Wife, husband honored as ABoR’s Most Worthy Citizens
The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) presented the 2008 Most Worthy Citizen Award to SARA and DICK RATHGEBER during the April 11 luncheon held in their honor. Since 1949, ABoR has bestowed this prestigious annual award on members of the Austin-area community who have demonstrated active and consistent concern for others’ welfare. An advocate for abused and neglected children, Sara Rathgeber has served as president of charities including The Settlement Club and Helping Hand Home for Children and has been an Austin’s Children Shelter board member for over 10 years. She and her husband donated $2.7 million in land and funds and helped raise nearly $12.9 million for the shelter’s new campus, which recently began construction in East
Austin’s Rathgeber Village. Dick Rathgeber established Southwest Constructors in 1958 and has since provided numerous demolition projects clearing the way for buildings such as the Austin Convention Center, Texas School for the Deaf and AustinBergstrom International Airport. He has consistently helped local charities and hospitals by acquiring land sites, facilitating construction, raising funds and donating land, money and demolition services. The Rathgebers were honored as Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Austin Chapter earlier this year and named Austin’s Best Citizen by the Austin Chronicle in 2007.
UPCOMING EVENTS: MAY 19 REALTOR GRAND OPENING Ash Creek Homes - Arboretum Park 9707 Anderson Mill Road, Unit #36 - Noon MAY 22/JUNE 26 WCR NETWORKING LUNCHEON ABoR Auditorium - 11:30 a.m
JUNE 4 AMBA MONTHLY LUNCHEON “Green Building Techniques and Standards” Austin Country Club - 11:30 a.m.
JUNE 18 NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK - ABoR Foundation Dell Diamond - 5:30 p.m. JUNE 18 CRS MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Westwood Country Club - 11:30 a.m. JUNE 18 NAHREP MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON Holiday Inn Town Lake - 11:30 a.m.
Inside…
on the
Associates In Progress
MAY 2008 • VOL. 13 • ISSUE 1
Enjoyable. Entertaining. It’s all About You.
Gavurnik Builders
Agent Spotlight
David Durham of Keller Williams Realty
Pre-listing inspections aid in faster home sells and gives sellers more negotiating power.” One problem that often occurs after an CONTRIBUTING WRITER inspection is that buyers typically expect a One thing REALTORS and sellers have in com- $2 to $3 price discount for every $1 worth mon is a desire to move a house quickly and for top of defects that turn up. dollar. In order to achieve this goal, some are turn“You absolutely see that,” Poague ing to a new technique—having homes inspected says. “If a range is not working, I have seen buyers knock $1,500 before they are actually up for sale. Known as a prelisting inspection, it has many off the price when it would benefits over the traditional method of waiting until only cost about $300 to an offer is extended. Home sellers learn what needs replace it. So sometimes to be repaired and can fix it in a less hurried fashion, the markdown they possibly saving money. It also puts the house in the request is sometimes best condition possible, thus attracting buyers. four or five times the actual cost.” So if a seller learns that the roof needs Finally, it reduces time spent on the negotiation process, as all information on the home is given work, it may be an unpleasant surprise, upfront to the buyer. This limits the potential of any but paying $5,000 for the repair can be surprises and tells the buyer that any problems more enticing than reducing the asking price by $10,000 or more. Donna found were repaired. “It is definitely becoming a more popular market- Ciccarelli of Exit Realty has been coning tool,” says Justin Poague of Burgess Inspection vincing her clients that prelisting Group. “I have been encouraging people to do it for inspections are worth the typical cost of the past year or two when I speak to various real $300 to $450 for a checklist covering estate groups. It really does help houses sell faster more than 1,500 items in a home. She has even begun requiring sellPresorted Standard ers who want U.S. Postage PAID her to list Austin, Texas their home to Paid Permit #715 get one, and P.O. Box 81366 after her presAustin, Texas 78708-1366 entation to them, they tend to agree that a prelisting inspection is a wise choice. “They don’t have a Don’t forget: You can visit us online 24/7 at www.realtylineonline.com problem with it because
By Linda McNabb
they trust me as a professional,” she says. “And it’s usually not really big things that show up. It’s all the little small things that can add up to a long list. “It makes the buyer want to negotiate off the sales price. It wastes a lot of time and time is precious. Replacing pieces of trim and caulking a tub are not that expensive to get a home in show quality. With interest rates going up, we want to move these homes now.” Apparently the technique is working, as Ciccarelli said she recently had four offers on a home where the seller followed her advice. “It’s a win-win for both sides,” she says. “And after seeing a few offers fall apart after an inspection many REALTORS are starting to catch on that this is a good idea. It puts a home’s best face out there and it pays off.” But while REALTORS say buyers are impressed when they see a home has already been inspected, some say buyers still tend to get their own done anyway, just to be safe. “It makes a buyer more comfortable making an offer, but in the end they want their own inspection, because the typical homeowner thinks their home is a mansion,” says Chris Ott of Keller Williams Realty. “An inspector is paid to find things.”
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May 2008
ABoR chairman Socar Chatmon-Thomas of Keller Williams Realty and City Councilman Mike Martinez congratulate Sara Rathgeber and Dick Rathgeber, who were both named Most Worthy Citizens.
These brave men get ready to strut their stuff in front of bidders at the Third Annual Gentleman’s Gala, sponsored by NAHREP, which raised money for scholarships. From left: Edgar Gonzalez of Greater Austin for Sale, David Pavliska of RE/MAX Round Rock, Realty Executives’ Michael Neuman, Ron Urias of Farmers Insurance and Edmond McEnany of Realty Executives.
A PUBLICATION OF © CAXTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.
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 1,000 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 the Women’s Council of REALTORS. 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.
Doren L. Carver PUBLISHER
Tawanna K. Carver MANAGING EDITOR
Linda McNabb CONTRIBUTING EDITOR/WRITER Diana Williamson OFFICE ASSISTANT
COLUMNISTS Socar Chatmon-Thomas Linda Hall • Gary Henley Gary Cocanougher • Steve Klein All photos, press releases or article submissions can be sent to
E-mail: realtyline@austin.rr.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708 Office: 821-1900 www.realtylineonline.com
Realty Line of Austin
May 2008
ABoR CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Batter Up for an Evening at the Dell Diamond By Socar Chatmon-Thomas • Coldwell Banker United REALTORS 2008 Chairman • Austin Board of REALTORS Join ABoR in honoring the 2008 ABoR Foundation scholarship recipients on Wednesday, June 18 at the ABoR Foundation’s Evening at the Dell Diamond. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. in the United Heritage Center with a buffet of hotdogs, hamburgers and snacks. The Round Rock Express will face off against the Omaha Royals at 7:05 p.m. Before the game, the scholarship recipients and donors will take to the field for a special presentation. Your generous donations allowed the ABoR Foundation to distribute 10 scholarships to deserving high school seniors this year. Tickets to this event are $20 for adults ($10 for kids under 10) and include food, beverages and reserved seating. All proceeds benefit the ABoR Foundation. To purchase tickets, contact Laura Pagnozzi of Independence Title at 567-5491 or Rita Barousse of ABoR’s Education and Professional Development Department at 4547636, ext. 1603. For more information on the ABoR Foundation, visit www.abor.com/about_abor/foundation.cfm.
Last Call for Leadership Nominations If you are thinking about applying for an ABoR or TAR leadership position, don’t delay! The deadline for submitting nominations is June 30. Nominations are currently being accepted for the following positions: 5 ABoR directors, one ABoR chairman-elect, one ABoR secretary/treasurer, two TAR Regional vice presidents and two TAR directors. ABoR director positions require a three-year commitment. While the chairmanelect and secretary/treasurer positions each carry a one-year term, the chairmanelect must satisfy a two-year commitment as he/she automatically becomes chairman the second January after being elected. Eligibility requirements for participating on the ABoR Board of Directors may be found in Article XI Sections 1, 3 and 5 of the ABoR Bylaws, available online at https://www.abor.com/pdf/bylaws.pdf.
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The TAR Regional vice president holds a three-year position and is the primary link between TAR and ABoR. TAR directors hold three-year terms and comprise the governance arm of TAR. Eligibility requirements for TAR leadership may be found in Article V Section III of the TAR Bylaws, available online at http://texasrealtors.com/web/2/16/bylaws.pdf. Nomination forms have been posted at ww.abor.com/leadership/abor_leadership_form.cfm. Please direct questions regarding the available positions or the nomination process to Vicki Harris at vharris@abor.com or 454-7636, ext 1001.
Take a Trip to Paradise with TREPAC Are you a Parrot Head? Then join ABoR and the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAoR) for the “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” TREPAC fundraiser on Monday, June 23 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cheeseburgers in Paradise will be held at the Falcon Pointe Resident’s Club, located at 19015 Falcon Pointe in Pflugerville. The menu includes margaritas, key lime pie and, of course, cheeseburgers! Dress in your “Key West Best” for a chance to win Best Dressed, and remember to bring your checkbook for the silent auction. Tickets are available in advance for $35 each from ABoR at 454-7636, ext. 1500 or WCAoR at 255-6211. Due to limited seating, tickets will not be available at the door. For more information on this event, contact Emily Chenevert of ABoR’s Government and Community Affairs Department at government@abor.com or 454-7636, ext. 1500. Who Says There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch? At ABoR’s Lunch and Learn sessions, you’ll enjoy free food while reviewing the MLS Rules and Regulations. The best part is, once every six months you can waive an eligible MLS fine by attending a session. Upcoming courses are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Friday, June 27; Friday, July 25; and Friday, August 29. This course is free to all MLS participants, but seating is limited. Reserve your space today by visiting www.abor.com/courses and selecting the “MLS” tab.
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May 2008
Shannon Hardwick and Cheri Konz, both of Mercedes Homes, get ready to show guest Tom Schnurpfeil all the finishing touches in the model at Quarry Lake Estates.
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Millie Regal, vice president of sales and marketing for Meritage Homes, enjoys a moment with her husband Tom Regal at the MAX Awards, hosted by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.
Susan DeGraffenried and granddaughter Riley show signs of spring at the grand opening luncheon at the Amelia Bullock REALTORS office in Westlake.
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Abby Hester and Diana Brown, both of Independence Title, join Sandy Nelson of JB G o o d w i n REALTORS at the Riverbend Centre, where legendary real estate educator Howard Brinton discussed ways to thrive in a challenging market.
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Event committee members Kindra Zepeda of Independence Title, Nicole Cooke of DHI Title, art consultant Sasah Wytrwal, Josie San Miguel and Angelina Ybarra of IHS Mortgage smile as they realize the hard work they put into NAHREP’s Gentleman’s Gala was paying off.
If he sells enough Mercedes Homes during the promotional period, Eddie Gaw of TCB Realty just might be driving this Mercedes automobile instead of admiring it at the Denim and Diamonds event in Liberty Hill.
Jennifer Pospisil, right, of Chicago Title tells Amelia Bullock of Amelia Bullock REALTORS what an outstanding job she has done with the new office space in Westlake.
May 2008
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Marie Dang Schwartz, left, of Realty World, John Horton and Associates, and D.A. Henry, right, of The Aldion Group congratulate Avis Wukasch, center, of Keller WIlliams Realty for recently being appointed to the Texas Real Estate Commission. They were at Dale’s Essenhaus in Walburg. View or Pu you see rchase the pics www.re in Realty Line a t altyline online.c om
Debbie Ates of Wilshire Homes and Edward Lui of Lone Star Properties hear about property taxes at the quarterly WCAoR meeting at the Heritage Oaks Clubhouse in Georgetown.
Teri Nelson-Zepeda checks out the list of items up for bid at the Third Annual Gentleman’s Gala sponsored by NAHREP Austin. Teri is the mother of Kindra Zepeda of Independence Title, who served on the event committee.
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May 2008
Members of Highland Lakes Real Estate come to Riverbend Centre to hear about placing systems in their business. Front row: Charlie Hensen and Clara Hammonds. Back row: Gena Hammonds, Gene Hammonds, Lisa Sizemore and Rae Annis.
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Michael Linderman of Taylor Morrison tells Lateef Johnson of Zip Realty about the latest in new home décor and design that are showcased at the homebuilder’s new design center.
Candace Smith of WR Starkey Mortgage and Patricia Wagner of DHI Mortgage attend “Your Credit, Your Dreams,” a NAPMW program at the Holiday Inn Northwest.
May 2008
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Louis Flores II and Sally Garcia, both of KB Home, release the REALTORS to find cash in the model homes at the Eat and Run Treasure Hunt at Waterleaf in Kyle.
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Barbara Wallace, Sharon Smith, Carol Strickland, Carra Elkins, Susan Brown and Diane Willard, all of Amelia Bullock REALTORS, celebrate the new office space in Westlake as well as new agents.
Gary Henley, president of the Home B u i l d e r s Association, presents the Diamond Partner awards to Tiffany Amore of Kimball Hill Homes and Abby Feuerbacher of Meritage Homes at the 2008 MAX Awards.
Rise Johns of Keller Williams Realty finds the CRS event featuring famous speaker Howard Brinton is a great place to network, as the event drew agents from Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, including Bill Foreman of RE/MAX Premier IV Dallas.
May 2008
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Jonathan Wells and Gretchen Van Pelt, both of Avalar Austin, enjoy the back patio at the Mercedes Homes model at Quarry Lake Estates in Liberty Hill. Joining them were Edgar Gonzalez (standing center) of Greater Austin for Sale, REALTOR Bill Russell (seated), Helen Papazyan (standing) and Marty Kaye (seated), both of RE/MAX Capital City. the pics Purchase ine at L View or y lt in Rea m you see nline.co o e n li y lt a e .r w ww
Harper Ray of Cornerstone Mortgage joins Connie Smith of the law offices of Brett Shanks and Joanne Rossa of National City Mortgage at a program about rebuilding credit, hosted by the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women. Bobby Glenn of Legacy Homes was the first winner of the night at the MAX Awards. Gary Henley, president of the Home Builders Association, recognized him for best on site sales person for homes priced from $175,000 to $250,000.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2008
HBA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Parade of Homes REALTOR Day: Free Admission for REALTORS on May 22 By Gary Henley • Henley Homes, Inc. 2008 President • Home Builders Association of Greater Austin It’s that time of year again! This spring when Mother Nature showcases her best and brightest, so do Austin area builders and developers—in the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin’s annual Parade of Homes™. This year, we’re honoring REALTORS® with REALTOR® Day on Thursday, May 22. That means you get free admission to the Parade of Homes™ tour and festivities all day when you show your business card. Each year, the HBA highlights some of the best homes in design and luxury with the annual Parade of Homes™ tour. The builders who showcase these custom homes are hand picked by the participating developer based on criteria such as price, overall style, and level of quality. This year ’s Parade, hosted by Rough Hollow in Lakeway from Saturday, May 17 through Sunday, June 1, features six extraordinary homes in the $2 million - $3.2 million price range. The Parade of Homes™ is a great opportunity to see what’s hot in luxury homes, meet builders and developers who could bring you new business, and possibly make a sale on a new home in the beautiful Rough Hollow community. Here’s a look at this year ’s builders and their homes: Jenkins Custom Homes: 219 Canyon Turn Trail—6,900 square feet of luxury with a lake view, three stories with elevator, library with hidden room, built in saltwater aquarium and home spa features. New Austin Homes: 227 Canyon Turn Trail—The ultimate in outdoor entertaining over Lake Travis. This home boasts 6,778 square feet with lush landscaping, outdoor courtyard with water feature, separate guest casita, interior wine room with glass floor over a serene koi pond. McCullough I Gray: 221 Canyon Turn Trail —A beautifully crafted 8,900
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square feet on two lots, this home features a large round dining room with domed ceiling, safe room, large wine room, spiral staircase, exercise room and spacious outdoor living areas. Copperleaf Property Group: 226 Canyon Turn Trail—This three-story home boasts 8,108 square feet, five bedrooms and five full bathrooms, three fireplaces, four observation decks, game room, a wine room with brick floors and even a private boat dock. Sterling Custom Homes: 229 Canyon Turn Trail—With over 6,000 square feet, this sterling example of livable luxury features a wide open view beginning at the front courtyard where you can look directly through the living room beyond the outdoor living area and pool to Lake Travis. The home also boasts outdoor living areas, game room, and guest casita. VII Homes: 231 Canyon Turn Trail—With a clean combination of simple style and earthy “Texas Tuscan” tones, this 6,782 square foot home takes its cues from the natural beauty of the Lake Travis horizon. Courtyards, rooms with abundant natural light, resort style pool, and a temperature controlled wine cellar complete the marriage of Old World style with Texas luxury. Get to know these luxurious new homes and their top-notch HBA builders at the annual Parade of Homes™, at Rough Hollow in Lakeway. This year ’s tour is open Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults 18 and over, $10 for seniors 62 and over and children 3 to 17 years (cash only). Children under 3 are admitted free. And remember, on REALTOR® Day, May 22, admission is free to REALTORS with a business card*. Visit www.austinhomebuilders.com for more information. To learn more about how to choose a builder or buy a new home, visit the Home Builder ’s Association of Greater Austin’s Web site at www.AustinHomeBuilders.com; then click on consumer resources. *Free REALTOR® Day admission only good for real estate agents who hold active Texas Real Estate Commission licenses. Offer does not apply to REALTOR’S guests, family or friends.
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New team members at Amelia Bullock REALTORS arrive for lunch and to check out the new space at the Westlake office. From left: Betty Kuykendall, Nila Williams, Lilla Ezell, Janice Hurst, Betty Landreth and Carol Strickland.
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Carol Creel and Joy Nichol, both of Banker Coldwell United REALTORS, support local heroes at the sixth annual Heroes of Central Texas celebration sponsored by the American Red Cross of Central Texas.
Chelan Pimentel of Kimball Hill Homes wins a MAX Award for best construction superintendent for a volume builder.
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A n g e l a Therwhanger of AHS, Stewart Sutton of JB Goodwin REALTORS, Mary Ellen Schmidt of AHS and Byron “Buddy” Schilling of JB REALGoodwin TORS get ready to hear Senator Kirk Watson address clean air and transportation issues at the JB Goodwin REALTORS company meeting. the pics Purchase ine at L View or y lt in Rea m you see nline.co o e n li y lt a e .r w ww
Andy King of Kimball Hill Homes enjoys a moment with his wife Me Lee King at the MAX Awards at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Emily Chenevert. ABoR’s PAC coordinator, bids her hard-earned cash for TREPAC at the WCR cultural diversity bake-off.
Discover why no one can do what Countrywide can. JENNIFER LINSCOTT
Home Loan Manager/Production
NORTH AUSTIN OFFICE 9828 Great Hills Trail, Suite 550 Austin,Texas 78759 Office Main: 346-0339
Direct: 231-3423 Cell: 563-2727 Jennifer_Linscott@Countrywide.com home.countrywide.com/jenniferlinscott
KIM GHANEM Sales Manager
Direct: 231-3424 Cell: 743-8609
FRANK HUNT Sales Manager Cell: 633-6922
CHRIS KEEFER, Sales Manager
KENT KILLOUGH Sales Manager Direct: 231-3435 Cell: 736-9310
Direct: 231-3426 • Cell: 261-5002
ATHENA KOLER, Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3413 • Cell: 673-2510
JARED KOLER, Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3414 • Cell: 673-2614
MARK SUMRALL
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3436 Cell: 585-1481
“JP” PALMERI
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3418 Cell: 791-2476
RANDALL ROBINSON
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3420 Cell: 432-528-3218
STEVE SIFUENTEZ
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3412 Cell: 762-2856 Se Habla Espanol
STEPHANIE DELEON
Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3433 Cell: 788-2207
MATT MORROW, Hm. Loan Consultant Direct: 231-3427 • Cell: 779-1132
Realty Line of Austin
May 2008
WCAoR PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Safety is a Factor By Gary Cocanougher • Avalar Real Estate 2008 President • Williamson County Association of REALTORS Personal and home security is a concern to all consumers, whether they’re old or young, single or married, a parent or not. Protection of self and property is a fundamental component of feeling safe, and this is especially true in their homes. So, when helping a customer in the market to buy a home, remember to keep security in mind during your search.
Searching for your new home It’s likely that you will evaluate different neighborhoods as you look for their next home. Do your research to find areas that appeal to you as well as your client. Go online and look around—many neighborhoods have Web sites, e-mail groups or discussion forums. These can be excellent resources for general information about the area. You can also use the Internet to find crime statistics and search for sex offenders. Other considerations are more in your direct control—things that are already present on the property or that they can change after they take possession of the house. Generally speaking, criminals will select the house that presents the least risk of being caught. Homes with easy access, substantial cover and good escape routes tend to be more common targets.
Simple ways to tighten up Evaluate points of entry to the home. Solid-core or metal doors are preferable, as are keyless deadbolt locks. Also check to see if there are windows near the doorknob; a thief could smash the window, reach in and unlock and open the door. Look at the condition of the door jamb…should it be replaced? Do all the locks on the windows work? Sliding glass doors and sliding windows should have functioning latch locks, but a through-the-frame pin is a decent hindrance to a potential thief, as is a
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charley-bar. Unsecure garages are also a common access point—does the entrance to the house from the garage have a good door with a solid locking mechanism? If the home does not have heat or motion activated lights outside, consider recommending they install them. A potential thief may be dissuaded from entering their home simply based on the fact that the automatic lights around the property remove his cover as he approaches.
Let the pros handle it You may want to suggest a security system. If the home is not pre-wired or does not have an existing system, a client could spend a substantial amount to get one installed, although most insurance companies offer an attractive discount for such a setup. If there is an existing system, determine if all windows and doors are monitored and see if the installed equipment includes a motion sensor and a battery backup. Some systems can even detect smoke, heat, fire and carbon monoxide—find out if the system you’re looking at has that capability. Good fences make good … security Fences not only cut off easy escape routes, but also can provide a degree of privacy and restrict unwanted access. Additionally, if there’s a lot of pedestrian activity in the neighborhood, a property without a fence may get pass-through traffic. If they have children, a fence provides a safe area for them to play. With an enclosed back yard, you might suggest they get a dog. While big dogs are usually more intimidating and more of a stereotypical watch dog, any barking dog can be effective at giving warning that something is out of the ordinary. Plus, they can hang a Beware of Dog sign, which may act as another deterrent.
Minimize your risk Everyone has different definitions of and expectations about safety—after all, what’s “safe” to one person may be far too risky for someone else. One thing’s for sure, though—we all want our home, our possessions and most of all, our lives to be as secure as possible. So when searching for homes, consider personal and home security. Your clients will appreciate the fact that you have considered all their needs when helping them find the home of their dreams.
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Steve Shamel, Wendy Saari and husband Brian Saari are pleased to hear that the Ash Creek Homes’ Cottages at Lake Creek was recognized as one of the top new communities at the 2008 HBA MAX Awards gala.
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Ann Marie Sandlin of Reta Kays REALtakes a TORS moment to visit with Sara Rathgeber, 2008 Most Worthy Citizen Award recipient at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Jesse Hickle of Mercedes Homes points out on the site map how homes are selling quickly at Quarry Lake Estates in Liberty Hill. REALTORS recently toured the model during an open house event.
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Lalo Gutierrez, Connie Gutierrez, Angie Williams and Paul Williams, all of Meritage Homes, cheer on winners of the homebuilding company at the MAX Awards, sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.
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ABoR chairman Socar ChatmonThomas, right, greets Alison Street of Amelia Bullock REALTORS at the Austin City Council candidate forum. came to They address concerns about a proposed ordinance regarding energy efficiency that would delay sales transactions. Jeanne Nguyen, president of the Asian Real Estate Professionals, places a bid on one of the cakes at the Women’s Council of REALTORS’ cultural diversity bake-off benefiting TREPAC.
May 2008
Stewart Title president Gaye Pierce, center, surrounds herself with office colleagues Cathy Bade and Collin Chunta at the HBA 2008 MAX Awards, where they came to cheer on industry professionals.
J.B. Goodwin, center, starts the morning early with Wanda Stewart and Allison Dady in order to hear Senator Kirk Watson speak on clean air, CAMPO and other local issues at the JB Goodwin REALTORS company meeting.
Ready to kick up their heels to live music at Dale’s Essenhaus in Walburg in celebration of Avis Wukasch’s appointment by Gov. Perry to the TREC commission were Sheri Brummett of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Ann Marie Sandlin of Reta Kays REALTORS.
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Charles Porter, past ABoR chairman of the board, opens the floor to questions at the Austin City Council candidate forum. REALTORS wanted information about the proposed ordinance requiring homeowners to show their homes comply with energy efficient retrofits in order to sell.
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Joyce Melugin and Lilla Ezell, both of Amelia Bullock REALTORS, enjoy more elbow room with the addition to the company’s Westlake office.
Chris Cropper of Century 21 First Place checks out floor plans available at Quarry Lake Estates. Mercedes Homes recently hosted Denim and Diamonds, an event that allowed REALTORS to check out the Liberty Hill community.
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City Councilman Mike Martinez offers his congratulations to Dick Rathgeber after reading a proclamation from the city to honor him as the Most Worthy Citizen.
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Robert Wright of R.L. Wright REALTORS, Shelia Hawkins-Bucklew of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, and Judith Bundschuh of Realty World, John Horton & Associates get informed at the Austin City Council candidate forum at ABoR.
Titha Oden, right, of Reytex Homes, visits with developer Walter Elis before entering the dining room at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, where the MAX Awards were presented.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2008
ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS
Gavurnik Builders By Linda McNabb CONTRIBUTING WRITER John Gavurnik of Gavurnik Builders is one of the seasoned pros in the Central Texas homebuilding business. He has 40 years of experience, so he has seen many ups and downs in the market. One of the secrets to his company’s continued success is that he listens to buyers. In essence, he lets them have it their way. He has formed a homebuilding process that allows homeowners to customize as much or as little as they wish, resulting in homes that are as individual as the owner. Gavurnik offers the ability to make custom changes in homes from the low 100s to the mid 300s. “Buyers are more sophisticated and knowledgeable,” says Gavurnik, who is also president of the Georgetown Homebuilders Association. “We want to make them happy. It’s not just about adding another outlet. If they want a wall moved, we will do it. We make a lot of structural modifications. It’s really not that expensive if it is done prior to construction.” Gavurnik has tons of stories about how he and his team have made sure that buyers have it their way. He recalls one buyer who wanted to convert most of the garage into an apartment, complete with a bathroom, for relatives who planned to live with him for several months out of the year. The client had approached other builders about the idea but didn’t have any luck until he talked with Gavurnik. “He was very happy we could work with his idea and he was pleased with the result,” Gavurnik says. In another case, a buyer’s young child had severe allergies. Gavurnik’s team agreed to check the materials of every product that went into the home—from the insulation to the press board. In some cases, they used alternative products. “It really didn’t cost that much but it made a world of difference in the quality of life for that family,” Gavurnik says. Another family wanted to create a sitting room in the attic where they could have
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coffee every morning. Other changes include doggie doors for pet lovers and lower cabinets and wider doors for those who use wheelchairs. For the hearing impaired, they have put in flashing lights and doorbells. “We build to suit—in any price range,” Gavurnik says. Another advantage Gavurnik has is his longevity in the business. If a buyer is wondering how well his new homes will look in five or 10 years, all he has to do is drive him or her by one of the older neighborhoods he developed. “If it was built 10 years ago or 20 years ago, it still looks John Gavurnik good,” Gavurnik says. Builder In addition to building single-family homes, Gavurnik builds town homes as well as residential and commercial condominiums. While he is known mostly for his Georgetown work, some of his projects extend to downtown and South Austin. He also has a second company that does general contracting. Although he has many interests, one of his primary goals is to provide more affordable housing and he is working with the city to devise more ways to achieve this. He has also participated in building homes for Habitat for Humanity. “I have made a good living at this and I like helping young people get started,” says Gavurnik, who first started helping the younger set as a middle school P.E. and science teacher. “I made $6,000 a year,” he recalls. He says he will continue to work in real estate until he is 80 or 85 years old. “I guess you could say by now that I like it,” he says. “I don’t ever remember a morning where I didn’t want to get up and go to work.”
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May 2008
Members of Meritage Homes bask in glory after winning the Grand MAX Award for volume builder at the HBA’s annual presentation recognizing marketing and advertising excellence.
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Jay Gohil of Jay Gohil Realty and Gary Knippa of Knippa Properties confer at the Most Citizen Worthy Award celebration at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Adrian Garcia, right, of Mercedes Homes tells Lisa Cummings of Realm Realty about the properties available at Quarry Lake Estates in Liberty Hill during a recent open house.
May 2008
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May 2008
NAHREP president Victor Montalvo of Exit Realty tells Jacqui Kidd and Chris Amador of the Patten Law Firm how the bidding works at the Third Annual Gentleman’s Gala. Chris was one of the models and was later voted the crowd favorite. the pics urchase P r o w Line at Vie in Realty e.com you see lin n o altyline www.re
Diane Schouten of Ash Creek Homes and her husband Sjon Schouten await the announcement of the winners at the 2008 MAX Awards gala at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Irma Schanen of Keller Williams Realty San Antonio meets fellow Keller Williams Realty agent Diana Mitchell at the CRS seminar presented by Howard Brinton, who discussed how assertive agents can adapts to changing markets and times.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2008
COMMENTARY
Hello— Real Estate Professionals By Steve Klein • Steve Klein Custom Builder As a matter of brief introduction, my name is Steve Klein. I am a Design/Build residential builder and residential developer. For the past 20 years my occupational passion has been designing and building residences in South Texas in two markets. Steve Klein Custom Builder builds distinctive one-of-a-kind residences in golf communities, waterfront sites and on private ranches and properties in a five-county area. Steve Klein Signature Homes provides “platform based” homes within communities I developed for the move-up and retiree market. Three years ago my wonderful wife of 29 years (God Bless her) and I moved to Georgetown, Texas, to be geographically closer to our two grown daughters in Dallas. Within six months I found myself starting a new Design/Build division, buying land and lot positions and developing relationships with suppliers, trades contractors, professional REALTORS and all who professionally serve our industry in this region. The experience has been refreshing, positive and we both love Central Texas. Recently Realty Line publisher Doren Carver caught me at a weak moment and convinced me to start writing again. It has been many years since I have undertaken this seemingly simple, but tedious task of sharing a glimpse of the world of new home construction with those outside the construction industry. I must admit that I am pretty rusty at the word game, but felt that it was a great opportunity to share the many exciting facets of this industry with you. The home building industry is experiencing rapid change due to technology, and a myriad of new products that make homes more livable, more efficient to operate, provide less maintenance, and have more lasting beauty. Design and architecture choices are virtually unlimited depending on the location of the project,
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budget and the buyer ’s expectations. Austin, Texas is a dynamic market. New home products include loft/studios, condos, town homes, villas, starter homes, family homes, retiree homes, and custom residences from 2,500 s.f to 25,000 s.f. There truly is something for everyone who wants to make Central Texas his or her home. In the coming months, I intend to share a series of topics that should benefit you as a real estate professional and your clients who are seeking the professional services of your/their preferred home builder. Topics include: How to Interview Your Builder, How to Select Your Designer/Architect, The Design/Build Process, Site Selection, The Construction Process, Closing Your New Home, and Warranties and Customer Service will all be addressed. Other articles will talk about Relationships, Interior Design Trends and New Products. I hope you find this new column interesting, to the point and useful in your daily professional career. In an industry flush with specialists, I certainly do not profess to be an expert in any particular topic, but wish to indicate the main points for all to consider. If you have any specific requests for topics that you feel are relevant to today’s market you may contact Doren at Realty Line or myself at Steve@SteveKlein.com. I sincerely appreciate the challenge and look forward to getting acquainted with each of you in the future. All the best, Steve Klein
Publisher ’s Note: Steve Klein is owner of The Klein Companies with development and construction businesses in South and Central Texas. He has built over 500 custom homes and developed 2,000 home sites. Steve has been honored by NAHB/Builder Magazine as America’s Best Builder and is a recipient of Custom Home Magazine’s Pacesetter Award. He has been a frequent speaker at industry conventions and symposiums on topics such as design, construction systems and processes, quality and customer care. We welcome him to Realty Line.
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May 2008
Geraldine Hall, Rachel Kruger, Betty Dubelbeis and Donah Matza check out the office Westlake space at the Amelia Bullock REALTORS grand opening luncheon.
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Gay Puckett of JB Goodwin REALTORS asks guest speaker Howard Brinton about the 10 guaranteed systems to increase market share. He addressed CRS members at Riverbend Centre.
Ron Urias transforms into The King to entice bidders at NAHREP’s Third Annual Gentleman’s Gala. He was the first one on the runway and set the tone for the fun event. Sasha Wytrwal was the emcee.
May 2008
Realty Line of Austin
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Kay Andrews of Amelia Bullock REALTORS, Joe Stewart of Realty World, John Horton & Associates, Jim Morgan of Star Properties and Sandy Bednar of Austin Distinct Properties learn about Rock Solid Practices of Top Producers at a recent CRS meeting at Riverbend Centre. View or Pu you see rchase the pics www.re in Realty Line a t altyline online.c om
Mary Mealy of Realty Executives is the winner of a Massage Envy gift certificate and $50 cash auctioned by Juvenal Herrera of Class First Appraisals at NAHREP’s Third Annual Gentleman’s Gala.
Dee Estrin of Taylor Morrison gives Karen Zello of Avalar Real Estate a private tour of the design center, where the homebuilder recently hosted an open house with cocktails and appetizers.
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Realty Line of Austin
Real Estate NEWS NOTES
Jeff Connally, REALTOR with RE/MAX Austin Associates, Acquires GRI
Jeff Connally has earned the “Graduate REALTOR® Institute” (GRI) designation by completing the curriculum of over 90 hours of specific and intensive courses, covering a variety of subjects including: real estate professional standards, industry best practices, contract law, laws regarding property management, technology, marketing and sales, and real estate finance. The GRI designation sets the individuals who have attained it apart from other practitioners because it demonstrates a higher degree of professionalism and a commitment to provide superior real estate services for prospective clients and customers.
Connally
JB Goodwin REALTORS is pleased to announce Stuart Sutton has joined its firm
May 2008
RE/MAX AUSTIN ASSOCIATES welcomes sales associates Penny Payne and Nolan Wright. RE/MAX CAPITAL CITY welcomes new associates Beth Ann Cummings, John Dixson, Patrick Dixson, Scott Smith, Williams Bartholomew and Joe Klein. Don’t forget you can view or purchase all the photos your see in the print edition of Realty Line at www.realtylineonline.com and click on the link “view photo gallery.”
Stuart is a well known REALTOR having begun his real estate career immediately after graduating from the University of Texas in May of 1981. Asked about his move to JB Goodwin REALTORS® Stuart said, “I have known J.B. for over 26 years. Having been a major presence in Central Texas for more than 35 years, J.B. is one of the best known and certainly most well respected independent Brokers in Texas. The training and extraordinary support he gives his agents is the gold standard for all brokers.” Stuart began his successful career by serving his clients and customers for two years prior to managing a large real estate brokerage office. After management of an office with 50 plus agents for over seven years, Stuart returned to residential sales. It was during his management tenure that Stuart’s life changed forever for the better. He married Rebecca (Commagere), his wife of 21 years now and mother of their sons, Trent (13) and Cole (9). Sutton’s experience with managing a large residential brokerage office has given him Sutton the insight of knowing what works effectively for home owners to get their home sold. His success in marketing Austin real estate has led to training and coaching real estate agents across the U.S. and Canada since 1997.
Newland names Boyd to Vice President of Sales for Austin Division
Newland Communities has named Ian Boyd as Vice President of Sales for its Austin Division, where he will direct sales and marketing activities for the company’s 1,555-acre Teravista community in Round Rock and the 700-acre Falcon Pointe community in Pflugerville. Boyd Prior to joining Newland Communities, Boyd served as Vice President of Community Development in Austin and San Antonio for a major national homebuilder for three years. Prior to that, he held various positions with the same building company in the Houston market. A native of Ireland, Boyd has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Ulster at Jordanstown.
“Thanks to our Readership for 13 awesome years!” — Doren & Tawanna Carver
1 publication. 13 years. 144 issues. Thousands of photographs. Over 200 satisfied advertising clients.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2008
AGENT SPOTLIGHT: DAVID DURHAM • Keller Williams Realty
David Durham of Keller Williams Realty is a number cruncher. He takes pride in knowing important data on his listings. Just ask him what his average list to sold price is and he can recite it off the top of his head. (For those wondering, it is an impressive 98 percent.) “I have been accused of being an engineer,” he says, “but I like crunching numbers. I take my business personally. If a house sits too long because it is priced incorrectly it hurts the seller.” Pleasing is sellers especially important to David Durham D u r h a m Keller Williams Realty because he has cultivated his business working with them more so than buyers. He says a whopping 90 percent of his business comes from listings, so apparently his ability to get the numbers right is an effective marketing advantage. “I know my numbers and a lot of agents don’t,” he says. “They go from deal to deal and I
by Linda McNabb, contributing writer look at it for the long term.” Durham is looking so far down the road that he is already projecting the possibility of handing down the business to his son Nathaniel—who just turned six. “There are definitely systems in place,” he says as he holds up a thick operations manual. “It’s not just me and a database.” Durham got into the business 15 years ago after managing an apartment complex, working in the pool industry and operating a handyman business. “It’s been amazing,” he says of the switch into real estate sales. “Every day is a brand new learning experience and I believe if you are not learning you have died. I fully expect to retire doing this.” A detail person, his favorite aspect of the job is writing contracts. “I like negotiating offers and explaining to the client what is going to happen in the process,” he says. Eventually, he said he would like to offer consulting services to small businesses to share what he has learned. “The first part of last year was one of the best years for me in real estate,” he says, “but in August it almost came to a complete stop. I have learned a lot from that experience.” Durham is a big believer in handwritten notes and is spending more time on developing referrals, furthering his professional education and networking with other agents. “It is important to talk to others who are going through what you are going
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through but aren’t so down that they bring you down,” he says. When he puts the spreadsheets away, Durham is apt to turn his attention to reading. “I have a goal of reading 12 to 15 books a year. Most of what I read are Christian novels. I also enjoy history,” says Durham, whose office space is decorated with replicas of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. “I will read historical novels that were written from the later 1800s to the early 1900s. The beginning of our country is fascinating to me.” Durham doesn’t just read about politics though—he was once heavily involved in it. One fact he says not many people know about him is that he served as Williamson County co-chair for George W. Bush’s first gubernatorial campaign. He said he was impressed with Bush’s ability to remember names on a trip he took with him through a factory. “He ran into someone he had met an hour earlier on the tour and remembered the person’s first name,” he says. “I can’t always remember the names of people I have worked with for three months. I can tell you what house they bought though.” Although Durham admits he is more of a numbers person than a people person, he says he is actually known for being quite outgoing and gregarious among friends. “On the Round Rock property tours, I feel like I am the comedian,” he says. “I like to get people laughing.” Paying attention to the bottom line while still having time for fun—sounds like a good formula for being successful and happy.
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2008
Jan Shurtz, Jenny Park, Lynn Harrison-David and Melvin Smith, all of JB Goodwin REALTORS, start their day with a cup of java and some hot topics from Senator Kirk Watson, who spoke at the company meeting.
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Mark Bennett, center, of e-Executive Realty cools off with Cindi McIntyre and Sam Mehre, both of Zip Realty, as they tour the new Taylor Morrison design center on Burnet Road.
Mercedes Homes’ general manager Charles Cole shows the master suite at the Quarry Lakes model to Donna Cannon of Pacesetter Properties. Donna later won the grand prize drawing for a two-night stay at the Hyatt at Lost Pines.
May 2008
Ron Johnson and Dennis Popperwell, both of Kimball Hill Homes, cheer on the company, which won several MAX Awards at the Renaissance Austin Hotel including Best e-mail, Volume, Best Design Center over 1,000 sq. ft. and Best Overall Ad Campaign, Builder.
Matthew Ditlow, right, of Capital City Sotheby’s International Realty welcomes Alfredo Naim of Austin Foreign Investments to the Element Studios grand opening party that the real estate agency hosted.
Avis Wukasch of Keller Williams Realty is greeted by WCAoR Association Executive Marjorie Phillips as well as many well wishers as they arrive to a party in her honor. Avis was recently appointed as a commissioner for the Texas Real Estate Commission.
The Heritage Oaks clubhouse was a great venue to hold the quarterly WCAoR membership meeting. Attending were Candy Buzan of PrimeLending, Susan Brown of Realty World, John Horton & Associates and Mike Burton of WCAoR.
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May 2008
Samuel Morrisett, left, and Jimmy Derks, third from left, both of Wilshire Homes, meet with REALTORS Diane Christy of Diane Christy REALTORS and Mike Jones of Stanberry and Associates during a REALTOR Advisory luncheon at McCormick and Schmick’s.
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Thomas Peters of JB Goodwin REALTORS and Gary Caples of Capstar Lending await news from Senator Kirk Watson, who addressed a variety of local issues at the JB Goodwin REALTORS company meeting.
Got trophies? Elizabeth Brademan of Legacy Homes does. She was loaded down with MAX Awards—including the Meritage Homes’ Grand MAX award for volume builder after the winners were announced at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
May 2008
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Carl Sturman, and REALTOR, Louis Flores II change KB Bucks for cash at the Eat and Run Treasure Hunt at a KB Home model in Kyle.
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John Horton awarded several of his agents with a quarterly “Agent E x c e l l e n c e Customer Service Award” at the Realty World, John Horton & Associates’ monthly business meeting at Cool River Café.
Shannon Powers, Cindi McIntyre and Marty Kelly, all of ZIP Realty, attended the quarterly WCAoR luncheon where Michael Quinn Sullivan spoke to the membership about property taxes in 2009.
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May 2008
Sherry Bounds, Nicki Tyler and Lichelle Nanninga, all of Stewart Title, enjoy good food and a chance to relax at the MAX Awards.
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ABoR president David Foster and Diane Kennedy of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS get ready to listen to for candidates Austin City Council address their ideas for governing the city.
Kevin Bown and John McClellen of Supreme Lending hold a roundtable discussion for investors about Austin growth and dynamics.
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May 2008
WCAoR president Gary Cocanougher of Avalar Real Estate visits with Rolf Mitzkat of Mitzkat and Associates at the organization’s TREPAC spring mixer.
Jon Offord, Jane Amschwand and Steve Taylor keep informed at the JB Goodwin REALTORS company meeting, where Senator Kirk Watson updated them on clean air and the Oak Grove power plant.
Josh Palmer and Wiley Fuller, both of First State Home Loan, and Craig Allen of Keller Williams Realty help host an open house at Pecan Park Place Villas near Lakeline Mall.
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May 2008
The BACK PAGE
J.B. Goodwin, namesake of JB Goodwin REALTORS, gets a chance to talk with guest speaker Senator Kirk Watson before he addressed the company meeting about the Oak Grove power plant and taxes.
Linda Schulman, Kim Duyet Jamar and Elda Telle, all with United Title of Texas, bake their “easy” cake for the cultural diversity bake-off the Women’s Council of REALTORS held to raise TREPAC dollars.
Jill Manchaca, Terri Morrison, Kim Brewer, Mary Tran and Michelle Hanson, all of Independence Title, get ready to find out who the winners are at the 2008 MAX Awards at the Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Raven Salvato, Nicole Cooke and Mary Jane Amezquita, all of DHI Title, arrive at the National Association of Thad Buster of Wilshire Homes and Christy Gessler of Professional Mortgage Women meeting, which featured WCAoR discuss hot topics while enjoying cool drinks on the information on how they could help clients clean up their credit. back patio at Waterloo Ice House.
Kay Andrews of Amelia Bullock REALTORS, Joe Stewart of Realty World, John Horton & Associates, Carrie Weikert of Keller Williams Realty and Clark Niblock of San Antonio learn about implementing systems to increase market share. They were on hand to hear a special presentation by Howard Brinton, who was invited by Austin Region, Lone Star CRS Chapter.
Colette Fitzgerald of KB Home gives cash and an HEB gift card to Dennis Meneghini of Great Locations Real Estate at the Eat and Run Treasure Hunt at Waterleaf in Kyle.
Nancy Peterson and Mike Whittenburg, both of Taylor Morrison enjoy hosting the grand opening of the company’s design center on Burnet Road.
Keith Hamilton and Lisa Mazzarella, both of DR Horton Homes, join Summer Pavliska of LandAmerica Austin Title at WCAoR’s TREPAC spring mixer at Waterloo Ice House in Avery Ranch. Summer is on the TREPAC committee.