/RealtyLine_June_10 by RealtyLine

Spread Your Professional Wings at Realty Round Up 2010

Upcoming Events:

n Exhibit space now available for annual

June 16 NAHREP Monthly Meeting Cool River Cafe - 11:30 a.m.

get audience. To receive the best price for your exhibit space,

real estate trade show

sign up by Jun. 30. After Jun. 30, prices will increase by $75. In addition to the available exhibit space, partnership and

et ready to take your business to the next level at

advertising opportunities can help you take your Realty Round

the Austin Board of REALTORS®’ (ABoR) annual

Up experience to the next level. Partnership opportunities range

trade show, Realty Round Up, set for Oct. 27 at the

Austin Convention Center. As the largest real estate-oriented

from

$300

$2,500.

Ready

take

action?

Visit

June 23 WCAoR Rookie Club Meeting WCAoR Office - 11:30 a.m.

www.abor.com/roundup for show details, including which

trade show in Central Texas, Realty Round Up provides busi-

booths are available. On the Web site, you will find the Exhibitor

nesses and individuals with a unique opportunity to market

Prospectus and contract, as well as partnership and advertiser

their products and services directly to real estate professionals.

information in the “Media” Section. Contact Gina Willemsen,

With booth prices starting as low as $400, exhibiting at Re-

Trade Show coordinator, by phone at 454-7636 ext. 1601 or by

alty Round Up is a cost-effective way for you to reach your tar-

June 17 1st Annual HBA Chili Cookoff Travis County EXPO Center - 5 p.m.

July 7 AMBA Monthly Luncheon Austin Country Club - 11:30 a.m. July 13 NAPMW General Meeting Norris Conference Center - 11:30 a.m.

e-mail at roundup@abor.com for more information. RL

July 1 - 11 Realty Line’s office will be closed

—Associates—

In Progress

June 2010 • Vol. 15 • Issue 2

Check out Savvy Inspections Commentary on page 17

enjoyable. entertaining. It’s all about you.

Seasoned Agents Share Tips for Being Successful in the Real Estate World “If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you'll achieve

who could not attend. Some tidbits that may help invig-

and work the Austin metro. And don’t turn leases down.

orate summer sales and beyond:

I got 11 deals from Dell.

the same results.”

Success Takes Time

— Self-help guru Tony Robbins

Set a Schedule

Kirk - I worked as much as 80 hours a week during the

Kevin - Get up and show up at 9 a.m. I use an auto-

hile that strategy may not be 100 percent

first few years of establishing my business. It dominated

matic dialer so I can get started right away by running

guaranteed, the idea of learning from the

my life.

through my leads and replying to emails.

expertise of others has long been proven

fruitful. With that maxim in mind, the Austin Young Real Estate Professionals recently put together a panel of Top

Drew - My goal is to make 30 calls and send 15 emails

Learn How to Talk to People

every day.

Drew - I secret shopped an open house recently and

Producers who shared what works—and doesn’t work—

the REALTOR spent the whole time sitting in front of the

for them in hopes of passing on these insights to others

computer. You have to learn how to engage people with-

who face the same challenges in the industry.

out turning it into a car lot. I try to have two open houses

Amber - I treat real estate like a job and I time block my day. I am extremely focused and goal oriented. Expect to Spend Money – But Do it Wisely

The panelists included Amber Hart and Kelvin Glover,

a week and I am constantly prospecting. They may not be

Kirk - I spent $7 grand for soccer uniforms and I don’t

both of Keller Williams Realty, Kirk Lewis of Home City,

interested in this house, but I can tell them about others.

think I got a single lead from it. You have to spend money,

Drew Griffin of Goldwasser Real Estate and Kevin Mc-

I focus on training myself on how to speak to clients. And

but don’t kill your budget. I like to buy my clients lunch

Carthy of Zip Realty. All are relatively new to real estate,

I put out 15 to 25 signs. I am annoying but it gets them in

because I love to get them indebted to me. And send flow-

having practiced from four to nine years, but quickly dis-

the door.

ers. It pays off. Don’t be greedy. And take some people off

tinguished themselves by closing an impressive number of transactions. Krisstina Wise of The Good Life Team

your list.

Never Forget Your Old Customers

Amber - The biggest waste for me was spending

moderated the exchange. Realty Line sat in on the discus-

Amber - Talk to your cheerleaders. They will send you

money for search engine optimization and Google ad

sion to be able to spread the words of wisdom to those

business. Some customers buy a house and never hear

words. Instead, I spend 30 minutes on Facebook looking

from their agent again. Be the

for people making comments like “Gosh, I need a bigger

kind of REALTOR whose

house,” or “I don’t want to mow the yard one more time,”

clients never forget who sold

and I turn them into prospects. I get four leads a month

them their house.

doing this.

P. O. Box 81366 Austin, Texas 78708-1366

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

Kirk - Phone calls are the

Kelvin – Have a budget and stick to it. Know what it

best. Find those few cus-

is that you will spend at the beginning of each calendar

tomers who will refer you an

year. I also eat with at least two past or potential clients a

absurd amount of business. It

week.

will keep you going forever. Know the Market – All of It Kelvin - You need to know You can visit us online 24/7 at www.realtylineonline.com

the

Georgetown

market, to

from

Know When You Need Help Amber - Pay for transactional help! Drew - When your production starts to suffer and you are struggling to get to listing presentations because you

Dripping

Springs. Do your homework

Front page: Continued on page 2

www.realtylineonline.com

June 2010

Realty line of Austin

Front page continued are doing paperwork, it is time to get an

Get on the internet to set up an account for

assistant. That typically is at $5 million.

send out cards that uses your own hand-

Budget for Lean Times

writing and you can easily set up a personalized email campaign.

Kelvin - Get two banking accounts. I

Final Words

set up a business account and I pay myself out of that.

Kelvin - Ask for the business and don’t

Kevin - A new agent should have six months worth of reserves. Use Technology Amber - Put your listings on lots of different Web sites that aren’t just real estate related. If you are selling waterfront property, list it on a boating site.

give away your commission before being asked to do it. Drew - Don’t drive around unqualified buyers and don’t take overpriced listings. Kirk - Know so much about the industry that your clients can’t stump you. Amber - Listen to others who surround you and keep learning.

Kirk - Have a successful web presence

Kevin - Get referrals from your clients

but not for lead generation. Use it like an

during the buying process because that is

online brochure to list your accolades and

when they are thinking about it. I once

make yourself look like a pro.

sold to three ladies in one office in a three

Kevin - A laptop air card is essential.

month period. RL

Sissy White of Jay Pearce Real Estate and Keith Melton of Property Consultants of Austin head out to the tee at Twin Creeks Golf Club, where the Williamson County Association of REALTORS held its annual golf tournament.

All photographs, press releases and article submissions can be e-mailed to: realtyline@austin.rr.com Realty Line of 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. Caxton Publications, Inc.© dba Realty Line of Austin is an active member of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® and is a honorary member of WCR. Caxton Publications, Inc.© dba Realty Line of 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.

On-time Closings with Personalized Service —

EvEry TimE! Ann McKinley, your Loan Expert

(512) 331-7292

annmc@austin.rr.com www.austinhomeloans.info 8800 Business Park Drive, Suite 200 Austin, Texas 78759 NMLS #200305

48-hour In-House Processing, Underwriting & Closing

PUBLISher

Tawanna K. Carver

MANAgINg edITOr Linda McNabb

CONTrIBUTINg edITOr/WrITer/PhOTOgrAPher COLUMNISTS

John Horton, ABoR Chairman Steve Zbranek, HBA President J. Rene Ward, WCAoR President Susanna Boyer, WCR President Tom Berry, Gracy Title Steve Medina, Savvy Inspections

P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708 Office: (512) 821-1900 www.realtylineonline.com

A PUBLICATION OF CAXTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.©

Mary Lynne Gibbs, Rise Johns and Antonia Warren, all of Keller Williams Realty Lakeway, participate in RED Day, to help rejuvenate this home.

Tired of Closing Delays?

Doren L. Carver

June 2010

Realty line of Austin

Austin Board of REALTORS®

Chairman’s Column John Horton

www.realtylineonline.com

Spread Your Professional Wings

In addition to participating in the sticker

Have you been searching for ways to net-

2010 Chairman

work with your fellow real estate professionals? This year’s Realty Round Up trade show,

INMAN NEWS FEED LANDS ON ABOR.COM

promotion, don’t forget to sign up for your booth space at Realty Round Up. Signing up by June 30 will ensure you receive the best

set to take place on Oct. 27 at the Austin Con-

price for your exhibit space. With prices start-

vention Center, brings you the opportunity

ing at $400, Realty Round Up provides real

to make valuable connections and have fun

estate professionals with the opportunity to

along the way.

market their businesses and services directly

To prepare for the show, ABoR has

to the real estate community. Booth space is

launched a Save the Date Sticker Contest. By

limited, and spots are assigned based on the

participating, you will enter yourself in the

order in which contracts are received. Sign

ou may already know that

volved with ABoR? Volunteering on an

running for a chance to win a free ticket to

up before the Jun. 30 deadline to ensure you

Abor.com has a special section re-

ABoR committee allows you the opportunity

the show. To take part, simply pick up a Re-

to partake first hand in specific areas that im-

get the most for your money, as prices will

served for local industry news.

alty Round Up save the date promotional

pact our association and industry. From Gov-

card at the ABoR offices at 10900 Stonelake

increase.

However, you may not know that a new resource has been added to keep members in

ernment Affairs to Realty Round Up,

Blvd, Suite A-100 or download a sticker on-

the loop on the latest happenings in the real

REALTORS® are encouraged to apply for

line by visiting the Media section of

estate industry. In May, an Inman News feed

ABoR committees that focus on their partic-

www.abor.com/roundup. All you have to do

was added to Abor.com, as an additional re-

ular areas of interest. With so many choices,

is find a fun place to stick your sticker, take a

source for members. Free on Abor.com, the

there is bound to be a committee for you.

picture

and

send

the

photo

Visit www.abor.com/roundup for more details on the show, including the Exhibitor Prospectus and contract. Additional partnership and advertising opportunities can also help you showcase your business. More in-

marketing@abor.com. Pictures will be fea-

formation on these opportunities is available

began in June, and you must apply by Jul. 15

tured on ABoR’s Facebook fan page, and

on the website. Contact Gina Willemsen,

Inman News. This is a great addition that can

to be considered. Once assigned to a commit-

fans, like you, can “like” their favorite pho-

Trade Show Coordinator, by phone at 454-

help us, as REALTORS®, stay abreast of the

tee, members are expected to serve for at

tos. The photos with the most “likes” on Jun.

7636

least one year. To learn more about the com-

30 and Jul. 30 will win two lucky photogra-

roundup@abor.com with questions regard-

mittees, their roles and meeting frequency,

phers a free ticket to Realty Round Up!

ing the trade show. RL

news provided by the feed would otherwise

The open call for committee sign up

only be available through a subscription with

latest industry news. The streaming news feed brings you updated stories directly from the trustworthy Inman News and supplies you with a wider range

real

estate

news.

Visit

www.abor.com and view the side bar on the right to read your Inman News. Ready, Set, Go: Volunteer for a Committee Today! Are you interested in becoming more in-

Business Development Representative Repr esentative today to lear n about learn our course of ferings! offerings!

1601

e-mail

visit www.abor.com/about_abor/committees.cfm. You can sign up to be a part of a commit-

Subscribe to our Calendar of Events

tee in 2011 by visiting www.abor.com/committees. Contact Vicki Harris in ABoR’s

www.realtylineonline.com

Executive Department by phone at 454-7636 or by e-mail at executive@abor.com for further information. Save the Date for Realty Round Up 2010:

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www.realtylineonline.com

June 2010

Realty line of Austin

NAPMW officer Patricia Wagner of DHI Mortgage takes tickets as members from the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national convention board the boat that will take them to see Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous bats.

Joan Klausner, Betty Landreth, Kathy Deeny and Carra Elkins, all of Amelia Bullock REALTORS join Karan Knippa of Gracy Title, Georgia Levin and Naomi Koury, both of Amelia Bullock REALTORS and Shirley Renfro of Gracy Title at the title companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open house on North Mopac.

Robert Way, Heather Cooke and Hil Stroup, all of Texas American Title, join fellow associates for some Cinco de Mayo fun at El Arbol.

Jim Clark of RE/MAX Round Rock wishes at least one of his shots goes in the hole at Twin Creeks Golf Club where WCAoR held its annual golf tournament.

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June 2010

Realty line of Austin

www.realtylineonline.com

The KB Kronicle JUNE 8, 2010

KBHOME.COM

512-651-8059

KB Home Appreciates YOU!

(Above) Yvonne Apodaca, with Century 21 HSK, and (Above) Mary Mealy, Juan Escobar and Monica Colette Fitzgerald, with KB Home, enjoy the Cinco Pena were happy to join in the fun at the KB Home de Mayo Realtor Appreciation Party held at the KB Home Design Studio. Realtor Appreciation Party.

(Above) Chip Irving, with Zip Realty, enjoys the awesome Tex-Mex appetizer spread at the KB Home Realtor Appreciation Party. (Left) Diane Tran and Nohemi Ramirez, both with Prudential Texas Realty in Round Rock, attended the Mortgage Strategies MCE course taught by Mark Hairston at the KB Home Legends Village model home.

Spotlight Community of the Month

(Right) Tara Knight, Kim Whitlock and Carolina Aceituno, all with Keller Williams Realty in Round Rock, get ready for a day of hard work at a Habitat for Humanity project. KB Home sponsored the KW “Red Day” and provided the agents withe Round Rock donuts and coffee.

ShadowGlen in Manor - Coming Soon! From the $120s • 1,315~2,038 sq. ft. • 2 model homes • 10 floor plans • 1~and 2~story homes • 3~6 bedrooms • 2~4 baths • ENERGY STAR qualified homes • Community park with playscape and pool • Manor ISD ShadowGlen is conveniently located off of Hwy. 290 east of SH-130. The community recreation area features a 4-acre water park with a junior Olympic-size swimming pool, a splash pool, a giant slide pool with dual shoot slides, playscape and 4,300-sq. ft. air conditioned amenity center with fitness facility. To Visit KB Home at ShadowGlen: Take Hwy. 290 East from Austin and pass SH-130 to community entrance 3 mi. ahead on left. Turn left on Shadow Glen Blvd. and right on Shadowglen Terrace to model homes on left. 888-KB-HOMES

The community is adjacent to the ShadowGlen 18-hole public golf course which winds its way through the community.

Need a sponsor for an upcoming meeting or event? Need a space to hold your next meeting, class, or event? KB Home is always looking for opportunities to work together with our local Realtor partners. Please contact Colette Fitzgerald, KB Home Broker/Realtor Liaison at cfitzgerald@kbhome.com, 512-651-8059, for more information!

www.realtylineonline.com

Realty line of Austin

June 2010

Marie DangSchwartz of Realty Executives and Yvette Ochoa take salsa lessons during the Cinco de Mayo event that WCR and NAHREP hosted at The Commons at Rowe Lane clubhouse.

Independence Title staffers gather around the golf cart to celebrate the beginning of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s charity golf tournament at Crystal Falls Golf Club.

Laura De Rosales makes it official to become president of NAPMW for 2010-2011 as she signs a note at the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s installation and awards banquet.

June 2010

Realty line of Austin

Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORSÂŽ

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Column J. Rene Ward

www.realtylineonline.com

the business and WCAoR wants to ensure

2010 President

WHAT YOU THOUGHT WAS ONCE TRUE MIGHT NOT BE

protects the consumer and our members.

your success. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why our Rookie Club

10. WCAoR works to meet all of your real

was created to assist agents that have been in

estate needs and has done so since 1973. Our

the business for less than two years, a critical

new building has great parking, a huge RE-

time when starting a new career.

ALTOR store and easy access from IH-35.

7. We may be small in numbers, but the

Stop by and check us out! We are located at

WCAoR staff has 28 years of combined expe-

123 E. Old Settlers Blvd. in Round Rock. We

rience in working with non-profit associa-

look forward to serving future generations of

tions. They know the importance of our

REALTORS.

members and are here to listen and meet the

Come join us. WCAoR is the place to be if you are interested in:

needs of our REALTORS and affiliates.

â&#x20AC;˘ Being a part of one of the top Associa-

hatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for some

3. Williamson County is the second fastest

8. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a member of our association

myth-busting, some balloon de-

growing county in Texas (Rockwall County

you can join any committee that is of interest

flating, and some general setting-

is number one) according to the U.S. Census

to you. We love our volunteers and volun-

â&#x20AC;˘ Developing yourself as a REALTOR;

the-record straight truths. As I have visited

Bureau estimates released in Mar. 2010.

teering helps us to identify strong future

â&#x20AC;˘ Networking with top REALTORS and

sales offices this year, I realized that some

Williamson County has been growing at an

leaders for our association.

REALTORS donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why they should

increasing rate for several years now because

9. WCAoR contracts with the Texas Asso-

â&#x20AC;˘ Benefiting from our training and educa-

join the Williamson County Association of

of its location just north of Austin. In fact,

ciation of REALTORS (TAR) for professional

tion as well as developing your own career

REALTORS (WCAoR). We know you have

parts of Austin's city limits extend into south-

dispute resolution services. Like most of the

plan;

choices and we want you to know why we

ern Williamson County. Most of the growth

other local associations, we believe this en-

â&#x20AC;˘ Staying current in the industry.

are so proud of our Association. As presi-

has been residential with large companies,

sures consistent unbiased decisions. This

New members welcomed daily. RL

dent, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud to be the one to set the record

such as Dell, increasing the housing market

straight. So for all the current and especially

opportunities for many REALTORS.

for all the future membersâ&#x20AC;ŚLetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go! 1. The Williamson County Association of

WCAoR have their GRI designation. This is the highest percentage of any local board that

TOR associations in the state of Texas, with

offers GRI. We value education and offer di-

over 1,200 REALTOR and affiliate members.

verse courses monthly.

2. If you do most of your business in the

5. You can subscribe to MLS services right

Williamson County area, you do NOT have

here at WCAoR. ACTRIS, (MLS) is pur-

to join WCAoR but why wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you join

chased separately from your board member-

an association where you do business? An as-

ship. Lockboxes and classes for MLX

sociation that knows your business, cares

Exchange

about your business and values your busi-

WCAoR.

are

also

available

Subscribe to our Calendar of Events today.

through

ww w. rea ltyline online . com

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www.realtylineonline.com

June 2010

Realty line of Austin

Terri Wood, standing, of United Lending, gives Melanie Damron and Rose Land, both of Keller Williams Realty, a preview of what to expect at the lunch and learn event, which addressed creative financing.

Harry Pokorny of Lonestar Properties and Bill Stanberry of Stanberry & Associates make their way around to all the booths at the CTCAR Expo after attending informative classes all day.

Stacey Rider of Keller Williams Realty, Jimmy Goff of Goff Properties and Victoria Reviel of 98th Meridian get ready to learn about luxury home marketing at the WCAoR luncheon. Master of ceremonies Randy Rollo presents Gayle Berkbigler of Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty with the REALTOR of the Year award at the Home Builders Association MAX Awards Gala.

Ellenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Staging Tip: Picture Hanging 101 Wall art should be at eye level on walls so that one can view the space without raising or lowering their gaze and insures that the perception of the space as large and open. Here are suggestions I give to homeowners: â&#x20AC;˘ Framed artwork and photos are hung at eye level for a person 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? to 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;8â&#x20AC;? tall. Hold the piece in front of yourself so that your face is centered in the frame and hang it at that level. â&#x20AC;˘ For Perfectionists: hang so that the center of the art work is 66â&#x20AC;? to 68â&#x20AC;? from the ďŹ&#x201A;oor. â&#x20AC;˘ When grouping wall art, the space between the pieces should be 1/3 the width of the smallest piece. Use a laser level for precision hanging of groupings. â&#x20AC;˘ Ideally any artwork hung will be larger than 18â&#x20AC;? X 20â&#x20AC;?, but several 8â&#x20AC;? X 10â&#x20AC;? pieces can be hung as a grouping if larger pieces arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t available. â&#x20AC;˘ Artwork hung above a ďŹ replace mantel should be hung with the bottom of the frame no more than 6â&#x20AC;? to 8â&#x20AC;? above the mantel. â&#x20AC;˘ Remove artwork from all walls that are less than 36â&#x20AC;? wide.

Do your sellers need professional staging? Call me today for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;MAKE A DIFFERENCEâ&#x20AC;? consultation. Ellen is ready to help you set the stage for professional results. Ellen Boettcher, president 512.751.1756 Ellen@StagingByDesign.com

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June 2010

Realty line of Austin

www.realtylineonline.com

Chris Rodriguez of Realty Executives encourages guests to vote for his salsa during the Cinco de Mayo salsa-tasting contest at The Commons at Rowe Lane clubhouse. WCR and NAHREP hosted the event.

Krisstina Wise of The Good Life Team moderates a discussion by a panel of top producers who were invited to share their tips for success with members of the Austin Young Real Estate Professionals.

Jim Goldrick of Texas American Title, Kevin Finch of Team Mortgage and David Matthys of RE/MAX Capital City help organize the WCAoR golf tournament at Twin Creeks Golf Club. Guests Joe Longrro and Lynna Longrro enjoy live music and shade outside during an open house to show off the new Fine Austin Living office in Westlake.

OUR PRIORITY RATES BEST RATES LOWEST FEES COMMUNICA COMMUNICATION TION YOUR MORTGAGES

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www.realtylineonline.com

Realty line of Austin

June 2010

David Davidson of RE/MAX Heart of Texas and Hem Ramachandran of Indus Realty stop by to visit the KB Home Studio during a REALTOR appreciation happy hour.

Ann Carson of Independence Title and Gwen Johansen of North American Title try to overtake each other so they can be the first one to sign up a new CTCAR member at the Expo 2010 at the Westin Hotel in the Domain.

Kevin Ginsburg of United Lending and daughter, Savannah, help pick up around the property with the Lakeway Keller Williams Realty team during RED Day, a community service project.

June 2010

Realty line of Austin

www.realtylineonline.com

http://feequote.gracytitle.com

Technology to Achieve Your Vision

Stewart Online

Market View Austin

www.realtylineonline.com

June 2010

Realty line of Austin

SHOW OUR NEW HOMES AND YOU’LL HAVE SOMETHING TO SHOW FOR IT.

Ellen Boettcher of Staging By Design makes a toast with Todd Smith and Shaunna Terry, both of Fine Austin Living, at the company’s open house. Ellen helped design the elegant atmosphere for the new office.

Melinda Carroll of First American Title conducts a training session on critical contract timelines at Avalar Austin.

Now, each time you register a new, qualified prospect at the Steiner Ranch Welcome Center, you will receive a $20 Gift Card to Nordstrom.

North Ame North American A merican Title’ Title’s s Res Research earch ear ch B Branch ranch Team Team

The more you show, the more you collect! And the best part of all, these cards never expire. Call or visit the Welcome Center for details and start eyeing that new pair of shoes! Showing your clients new construction in Steiner Ranch is always in style.

Dawn Da wn Schwete Schweter r Branch Branch M Manager anager (VFURZ 2IÀFHU (VFURZ 2IÀFHU

Cindy B Blow low ((VFURZ 2IÀFHU VFURZ 2IÀFHU

Alisa LeB LeBlanc lanc

M Marketing arketing Director Director C entral, N Central, Northwest orthwest Austin Austin

Your Y our Cl Closing osing Pro Professionals. Pr ofessionals. We are We a re your yo u r escrow e s c ro w team t e a m in i n the t h e closing c l o s i n g process, p ro c e s s , providing p rov i d i n g solutions s o l u t i o n s to to tthe h e ccomplicated o m p l i c a t e d procedure p ro c e d u re of o f buying b u y i n g and a n d selling s e l l i n g real re a l estate. e s t a t e . We We go g o above a b o ve aand n d beyond b eyo n d to t o provide p ro v i d e peace p e a c e of o f mind m i n d to t o all a l l parties p a r t i e s involved. i nvo l ve d .

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Builders: Taylor Morrison, Drees Custom Homes, Highland Homes, Monterey Homes, Sendero Homes, Partners In Building Custom Homes: Affinity Homes, Randy Rollo Homes, Echelon Homes. Information contained within this advertisement is correct at the time of publication and subject to change. In order to receive gift card, Realtor must accompany prospect into the Welcome Center on first visit.

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June 2010

Realty line of Austin

HBA of Greater Austin

President’s Column Steve Zbranek

2009-10 President

HOME FOR 2010 PARADE OF HOMES AT ROUGH HOLLOW LAKEWAY NOW TAKING SHAPE; FOUR HOME STILL AVAILABLE FOR SALE

www.realtylineonline.com

pendable, customer service driven solution

in Central Texas. The company’s values of

to homebuilding. Triton focuses on pre-sold

trust, integrity and performance help it to

custom homes from Central Austin to the

focus on creating homes that exceed a cus-

Texas Hill Country, many of which are de-

tomer’s expectations technically, functionally

signed and built utilizing the latest in green

and aesthetically while adhering to a budget.

and sustainable technologies. VII Custom Homes

Stonewood Homes Stonewood Homes, Ltd. is an Austin-

VII Custom Homes practices the art of

based custom home-building company ded-

building dream homes for their clients. They

icated to quality construction with excellent

continually strive to raise the standards in

craftsmanship, contemporary construction

n Visit www.AustinHomeBuilders.com

Homes, Masters Touch Custom Homes,

custom building through the use of natural

processes, classic features and service be-

to find learn about Parade of Home details.

Jenkins Custom Homes, VII Custom Homes,

products, building healthy homes, wide

yond the sale. With Stonewood’s discrimi-

Stonewood Homes and Rostrata Builders,

open living spaces, unique outdoor living,

nating supervision, each home built becomes

Inc. The HBA’s exclusive Parade of Homes™

and homes that are wired for the 21st cen-

distinctively special creation in stone and

Annually since 1953, the Home Builders

at Rough Hollow offers thousands of

tury. While many of their primary goals are

wood.

Association of Greater Austin prepares to

prospective homebuyers and Realtors the

the same as other notable builders, their most

The HBA’s 2010 Parade of Homes™ at

showcase

opportunity to see firsthand the stunning

important purpose is to ensure that each

Rough Hollow Lakeway is scheduled to take

Homes™. The tour features some of the best

line-up of Tuscan and Hill Country contem-

home genuinely reflects their clients’ style

place Oct. 16-31, 2010. Visit www.Austin-

our region’s builders have to offer as well as

porary custom home designs available for

and personality.

HomeBuilders.com

the

prestigious

Parade

the latest interior design and architectural

purchase. Three of the seven residences to be

Rostrata Builders, Inc.

trends of the year. No other home tour offers

on display at the Parade of Homes‘, which

the general public the chance to visit several

span 3,500 to 4,900 square feet and are priced

Rostrata Builders has over 100 years of

top-of-the-line, fully furnished, award win-

from the $750’s to $1.5 million, have already

combined experience creating custom homes

ning homes where they can generate ideas

been sold.

frequent

Triton Custom Homes

Selected for the second time in the last

Founded in 2006 by Tommy Roberts, a li-

three years, the 2010 Parade of Homes™, where dream homes become reality, will take

censed Professional Engineer, Triton Custom

place at Rough Hollow Lakeway. Rough

Homes has quickly solidified a position in

Hollow’s Bluffs neighborhood was selected

the upper tier of the Austin home building

to showcase seven exquisite homes built by

industry. Triton is an award winning, family

Zbranek Custom Homes, Triton Custom

based company established to provide a de-

We’re W e’re local. Our clients jump for our in-house processing, underwriting under writing and closing! TTalk alk to the professionals at United Lending about financing your pad.

updates

and

progress of the Parade Homes™ on the Parade channel at LakeTravisTv.com. RL

available for sale:

round Oct. 2010.

www.roughhol-

community details. You can also follow the

These builders are building homes still

for their own home building and improvement projects…and it’s back for another

lowlakeway.com

and

Subscribe to our Calendar of Events today. ww w. rea ltyline online . com

www.realtylineonline.com

Realty line of Austin

June 2010

Candace Smith of WR Starkey Mortgage installs the 2010-2011 executive board at the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women’s installation and awards banquet.

Associates Debora Flores and Gerry Vanover spend the morning at the Coldwell Banker of Texas State Rally in San Marcos learning the latest industry trends and information from top Coldwell Banker leadership.

The 2010 ABoR Foundation Directors and Friends gather at a recent appreciation luncheon. From left: Leonard Guerrero, Sandy Battise, Alisa LeBlanc, Cathy Coneway, Carol Medley Parker, Carol Dochen, Terri Romere, Laura Pagnozzi, Kara McGregor and Buck Sandlin.

Keith Husbands of The Husbands Company grabs a cold drink to keep cool on the course. He was a participant in ABoR’s golf tournament at Avery Ranch to help raise funds for TREPAC.

Renovation Financing

Help your remodel customers maximize their renovation dollars Recognized as the nation's #1 originator of renovation financing, our renovation loan options may provide your customers financing power to remodel, repair, improve and bring out the most in their home. • Fixer-uppers, rehabs, and properties in any condition are eligible • Provide your customers a loan amount that is based on the completed value of the home after improvements with our Purchase & RenovateSM program • Qualified customers can transform a “before” with a loan based on the upgraded “after” • We can lend up to 110% of the after-improved value To learn how your buyers may benefit from renovation financing, call today!

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June 2010

Realty line of Austin

Women’s Council of REALTORS®

President’s Column Susanna Boyer

2010 President

DISCOVER THE WCR DIFFERENCE!

cers for WCR Austin Chapter. The positions

at Austin Board of REALTORS®. This will

that are open are President-elect, Vice Pres-

be our Annual Business Meeting.

ident of Membership, Secretary and Treas-

“BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND…” SO

urer. Please send your nominations to the

YOU THINK YOU CAN MODEL contest

Nomination Committee chair, Marie Dang-

returns and will be the entertainment held

Schwartz at dangschwartz@earthlink.net. If

during the July luncheon.

you have any questions regarding nominating someone or self nomination, please contact Marie at 431-5365. Join us Thursday, Jun. 24, at Austin Board of REALTORS® for our regularly

t the Women’s Council of RE-

help in their business. These are just a cou-

ALTORS® (WCR), when our

ple of the things we would like to know, to

members invest their valuable

make your WCR experience the best it can

time with us, we know they expect that in-

be. If you’ve not yet taken the survey,

vestment to payoff. That’s why WCR deliv-

please do so. We really would like to know

ers the kind of information, resources and

what you think. We will be sending it out

networking opportunities that help our

again, for those that missed it…so watch

members stay on top and out front of the

your inbox.

www.realtylineonline.com

scheduled Business Resource Meeting and Networking luncheon. Our speaker this

Contact Susan Brown, Fashion Show chair at 844-5553 or by e-mail at SusanWe

BrownRealEstate@yahoo.com.

will

have a silent auction and there will also be a drawing for an I-Pad, an I-Pod Touch and an I-Pod Nano.

month will be Ashley Whittenberger, prin-

If you have an item you would like to

cipal/owner of Interiority Complex, LLC.

donate for the silent auction, or have ques-

Ashley started the Interiority Complex, a

tions, please contact Anita Farrell at 448-

Texas-based staging and design firm in

4111

2002. Prior to launching Interiority Com-

AnitaFarrell@Austin.RR.com. “Let WCR be

e-mail

her

plex, Ashley was an award winning top

the APPLE of your Eye!” For tickets or in-

producer with two national home builders,

formation about the Apple drawing, please

real estate business. Join us and you’ll dis-

In case you missed the 4th annual WCR

as well as a licensed REALTOR who served

cover an environment that makes the most

BAKE OFF for TREPAC on May 27, at the

contact Cheryl Jenkins at 699-6530 or e-

as the Director of Sales and Marketing for

of your skills, talents and ambitions. We

Austin Board of REALTORS®, let me

mail at Cheryl@CKJRealty.com.

an urban luxury development in down-

are a community that both supports and

recap: as the auctioneer, Socar Chatmon-

town Austin. Ashley has been featured on

encourages your success. In short, you’ll

Thomas did a fabulous job at getting the

Fox 7’s Good Day Austin and on The

find a place where it all comes together.

bids going and David Burton did a super

Austin Real Estate Experts, a local televi-

The best way to get the most out of your

job at organizing and getting all the bakers

sion show featuring the hottest topics,

WCR membership is to get involved. We

together. Fun was had by all and over

trends and tips in the Austin real estate

have many opportunities for you to join a

$3,280 was raised. Mike Barnett, from TAR

market. Come out and meet Ashley and get

committee, volunteer to assist us at the

was our speaker, and he gave an update on

a few tips on affordable design assistance.

ing at the luncheon, and will have their

reservations table, or share an inspiration.

Hill visits in Washington D.C. He gave us

Networking starts at 11 a.m. and lunch will

name placed in a drawing for a prize to be

We recently sent out a survey to our

an insight into what these TREPAC dollars

be served at 11:30 a.m. Make your reserva-

awarded at the September luncheon.

members to ask their opinion of how we

are used for. We want to thank all of the

tions now at www.AustinWCR.org.

are doing as an organization. We also

wonderful people that participated in this

asked members what types of speakers

awesome event.

and/or programs give the most benefit to

Nominations are open for the 2011 offi-

Elections Elections will be held Thursday, Jul. 29,

We’re having a membership drive to coincide with the Texas state membership contest, “Born to be Wild.” The contest started May 1 and will run through Aug. 24. Everyone who brings a REALTOR that joins WCR will get special, reserved seat-

I look forward to meeting lots of new REALTORS and affiliates at our upcoming events. Until then, go out and make it a great day! RL

All 3-hour MCE courses are FREE! Register Today! earn 3 MCe credits at one of our upcoming valuable seminars.

“Exceptionally good class. On topic and very well presented.” — Don Gross, broker

Instructor

“Your class was very organized and the material given was excellent!” — Rosemary Follis, Rosemary Follis Real Estate

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Mark hairston Direct 789-6967 Mark@TexasMortgageIQ.com

“I would give your credit scoring class a 10! I think this course is a MUST!” — Vickie Boozer, CRS, GRI, ABR, e-Pro, REALM Professionals

www.realtylineonline.com

Realty line of Austin

June 2010

Kara McGregor, second from right, of Independence Title, welcomes Donald Degollado, Joyce McDonald and Christa Noland to the company’s charity golf tournament at Crystal Falls Golf Club.

WCAoR members get ready to work for Habitat for Humanity at a home in Round Rock.

AYREP’s Alisa LeBlanc, right, of North American Title, shows her new engagement ring to Cynthia Mattiza of JB Goodwin REALTORS, who offered to give her tips on great wedding vendors. They were attending AYREP’s Top Producers Panel at the Hyatt Regency.

June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

Experts Speak Out

www.realtylineonline.com

Commentary

least 90 percent efficient. As an ex-contractor,

the buyer sees the audit after their option pe-

Steve Medina

10 percent was a "just in case" amount added

riod lapses and discover they don't want the

to a construction estimate to leave room for

house after all? Although the City calls it a

error. It's easy to fail with so many factors,

disclosure, nowhere in the ordinance does it

one of which, keeping a plastic tight seal over

say the audit needs to be disclosed upon list-

Savvy Inspections

Mandatory EnErgy audits cElEbratEs 1st annivErsary

several ceiling and wall vents. Another is the old closet the furnace sits in might leak air too when pressurized, but that lost air pressure is lost at the closet return vent where the analyzer is plugged into, not necessarily

ing or even during the option period, only "before the time of sale." Does that mean that the buyer could conceivably receive the audit report seconds before closing escrow? There is no question energy audits are

from the attic ductwork. There's a line on the

audit report where the auditor is supposed

useful and beneficial. Energy conservation

to insert the leakage percentage number, but

puts people to work and helps save on utility

it's been known to have the word "inconclu-

bills, but it was not invented by the govern-

sive," which means there was so much leak-

ment. Forcing property owners to pay for and

bout three years ago, former

why does the report get filed by the utility

mayor Will Wynn proposed the

company? Austin Energy is managed by the

Climate Protection Plan which

City and paid by taxpayers. Is it possible that

included mandatory energy audits to home

they use the audits for subsidies from the

sellers as a form of "disclosure" for would-be

federal government? That of which is also

buyers, and required efficiency upgrades by

paid by taxpayers. Is this a stepping stone for

the buyer after one year of home ownership.

the next mayor or politician to mandate effi-

The community and real estate industry did-

ciency upgrades to your property? After all,

ducts need replacing. Ask any energy auditor

n't accept it, so a compromise was made

they have your energy audit on file now. A

how many homes fail the pressure test, and

which only included the energy audit, thus,

standard seller's disclosure does not cost

they'll say more than 85 percent.

age, the machine could not get a reading.

report to the City the anatomy and condition

Could be a leaky closet or improper sealing.

of their private property is a violation of con-

So, when the seller receives a failed audit, he

stitutional and property rights in my opinion.

or she might mistakenly assume their attic

Micromanaging of citizens' private property in the guise of conservation is not efficient when regulated by the ones who can't manage efficiency themselves. Education and

the Energy Conservation And Disclosure

money. The ECAD, on the other hand, does.

Just like home inspectors, auditors eval-

(ECAD) ordinance was born. Once the audit

Does it make sense for a home seller to pay a

uate the age of the HVAC, thickness of insu-

was conducted, the report would be filed

service to benefit a perfect stranger? If you

lation and leakage of air ducts, except the

and recorded by Austin Energy. The ordi-

sold your car to a stranger, should you pay a

insulation standards set forth by the City is

Austin property owners aren't ignorant peas-

nance went into effect June 2009. With a bad

mechanic to inspect your car for him? Would

different than the inspectors' set by the state

ant villagers that toil aimlessly while fer-

economy and people hurting for work, teach-

you want the mechanic to perform an honest

of Texas. So, what happens when an energy

vently awaiting the Sheriff's new taxes.

ers, engineers, truck drivers, and of course

inspection?

auditor recommends more insulation, and

They'll rise up or move to another kingdom.

the inspector doesn't? What happens when

contractors and home inspectors took a

Home inspectors already perform similar

week-long course and became certified

inspections as the energy auditor except for

Building Performance Professionals.

the use of a duct flow analyzer machine. This

The City ordinance is for the good of the

machine measures air leakage percentage of

home buyer and to aid in energy conserva-

ductwork, and anything over 10% is sub-

tion with no strings attached. If mandatory

standard according to Austin Energy. In

upgrades are not included in the ordinance,

other words, your older home needs to be at

Coming Soon to Lakeway & South Austin!

awareness grows naturally as does supply and demand when the economy allows it.

Subscribe to our Calendar of Events today.

ww w. rea ltyline online . com

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www.realtylineonline.com

Realty Line of Austin

June 2010

Masters of Ceremonies Randy Rollo of Rollo Custom Homes and Frank Perdichizzi of Private Label Realty talk with John Horton of John Horton Realty before taking the stage at the HBA MAX Awards Gala.

Keller Williams Realty Lakeway finishes their community service project as part of RED Day.

Shaunna Terry of Fine Austin Living welcomes guests Jean Barrieiro, Erica Thornhill and Fred Thornhill to the company’s new office in Westlake.

Derrick Jones of Austin City Living takes aim at Avery Ranch, where he was participating in ABoR’s TREPAC golf tournament.

looking to hang your hat elsewhere? Supreme Lending of Austin is looking for well-qualified Mortgage Professionals. Supreme Lending has all the tools that you will need to be successful in today’s changing market place. On-site Underwriting and Processing If you want to join a winning team and find out more information about this opportunity, call 512-279-1150 or e-mail John.McClellan@SupremeLending.com

Listen to the radio show “The Real Estate Zone” every Sunday 11 to Noon on News Radio 590 KLBJ and 99.7 FM FHA • VA • Conventional • USDA

June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

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June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

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Realty Line of Austin

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Realty Line of Austin

June 2010

Lili Maliner of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS visits with Jean Marie Ficken and Rainer Ficken of Newland Communities at the MAX Awards Gala hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. Newland Communities was a platinum sponsor and also won in several categories.

Tish Darey and Jeff Darey, both of JB Goodwin REALTORS, make their way to the first green as they have fun helping to raise funds for TREPAC at ABoRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf tournament.

Art Lish of Linsalata Realty Services, Avis Wukasch of Keller Williams Realty and Harry Gibbs of Keller Williams Commercial attend the CTCAR Expo at the Westin Hotel in The Domain.

Mary Fisher of RE/MAX Greater Austin and Denise Whiteside-Pugh of JB Goodwin REALTORS find a comfortable spot in the KB Home studio to relax during a recent REALTOR appreciation happy hour.

June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

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Steve Crawford and Cindy Crawford of Keller Williams Realty ask Chris Keefer of United Lending about how they can expand their options with creative financing. They were attending a lunch and learn in Lakeway.

All the salsas were great, but only one would win when Judy Massouh and Nichole Johnson, mother of Amy Kobza of Austin Title, tabulated the voting at the WCR and NAHREP Cinco de Mayo event.

Ryan Rogers of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, HBA president Steve Zbranek and HBA past president Gary Henley dress for success at the MAX Awards.

ABoR president David Foster lines one up to send it into next week at the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf tournament at Avery Ranch, which helped raise funds for TREPAC.

Celebrate Your Independence

www.IndependenceTitle.com

Happy Independence Day!

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June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

David Tandy of Gracy Title and Joe Brown of Sente Mortgage ask Todd Smith of Fine Austin Living to show them around the new office in Westlake during a recent open house.

Linda KnowlesKatz of Land Mortgage, John Schutze of Cornerstone Mortgage and Becky Hopkins of Austin Title attend the recent top producers panel and networking happy hour hosted by the Austin Young Real Estate Professionals.

Ben Buckman draws attention with his checkerboard shorts at the charity golf tournament at Crystal Falls Golf Club. With him were Tommy Holmes and Brian Pitman. All are with Independence Title, which sponsored the event.

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June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

Colette Fitzgerald of KB Home makes a few announcements during a recent happy hour and thanks REALTORS for all the sales they made together in April.

Heather Cooke of Texas American Title and Paula Long sport facial adornments at the Cinco de Mayo celebration with Randy Chupik at El Arbol.

Many REALTORS from Austin enjoy a visit to Washington, D.C., where they got to meet with U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (standing center) and thank him for being supportive of REALTORS. John Onken of Buffington Signature Homes wins best salesperson of the year in the $250,001 to $350,000 price point at the HBA MAX Awards.

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Realty Line of Austin

Associates In Progress

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uct or program to fit your

Advertiser Profile

clients needs, and they tend

By Stacy Stroud

to ask a lot of questions. They want to get to know

DHI Title

you and your client and to understand their transaction,

circumstances,

and

goals—partnering with you

to educate them so they can or over 25 years, DHI Title has

buyers every day.

make their decision with

been focused on making the

Brandy Barton manages the Austin

confidence. “It’s simple: we

dream of homeownership a reality.

branch of DHI Title. Her office is located in

treat our clients the way

The company was created to provide one-

Northwest Austin near the Arboretum, but

we’d treat our grandmoth-

stop home closings for customers of Milburn

closes in a number of counties where DHI

ers—with

Homes which is now owned by D.R. Hor-

offices are located, including Dallas, Fort

Barton. “We see you and

ton, the nation’s largest homebuilder. The

Worth, San Antonio, Houston, and Pearland.

your clients as people, not

company has expanded to include residen-

According to Barton, it’s DHI’s uncommon

deals.”

tial customers from across Texas as well as

approach to title insurance that has made

With a motto of “We

Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Louisiana and

them so successful. “We care deeply about

don’t make excuses, we

Minnesota. DHI Title fulfills the escrow and

the relationship with our customers and in-

make it happen,” DHI is on

title insurance needs for both new homebuy-

dividual agents,” she says. “We treat your

a mission to simplify the

ers with D.R. Horton, and works with indi-

customer with respect and courtesy and

closing

viduals in the resale marketplace handling

have a daily focus on doing things the right

2009 brought them one step

both purchase and refinance transactions.

way.”

closer with a paperless file

DHI’s philosophy centers on earning cus-

All of DHI’s closers are highly knowl-

tomers’ confidence, not just their business.

edgeable, most with more than 20 years ex-

respect,”

process.

says

October

Brandy Barton Austin Branch Manager

policy. This enhancement has

dards and best practices, in a continuing ef-

not only helped the company be more envi-

fort to offer your clients the best value and

It’s this commitment to a relationship of

perience.

The company offers a more

ronmentally conscious, but has also stream-

service. With every transaction, and every

service and trust that led repeat customers

personal relationship with their clients to

lined the lending process and made it even

customer relationship, the DHI team strives

to refer their families and friends. Real estate

deliver fast, friendly and efficient services,

easier to close transactions.

to make sure that all parties are actively in-

professionals that once represented D.R.

understanding that REALTORS are trusting

Brandy Barton and DHI Title welcome

volved and kept informed, updated, and

Horton customers now refer customers to

them with their clients’ most important in-

the opportunity to be your title insurance

made comfortable with the entire closing

DHI Title directly, and the company—which

vestment. Barton’s goal is a closing transac-

provider. Their goal is to make you look

process.

goes beyond closing builder transactions

tion that is stress free and enjoyable, and she

good, resulting in repeat business for you

To speak with Brandy Barton and get ac-

with an entire Retail department specializ-

and her team members pride themselves on

and DHI. The DHI team is active in industry

quainted with the professionals at DHI Title,

ing in resale and refinance closings—offers

making closings convenient.

professional organizations and involved in

call

discussion and debate about industry stan-

www.DHItitle.com. RL

services to an increasing number of home-

DHI’s closers want to find the best prod-

(512)

533-1616

visit

www.realtylineonline.com

Realty Line of Austin

June 2010

Party P aaand rndty PROPERTY T PROPERTY TOUR OUR

b barton arton place place C O N D O M I N I U M S

NAPMW president Ginny Miller, second from left, arrives at the Boat and Bat Tour with Amy Ellmore, Bobby Bryant, Angela Bujnoch, Cathy Carosone-Lynn and Murielle Barnes to relax after a long day at the organization’s national convention.

Providing Scholarships arships forr Central Texas Students in need forr overr 30 years. year

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Mark Hairston of Mortgage IQ, Dwight McDuffie of John Horton Realty and Jay Gohil of Jay Gohil Realty enjoy the TREPAC tournament at Avery Ranch Golf Club.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

www.fairwayauustin.com

ww w. ken n ady co .co m

Pam Jenkins, right, of Land Mortgage accepts the employer of the year award from NAPMW president Ginny Miller at the association’s installation and awards banquet.

Tickets can be purchased online www.abor.com or Contact one of ABOR’s “Friends of the Foundation” All proceeds from this event will benefit the ABoR Foundation 501 3(c), a charitable organization that distributes scholarships, promotes real estate-related research and serves the community.

Sadie Corrie, Pat Vincent, Sue Barrilleaux and Valerie Lyday, all of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, enjoy a networking event at the Embassy Suites the evening before the Coldwell Banker Texas State Rally in San Marcos.

May June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

Real Estate

News & Notes

Newland Communities names Vaike O’Grady as Marketing Director for Austin

On Saturday, May 1, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin awarded Gayle Berkbigler of Capital City Sotheby’s International Realty with the MAX Award for Realtor of the Year at their 19th annual Marketing and

the company’s active communities include award-winning Teravista and Falcon Pointe.

Advertising Excellence (MAX) Awards and Gala at the Austin Country

O’Grady has been with Newland Communities for 10 years, holding a variety of positions

Club.

in the company’s Southeast region, where she oversaw marketing for communities in Florida

“Gayle gives 110% to everything she does and is a consistent top pro-

and Georgia. with homebuilders including American Heritage Homes and Ryland

ducer at Capital City Sotheby’s International Realty,” says Mary Land, co-owner of Capital City Sotheby’s International Realty. “She is a success-

struction. I am so proud of her accomplishments and honored to be associated with her.”

She was also vice president of brand/marketing at the Tampa chapter of the American Marketing Association, a volunteer position. She is a graduate of Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland. and we are very excited to welcome her to Austin, especially at a time when

berkbigler

ful commercial and residential agent with extensive knowledge about new home con-

Homes.

“Vaike has accomplished great things during her career with Newland,

berkbigler honored with highly coveted MaX award for “rEaltor of the year” by the Hba

Newland Communities has named Vaike O’Grady as Marketing Director for Austin, where

Prior to joining Newland Communities, O’Grady served in sales and marketing positions

www.realtylineonline.com

o’grady

many important developments are taking place in Teravista and Falcon Pointe,” said Jennifer Taylor, central region vice president of marketing for Newland Communities. “Teravista ranked among the top 15 communities in the United States for new home sales in 2009, and Falcon Pointe reported a first-quarter 2010 sales increase exceeding 300 percent.”

coldwell banker united, rEaltors recognized as the #1 company nationally Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, an independently-owned company, was named

Phillips honored by NAR with REALTOR Association Certified Executive (RCE) Designation Marjorie Phillips, association executive of WCAoR, was honored by the National Association of REALTORS® with the REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE) designation, which recognizes exceptional efforts made by REALTOR® association executives. This designation signifies accomplishment, initiative and professional development. Phillips is one of over 400 REALTOR® association executives who have achieved this mark of excellence. Local and state AE’s who hold the RCE designation represent more than three-quarters of a million REALTORS® in

50 states. This designation exemplifies goal-orientated AE’s with drive, experience and commitment to professional growth.

su b scri be to r eal t y li ne’s o n lin e ca lend ar of Even ts at ww w.real ty li ne online .com

the Number One Company nationally in Closed Adjusted Gross Commission Income and Total Units for the Coldwell Banker® system in 2009, among independently owned and operated Coldwell Banker companies. “Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS embodies the unparalleled level of customer service and integrity that exists as a central part of the Coldwell Banker brand,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “Even in a challenging year for the real estate market, Coldwell Banker United, Realtors succeeded in dedicating its time and energy to quality customer commitment and service.”

Phillips

MileStone Community Builders, LLC expands in Lakeway area at West Cypress Hills

This year was undoubtedly challenging for real estate, as it was for many sectors of

Construction is now underway at West Cypress Hills, as MileStone Community

the economy. “While news headlines shook customer confidence we are still seeing pos-

Builders, LLC expands its presence into the Lakeway area and continues with plans for

itive signs that that the housing market is improving,” notes Gillespie.

aggressive growth throughout Metro Austin.

“We dedicate this honor to our outstanding team of sales professionals,” said Helen

“We are delighted to have found such an exceptional site in scenic Texas hill country,

Edwards, President/COO of Coldwell Banker United, Realtors’ Austin division. “It is

where every home site in the master plan backs up to greenbelt,” MileStone president &

their integrity, focus and unwavering commitment to their clients that has enabled us to

CEO Garrett Martin said. MileStone has secured 60’, 70’ and 90’ lots in the first section

stayed at the top of the Coldwell Banker network year after year.”

of the community, with plans to build eight single family plans, priced from the low $200s. “We believe our product fills a tremendous need for hill country living with quality

98th Meridian welcomes Haladyna and Sullivan Broker/owner Victoria Reviel is pleased to announce and welcome its new team mem-

and opulence that has not been achieved at this price point,” Martin said. “Our homeowners will enjoy an outstanding array of community amenities on over 1,000 acres of ruggedly- handsome terrain at West Cypress Hills.”

bers Christina Haladyna and Jamie Sullivan.

combining nature and neighborhood

Christina has been licensed for several years and covers Bastrop and surrounding cities while Jamie is new to the real estate industry and will cover Leander and North Austin.

Resting on a high bluff overlooking an expansive valley, The West Cypress Hills amenity center includes a pool complex with gently sloping shoreline, a lap pool, shaded

rE/MaX agent beth oliver recognized as top Producer for May 2010 Beth Oliver, with RE/MAX Heart of Texas REALTORS, is recognized as the Top Producer for total sales volume for May 2010. Oliver has been working in the real estate industry for more than 20 years and has extensive experience in residential real estate sales and relocations. “Beth has consistently been a top producing agent for our office and we are very proud of her accomplishments,” said David Davidson, owner/broker, of RE/MAX Heart of Texas REALTORS.

viewing area and baby pool. A playground, sport court and ball field are adjacent to the pool area, while a several mile-long nature trail runs along a scenic spring-fed creek with shaded picnic areas nearby. West Cypress Hills’ location combines the best of both worlds: urban amenities amid the natural beauty of the hill country. Less than 30 minutes to downtown Austin, West Cypress Hills is conveniently located 7 miles west of the Hill Country Galleria on Hwy 71 and is in the acclaimed Lake Travis ISD. Homeowners will find a host of shopping, dining and entertainment options nearby, with the Village of Bee Cave, Shops at The Galleria and HEB just minutes away. a sneak Preview is scheduled for summer 2010

Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, announces Million Dollar a Month Club members

MileStone is building 1- and 2-story homes ranging in size from 1950 sq. ft. to over 3,700 sq. ft., with prices starting in the low $200s. With beautiful native stone and stucco exteriors, these architecturally distinctive homes offer attached 2- and 3-car garages as

The Westlake office of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, is proud to announce their

well as casitas, courtyards and outdoor kitchens. The MileStone homes include media or

Million Dollar a Month Club for April 2010. They are Sue Barrilleaux, Jana Birdwell, Leslie

game rooms, as well as granite countertops, tile floors, garden tubs and other luxury fin-

Crider, Brian Fahey, Tosca Gruber, Eve Kush, Tonya Nieto, Ryan Rogers, Pat Vincent and

ishes.

Linda Wisthuff.

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June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

Marilyn Taylor and Austin Title’s Kay Milligan make a plan for hitting the green at the Williamson County Association of REALTORS golf tournament at Twin Creeks Golf Club.

John McClellan of Supreme Lending broadcasts an informative real estate show from 11 a.m. until noon every Sunday on News Radio 590 KLBJ and 99.7 FM.

Suzanne Gantner of Sky Realty and Danette Tidwell of Time Warner Cable give a helping hand at the WCAoR luncheon at the Cedar Park Town Center.

<RXU 7LPH IRU < RXU 7LPH IRU 6XFFHVV LV 1RZ 6 XFFHVV LV 1RZ P Power ower Lunch Lunch a att S Sente ente M Mortgage ortgage th A August ugust 18 – 12 noon ““Service Service Second Second to to None None””

TThe he SSente ente Business Tip of the Month: Building Tip If you want to know what your clients think of your service— ask! Come to our Power Lunch next month to find out when and how.

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TREC #8213

June 2010

Realty Line of Austin

Experts Speak Out

Commentary Tom Berry

help clients make purchase decisions that

Gracy Title Company

EPa institutEs nEw rulEs rElating to lEad Paint in EXisting ProjEcts

may involve renovation. One of the major concerns coming out of

www.realtylineonline.com

Additionally, there appears to be significant concern over how many contractors are aware of the new rules requirements. As of

these rules changes are the increases in over-

Apr. 22, approximately 10% of the estimated

all costs for renovation, and while opinions

200,000 contractors requiring certification

differ over how much additional cost will be

had been certified, according to EPA esti-

incurred, the industry consensus is there will

mates.

be cost increases, and those increases will be

Real Estate professionals can access addi-

passed through to homeowners. Some indus-

tional information, both on the EPAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Web

try experts predict 10% surcharges on all ren-

site at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renova-

ovation projects impacted by the rules, but

tion.htm,

and

through

NAR

ceed on a job without implementing LSWP,

with little hard data yet available, the actual

www.realtor.org/government_affairs/lead_

mental Protection Agency (EPA)

which had been common practice prior to

cost remains to be seen.

paint_realtors . RL

instituted new rules relating to

these changes. These additional required dis-

s of Apr. 22, 2010, the Environ-

how contractors and renovation profession-

closures also come with new mandates on

als must deal with lead paint in existing proj-

how long contractors must keep records for

ects.

each project completed, and now generally

Dubbed Renovation, Repair and Painting rules, or RRP, these new rules come out of re-

require complete records to be kept for three years from time of completion.

cent amendments to the Toxic Substance

Certain states have instituted their own

Control Act, and specifically place new re-

requirements, and the EPA is allowing those

quirements on any contractor making

requirements to preside, if they meet the

changes to more than six square feet of a res-

minimum standards of the federal rule. To

idence built prior to 1978, where lead paint

date, Texas has not instituted its own rules,

may be present.

and therefore all contractors in Texas are sub-

Included changes require contractors to

ject to EPA regulation. Contractors ignore

pay $300 and register their company with the

these rules at their own risk, as the penalties

EPA, have at least one employee train to be-

can exceed $32,000/day/violation.

come an EPA certified renovator, employ

While these new requirements are mainly

lead-safe work practices (LSWP), which in-

the responsibility of the contractors hired to

cludes purchasing HEPA filter vacuums and

do the work, understanding these changes is

body suits, and provide additional disclo-

critically important for real estate profession-

sures to homeowners before beginning work.

als, both as they recommend contractors

Additionally, homeowners can no longer

(since they will need to be sure they are rec-

sign a waiver allowing a contractor to pro-

ommending certified professionals), and

Down Payment Assistance

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YMCA Hays County Golf Tournament committee members Jim Pacey, Marc Goebler, Jason Tarr, Marilyn Van Uum of Gracy Title and Brent Barrett are happy to see a great turnout at the fundraiser for YMCA Partners in Youth.

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Realty Line of Austin

June 2010

Jennifer Smith, Todd Smith, Shaunna Terry and Marcy Colunga, all of Fine Austin Living, officially open the company’s doors on Bee Caves Road in Westlake.

Steve Medina, Mike Camacho, Chris Garcia and Jose Vera, all of Savvy Property Inspections take first place at ABoR’s TREPAC golf tournament at Avery Ranch. Austin Title’s Amy Kobza (standing center) announces the winners of the salsa contest at the WCR and NAHREP hosted Cinco de Mayo themed mixer which was held at the Commons at Rowe Lane.

Tiffany Harris and Chris Dodd, both of Buffington Signature Homes, are all smiles after seeing their company win best product design for a volume builder ( $ 2 5 0 , 0 0 1 $350,000) and best interior merchandising ($150,001 to $175,000) at this year’s MAX Awards.

AYREP president Sumina Bhatti and ABoR Chairman John Horton of John Horton Realty thank Amber Hart of Keller Williams Realty and Kirk Lewis of Home City for participating in the Top Producers Panel at the Hyatt Regency.

David Tandy of Gracy Title accepts the community service award from WCAoR president J. Rene Ward at the organization’s luncheon which was held at the Cedar Park Town Center.