is not a guarantee of nancing. All borrowers must meet certain underwriting guidelines and credit criteria. Rules and Regulations may apply.

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 2013

WELCOME TO TUSCAN VILLAGE Discover Lakeway’s first and only resort-style community for adults 55+ G IN N PE 13 O 20 E R US E O M BH M U U CL S

Life is a journey — there’s always more to discover. Whether moving closer to family, downsizing or simply making a quality of life decision in preparation for the future, Tuscan Village gives active adults the freedom to enhance their lifestyle and spend time living the way they want to live. Tuscan Village is much more than a neighborhood of homes. It’s a way of life, where you can enjoy a more carefree, opportunity-rich lifestyle in the company of like-minded neighbors — complete with amenities tailored to your interests, lock-and-leave convenience and exclusive benefits of ownership, plus easy proximity to all that Lakeway and the Hill Country have to offer.

SCHEDULE A PRIVATE TOUR OF THE CLUBHOUSE AND PREVIEW OUR AVAILABLE HOMES Villas & Townhomes from the $260’s for Adults 55+ | 512.327.1200 | TuscanVillage.com 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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July 2013

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Me. Me. Pick me! Cheryl Jenkins of Keller Williams Realty and Kay DaSilva of Avalar Austin Realty wait patiently for the announcement of who wins this year’s ABoR Foundation Mercedes-Benz raffle at the Mercedes Giveaway event at the ABoR office.

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Barbeque, Lake Austin and great friends—it doesn’t get any better than this. Helen Thomas, Mike Jones and Tami Carson, all of JB Goodwin REALTORS, are glad to be relaxing at the company’s annual picnic at J.B. Goodwin’s home on Lake Austin.

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TREC Commissioner Avis Wukasch of Keller Williams Realty knows you’re never too experienced to learn something new. She takes notes during Gary Keller’s "The One Thing" presentation at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.

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For more information contact: David McMillan (NMLS #117439) or Tommy Nelms (NMLS #122291)

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402 WEST 7TH STREET

July 2013

Experts Speak Out

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Commentary By Gaye Pierce • Gracy Title

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The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is nationally recognized and is becoming the most widely used standard for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance, and has become the industry standard. A HERS assessment can tell you how efficient your home is and areas where you could save more with a few adjustments. The lower your score is, the more efficient your home— which could translate to a higher resale value. (For more information visit www.resnet.us/ hers-index)

Homes are part of the Austin Energy Green Building Program.) These homes are on average 42 percent more energy-efficient than a home built in 2006, with a typical 58 on the HERS Index, and use features such as advanced framing, fresh air ventilation, radiant barrier decking, vinyl windows, 16 SEER HVAC, and the R-21 wall system to drastically reduce energy usage and costs. “We have spent years researching and crafting the building process of our EnergySaver homes to maintain affordability and comfort for the homebuyer, while lowering their energy usage and minimizing carbon footprints,” says Jim Rado, Central Texas area president of David Weekley Homes. David Weekley works to educate REALTORS on leading edge green building practices.

Today’s new homes are more efficient

Tips for saving water

nents and construction materials, such as insulation, Energy Star appliances, and geothermal heat pumps, have also gone a long way to make energy efficient construction more affordable for builders.

The HERS Index

What’s new in green homebuilding?

EALTORS and industry professionals with knowledge of the Austin market’s great strides toward home sustainability can help buyers from near and far make the best choices. Today, many Austinarea builders are certified in green building practices and can offer cutting edge sustainable features that go well beyond the standard efficiencies found in most homes built today. In addition, both local and national organizations offer education and designations for builders and REALTORS on green construction and marketing. Here’s a look at the latest news in green building and realty.

Green adds value In certain areas, a green home can net a higher resale price. A study by the University of California last year revealed that greencertified homes sold for 9 percent more than comparable non green-certified homes. Of course, this was in California, but the researchers also noticed a phenomenon they

call the “Prius effect”, a positive correlation between the resale value of a green home and the number of hybrid car registrations in the area. In 2011, the Appraisal Institute added a new form for Fannie, Freddie and the Federal Housing Administration, which factors energy-efficient features (such as appliances and solar panels) into the appraised value of the home. This optional addendum to Fannie Mae Form 1004 is helping the appraisal industry standardize the reporting of energy-efficient features, and REALTORS can use the data to populate the MLS. Last month, S. 1106, the “Sensible Accounting to Value Energy (SAVE) Act” was introduced to the U.S. Senate. If passed, this bill will develop standards for valuing energy efficiency in the mortgage underwriting and appraisal processes. It also encourages energy efficient products and construction materials and in both new and existing homes, while keeping homes affordable. Federal tax credits for sustainable compo-

WANT TO WORK WITH THE BEST?

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Green is going mainstream. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Index, while a standard new home scores around 100. McGraw Hill Construction reported that 20 percent of homes built in 2012 were green, and by 2016, we can expect that number to rise to between 29 percent and 38 percent. Most large builders and many local and custom builders have made energy-efficient home construction options a standard, and some even have a formal green building program. David Weekley Homes’ EnergySaver Homes are one example, offering buyers a unique combination of Energy Star 3.0 certified, energy-efficient building techniques and principles to create a tighter home that is friendlier to you, the environment and your pocketbook. (David Weekley

As Austin continues to hold in Stage 2 watering restrictions, now is a good time to educate buyers on ways to conserve water: Use Energy Star appliances: If you replace a dishwasher that was made before 1994 with an Energy Star-certified dishwasher, you could save $40 on utility bills just by using less water. Add aerators: Aerators on your showerheads and faucets can significantly reduce your water usage. Use a heat pump water heater: Not only will you save on your electric bill, but the water heats faster in many cases—so you’ll use less water. As REALTORS and industry professionals, your voice communicates the preferences of homebuyers to decision makers leading the charge in sustainable development. Keep Austin green! RL

www.dhimortgage.com

JOIN THE TEAM AT DHI MORTGAGE!

HelpP int

We are only as strong as the team we build, so we work hard to develop passionate talent and encourage a balanced life of work and family. We have developed a mission statement that represents the heart of who we are: The Right People - The Right Way! The following positions are available in our Killeen and Austin branches: Mortgage Loan Originator • Support D.R. Horton communities as their preferred lender in Temple, Waco, Killeen and Ft. Hood • Incentives available for generating non-D.R. Horton business • Base salary plus commission based on production • Additional bonus opportunities available • 2+ years originating required • Fluent in Spanish a plus! • Comfortable speaking to large groups

Want to work for the best? Contact me today! Patricia Wagner

Branch Manager, NMLS #209414

www.dhimortgage.com

Direct: (512) 533-1369 Fax: (866) 364-8284 E-mail: pwagner@dhimortgage.com www.dhimortgage.com/patricia-wagner

Mortgage Loan Processor • 2+ years processing required • Experience with FHA, VA, USDA, MCC, Bond and Conventional Loans • Comfortable in a fast-paced environment • Base salary + overtime • Monthly bonus opportunities available • Fluent in Spanish a plus! At DHI Mortgage, we offer a diverse and collaborative work place that is unmatched by our competition. As an employee, you will: • Be affiliated with D.R. Horton, America’s #1 Home Builder • Mortgage Loan Originators have the ability to originate new home construction, resales & refinance business • Receive a competitive compensation plan with bonus opportunities. • Receive EXCELLENT large company benefits, including 401K matching • Have no-cost marketing support for Mortgage Loan Originators

Provided for informational purposes only. DHI Mortgage is an Equal Opportunity Employer. DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. Branch NMLS #38686. 10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78750. Company NMLS #14622. For information on DHIM licensing please visit www.dhimortgage.com/other-pages/licensing. REV: 05/29/13 / EXP: 05/29/14

The Ron Urias Agency

512.448.0844 You Realtors need to get a C.L.U.E.! Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange that is. FREE reports and Flood Zone determinations too! Surprises are for birthdays and anniversaries, not closing on a property. Let Sandy and I provide you peace of mind and take the guess work out of the equation. Why not do business with an agency that’s vested in ABoR, TRE-PAC, NAHREP-Austin, WCR and more? 4425 Mopac South, Bldg 2, Ste. 101 Austin, TX 78735 Home • Life • Auto • CommerCiAL • renters “Clients don’t come to us by accident but we handle those too!”

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July 2013

At Cimarron Hills in Georgetown Texas! Live here. Play here. P L AY H E R E .

Jack Nicklaus Signature G olf Course, Te n n i s , F i n e D i n i n g , D a y S p a , Swimming Pool and Fitness Center

LIVE HERE. Gh Reserve Luxury Homes presents: Homes on The Fairway 2400 sq ft - 4800 sq ft, from the mid $400’s MODEL HOME NOW OPEN! Developer Sponsored Golf & Sport Memberships at Cimarron Hills Country Club Valued up to $20,000

July 2013

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Real Estate News & Notes

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HomeCity Real Estate welcomes seven new agents this month

Stephen Davis joins Coldwell Banker Commercial United, REALTORS' Georgetown office Stephen Davis brings to Coldwell Banker Commercial United, a hands-on approach to help his clients realize their real estate needs. Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Davis grew up watching his father, Brad Davis, work within the real estate industry which is why it seems natural that he finds himself drawn to the field of real estate. After graduating with a BS in Marketing from the Red McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin in 2007, Davis immediately took to sales by working for the University of Texas Athletics, handling ticket sales for all on-campus events. In 2010 Davis accepted a sales position with Texas Farm Bureau in Williamson County, utilizing his honesty and up-front demeanor to build relationships with those within the community. In 2012, after a stint in Los Angeles, Davis began working with his father in Waco, assisting on real estate transactions that covered all facets of the business. Through this unyielding mentorship, Davis was able to develop a strong skill set and an unparalleled work ethic that enforces a detailed and persistent approach

to each of his transactions. “ S t e p h e n’s knowledge of the market, his expertise in the industry and his ability to grow and maintain relationships throughout his career, serves him well as he works to continue to build and strengthen the great reputation of Coldwell Banker Commercial United, throughout Central Texas and statewide”, says Cecilia Roberts, vice president of sales. “His deep passion and creative approach helps him locate the perfect option for his clients. We are excited to welcome Stephen Davis to our commercial team!” Davis currently resides in Austin, Texas where he is active with the Texas Young Professionals. RL

JBGoodwin REALTORS congratulates its 2013 Five Star Real Estate Agents as featured in Texas Monthly magazine JBGoodwin REALTORS congratulates Xuan Le Redding, Alice Niven, Molly Avila, Angela D'Andrea, V. P. Tammy Gardner, Kevin Breaux, Janet Dean, Andrew Constancio, Peggy Little, Adrian Grabe, Gay

Puckett, and Marc Moore (pictured with J.B., President Byron “Buddy” Schilling and V.P. Mark Murrell). Not pictured are: Mary Ellen Kersch, Jill Bowen, Lynda Conway, Brigitte Mueller, Janet Murdock, Jon Chambersty.” RL

Chavin Dillon

Rocky Navarro R. Cunningham Kristi Richards

Kerry Krebbs

Joni James

Dan Daugherty

Austin Institute of Real Estate announces premiere of “Your Real Estate Show” on KBVO On Sunday, July 7 The Austin Institute of Real Estate and Business School for Real Estate Pros™ began airing a special program, “YOUR Real Estate Show” on KBVO. This educational program will provide the public with an inside look into a real world of real estate. Wayne Morgan and his guests will show the methods used by the best of the best over the past two decades to find real estate, finance it, buy it or build it, invest in it, maintain it, rehab it, manage it and sell it.

“Your Real Estate Show” will be airing every Sunday at 10 a.m. on KBVO. If you are interested in being on the show, or if you have a question you would like to see answered on the next episode, e-mail info@yourrealestateshow.com. RL

Dell Children’s Medical Center dedicates room in honor of RE/ MAX Capital City; company exceeds $25,000 donation goal RE/MAX Capital City announced this week that the company has exceeded its goal to contribute $25,000 to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and local affiliate Dell Childrens’ Hospital, with donations reaching an impressive $35,838.75. In recognition of the long-standing commitment and years of continual fundraising from the top producing real estate office, Dell Children’s Medical Center re-named and dedicated a room in the orthopedic wing of the hospital in the company’s honor. RE/ MAX Capital City is a three-office network serving the Cedar Park, Austin and Round

Rock areas. “This has been an amazing experience for our agents to be able to give back to our community in support of such great work,” said RE/MAX Capital City Broker/Owner Jeff Osborne. “Our very good friends at Supreme Lending joined with our associates, who typically set aside a portion of the proceeds from each home sale as earmarked to be given to help the children. Our clients feel great knowing their agent is sharing some of their earnings from the transaction for such a tremendous cause.” RL

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

www.myRealtyLine.com

July 2013

NEW MODELS NOW OPEN! HUTTO HIGHLANDS 115 Hendelson Lane Hutto, TX

From the $150’s

WOODLANDS PARK 1299 Woodlands Drive Kyle, TX

From the $160’s

ADDRESS

PLAN

SQ. FT.

BD/BA/STORIES

1. BRADSHAW CROSSING • ERIC: 512-407-0404

5829 Kleberg Trail 5825 Kleberg Trail 5821 Kleberg Trail 5813 Kleberg Trail

Summit Sunset Ridge Summit Sunset Ridge

2379 2050 2379 2050

4/2.5/2 3/2.5/2 4/2.5/2 3/2.5/2

COMMISSION

PRICE

June June June June

4% 4% 4% 4%

$216,340 $206,890 $219,865 $205,565

SOLD SOLD SOLD

$154,415 $174,640 $158,215

2. COLORADO CROSSING • CLYDE: 512-496-4163 7212 Crestone Road 7200 Crestone Road 7204 Crestone Road

Tucson Sedona Navajo

1313 2402 1641

4/2/1 4/2.5/2 4/2.5/2

3. FALCON POINTE • BRUCE: 512-657-3326 or CINDY 512-736-2698 18801 Shallow Pond Trail 18904 Still Pond Road 3025 Open Plain Drive 18917 Still Pond Road

Whitney Travis Mackenzie Medina

2214 2958 3200 2168

4/3/1 4/3.5/2 4/3.5/2 3/3/1

NOW! NOW! June June

4% 4% 4% 4%

$269,875 $313,005 $315,050 $255,344

4% 4% SOLD 4%

$180,564 $196,540 $171,324 $197,090

4. STONEFIELD • SALLY: 512-401-7717 or CHRISTINA: 512-629-7580 160 Vermillion Marble Trail 178 Vermillion Marble Trail 186 Vermillion Marble Trail 194 Vermillion Marble Trail

Laurel Iris Jasmine Iris

1525 1899 1389 1899

3/2/1 4/2.5/2 3/2/1 4/2.5/2

NOW! NOW! SOLD NOW!

5. SUMMERLYN • DENISE: 512-777-9565 or CLAYTON 512-619-7628 152 Bufflehead Lane 236 Chickadee Lane 231 Chickadee Lane 129 Bufflehead Lane 108 Bufflehead Lane 220 Chichadee Lane

Sante Fe Lavender Iris Navajo Navajo Iris

2206 1755 1899 1641 1641 1899

4/2.5/2 4/2.5/2 4/2.5/2 4/2.5/2 4/2.5/2 4/2.5/2

NOW! NOW! NOW! June June June

4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4%

$186,040 $187,990 $197,015 $178,615 $175,015 $198,865

6. TERAVISTA • WILL: 512-913-1863 1909 Greenside Trail 2016 Greenside Trail 1910 Greenside Trail

Alabaster Terrazzo Obsidian

2731 2551 2384

4/3/2 4/3.5/2 4/2.5/2

NOW! NOW! SOLD

4% 4% SOLD

$288,336 $290,799 $273,959

7. HUTTO HIGHLANDS • Lottie: 512-373-0939 109 Marklawn Lane 205 Marklawn Lane 207 Marklwan Lane 108 Colthorpe Lane 106 Colthorpe Lane 104 Colthorpe Lane

Violet Daylily Violet Daylily Bluebonnet Daylily

1849 2382 1849 2382 2020 2382

4/2/91 4/2.5/2 4/2/1 4/2.5/2 4/2/1 4/2.5/2

NOW! June June June June June

4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4%

$176,705 $195,980 $174,930 $205,855 $187,980 $214,747

8. WOODLANDS PARK • ANGIE 512-470-3925 or BORIS: 512-626-8473 152 Dark Forest 164 Dark Forest 176 Dark Forest 202 Dark Forest 214 Dark Forest 226 Dark Forest 238 Dark Forest

Orchid Rosebud Daylily Daylily Hibiscus Daylily Bluebonnet

2567 1685 2382 2382 2945 2382 2020

4/2.5/2 3/2/1 4/2.5/2 4/2.5/2 5/3/2 4/2.5/2 4/2/1

LENNAR.COM

June June June June June June June

4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4% 4%

$211,764 $173,782 $202,737 $216,305 $226,150 $204,055 $192,130

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 6/1/13, 4% commission will be paid on select inventory homes that sell between 6/1/13 and 6/30/13. Ad must be presented at time of contract. Homes must close and fund by 6/30/13. 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 © 2013 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. 6/13

ADDRESS

PLAN

SQ. FT. BD/BA/STORIES AVAILABLE COMMISSION PRICE

1. TERAVISTA • Steve: 512-970-3359 or Debbie: 512-808-8729 4219 Pebblestone Trail

New Haven

3946

5/4.5/2

SOLD

465,935

4314 Woodledge Place

Bayberry

3487

4/3.5/2

NOW!

$475,698

4316 Woodledge Place

Kinsley

2800

4/3/1

NOW!

$438,361

4212 Pebblestone Trail

Concordia

3548

5/4/2

SOLD

$418,059

4210 Pebblestone Trail

Savoy

2834

4/3.5/2

NOW!

$369,937

4206 Pebblestone Trail

Concordia

3548

5/4/2

SOLD

$416,984

4303 Greatview Trail

Hartford

3273

4/4.5/2

SOLD

$459,916

4317 Greatview Drive

Hartford

3427

4/4.5/2

SOLD

457,834

2. RIM ROCK •COLIN: 284-342-5580 1122 Flint Rock Loop

Langford

3154

4/3.5/1

SOLD

433,643

268 Southern Sunset Cove

Castille

3246

4/3.5/2

SOLD

262 Southern Sunset Cove

Concordia

3766

5/4/2

SOLD

$399,900

1773 Flint Rock Loop

Castille

3246

4/3.5/2

August

$443,395

302 Towering Cedar Drive

Savoy

2834

4/3.5/1.5

August

$422,189

431,324

3. ROUGH HOLLOW • WILL: 512-809-8026 or Jason 512-619-3148 101 Waverley Spire Court

Concordia

3766

4/2/1/3 Car

SOLD

465,607

205 Wester Ross Lane

Savoy

2834

4/3.5/1.5/3 Car

SOLD

$419,715

103 Princes Court

Belmeade

2407

4/2/1/3 Car

SOLD

$407,309

206 Tavish Trail

Castille

3421

4/3.5/2/3 Car

SOLD

$447,195

104 Princes Court

Belmeade

2407

4/2/1/3 Car

NOW!

$418,234

New Section Now Open in Rough Hollow! 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 6/1/13, 4% commission will be paid on select inventory homes that sell between 6/1/13-6/30/13. Ad must be presented at time of contract. Homes must close and fund by 6/30/13. *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 © 2013 Lennar Corporation. Village Builders and the Village Builders logos are registered service marks or service marks of Lennar Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 6/13

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

www.myRealtyLine.com

July 2013

Carrie Weikert of Keller Williams Realty and her husband, Jeff, get ready for the premier of Superman: The Man of Steel prescreening event hosted by TREPAC and WCR at the IMAX Theater at the Bob Bullock Museum.

Buy photo: RL_070813_I.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

The folks over at Capital Title keep their eye on the prize at the ABoR Foundation MercedesBenz Giveaway event. And the winner is….

Buy photo: RL_070613_J.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_070513_I.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

How many REALTORS does it take to devour a 30-foot banana split you ask? Well, we’re about to find out. J.B. Goodwin gives the ok for folks to dig in to the famously large dessert at the company’s annual picnic.