ABoR Foundation announces 2009 Scholarship Recipients
The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) recognizes that education is the key to success. To help young Texans unlock their potential, the ABoR Foundation will provide ten high school seniors with a $1,000 college scholarship to help them begin their college careers. Students were selected based on their academic achievement, community service and employment histories. The scholarships may be used at any Texas college or university. The ABoR and the ABoR Foundation congratulate the following scholarship recipients for their commitment to academic achievement: Myranda Anderson of John B. Connally High School in Pflugerville; Jordan Brown of John B. Connally High School in Pflugerville; Steven Sowers Frazee of Marble Falls High School in Marble Falls; Sarah Kate Johnson of
Stony Point High School in Round Rock; Olivia Lust of W. Charles Akins High School in Austin; Harry J. Malinski of Luling High School in Luling; Marcy A. Munoz of San Juan Diego Catholic High School in Austin; Samuel N. Naccarato of Cedar Park High School in Cedar Park; Jenny Kim Nguyen of McNeil High School in Round Rock; and Phillip Niels of McNeil High School in Round Rock, whose mother, Cindy Niels, is a REALTOR® with Hillhouse Realty, Inc. With over 150 qualified applicants for this year’s scholarship awards, selecting only ten winners was a challenging process. Through their unfailing dedication to continuing education and community involvement, the 2009 ABoR Foundation scholarship recipients show great promise in positively shaping our future.
Upcoming Events: MAY 21 WCR Monthly Networking Meeting ABoR Auditorium - 11 a.m.
MAY 23-JUNE 7 HBA’s Annual Parade of Homes Mueller Development
JUNE 1 Parade of Homes REALTOR Day Mueller Development 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
FREE to licensed REALTORS - Must present business card.
JUNE 4 3rd annual CTCAR Expo Downtown Omni Hotel - 5 to 8 p.m. Visit CTCARonline.com for details
JUNE 11 ABoR Foundation Tour of Homes Barton Creek Community
JULY 25 WCAoR Green Expo 2009 Dell Diamond - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
—Associates In— PROGRESS MAY 2009 • VOL. 14 • ISSUE 1
Enjoyable. Entertaining. It’s all About You.
ABoR Helps Professionals Prepare for Energy Audit Questions mandate energy efficiency upgrades at the time a home was sold. In response, ABoR worked to address private property rights and homeowner affordability issues surrounding the proposed mandates. Ultimately, the City Council agreed with ABoR’s approach to energy conservation by unanimously passing a new energy efficiency ordinance that requires Austin homeowners to have energy audits completed before selling their homes. “ABoR advocated for and supported this vastly different outcome from the city’s original plan,” Gohil says. “This shift in approach represents a major success for the REALTOR voice in local politics.” The ordinance affects properties that lie within the Austin city limits and are serviced by Austin Energy. There are exceptions for properties in foreclosure or pre-foreclosure, properties subject to eminent domain, transactions between family members and properties under court order in probate proceedings or under decree of legal separation or dissolution of marriage. In addition, properties that are fewer than 10 years old, manufactured homes designed for use without a permanent foundation and properties owned by participants in designated Austin Energy Electric Utility programs Presorted Standard or buyers who agree to parU.S. Postage PAID ticipate in these programs Austin, Texas within six months are Paid Permit #715 exempt. Energy audits must be P.O. Box 81366 conducted by professionals Austin, Texas 78708-1366 who have been certified by either the Residential Energy Services Network or the Building Performance Institute and who are approved contractors for this program. Audits need to be Don’t forget: You can visit us online 24/7 at www.realtylineonline.com completed before the home
The Austin Board of REALTORS has prepared some marketing materials to help members respond to questions that may arise from a new ordinance that requires some homeowners to conduct energy audits and disclose the findings if they wish to sell their property. The materials give details about the Energy Efficiency Ordinance, which takes effect June 1, and can be found in a new section of the ABoR Web site called Special Topics in Real Estate. With only a few keystrokes, the materials can be branded with company contact information and sent to customers. They may also be downloaded and professionally printed for distribution as direct mail pieces. “We want our members to be fully equipped with the most up-to-date details and best practices to use when dealing with properties that will be affected by the new ordinance,” says ABoR chairman Jay Gohil. “The materials also will allow agents to underscore the importance of using a REALTOR to maneuver through the ordinance requirements.” The ordinance is the result of more than a year of negotiation between ABoR members and staff and city officials. Together, they established a compromise plan that helps protect the city’s unique environment while ensuring homes remain affordable for Austin residents. To help alleviate the pressure of growing demand from Austin Energy’s service area, the City of Austin intended to
closes but can be done even before a property is placed on the market. “Austin Energy and ABoR encourage homeowners seeking to increase their energy efficiency and save money on the high cost of utility bills to have an energy efficiency audit conducted before thinking of selling their homes,” says Gohil. “Early audits may help homeowners identify possible areas of improvement and could help prevent last minute scrambles should a homeowner decide to sell his or her property at a later date.” REALTORS should offer clients three to five energy auditors and tell them to expect an audit to take two to three hours. However, the report will be good for 10 years under the current ordinance. The names of Austin Energy approved contractors can be found on the utility company’s Web site at www.austinenergy.com/go/ecad. The ABoR web site also has a wealth of useful information related to this topic on the Green Real Estate page, which houses information on green building, energy efficiency and the role “green” will continue to play in the real estate industry. “Studies show consumers consider energy efficiency, a key green building feature, an important consideration when buying a home,” says Gohil. “ABoR supports efforts to encourage energy conservation because we understand the important role rising energy costs play in homeownership. We also know that energy conservation is the key to protecting Austin’s unique environment.”
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
NEWS NOTES SNIPPETS:
• JB GOODWIN REALTORS WAS recently nominated for the spirit of Texas Small Business award recognized by the Austin Chamber of Commerce. • TURNQUIST PARTNERS REALTORS, INC ADOPTS THE BLACK STALLION LITERACY Project. This reading literacy program focuses on instilling a love of reading in low income and at-risk kids by using horses as a vehicle to accomplish this mission. The program is based on the classic books of Walter Farley and the natural connection between children and horses. The project was conceived in 1999 by Farley’s son, Tim and Mark Miller, owner of Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction in Kissimmee, Florida. • COLDWELL BANKER UNITED, REALTORS® Georgetown Office is pleased to announce that George Devillar and Kay Butler have joined their growing team of professional associates. George has been a licensed REALTOR® since 1979. Kay is a native Austinite and has lived in the Northwest Austin area for over thirty-three years. • RE/MAX REPORTER MAGAZINE recently announced that Marti Eveleigh of RE/MAX Wimberley has been named the Austin ‘Agent of the Quarter’ for the first quarter of 2009. The award is Eveleigh given to a single RE/MAX agent out of over 300 in the Austin Real Estate Council.
A PUBLICATION OF © CAXTON PUBLICATIONS, INC.
It was a triple ribbon cutting by the Cedar Park, Round Rock and Georgetown chambers of commerce as WCAoR members celebrate the grand opening of the organization’s new office. From left: Gary Cocanougher, past president; Barbara Wigginton, president; Ysolette Nicoson, past president and Marjorie Phillips, WCAoR association executive.
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 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/PHOTOGRAPHER
COLUMNISTS Jay Gohil - ABoR Chairman Wes Peoples - HBA President Barbara Wigginton - WCAoR President David Tandy - Commentary
All photos, press releases or article submissions can be sent to realtyline@austin.rr.com
CTCAR officers and bus tour committee members Tava Patterson, Joe McCullough, Stacy Bryan, Ann Carson, Grace Young, Bob Sedlor and Gwen Johansen jump on board to tour commercial properties in North Austin and Round Rock.
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708 Office: (512) 821-1900 www.realtylineonline.com
May 2009
ABoR CHAIRMAN’S COLUMN
Showcase Your Listings in Community Impact By Jay Gohil • Jay Gohil Realty
2009 Chairman • Austin Board of REALTORS
ABoR has teamed up with the hyper-local Community Impact newspapers to offer you a simple way to promote your listings to targeted audiences. Through a third-party licensing agreement, Community Impact will receive accurate and timely property content directly from MLXchange. Broker Owners are required to grant Community Impact permission to publish listings before they appear in the newspaper. Brokers may register online at http://broker.impactnews.com/. Currently, Community Impact produces six regionally-focused publications throughout Central Texas: Central Austin; Round Rock/Pflugerville; Leander/Cedar Park; Georgetown/Hutto/Taylor; Northwest Austin; and Southwest Austin. As Central Texas’ fastest growing news organization, it is the most widely distributed news source for timely updates at the community level. Reserve Your Booth for Realty Round Up Booth space is now available for ABoR’s 2009 Realty Round Up trade show! Themed “Growing a Greener Austin,” this year’s event will teach you everything you need to know about one of the hottest topics in real estate—green building. Realty Round Up will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center. Reserve your booth before June 30 to lock in our earlybird discounts, listed below: 10’ x 10’ booth: $350 10’ x 20’ booth: $650 20’ x 20’ booth: $950 20’ x 30’ booth: $1200 After June 30, all booth prices will increase by $50. Booth contracts are available online at www.abor.com/roundup. For information on Realty Round Up booths, sponsorships and more, contact Gina Willemsen, trade show coordinator, at 454-
Realty Line of Austin
www.realtylineonline.com
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7636, ext. 1601 or roundup@abor.com.
Help Your Clients Move the Vote The Travis County Tax Assessor-Collectors’ Office has joined forces with ABoR to help new and existing Travis County residents update their voter registrations when they change residences. The Move the Vote campaign enables REALTORS® to assist homeowners in updating their voter registration after moving and aims at increasing the voter registration rate within Travis County. Brokers and office mangers may host training classes that allow agents to become Deputy Voter Registrars. Deputy Voter Registrars are authorized to accept completed voter registration applications, which expedites the voter registration process. To arrange a training class for your office, contact ABoR’s Government Affairs Department at 454-7636 or government@abor.com. For more information on the Move the Vote campaign, visit http://www.co.travis.tx.us/MoveTheVote/.
Branch Out with the GREEN Designation Over 90 percent of today’s homebuyers consider energy efficiency at least somewhat important when considering a home to purchase, while 46 percent cite it as a very important factor, according to a recent study by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Ensure you can address your clients’ energy efficiency concerns by earning your NAR-approved GREEN Designation through the ABoR Academy this June. Attend the two-day GREEN Designation course on Wednesday, June 10 and Thursday, June 11 to learn the founding principles of green real estate. The class will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, carries 12 hours of Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) credit (TREC # 12-00-011-7710) and costs $275. Complete your GREEN Designation by taking the Green Residential Elective course on Thursday, June 18, where you will learn what to look for in green properties, how to promote unique energy efficient features and how to best advise clients interested in retrofitting their homes. The class will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., carries six hours of MCE credit (TREC # 06-00-011-7711) and costs $100. For more information on these courses and to register, visit https://www.abor.com/courses/abor_index.cfm?fuseaction=DES.
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Benny McMahan, TAR president and CEO, Cathy Coneway of Stanberry & Associates and Joe Stewart of John Horton Realty talk about the contacts they made during the 2009 Capitol Hill visit.
Kay Guice and Gary Wakefield, both of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, greet guests as they arrive at the Highland Homes model for the fourth annual wine tasting and silent auction.
Laura Nye of Stanberry & Associates was amazed at the “cat litterbox” cake Debbie Ates of Wilshire Homes brought to the third annual cultural diversity bakeoff at the Women’s Council of REALTORS.
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The KB Kronicle Upcoming KB Home Sponsorships: Thank you Realtors! MAY 7, 2009
KBHOME.COM
May 13 - Leander Property Tour May 20 - NAHREP Meeting Lunch Sponsor May 20 - Champions School of Real Estate ABR Designation Class Sponsor May 29 - New Home Locators Meeting Sponsor June 10 - Goldwasser Lunch & Learn Sponsor July 25 - WCAOR Green Expo Major Sponsor August - KW Cedar Park MC Grand Opening Sponsor
Looking for a sponsor for an upcoming event or meeting? Or need a venue to hold a meeting or class? KB Home welcomes the opportunity to partner with you, our valued Realtor community! Please contact our Broker/Realtor Liaison, Colette Fitzgerald, at 512-294-1781 or cfitzgerald@kbhome.com to discuss upcoming events and opportunities.
512-651-8059
All of us at KB Home would like to extend a big THANK YOU to all the Realtors who sold a KB Home, visited one of our communities and/or attended a KB Home event last month. We appreciate you!
KB Home 2009 Realtor Bonus Program
FIrst CLOSING
3% COMMISSION
Susan Brown, Neal Barnes and Susanna Boyer enjoy lunch sponsored by KB Home at the WCR monthly meeting.
Paid at slab*
Second CLOSING
4% COMMISSION
Barb Cooper, Warren Marshall, Robert Wright and Ann Marie Sandlin mingle at the WCR monthly meeting.
Third Closing
5% COMMISSION and for each additional CLosing thereafter Here's how it works: To participate or qualify for this offer you must be a Texas licensed real estate agent and agree to the following terms of the program. Homes that close escrow from 1/1/09 through 12/31/09 are eligible for this program.
Spotlight Home of the Month:
Bonus Program applicable in communities with 3% base commission on built to order homes. 3% Realtor commission is paid in full at slab within 2 weeks of slab pour on built to order homes only, excluding Fairway Estates in Circle C Ranch, and will be processed after the foundation is poured. To be eligible for any prepayment of commission The purchase of the Property can not be contingent upon Purchaser’s sale or lease of an existing home. In addition, Purchaser(s) shall have obtained unconditional loan approval acceptable to Seller from a qualified lender prior to the time the slab is being poured and purchase the home as an owner occupied primary residence. Any "Bonus" commission will be paid at close of escrow only. Commission is paid on base price and lot premium only. Studio options are not factored into the calculation of any commissions paid on Built to Order homes. Commission on inventory homes is calculated on total price less discounts. Contingency removal programs do not qualify for graduated commission program. If any commission is pre-paid and the buyer doesn't close escrow on that property, that real estate agent will no longer be eligible for any future pre-payment of commission. Realtor must be procuring cause of sale and accompany buyer to or register the buyer at the community on or before sale date. *Sale must close escrow to qualify for graduated commission rate. Any pre-payment or bonus program is subject to change without notice.
17 new-home communities to choose from. 130 TOLL
16 Temple
Williams Dr
Leander
ter hwes Sout Blvd
29
NORTH
13
n
Wildwood Dr
95
Georgetown
SOUTH AUSTIN
CEDAR PARK
PFLUGERVILLE
1 El Camino Real 1,109–2,837 sq. ft. (512) 262-2117
6 Meadows at Berdoll 7 Berdoll Farms $80s • 1,106–2,962 sq. ft. (512) 247-6174 12901 Perconte, Del Valle, TX 78617
11 Silverado Ranch $140s • 1,376–5,211 sq. ft. (512) 260-5805 2130 Golden Arrow, Cedar Park, TX 78613
15 Spring Trails High $150s • 1,743–3,742 sq. ft. (512) 990-5304 18425 Stargazer Way, Pflugerville, TX 78660
8 The Enclave at Circle C High $200s • 2,226–3,332 sq. ft. (512) 432-0107 11325 Bastogne Loop, Austin, TX 78739
12 Westwood $110s • 1,202–2,962 sq. ft. (512) 528-1371 2005 Woodway, Leander, TX 78641
9 Enclave Estates at Circle C High $300s • 3,169–5,211 sq. ft. (512) 432-0107 11325 Bastogne Loop, Austin, TX 78739
GEORGETOWN
7
2243 Lo o
p
39
1460
183
1431 3406 Vista Ridge Blvd
11
Champions Dr
12
Sunny Brook
Wood Way
SAN MARCOS
35
Rd Creek Brushy
14
North Park Dr
79 Round Rock
183A TOLL
Gattis School Rd
Lake Travis
45
620
71
TOLL
15
Red Bud Blvd
Cedar Park
45
n W. Parme r L
TOLL
Pflugerville
1 1825
2222
17 Burnet Rd
Lake Austin
FM
685
130 TOLL
Elgin
Austin
360
71
1
Oak Hill
290 290 71
Nuckols Crossing
St. Elmo Stassney
5
4 FM 15
0
3 2
Kyle
35
Alum Rock Dr
FM 973
1
Ross Rd
Escarpment
Salt Spring Dr
William Can non Slaughter
Bluff Springs
9 10 8
7 6
Pearce Lane
183
FM 15
0 130 TOLL
San Marcos
1
KYLE 2 Waterleaf $90s • 1,109–3,728 sq. ft. (512) 262-2117 591 Gina Drive, Kyle, TX 78640 3 Plum Creek $130s • 1,326–2,000 sq. ft. (512) 268-0780 1039 Powell, Kyle, TX 78640
SOUTH AUSTIN 4 Oak at Twin Creeks Low $200s • 1,903–5,211 sq. ft. (512) 292-3652 305 Island Oak Drive, Austin, TX 78748 5 McKinney Heights High $80s • 1,090–2,561 sq. ft. (512) 282-0014 6521 Alum Rock Drive, Austin, TX 78744
10 Fairway Estates at Circle C Mid $400s • 3,015–5,368 sq. ft. (512) 432-0103 7536 Harlow Drive, Austin, TX 78739
LEANDER
13 University Park $100s • 1,109–3,728 sq. ft. (512) 863-8363 1917 Ashberry Trail, Georgetown, TX 78626
TAYLOR
TEMPLE 16 Village of Sage Meadows High $90s • 1,376–3,728 sq. ft. (254) 780-9037 720 Moonshadow, Temple, TX 76502
10709 Canfield Dr. • 4,514 sq.ft. Fairway Estates at Circle C Ranch 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths including a master bedroom with retreat, ceiling fan, tray ceiling with crown molding, master bath features a marble garden tub with tile backsplash and separate shower with tile surround. Extended garage finished out as home gym. Kitchen has granite counters, 12x12 tile backsplash, raised panel cheery cabinets with decorative moulding,
NORTH AUSTIN
built-in lazy susan, wine rack, trash bin, plate racks, glass upper doors and stainless steel
17 Lakes at Northtown High $140s • 1,376–3,728 sq. ft. (512) 670-0217 14309 Lake Victor, Pflugerville, TX 78660
appliances. Gas fireplace in family room with marble surround and Roseville mantel. Security
14 Summerfield Low $100s • 1,087–5,211 sq. ft. (512) 365-3262 818 Estes Park, Taylor, TX 76574
If you would like to receive weekly updates from KB Home with our current inventory list, Realtor bonuses, and upcoming events, please email our Broker/Realtor Liaison, Colette Fitzgerald at cfitzgerald@kbhome.com.
system, surround sound in family room, speakers in lanai. Wrought iron stair rail. Chair rail and crown moulding in dining room. Programmable thermostat, two pane Divided Lite windows, 30-year composition shingle roof. Six-panel interior doors, whole house brick exterior.
For more information contact our Sales Team at (512) 432-0103.
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Rodney Harris of Ready Real Estate finds it takes a lot of hard work to get the reward as he digs into a pan of crawfish at the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin’s Sales and Marketing Council’s crawfish boil at Falconhead West.
Don’t Settle For Less... When You Can Have The Best.
The Norma Cowes Team • www.NormaCowes.com
(l-r) Garby Brewer, Debbie Perez, Allyson Harr and Norma Cowes.
Together, our team of elite professionals continues to set new standards of performance. We believe in constantly pushing the envelope and striving to provide our valued clientele with the highest level of service. 12554 Riata Vista Circle • First Floor • Austin, TX 78727 512-533-1312 • dhimortgage.com • hbc.dhimortgage.com
May 2009
Realty Line of Austin
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Download our FREE Title Premium Calculator Search “Title Calculator”
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Sam Wigginton and WCAoR President Barbara Wigginton of Realty E x e c u t i v e s Excellence visit with Dwight Hale, TAR secretary/treasurer at the 2009 Capitol Hill visit.
Mary Miner of M.E. “Gene” Johnson REALTORS makes a new business contact at the Austin M o r t g a g e Professionals meeting, by introducing herself to Douglas Gibbins of Real Estate Brokerage and Commercial Investment.
Keith Husbands of The Husbands Company and Brian Pitman of Independence Title enjoy having time to kick back and enjoy the live food and good music— or was that good food and live music— at the HBA crawfish boil.
May 2009
Realty Line of Austin
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Agents Tom Crawford and Lisa Hill of Goldwasser Real Estate ponder a few of Brewster McCracken’s plans for Austin’s future should he be elected mayor. He visited the company’s office to answer questions from real estate professionals.
Melinda Carroll of First American Title, Amber Hart of Keller Williams Realty and Phyllis Avery of First American Title enjoy the crawfish boil sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin’s Sales and Marketing Council at Falconhead West. Cindy McIntyre of The Property Management Co. and Marjorie Tinnell of Independence Title sign up for Toastmasters at the official grand opening of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS office.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
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Your Partner in Real Estate!
Dripping Springs Shelley Hill
Donna Simmons
Branch Manager / Escrow Officer PĂłDF shelley.hill@gracytitle.com
Sales Executive / Dripping Springs EJSFDU donna.simmons@gracytitle.com
Stop by and visit our new location! Wimberley 33 #VJMEJOH " t 4VJUF # Wimberley, Texas 78676 1IPOF t 'BY
)XZ 8FTU t Suite 102 Dripping Springs, Texas 78620 1IPOF t 'BY
Lila Stone
Marilyn VanUum
Branch Manager / Escrow Officer office: 512.847.5555 lila.stone@gracytitle.com
Sales Executive direct: 512.658.6475 marilyn.vanuum@gracytitle.com
Over the years we have played an integral part in the real estate and economic growth of both Dripping Springs and Wimberley. Our focus is exemplary customer service, community involvement, and the joy of creating teamwork with all parties to the transaction. We are pleased to announce two new additions to our Hays staff: Donna Simmons in Dripping Springs and Marilyn VanUum in our new Wimberley office. Donna’s and Marilyn’s roles will be to support our customers in the field, help you grow your business, bring important education, and provide you with valuable area information.
! s s e n i s u b r u o of y e r a c e k a t n a uc o y o s , u o y f o e We’ll take car DON’T FORGET Be sure to check out our Hays County property tours in Dripping Springs, Wimberley and our Farm & Ranch tour. Visit www.gracytitle.com/links.htm and click on Weekly Property Tour Schedule (PDF)
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Chris Sachs of JB Goodwin REALTORS, Reba Saxon of Keller Williams Realty and Mike Luscier of John Horton Realty say the new facility for the WCAoR will make their duties on the board of directors a pleasant experience.
Gary Hoffarth of Austin Advantage Real Estate and Becky Hopkins of Austin Title find themselves welcome at the monthly networking happy hour for the Austin M o r t g a g e Professionals.
Anne Perry of Live Oak Gottesman and Bob Sedlor of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS review some of the features of the first property on the Commercial Real Estate tour sponsored by the Central Texas Commercial Association of REALTORS.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
WCAoR PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Why Green? By Barbara Wigginton • Realty Executives Excellence
2009 President • Williamson County Association of REALTORS
The “constructed environment” has a vast impact on the “natural environment,” human health, and the economy. By adopting green building strategies, we can maximize both economic and environmental performance. Green construction methods can be integrated into buildings at any stage, from design and construction, to renovation and deconstruction. However, the most significant benefits can be obtained if the design and construction team takes an integrated approach from the earliest stages of a building project. Potential benefits of green building can include: ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS • Enhance and protect biodiversity and ecosystems • Improve air and water quality • Reduce waste streams • Conserve and restore natural resources
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The Williamson County Association of REALTORS® will be holding the GREEN Designation course on July 20-21 at WCAoR, 123 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Round Rock. Please visit our Web site at www.wcaor.org or call 255-6211 to register.
Green Expo 2009 - Dell Diamond in Round Rock Green Expo 2009 will be held on Saturday, July 25 at the Dell Diamond. It is brought to you by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® and Premier Sponsor ONCOR Electric. Other sponsors include: Sherwin Williams and KB Home. We invite both consumers and business owners to learn more about what earth friendly products and services are readily available to make our community greener. Green Expo 2009 is designed to help change the public’s perception of environmentalism. Companies large and small are invited to showcase what they are doing to reduce their respective carbon footprint; consumers will have hands-on experiences with eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products and services. Mark your calendars today! Visit the Web site at www.GreenExpo2009.com or contact us at 512-255-6211 for more information.
ECONOMIC BENEFITS • Reduce operating costs • Create, expand, and shape markets for green product and services • Improve occupant productivity • Optimize life-cycle economic performance SOCIAL BENEFITS • Enhance occupant comfort and health • Heighten aesthetic qualities • Minimize strain on local infrastructure • Improve overall quality of life
Get your GREEN Designation “REALTORS® are industry innovators who consistently find ways to provide their clients with cutting edge service,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “As green building issues become more important to buyers, sellers and businesses, more and more REALTORS® are adding value to the real estate transaction by developing green business practices. NAR's GREEN Designation is an excellent example of innovation in this area.”
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
BETH LOZANO IS NOW
Beth Thompson New name. Same five-star service and trusted mortgage guidance! SAME N U M B E R : 512.314.7337 NEW E -M A IL : bthompson@houseloan.com N E W W E B S I T E : BethThompson.net
GREEN EXPO 2009 - Saturday, July 25 - Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TX brought to you by the Williamson County Association of REALTORS• www.wcaor.org/greenexpo2009.asp
Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
www.realtylineonline.com
$10,000 REALTOR
BONUS TAYLOR MORRISON IS OFFERING YOU A $10,000 REALTOR BONUS ON THE LAST REMAINING HOMES IN TERAVISTA!
LANDRY - 3,242 SQ. FT. 4 BED, 3.5 BATH, 2-CAR GARAGE This beautiful one-story brick home with soaring ceilings features a study, mud room and game room. The beautiful gourmet kitchen is outfitted with granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
WAS $357,343 NOW $327,990
3406
620
183A TOLL
TOLL
4124 Grand Vista Circle Round Rock, TX 78665
SALADO - 3,671 SQ. FT. 5 BED, 4 BATH, 3-CAR GARAGE This spacious two-story home is on a large cul-de-sac lot. This home has many designer upgrades including a custom kitchen backsplash and master shower body spa.
Call us at 512-779-6058 or e-mail
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WAS $406,166 NOW $369,990
Ask about our other homes currently under construction for June completion.
T E R AV I S TA taylormorrison.com $10,000 Realtor bonus is for a limited time only. Homes must contract between 4/23/2009 and 5/31/2009. Bonus paid upon successful closing of home. Flyer must be attached to registration by a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate and will be sent to the Taylor Morrison Division Office. If incentives are not within published amounts above, no other specials/discounts/co-op will be given. See a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for complete details.
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Jo Carol Snowden of Moreland Properties and Denise Moody of Gracy Title join Erin Parker and Joanne Senyk, both of A v e n u e O n e Properties, at the downtown property tour. One of Jo Carol’s properties was featured.
ABoR chairman of the board Jay Gohil has been busy attending meetings of the various real estate organizations. Here, he visits with Sharon Anderson, chair of the Small Office REALTORS group.
Susanna Boyer of Sellstate Realty and Tiesa Hollaway of North American Title enjoy some sunshine at the 2009 Capitol Hill visit.
15 Hour Online Renewal $79 S.A.F.E. Act Red Flag Rule HVCC - Home Valuation Code Conduct Got Questions? We Have Answers! • Call for $79 code
• Live classes for Loan Officer Pre-Licensing
• Live classes for Mortgage Broker Licensing
For more information call us or visit our Web site for a complete listing of courses and schedules.
S.A.F.E. Act rules are in place. Start booking your required classes. CALL: 512-451-9112
www.PowerTrainingInc.com 8000 Anderson Square #103 Austin, Texas 78757
All courses, schedules and pricing are subject to change.
May 2009
Realty Line of Austin
HBA PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Yaupon Valley Road - Westlake
Best Product Design $1,000,001 – $1,250,000 – Custom Risinger Homes, LP, 2005 Mathews Drive – Tarrytown in Austin
HBA Announces 2009 MAX Award Winners
Best Product Design $1,250,001 – $1,500,000 – Custom Foursquare Builders, LLC, 6800 Caudill Lane in Austin
Best Product Design $1,500,001 – $1,750,000 – Custom Wilde Custom Homes, Inc., #2 Inwood Cove – The Coves of Rollingwood, Austin
By Wes Peoples • WP Investments
2008-2009 President • Home Builders Association of Greater Austin
On Saturday, May 2, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin honored its members at the prestigious MAX Awards gala held at the Phillips Event Center. The MAX Awards are the HBA's premier annual event for recognizing excellence of achievement in marketing, advertising and product by its members. The HBA’s 850+ associate and builder members compete for the celebrated awards in 75 categories. Judges from across the country score each entry, narrowing the field to three finalists for each category. The gala recognizes each winner with a MAX Award, and runners-up receive a Silver Award. The Grand Awards are given to the builders who earn the most points in the judging process. The 2009 MAX Award categories and winners are:
Best Color Ad Streetman Homes, Builder CSGM Canyon Ridge, LP, Developer
Best Sales Brochure Lake Travis Builders, Builder Newland Communities, Developer Texas Sun & Shade, Associate Best Direct Mail, Builder Acanthus Homes
Best Radio Ad, Associate Texas Gas Service
Best Television Newland Communities, Developer Texas Gas Service, Associate
Best Web site Streetman Homes, Volume Builder Jauregui Architecture Interiors Construction, Custom Builder CSGM Canyon Ridge, LP, Developer Texas Sun & Shade, Associate
Best Billboard Meritage Homes Corporation, Builder West Cypress Hills, Developer Cody Pools, Associate Best Online Ad Streetman Homes, Volume Builder
Best E-mail Message Campaign Crystal Falls, Developer
Best Sales Office under 1,000 sq. ft. Meritage Homes Corporation – under 1,000 sq. ft.
Best Design Center over 1,000 sq. ft. Meritage Homes Corporation – over 1,000 sq. ft. Best Showroom, Associate Palmer Todd, Inc.
Best Special Promotion, Builder Sterling Custom Homes, Inc.
Best Overall Ad Campaign, Developer Catellus Development Group
Best Product Design Less than $100,000 – Volume Builder Main Street Homes, 8425 Chick Pea Lane – Park Ridge
Best Product Design $100,001 – $125,000 – Volume Builder Main Street Homes, 225 Avalanche Avenue – Pinnacle in Georgetown
Best Product Design $175,001 – $250,000 – Volume Builder Meritage Homes Corporation, 1050 Powell Drive – Plum Creek in Kyle
Best Product Design $250,001 – $350,000 – Volume Builder Meritage Homes Corporation, 1912
Antone, Mueller in Austin
Best Product Design $475,001 – $600,000 – Volume Builder Meritage Homes Corporation, 207 N. Frontier Lane – Ranch at Brushy Creek Estates in Cedar Park Best Product Design $600,001 - $750,000 – Volume Builder Streetman Homes, 2300 Tom Miller Street – Mueller in Austin
Best Green Home Streetman Homes, 2300 Tom Miller Street – Mueller in Austin, Volume Builder Solluna Builders, 1815 Spillman Street in Austin, Custom Builder
Best Specialty Product Masterpiece Building & Design, 509 & 511 East Monroe – Travis Heights in Austin
Best Product Design $350,001 – $500,000 – Custom Powell Custom Homes, 8244 Lime Creek Road – Lime Creek in Volente
Best Product Design $500,001 – $750,000 – Custom Risinger Homes, LP, 3305 Oakmont Blvd. – Forest Creek in Round Rock Best Product Design $750,001 – $1,000,000 – Custom Matt Sitra Custom Homes, Inc., 2001
Best Product Design $1,750,001 – $2,000,000 – Custom Woodworth Homes & James D. LaRue Architecture Design, 406 Inwood Road – The Coves of Rollingwood in Austin
Best Product Design $2,000,001 – $3,000,000 – Custom Wilde Custom Homes, Inc., 8008 Big View – River Place in Austin
Best Product Design above $3,000,000 – Custom Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc., 3317 Westlake Drive in Austin Best One of a Kind Home – Custom Elegant Estate Homes of Austin, Inc., 3500 Pursley Road in Dripping Springs
Best Product Design Speculative $150,000 – $250,000 – Custom Builder Casa Sereno Homes, 30427 Briancrest in Georgetown Best Product Design Speculative $250,001 – $400,000 – Custom Builder Destiny Builders, Inc. & J. Bryant Boyd, 709 Oak Branch Drive in Georgetown
Best Product Design Speculative $400,001 – $600,000 – Custom Builder Powell Custom Homes, 14954 Arrowhead, Volente
Best Custom Home Kitchen Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc., 613 Rocky River – Westlake Hills
Best Custom Home Outdoor Living Space Zbranek Custom Homes, 7 Applehead Island – Applehead Island in Horseshoe Bay Best Interior Merchandising $100,000 – $125,000 Count & Castle Designs, 10118 Brangus Rd., Rutherford West in Driftwood
Best Interior Merchandising $175,001 – $250,000 Meritage Homes Corporation, 1050 Powell Drive – Plum Creek in Kyle
Best Interior Merchandising $250,001 –
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$350,000 Mary DeWalt Design Group, 2593 Los Alamos Pass – Paloma Lakes in Round Rock Best Interior Merchandising $475,000 – $600,000 Mary DeWalt Design Group, 2400 Lakeway Blvd. – The Boulevard in Lakeway
Best Interior Merchandising for Parade Home Sterling Custom Homes, Inc., 229 Canyon Turn Trail – Rough Hollow in Lakeway
Best Remodeled Project $100,000 – $150,000 Masterpiece Building & Design, 8909 Scotsman Drive – The Mountain in Austin
Best Remodeled Project $150,001 – $200,000 Hobbs’ Ink Custom Home Design for Triton Custom Homes, 3004 Patio Circle in Austin Best Remodeled Project $200,001 – $300,000 Stuart Home Corporation, 2101 Elton Lane in Austin
Best Remodeled Project Over $300,000 Risinger Homes, LP, 3905 Bowhill Drive – Northwest Hills in Austin Best Kitchen Remodel Powell Custom Homes, 85 Pascal Lane – Rob Roy in Austin Best Master Bath Remodel Audino Construction, Inc. – 1505 Mt. Larson Road in Austin Best Outdoor Living Remodel Don Boozer Construction, Inc., 1103 Sprague in Westlake
Best Green Home Remodel Casa Sereno Homes, 4905 Woodview Ave. – Shoalmont/Rosedale in Austin
Best Overall Community Under 100 Units – Developer Allen Group I, LLC – Oaks at Wildwood in Georgetown
Best Overall Community 101-300 Units – Developer CSGM Canyon Ridge, LP – The Hillside in Austin Best Overall Community Over 300 Units – Developer Catellus Development Group – Mueller in Austin Best Poolscape Da Vida Pools, LLC, 6 Coleridge Lane – Rob Roy in Austin Best On Site Sales Person – Homes
Priced $175,000 – $250,000 Dan Arnot – Meritage Homes Corporation
Best On Site Sales Person – Homes Priced $250,001 – $350,000 Bob Ellenbogen – Meritage Homes Corporation Best On Site Sales Person – Homes Priced over $350,001 Bob Brock – Streetman Homes
Sales Manager of the Year – Builder Ryan Jackson – Streetman Homes
Marketing Professional of the Year – Volume Builder Natalie R. Bowers – Streetman Homes Construction Manager of the Year – Volume Builder Travis Schirpik – Meritage Homes Corporation
Construction Manager of the Year – Custom Builder Don Lytton – Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc. Construction Superintendent of the Year– Volume Builder James Prince – Streetman Homes
Construction Superintendent of the Year– Custom Builder Clint Small – Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc. Realtor of the Year Trey & Lucy Sheffield, Avalar 360 in Bee Cave Grand MAX – Custom Builder Brian A. Bailey Homes, Inc.
Grand MAX – Volume Builder Meritage Homes Corporation
Congratulations to all MAX award winners from your Association.
Register Today... All 3-hour MCE courses are FREE! Earn 3 MCE credits at one of our upcoming valuable seminars. RSVP Janis@TexasMortgageIQ.com REGISTER EARLY - LIMITED SEATING
Instructor
Mark Hairston
Certified Mortgage Planner Provider #0606
Direct 789-6967
Mark@TexasMortgageIQ.com
Course
Date
Time
Location
FHA is the Way Insiders guide to FHA
WED 5/20
9 am-12 pm
Austin Title Company Stonebridge Plaza II 9600 N. MoPac Expressway, Suite 125
Stay for FREE lunch
0 Down...Around “A” Town Understanding USDA & VA Loans Course #03-00-090-7417
WED 5/27
9am - 12pm
Austin Title 360 3600 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., #110
FREE lunch to follow class
Insiders Guide to Credit Scoring/Resoration
THURS 6/04
2-5 pm
Cover 3 2700 W Anderson Lane #202 www.cover-3.com
Stay after for HAPPY HOUR!
Austin Title 360 3600 N. Capital of Texas Hwy., #110
Come early for FREE lunch
Course #03-00-070-7190
Course #03-00-011-7715
FHA is the Way Insiders guide to FHA Course #03-00-070-7190
WED 6/10
Lunch at 11 a.m.
Happy Hour to follow
1-4 pm
“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
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Avis Wukasch, TAR’s strategic planning chair and legal review vice chair, shares some insights with colleague David Durham of Keller Williams Realty during the 2009 Capitol Hill visit.
President-elect Ginny Miller, president Connie Smith and treasurer Matthew Posey get ready for their installation as officers of Austin Professional Mortgage Women on Thursday, May 14.
Victoria Reviel and Shannon Powers, both of ZIP Realty, attend the huge luncheon hosted by the Texas Association of REALTORS next to the capitol building during the 2009 Hill Visit.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
LAN
D
MORTGA
GE
Can Your Lender Handle A Curve Ball?
www.realtylineonline.com
43954
The Right Lending Partner Every transaction is unique and to have your business grow you need a strategic partner who can handle any situation. Since 2003 Land Mortgage has grown the right way - great people, sound principles. We execute the fundamentals and exceed expectations everyday. By simply doing what we do best - close & fund loans - our experienced team of professionals ensure your business stays on track. To learn more call today.
About Land Mortgage We are a local mortgage bank with competitive loan programs, reasonable closing costs, and a full range of in-house services. There are no surprises here. We communicate every step of the way to ensure everyone is up-to-date on where financing stands for the transaction. As your preferred lender, we allow you to confidently do what you do best - Sell more homes. A New Era In Mortgage Banking www.landmtg.com 8300 N. MOPAC • Suite 225 • Austin, TX • 78759 • 512.335.5300 • Mortgage Banker No. 43954
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Members of CTCAR board one of two busses heading out on the commercial property tour in North Austin and Round Rock.
Mayoral candidate B r e w s t e r McCracken has a moment to visit with real estate professionals before addressing them at the Goldwasser Real Estate main office. With him were Greg Cooper of Goldwasser Real Estate and James Bills of Affordable Green Builders. You can’t have much more fun than at the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin’s SMC crawfish boil, find Sean LeGrant of Taylor Morrison and Robbe LeGrant of Sellstate Realty.
May 2009
Realty Line of Austin
www.realtylineonline.com
21
Get a $500 Visa Gift Card for every new home you sell between now and June 30, 2009.
That’s 500 reasons to move your clients to Falcon Pointe during the SURE TO MOVE YOU EVENT, which features a special collection of beautiful new homes ready for move-in right now. There are plenty of reasons for your clients to love Falcon Pointe, such as three onsite schools from kindergarten to 12th grade, a Residents Club with pool, an activities director and a community of families waiting for them.
Act now so you and your clients can take advantage of the SURE TO MOVE YOU EVENT* /FXMZ SFEVDFE IPNF QSJDFT t /P NPOUIMZ )0" GFFT GPS B ZFBS MJNJUFE UJNF 'FEFSBM UBY DSFEJU GPS RVBMJmFE mSTU UJNF IPNFCVZFST *ODSFEJCMZ MPX JOUFSFTU SBUFT t ')" MPBO XJUI POMZ EPXO )PNFT CZ %3 )PSUPO t -FOOBS t .FSJUBHF
Find the new home that moves your clients at GBMDPO QPJOUF DPN/NPWFUIFN Travel east from SH35 on SH45 to Kelly Lane exit in Pflugerville. Newland Communities is a privately owned company that creates residential and urban mixed-use communities in 14 states from coast-to-coast. We believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com *Any participating real estate salesperson must provide Newland written consent from his/her broker approving salesperson’s participation and receipt of Visa Gift Card prior to its award. Visa Gift Card is subject to certain terms and conditions imposed by Visa/issuer. Program valid for new home contracts in Falcon Pointe signed between May 15 and June 30, 2009, and close escrow by December 31, 2009. $500 gift card paid upon closing. Newland Communities reserves the right to discontinue this promotion at any time. Contact a Falcon Pointe builder sales office to obtain a copy of the Terms & Conditions for this promotion. The builder incentives described in the “Sure to Move You Event� are offered only by certain participating builders to homebuyers executing new homes sales contracts between May 15 - June 30, 2009 and closed by December 31, 2009 in the Falcon Pointe community and are sponsored exclusively by such builders, who are solely responsible for the content and operation of the builder incentives offered in the promotion. Newland has neither any affiliation nor any obligations or liabilities relating to the builder incentives offered in the Promotion. Information regarding tax credits, interest rates, and FHA loans are provided for general guidance only, and no representation or warranty is made that you will quality for a tax credit, interest rates and FHA loans as described above. The information provided does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or other professional, advice, services or consulting of any kind. Please consult with your qualified real estate, financial, accounting, and legal advisors regarding your specific circumstances and your purchase. Must sign a new home contract in Falcon Pointe between May 15 and June 30, 2009, and close escrow by December 31, 2009, to be eligible for the HOA dues paid for one year. HOA dues paid upon verification of eligibility and closing and funding of the new home. Contact a Falcon Pointe builder sales office to obtain a copy of the Terms & Conditions for this promotion, or visit our website at www.falcon-pointe.com/movethem. Void where prohibited. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in Falcon Pointe or to residents of Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Homes within the Falcon Pointe community are constructed and sold by builders not affiliated with Newland Communities or Newland Communities’ affiliated companies. All square footage is approximate. Prices, specifications and details are subject to change without notice. Š 2009 Newland Communities. All rights reserved.
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
How’s This for A Water Feature?
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME AND GET A FREE POOL! Wilshire Homes teams up with Anthony & Sylvan Pool and Spas, among America's largest builders of customdesigned in ground swimming pools, to make this great offer! (In Select Austin Communities)
Receive a free swimming pool or up to $25,000 in options and upgrades when you purchase a home between April 1, 2009 and July 31, 2009 in Highpointe Plantinum Heights, Sonoma Discovery Series or Build on Your Lot Signature Series.
For More Information Please Contact:
1 Sonoma 512-341-9769 2 BOYL 512-502-2050 3 Highpointe 512-894-0502
www.Wilshire-Homes.com
Contract must be accepted and signed between April 1, 2009 and July 31, 2009. See Pool Specifications Sheet for more details and information. Not valid with any other offers. This program can be terminated at any time without notice. See your New Home Consultant for more details. Allowance varies by community.
During the official grand opening of the WCAoR new headquarters, director Karen Parker of Mike Parker & Co. and Candy Buzan of PrimeLending visited with folks as they arrive. Candy was a room donor for the new “education office” in the new building.
May 2009
Realty Line of Austin
ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS
www.realtylineonline.com
23
Steiner Ranch By Linda McNabb
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When vacation dollars and time off are becoming increasingly harder to come by, it pays to live in a community that seems like a resort destination all on its own. So if beauty and leisure time surroundings are what your buyers are after, be sure to bring them by Steiner Ranch. "Every day living in Steiner Ranch is like being on vacation,” says Keith Sommer, who has lived in Steiner Ranch for four years. “There is amazing natural beauty, and the hiking trails and both lakes are within five minutes of our house." This resort-like feeling arises from being amidst more than 1,000 acres of open space, including 819 acres of nature preserve dedicated to protecting endangered birds. This allows a feeling of wide-open space even though the community is a short 25 minutes from downtown. “We are not far out or isolated, which is something some REALTORS assume,” says Kathy Mayer, community sales manager. “If REALTORS are not keeping Steiner on their radar screens, they are missing out. Also, we have custom home sites, some with Lake Austin frontage, and offer a wide selection of luxury properties. The days of Steiner Ranch being a “middle of the road” community are over. Last year, our average new home sales price was $517k.” Residents of Steiner Ranch also do not have to leave the community for schools, restaurants or groceries, which means life by the lake has never been more convenient. On-site amenities include three community centers with pools, a lake club with access to Lake Austin and 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. “We have the most complete community in terms of convenience,” Mayer says. “There is retail, schools, child care, parks, activities, etc. all located within our community. In addition, there is a little something for everyone: apartments, retirement living, golf, etc. We are the true definition of master-planned community where people can live, work and play.” As the community grows, area schools are popping up as well. This fall, River Ridge Elementary opens on site and Vandergrift High School is opening five miles away.
Current builders in Steiner Ranch are Taylor Morrison, Highland, Drees Custom Homes, David Weekly, Partners in Building and Monterey Homes. Custom Builders are Affinity Custom Homes, Rollo Custom Homes and Echelon Homes. The homes range from mid $200s to $4 million. The square footage is Kathy Mayer • (512) 266-5833 1,400 square feet to over 5,000 Community Sales Manager square feet. “The builders are very reputable and stable,” Mayer says. “We also offer custom lots with sweeping views and lakefront acreage. Some of the custom features our homes have are outdoor living, gourmet kitchens and state of the art media rooms.” Now is an especially good time to be a buyer in Steiner Ranch because the builders are offering very attractive incentives. Visit the Welcome Center for a “hot sheet” of price reductions and to pick up a map to the 12 decorated model homes available to tour today. REALTORS who bring their clients and register them at the Welcome Center will receive a $20 gift card to Nordstrom’s. "The housing market is showing signs of rebounding, which means that prices could start increasing at any time," Mayer says. "With interest rates at unbelievable lows, this is a great time to take advantage of the good deals in the neighborhood before they are gone." Steiner Ranch is located between Lake Travis and Lake Austin. From downtown, take RR 2222 and turn left onto FM 620. Continue two miles and Steiner Ranch will be on the left. Or for directions, call the Welcome Center at 266-5833 or visit www.steinerranch.com.
candy Buzan 797-5580
Max Leaman 293-1239
Kim Nielsen 825-2347
Melissa driskell 964-1864
Mary Kennedy 750-7834
Brian patschke 565-5852
trudy Savage 965-5017
Mark Hoffman 785-3279
terrie doggett 415-0212
rhonda Neeley 560-3429
Shannon Smith 560-4590 Not pictured: Michael ray, 784-8488 • terry Weber, 554-4013
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Ronnie Jackson of Austin Home Renovations checks out the Falconhead West community with Debbie and David Raesz of Keller Williams Realty at the HBA’s Sales and Marketing Council’s crawfish boil.
Jay Pearce of Jay Pearce Realty and Bob Lane, president of WCAoR in 1997, talk about all the elbowroom and plenty of parking spaces at the organization’s new building.
Demetria Simonovic and Janet Havel, both of Highland Homes, show off the wonderful entries in the silent auction that was part of the Coldwell Banker United REALTORS’ third annual wine tasting.
May 2009
Realty Line of Austin
www.realtylineonline.com
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Homes from the $250’s to $3+ million Welcome Center: 512-266-5833 or 800-783-4640 For more information, visit www.steinerranch.com %XLOGHUV 7D\ORU 0RUULVRQ 'UHHV &XVWRP +RPHV +LJKODQG +RPHV 0RQWHUH\ +RPHV 'DYLG :HHNOH\ 3DUWQHUV LQ %XLOGLQJ &XVWRP +RPHV $I¿QLW\ +RPHV 5DQG\ 5ROOR +RPHV (FKHORQ +RPHV ,QIRUPDWLRQ FRQWDLQHG ZLWKLQ WKLV DGYHUWLVHPHQW LV FRUUHFW DW WLPH RI SXEOLFDWLRQ DQG VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ,Q RUGHU WR UHFHLYH JLIW FDUG 5HDOWRU PXVW DFFRPSDQ\ SURVSHFW LQWR WKH :HOFRPH &HQWHU RQ ¿UVW YLVLW
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Susan Reed of Dream House Realtors gives a safe greeting during the swine flu scare to Tammy Fariss of Tammy Fariss REALTORS at the Small Office REALTORS meeting.
WCR president Marie DangSchwartz welcomes and thanks Jeanne Nguyen of The Presidential Realty for participating in the organization’s cultural diversity panel.
Mary Jane Amezquita of DHI Title and Que Reyes of Gracy Title enjoy food, fun and networking at Falconhead West, where the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin’s Sales and Marketing Council held its annual crawfish boil.
May 2009
ASSOCIATES IN PROGRESS
United Lending By Linda McNabb
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
A good reputation can take a company a long way, and United Lending knows that axiom well, as it relies heavily on its professional standing to generate business and create a work environment that no one ever wants to leave. “Most of our business is REALTOR and past client driven. The fact that it is all 100 percent word of mouth is a big deal,” says David McMillan, who owns the company along with Tommy Nelms and Jeff Hamilton. “We don’t do any internet leads and every loan officer has to maintain a high degree of trust with their referral source. This is an attribute to their character and integrity.” In addition to possessing trust and integrity, United Lending’s 23 loan officers in Austin also are among the most experienced, a must in today’s changing market. “We have the absolute best operations staff and loan officers. All of our loan officers have a minimum of five years in the business and want to make a difference on how lending is done,” McMillan says. “They are constantly finding ways to better serve their clients.” One way to accomplish this is by getting the job done on time, if not earlier. Because the company can control the process from start to finish, United Lending can close a deal in five days if need be. “Our operation is second to none,” McMillan says. “Our loan officers know how to submit a file to underwriting so there will be no delays in closings. Last month we had documents to the title company two days before closings on over 90 percent of our files and never went over 48 hours in underwriting.” United Lending emerged only slightly more than one year ago, but McMillan and Nelms have been completing loans in Austin for 20 and 15 years respectively. The company has multiple offices around town and in Houston and San Antonio as well, over 60 employees strong now, with plans to expand.
Realty Line of Austin
www.realtylineonline.com
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“We are seeking slow, calculated growth,” McMillan says. “We want to make sure our infrastructure supports the loan officers to the highest degree. Finding the key people in our industry is the main focus. We work for our loan officers and want to make sure we have the best sales training, product and support so they in turn can give the best possible service to their clients.” United Lending LLC is independently owned but is part of Network Funding, L.P. (NFLP) out of Houston. Tommy Nelms “We are very blessed to be part of NFLP during these times in our industry,” Nelms says. “NFLP is financially strong and able to increase their lines of credit when other mortgage banks are not able to do so. They can close and fund loans and get it off their line of credit in four to five days. One of the reasons we chose NFLP is their sound principals in lending and their lending experience.” United Lending provides FHA, VA, Texas Vet, USDA, Conventional, Construction and Portfolio loans, all while making sure to keep the personalized touch and service that every client deserves. David McMillan “Every employee knows what it takes to make the entire loan process smooth from the receptionist to the underwriter,” McMillan says. “It takes a collaborative effort to get a loan closed on time with happy and repeat customers.” And as many people in business know, happy customers often translate to a happy work environment. “We treat our employees like family and it shows,” Nelms says. “Our motto is to build a company that no one ever wants to leave. It is all about them, not the company they work for.”
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Loree Neiman of Exit Realty and Barbara Humble of Humble Enterprises get a few moments to share while previewing this property in La Frontera that was part of the CTCAR tour.
Women’s Council of REALTORS member Ali Valentine and Susanna Boyer, WCR president elect, discuss what they hope to learn about building global relationships at the WCR meeting.
David Pavliska of RE/MAX Round Rock, John Rosshirt of Stanberry & Associates and Kay Swinney Spiva of Stovall REALTORS make their way to the Texas Association of REALTORS after participating in a Capitol Hill visit.
Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
www.realtylineonline.com
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DON’T IGNORE THE SIGNS! Tax Credits up to
8K
$
FREE CREDIT REPAIR
Assistance with Closing Costs
HISTORICALLY
LOW RATES
Lease Buyout
Job Loss Protection
Now is the time for your clients to buy! Now is the time for your clients to buy!
All signs indicate there’s never been a more opportune time for your clients to buy a new Meritage, Legacy or Monterey home. Don’t miss out! Bring your clients to one of our Austin area neighborhoods today before many of these special savings opportunities are in your rear view mirror.
Tell us what signs you are waiting for online at
HUTTO CEDAR PARK
Meritage.com/AustinSigns
ROUND ROCK
PFLUGERVILLE
and register to
WIN A FREE
LAKEWAY
iPhone!
BEE CAVE
MANOR DOWNTOWN
OAK HILL
N Meritage Homes MAP NOT TO SCALE
(512) 627-9619
BUDA
Monterey Homes KYLE
Legacy Homes
Promotion available for a limited time only. Prices, rates, terms, programs and availability subject to change or revocation without prior notice or obligation. Offers and availability, including amount, duration and particular home/plan, vary. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or incentives unless approved by Meritage Management. Job Loss Protection Program is not a commitment to lend. Loans subject to underwriting, credit, and property approval. Loan products and coverage terms and limits may vary by state. Not all borrowers will qualify. Maximum benefit of up to $2,500 per month for up to six months, subject to involuntary unemployment insurance policy terms, restrictions, and conditions, vesting and waiting periods, claim filing requirements, and certificate of coverage issuance. Valid for eligible buyers only and does not apply to self-employed or 1099 contracts. Other restrictions may apply. Terms, policy, and programs may be changed or cancelled at any time without notice. Assistance with closing costs is available with allocated Meritage Money through their preferred lender affiliate. $8,000 Federal tax credit available to qualified first-time homebuyers. Limitations apply. Please see your tax advisor for details or visit www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com. Lease buyouts are available to qualified buyers and vary depending on lease amount, duration and other applicable lease terms. Certain restrictions apply. See sales agent for details. Free Credit Repair program is available to help educate and inform you about credit related issues. Such information is not intended to serve as legal advice. We do not promise or guarantee your credit score will be increased or restored. Other restrictions may apply to programs. Please see sales agent for details. Broker Co-op paid at closing; Broker MUST accompany buyer on 1st sales office visit. Photographs are representative of a Meritage Homes design, but not necessarily offered at the advertised communities.
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Chad Goldwasser, right, of Goldwasser Real Estate, and Laurie Nunnalee welcome mayoral candidate Brewster McCracken to a Meet the Candidate event at the company’s main office.
Linda Schulman of Independence Title, Gary Hoffarth of Austin Advantage Real Estate and Kelli Burns of Independence Title join Joe Bryson and Eric Johnson, both of Real Estate Alliance, at the downtown property tour coordinated by Gracy Title.
Victoria Costello of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS compliments Lyn Blankholm of Highland Homes on the great finish out at the builder’s model in Hidden Glen, where the fourth annual wine tasting and silent auction was held.
What would you do with the
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At REALTY WORLD-Neal Barnes & Associates we have actually cut all of our commission structures by 50%. Our 100% commission plan is now $3000/year ($250/month) and is one of the favorites. However, you may like our 80/20 split up to $4500 (you also may want to look at our 70/30 up to $4000 and our 60/40 up to $3500) and then the remainder of your contracts for the year at 100% commission. We have cut our plans because at REALTY WORLD, our goal is your success. REALTY WORLD is one of the top recognized national franchises. REALTY WORLD Neal Barnes & Associates has commission structures that are hard to beat. With national advertising, lead generation and marketing systems, real estate training & education, free yard signs and business cards, annual bonuses up to $10,000, and a life time income recruiting program, you owe it to yourself to take a good look at REALTY WORLD.
For more details— Call for your appointment today. 7800 Shoal Creek Blvd, #100N Austin, TX 78757
[512] 773-7744
“The Right Agent Makes All The Difference In The World”
Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
COMMENTARY
www.realtylineonline.com
process and expected to come onto the market after foreclosure, and many markets truly do have inventories. However, in Austin, we have averaged 6.1 months of existing housing inventory for the first quarter of 2009, our average number of foreclosures is about 125 per county for the three county area (a small number compared to most other markets), and finished, unsold new home inventory is low. Many builders sold most or all of their models and spec homes in 2008. As the number of resale transactions follows the normal seasonal increase (February sales increased 30% over January, March increased 28% over February) the opportunity for a further decrease in inventory is realistic. One of the big differences between Austin and other active real estate markets relates to our Median Family Income compared to the Median Home Price. A good guideline for the price of home a family can afford is to purchase a home for not more than three (3) times the annual family income. Money Magazine listed Austin’s Median Family Income for 2008 at $70,207 and the Median Home Price for 2008 of $223,400 (Austin only) which would be a home price of 3.18 times family income. In the “bubble markets” in California, Arizona, Nevada, New York and Florida, that same ratio was running 4 to 6 times family income. In some markets in California and Florida, that same ratio was as high as 10 (families were buying homes that were 10 times their family income). The Austin market has maintained home prices between 2 and 3 times family income over a long period of time. This fact is rarely reported by the national press, yet it is one of the most important criteria for maintaining a healthy, longterm housing market and is an important reason we are not seeing large price declines in the Austin market. REALTORS are the experts in local real estate, and home-buyers need an expert now more than ever to help them understand how the national news has little relationship to Austin and the true value in buying a home in this market.
There Is No “National Real Estate Market” By David Tandy • Gracy Title Austin home buyers and homeowners read many articles detailing the problems in real estate ranging from declining home prices to rapidly increasing foreclosures. It’s easy to become confused about what is happening in our local, Austin-area markets. Austin buyers and sellers need to understand that there is no “National Real Estate Market.” It does not matter if the median home price in Las Vegas has had a significant decrease over the last year if local median prices are not declining. And it does not matter if there are large inventories of homes in California or Florida if Austin is not nearly as overbuilt nor has nearly as large of an inventory. For example, according to the February Case-Schiller Index, Phoenix showed a 35.2% decline over the last 12 months while Las Vegas showed a 31.7% decline. Yet Austin’s median home price in February of 2009 was $186,000, a 3.6% increase from February 2008 when the median price was $180,000. The size of the home sold increased from an average of 1,841 square feet to 1,933 square feet, a 5% increase. Both of these increases occurred in spite of a 1/3 decline in the number of transactions. There are certainly few, if any, markets in the U.S. that have shown similar price stability. Additionally, the national press has continually reported on the large existing housing inventory reflecting an 11 month or greater inventory, meaning that, at the current level of sales, it would take 11 months to sell all of the listings. Adding in unsold new home inventory or “over-hang” and the “shadow inventory” of homes with loans in the foreclosure
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^^^^ +YLLZ/VTLZ JVT 512-241-7122 ^^^^ +YLLZ/VTLZ JVT 512-241-7122 Offers effecti effective ve for a limited time and aavailable vailable on firm, non-contingent pur purchase chase agreements on select market homes only.. Offered through FFirst only irst Equity Mortgage, Equal Housing Lender Lender.. 3.99% 30-y 30-year ear fixed con conventional ventional financing (4.456% APR based upon a 90% LLTV). TV). Maximum loan amount $417,000 with a 10% do down wn pa payment. yment. Requires 1.0% origination fee paid b by y borro borrower. wer. FFinancing inancing terms based upon select homes in A Austin ustin and Dallas, TX. T Terms erms in other cities ma may y vvary. ary. Contr Contracts acts must be written between April 6, 2009 and Ma May y 31, 2009 and must close within 60 da days ys of loan application. Subject to minimum credit score of 720 and underwriting appro approval. val. Prices, progr programs ams and rrates ates are subject to cchange hange or withdr withdrawal awal without notice. Other restrictions ma may y apply apply..
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Realty Line of Austin
May 2009
Cindy Walsh, standing, of Keller Williams Realty, helps Jim Morgan of Star Properties and Kelley Menefee, also of Keller Williams Realty, sign in at the Small Office R E A LT O R S luncheon at the ABoR auditorium.
Angela Martin of Chisholm Trail Financial Group and Mark Griffiths of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS enjoy the wine tasting at the Highland Homes model in Hidden Glen. WCAoR president Barbara Wigginton of Realty Executives Excellence gets ready to serve the cake at the official grand opening of the organization’s new offices on Old Settler’s Boulevard.
Patricia Wagner of DHI Mortgage joins Laura Vallejo and Jason Garza, both of B & G Surveying, at the monthly meeting of the Austin Professional Mortgage Women at the Holiday Inn Northwest.
Don Quick of Don Quick and Associates is always ready to give a warm greeting as he meets up with Marvin Carter of Hvacmasters at the Commerical Property Bus Tour. Mike Tvinnereim of Drees Custom Homes shows Naomi Bludworth of the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin some tasty mud bugs at the crawfish boil at Falconhead West.