Realty Line May 2012 Issue by RealtyLine

in this issue…

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™

• ABoR/AYREP Sip & Stroll • WCAoR West Side Story Bus Tour • HBA MAX Awards • Grand Haven Homes Ribbon Cutting • and much, much more!

Associates in Progress

Select Your Own Closer

page 27

page 15 TM

MAY 2012 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 1

The world is your office: gadgets for the workplace on-the-go by Autumn Rhea Carpenter

Printed on recycled paper.

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

n a bygone office era, REALTORS were tethered to their fax machines, postage meters and landline phone systems. Today’s laptops and tablets offer the modern REALTOR an escape from the same four walls as well as an opportunity to accomplish daily tasks in ways that were once unimaginable. According to Sam Chapman of Private Label Realty, these tools have completely

altered the work landscape. “I don't even have an office any more,” he says. “I meet buyers at coffee shops with Internet access and show them properties from my laptop.” While these technologies are invaluable in automating everyday tasks, the element of human connection is still invaluable to a successful REALTOR. Despite rumors that technology will one day replace humans, without that handshake and connection with a client, gadgets alone will never make

a REALTOR a top seller. Technology trainer Chad Cardani at Cardani Group REALTORS, Keller Williams Realty has seen REALTORS attempt to replace personal interaction with technology tools. “Unfortunately, we see many agents wanting to use technology for absolutely everything, including all of their relationship-building activities,”

Front Page: Continued on page 24

Developer plans thousands of homes in Leander; City Council clears the way

he developer of Crystal Falls West in Leander, Lookout Group, Inc., plans to expand the community by 2,000 acres. The five-phased plan is to be completed over 10 years with the first phase beginning in 2014. The community plan calls for a total 3,200 residential homes and apartments, retail, parks and three new schools. The project will be located close to the intersection of RM

1431 and Nameless Rd. Homes are expected to be priced in the $400,000 range. The first 430 acres will be developed to the north and west of RM 1431 in 2014 and 2015. The majority of the land developed in the first phase will be dedicated to single-family homes—273 acres. The remaining 157 acres will be used to build two schools, commercial space and parkland. RL

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

P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Upcoming Events Monday, May 21 WCAoR 23rd Annual Golf Classic Cimarron Hills - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 23 ABoR Putt Putt with TREPAC Peter Pan Mini Golf - 4:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 24 WCR 2012 Las Vegas Casino Night Monte Vista Condos - 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, June 5 HBA Lakeway/Bee Cave Chapter Fore - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, June 7 Sente Mortgage Power Luncheon Sente Office - 12 to 1 p.m. ABoR Mercedes & Martinis Finale Raffle Event - Shoal Crossing Event Center 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 14 WCR Business Resource Meeting Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. NAHREP Real Estate Bar Camp The Main Event - 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 20 CRS Quarterly Luncheon Westwood Country Club - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. NAHREP Monthly Luncheon Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. ABoR PAC Spelling Bee Word Hunt The Park at the Domain - 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 21 HBA Builder/Associate Networking Social Factory Builder Store - 5 to 7 p.m.

More events at www.myRealtyLine.com

May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

from their ABC’s to their GPA’s, we’re Proud of our residents.

Congratulations Class of 2012! 151 TRINITY HILLS DRIVE • AUSTIN, TX 78737 • 512.301.5000 • BELTERRATEXAS.COM

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Austin Board of REALTORS®

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Chairman’s Column By Leonard Guerrero • 2012 Chairman

Get out the REALTOR vote—participate in upcoming primary elections

he 2012 Texas primary elections are right around the corner, and I encourage you to participate in this important election. Take advantage of your chance to select your future leaders by casting your vote. Early voting began May 14 and will end May 25, while election day is May 29. The Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) has done a thorough review of the candidates to identify advocates of the real estate industry. We proudly endorse State Representative Paul Workman based on his commitment to private property rights and real estate issues, as well as his 100 percent voting record. No matter whom you choose to support, casting your vote is very important. To learn more about ABoR’s candidate endorsements, visit www.abor.com/elections. I ask you to vote your conscience and get out the REALTOR vote.

exciting time as ABoR and the Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) are seeking individuals to help guide the future of the real estate industry. Available positions include: • Five Director Positions, ABoR board of directors (2013 – 2015); • One Secretary/Treasurer Position, ABoR board of directors (2013); • One Chairman-Elect Position, ABoR board of directors (2013); • Three TAR Director Positions, TAR board of directors (2013 – 2015); and • Two TAR Regional Vice Presidents, TAR (2014 – 2015). The open call for leadership positions began May 15 and will end June 30. Nominations can be submitted at www.abor.com/leadership. For more information, contact Vicki Harris in ABoR’s executive department at 454-7636 or executive@abor.com.

Follow the call, and take an active role Realty Round Up rolls into town with in your industry ABoR is delighted to announce the annual early bird discounts call for leadership nominations. This is an

It’s high time to saddle up and lasso yourself

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May 2012

a booth at the 2012 Wild West Realty Round Up. This is a prime opportunity to network with real estate elites and the over 1,500 members expected to attend. A variety of booth sizes and partnership levels are now available. It pays to be a quick shooter, with discounts on booths extending to June 30. The event is slated to take place on Oct. 9 at the Austin Convention Center. Contact Trade Show Coordinator Gina Willemsen at 454-7636, ext. 1601, or roundup@ abor.com for more information.

Foundation Mercedes-Benz Raffle is drawing to a close. Purchase those last minute $100 raffle tickets, and secure your chance at luxury while still benefitting the Foundation’s annual scholarship program. The winner will be announced at the Mercedes & Martinis Finale Raffle event from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 7 at the Shoal Crossing Event Center. Purchase your ticket and learn more about the event at www. abor.com/foundation.

Get on the green with TREPAC

Waltz into stellar marketing opportunities at the 2013 Installation and Awards Gala

You’re invited to join ABoR and your fellow colleagues for Putt Putt with TREPAC from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on May 23 at Peter Pan Mini Golf. Take a swing for your Political Action Committee, and purchase your ticket for only $15. Ticket proceeds go towards your 2012 TREPAC investment. Looking to promote your company to the real estate industry? Consider becoming an advertiser as opportunities are still available. For information, visit www.abor.com/ putt or contact TREPAC Coordinator Anna Kong at 454-7636, ext. 1502 or pac@abor.com.

Mercedes-Benz Raffle nearing; enter for a chance to win big

The opportunity to participate in the ABoR

Details surrounding the 2013 Dancing with the Stars of Real Estate Installation and Awards Gala are emerging. Expected to draw at least 500 real estate professionals, the event is a stellar opportunity for you to market your business to top-tier Austin-area REALTORS. With prices ranging from $7,500 to $500, there’s a perfect fit for your business through our partnership opportunities. Visit www.abor.com/installation to access a partner form and learn more about the premier, end-of-the-year event. For additional information, contact ABoR’s Event Coordinator Shirley Williams at swilliams@ abor.com or 454-7636, ext. 1603. RL

May Educational Courses May 18: Fight the Texas Tax Appraisal & Win, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. May 19: Intro to Residential Service Contracts, 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 19: Intro to Home Mechanical Systems, 10:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. May 22: What’s New and How Do I Use it, 1 to 4 p.m. May 29: MLS Advanced Features & CMA (North location), 1 to 4 p.m. May 29: Fight the Texas Tax Appraisal & Win, 1 to 5 p.m.

More at www.ABoR.org

In honor of Memorial Day...

First American would like thank all of those that have served our country, as well as their family members. HHHHHHHHH

Winter Edwards

Erin Harrell

Fran Pullin

c e l l 512.745.2410 wedwards@firstam.com

c e l l 512.497.8350 eharrell@firstam.com

c e l l 512.695.8634 fpullin@firstam.com

Kelley Murphy

Cindy Mokry

Michelle Vannostran

512.658.0068 kemurphy@firstam.com

512.658.7087 cmokry@firstam.com

c e l l 512.534.6563 mvannostran@firstam.com

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

As always, we would like to extend discounted escrow fees to members of the armed forces, fire department and law enforcement offices. HHHHHHHHH ©2012 First American Financial Corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. | NYSE: FAF

May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Natalie Bowers of Milestone Community Builders enjoys the social hour at the HBA’s MAX Awards Gala with her husband Eric. Natalie chaired the MAX Awards committee and was instrumental in planning the HBA’s only annual black-tie affair. The event was held at The Oasis on Lake Travis.

Buy photo: RL_051012_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Jay Gohil of Jay Gohil Realty, Al Benavedez and Debbie Fontenette, both of Keller Williams Realty, take a little sip before they stroll down 6th Street on ABoR PAC and AYREP’s Sip & Stroll and scavenger hunt.

Buy photo: RL_050312_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

NAHREP Austin’s past and current presidents Oliva Lerma and Nicole Torres-Cooke place their bids at the Women’s Council of REALTORS’ cake auction at the group’s monthly meeting at Cool River Café.

Buy photo: RL_050512_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

WANT TO WORK WITH THE BEST?

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JOIN THE TEAM AT DHI MORTGAGE!

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

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

Branch Manager, NMLS #209414

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

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

Provided for informational purposes only. DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. Branch NMLS# 38686. Company NMLS #14622. 12554 Riata Vista Circle, First Floor, Austin, TX 78727. For information on DHIM licensing please visit www.dhimortgage.com/otherpages/licensing. REV: 05/02/12 / EXP: 05/01/13

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May 2012

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Agent commissions? From the ground up!

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We value you at KB Home. That’s why you’ll receive 100% of your Built to Order ™ commission as soon as the slab is poured.

Discover the value of selling Built to Order. Legends Village in Round Rock Homes from the $140s • 1,582–3,728 sq. ft., 3–6 bdrms., 2–4 baths • easy access to I-35 and Hwy. 130 • community park with playscape and swimming pool From I-35 North, exit Hwy. 79 heading east. Go 3 mi. and turn left on Joe DiMaggio Blvd. Turn right on Arterial A and left on Chandler Creek Blvd. to community. (512) 382-9866

AGENT HAPPY HOUR • THURSDAY, MAY 17, 5-7PM Come enjoy refreshments and giveaways at The Park at The Domain, on the ground floor of the Aloft™ Hotel, compliments of KB Home. 11601 Domain Drive • RSVPs appreciated but not required to cbrown@kbhome.com.

Broker Cooperation Welcome. ©2012 KB Home (KBH). Refreshments and giveaways available while supplies last. For giveaways (ARV $10): no rain checks, not exchangeable for cash, limit one per Broker. No affiliation or sponsorship is intended or implied with The Park at The Domain or Aloft™ Hotels, and all trademarks are owned by the trademark owners. Advance Commission offer valid only on non-contingent sales of new Built to Order™ KB homes at Legends Village. Not available on inventory homes, model homes or homes under construction. For Broker to receive Advance Commission, buyer must sign purchase agreement between 3/23/12 and 12/31/12 and obtain unconditional loan approval from a qualified lender prior to time slab is completed. KBH reserves the right to extend, modify or discontinue this program at any time without prior notice. Other restrictions and limitations may apply. In order for Broker to be paid a Broker Co-op, Broker or agent must accompany and register client on client’s first visit to community and sign the Broker Co-op Agreement and Addendum to Broker Co-op Agreement. See Built to Order™ options and upgrades offered at KB Home Studio. All options/upgrades require additional charges and ordering at predetermined stages of construction, and are subject to change/discontinuation anytime by KB Home. KB Home is not a custom homebuilder. Plans, pricing, financing, terms, availability and specifications subject to change/prior sale without notice and may vary by neighborhood, lot location and home series. Buyer responsible for all taxes, insurance and other fees. Sq. footage is approximate. HOA applies. Photo may depict upgraded landscaping/options and may not represent lowest-priced homes. Photo does not depict racial preference. See sales representative for details. AUS-102599

May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Susan Brown of Realty Executives and Mark Griffiths of Best Agents in Texas get ready to board the bus at Caballo Ranch where The Williamson County Association of REALTORS kicked off its West Side Story Bus Tour.

Buy photo: RL_050612_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

After a hot stroll during the ABoR PAC/ AYREP Sip & Stroll and scavenger hunt, Nicole Torres-Cooke of Schmooze Networking, Sandy Urias of Farmers Insurance, Chelsea Brown of KB Home and Erica Dunkley of Ragland Realty decide to “sip and stay” at J. Black's Feel Good Lounge where the event began.

Buy photo: RL_050512_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

All aboard, let’s get this party started. Everyone gets ready to head out on the Williamson County Association of REALTORS’ West Side Story Bus Tour to get a glimpse at properties along the west side of IH 35 in Williamson County.

Buy photo: RL_051012_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Sharon Murray of Grand Haven Homes celebrates as she accepts one of many awards from HBA pastpresident Wes Peoples at the HBA’s MAX Awards Gala.

Buy photo: RL_050612_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Earn MORE with MileStone’s VIP Realtor program!

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5 southbridge villas Garden Homes from the $180’s 512-804-2605 7233 Manchaca Rd. • South Austin

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®

www.myRealtyLine.com

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

President’s Column

following sessions take place once per month and cover the following topics: Understanding Leadership and Yourself, Meeting Planning, Leadership in Action, Diversity Among Us, Spokesperson Training, Balance and Renewal, and Law, Legislation and Leadership. The program culminates in a fantastic graduation celebration, most recently held at the gorgeous Marriott Resort and Spa in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. The program requires the commitment of each participant to pay a portion of the program cost as well as commit to attending each session. That level of commitment creates a desire for each participant to get as much out of the program as possible. Each class develops its own identity and I can say from experience that the program fosters lifelong friendships and enhances that special REALTOR family bond that we all love. Over 1,000 REALTORS statewide have graduated from the program, which may seem like a lot. However, considering the Texas Association of REALTORS has approximately 80,000 members, it is an elite group of professionals that devotes time and talent over eight months to grow professionally and personally. From Williamson County, we have proudly graduated the following

By Christy Gessler • 2012 President

WCAoR encourages member participation in leadership program

he Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCAoR) launched its fifth annual Texas REALTORS Leadership Program over the weekend of April 22 through 24. WCAoR belongs to a large geographic region set forth by the Texas Association of REALTORS. This area includes the jurisdictions of the Highland Lakes Association of REALTORS, the Fort Hood Area Association of REALTORS, the TempleBelton Board of REALTORS, the Waco Association of REALTORS, the Bryan-College Station Regional Association of REALTORS, the South Central Board of REALTORS, the Bastrop Association of REALORS, the San Marcos Area Board of REALTORS and the Central Texas Commercial Association of REALTORS. That is a very large and excitingly diverse cross-section of Central Texas. To give you a little history, under the leadership of Avis Wukasch and Harry Gibbs, the local board leadership and association executives of these associations gathered in 2007 to start planning a program that

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would be customized for our region. The group saw the incredible value in the Texas REALTORS Leadership Program (TRLP) that was operating around the state and decided to customize it to allow the associations in Region 8 to participate collectively. The first class started in 2008 and has been going strong ever since. This collaboration has several benefits: it allows smaller boards to be able to send a member or two to the program at a reasonable cost, it fosters an opportunity for participants to travel to other areas of Central Texas to expand their knowledge and experiences, and it sets up a natural connection for an ongoing referral source amongst graduates. The program is comprised of a threeday launch session, held in the BryanCollege Station area to date, which allows participants to get to know one another, have some fun, explore personality styles by taking the Birkman Assessment, engage in team building exercises and listen to some amazing economic and motivational speakers. The

national U.s. Franchise Brands

More at www.WCAoR.org

5.6 Keller Williams

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Coldwell Banker

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May 18: Fundamentals of Foreclosure Auctions May 24: WCAoR Golf Classic at Cimarron Hills May 23: Video: How to Get More Leads Using Video May 25: TREC Ethics and Legal Project Management Webinar Coming (Check WCAoR website calendar) Multiple offers—June (Check the WCAoR website calendar)

Era

Century 21

7.6

Upcoming Events & Education

If RE/MAX agents don’t work twice as hard, but close twice as many transactions as agents at your company, wouldn't you like to learn their secret?

2011 REAL TREnds 500

members since 2008: 2008: Victoria Reviel, Mary Miner, Reba Saxon, Christy Gessler 2009: Susan Brown, Leisa Ormsbee, Mark Griffiths 2010: Cyndi McIntyre, Ruby Johnson 2011: Jack Stapleton, Shavonne Martin, Gail McClanahan In 2012, we are sponsoring Greg Hodge with RE/MAX Capital City and Susanna Boyer with 1st Source Realty. It is so exciting to not only be a graduate of the program, but I am honored to be serving this year with Cathy Cole from the South Central Board of REALTORS as the facilitator team. We volunteered to serve as facilitators to honor the service of Avis and Harry and demonstrate the power of the program. We felt there was no greater compliment to Avis, Harry, the association executives of Region 8 and the past board leadership that founded and fostered the program than to have two alumni step up and facilitate each session. We are so proud of this program and I strongly encourage you to research it, talk with a graduate and contemplate applying for a participant slot in the future. It is an investment in yourself, your business and your future that is priceless. RL

Working twice as hard?

Average Transactions per Agent

7.8

May 2012

Learn

their secret http://bcove.me/h0sw2oql

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*Coldwell Banker sales volume per agent includes estimates from brokerages are a part of NRT, derived from RE/MAX research. Source: REAL Trends "REAL Facts" reports, released May 2011. Figures combine the REAL Trends 500 brokerages with its Up-and-Comers category. Data is for 2010, provided by brokerages on a voluntary basis. REAL Trends requires verification of all data. Franchise comparisons are based on firms identified by franchise affiliation.

May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Terry Godbold of Reliable Property Management and Ron Urias of Farmers Insurance, show everyone how well the “old school” way of social networking works. The two met up downtown Austin at the Sip & Stroll and scavenger hunt hosted by ABoR PAC and AYREP and kicked off at J. Black’s Feel Good Lounge.

Buy photo: RL_050512_H.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Want to learn about technology? What better way than to hire a “techy”? Jennifer Archambeault of Nauhaus Realty Group helped to organize ABoR’s Technology Timeout and Happy Hour with local technology experts like Robert Butler.

Buy photo: RL_051012_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Taking home several awards honoring her company’s marketing efforts is Vaike O’Grady of Newland Communities. HBA past-president Wes Peoples congratulates her as she accepts the company’s sixth award.

Buy photo: RL_050812_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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May 2012

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May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Houston REALTOR Amy SmytheHarris teaches local REALTORS how to keep pace with fast and furious agents with iPad and iPhone apps that make you move at lightening speeds. ABoR hosted a Technology Timeout and Happy Hour to help members with technology for their business. Buy photo: RL_050812_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Sharon Murray, left, and Eric Rome, right, both of Grand Haven Homes, tell John Cowman, Mayor of the City of Leander how excited they are to open the Sarita Valley Greenbelt and Trail to area residents. Grand Haven Homes held a dedication to the opening of the new trail. Buy photo: RL_050712_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

CRS Austin Chapter members Laura Nye of Stanberry & Associates and Joyce Melugin of Amelia Bullock, REALTORS have lunch with fellow colleagues at the group’s quarterly luncheon at Westwood Country Club.

Buy photo: RL_051012_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

HBA member and past-president Wes Peoples presents Karen Matuszewski of By Design - Real Estate Services & Custom Home Consulting with the REALTOR of the Year award at the annual HBA MAX Awards Gala. The event was held at The Oasis on Lake Travis.

Buy photo: RL_050412_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Austin Area Market Update Austin - San Marcos Building Permits 1980 -2011 Single Family

Multifamily

30,000 27,500 25,000 Partnerships Built on Trust

22,500 20,000 17,500 15,000 12,500 10,000 7,500 5,000 2,500

For more information, please contact one of our sales executives. www.gracytitle.com

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

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May 2012

Gracy Title Announcing our new Escrow Officers Rest assured that Gracy Title will make your Real Estate transaction a breeze with our knowledgeable staff, and cutting edge technology tools.

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Escrow Officer Dripping Springs (512) 894.3060

Escrow Officer Cedar Park-Cypress (512) 331.9647

Escrow Officer Round Rock-Crystal Park (512) 582-4900

www.gracytitle.com

May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Eric Rome, Sharon Murray, Jake Glidewell, and Veronica Easter, all of Grand Haven Homes, leave the HBA's MAX Awards Gala at The Oasis on Lake Travis with big smiles and numerous awards.

Buy photo: RL_051012_M.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Bill Roquemore of Prestige Realty and Gordon Gorychka of The Gordon Company were feeling overwhelmed with technology options so they attended ABoR’s Technology Timeout and Happy Hour to learn how to make the latest advancements work for their business.

Buy photo: RL_050112_O.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_050812_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Of all the cards turned in at the Ashton Woods Homes Five Card Draw event, her full house (naturally) was the best so Kathey Pendleton of ABC Realty was declared the winner and took home a new iPad.

SARITA VALLEY

New Model Home Plan... Now Open! SARITA VALLEY, newest community in the Leander, Cedar Park area. This long awaited community touts homes from the mid $200’s. Among the spectacular features Sarita Valley has to offer:

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

A New Era In Mortgage Banking

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May 2012

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8300 N. MOPAC • Suite 225 • Austin, TX • 78759 • 512.335.5300 • NMLS #131699

May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Austin-area real estate agents new to RE/MAX attend a class that trains them on how to use the network's online lead generation technology, and how to leverage RE/MAX advertising clout.

Submitted Photo

HBA 2012 Parade of Homes builders and committee members gather to plan the event scheduled from Oct. 20 - Nov. 4 at the Overlook Estates in Southwest Austin. Pictured are (front row) HBA EVP Harry Savio, Keith Durio, Michael Cohen, Gabriel Trinidad, (back row) Kerry Martin, Ross Britton, Laurel Prats and Howard Kirk. Anyone up for a swim? Grant Whittenberger of Outlaw Real Estate Group, a Private Label Realty company, Rosemary Jennings of Hometrust Mortgage and Mark Lee of Milestone Community Builders eye the pool at the West Cypress Hills amenity center. The builder hosted a REALTOR event there to showcase its new section of homesites.

Submitted Photo

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Fred Norton of Prudential Texas Realty and Emma Polk of Coldwell Banker S.G. Billings always learn a lot at the quarterly CRS Austin Chapter meetings.

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With competitive rates, incomparable services and a process that guides you easily from application all the way through closing, we are confident that you’ll agree that imortgage has made financing your home...

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May 2012

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Chris Rodriguez, Ruby Johnson and Bill Evans, all of Austin Real Pros, cowboy up with Cheryl Jenkins second from right, of RE/MAX Capital City as they mosey on over to the next location on the list at the ABoR PAC/AYREP Sip & Stroll and scavenger hunt on West 6th Street.

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“…and if you look out the left side of the bus,” you’ll find your tour guides for the day. Teresa Persons and Tiesa Hollaway of North American Title lead the WCAoR West Side Story Bus Tour.

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Let’s Have An Auction!

If you have a client that wants to convert real estate to cash, the auction method can get the job done in a cost effective and timely manner by allowing “true price discovery” to work through a competitive bidding process. I have conducted more than 1,000 real estate auctions across the Midwest and Southwest over the last 20 years and am interested in cooperating with other Texas Realtors to bring you and your client the best in auction marketing services! Call anytime and let’s meet to discuss how an auction may be the correct choice for your client and you!

Monty Meusch, ALC, CAI, CES, CNE Texas Auctioneer #11449 Texas Broker | Area Sales Manager Phone: (817) 600-9485 11933 Palisades Parkway Austin, Texas 78732 MMeusch@FarmersNational.com

www.FarmersNational.com

Real Estate Sales • Auctions • Farm and Ranch Management Appraisal • Insurance • Consultation • Oil and Gas Management Lake Management • National Hunting Leases

Ashton Woods Homes’ division president Chris Werth beams with pride for his company and staff as he accepts the HBA’s MAX Award for Best Website for a Volume Builder from Wes Peoples at the annual gala. The awards program was held at The Oasis on Lake Travis.

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May 2012

May 2012 HBA of Greater Austin

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President’s Column By Marshall Durrett • 2012 President

Gadgets for the home are good for buyers on-the-go

oday, home and office automation applications are melding into a common explosion of new products and capabilities. Applications considered “futuristic” just a few short years ago are now products readily available from any computer or smartphone. Products previously exclusive to the office are now commonplace at home or home office environments. Mesa Home Systems shared some insights on technology now ordinarily available. That company is frequently installing “automation platforms.” The platforms allow the home or business owner to control any number of systems remotely. Sales Manager Chris Coltharp says, “I think the most important thing for consumers to consider is the home automation platform they will be using. Some of the more popular systems are Control4, HAI (Home Automation, Inc.), Crestron, Savant and Elan. Each of these manufacturers makes hardware to control a variety of subsystems within the home including lighting,

HVAC, audio/video, sprinkler systems, and door locks.” Coltharp went on to advise, “typically the apps are free, however some companies require the purchase of a license to be able to utilize the app. A popular trend lately has been integrating components that incorporate Apple AirPlay technology which allows music to be wirelessly streamed to an audio system directly from an iPhone, iPad or an iTunes account.” Many homes have programmable thermostats designed to anticipate when to begin a “cool down,” but for those with irregular routines, the home or office thermostat is easily controlled by phone. Why not begin your “cool down” when you start home so that your home is at that perfect temperature when you arrive; yet for the rest of the day you are able to save energy, save money, and help with the environment. Forgot to set the security alarm? Just raise the home automation platform to make sure. If you did forget; activate it with a touch of the screen. Trying to conserve

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water and see there is a 95 percent chance of rain later in the week? Just access your sprinkler system with directions to cancel the watering for the day. On occasion, you may hear about a sporting event or television special, but cannot get home to see it. Today, you can bring up an app, access your home system, and provide directions to record the show for viewing at your leisure later in the week. Security cameras can be used outside and viewed whenever you need to check

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

to see whether you have an intruder or the kids just forgot to turn off the alarm when they arrived. Webcams can be used inside to check on the baby sitter, teens or even senior parents. All can be checked from your smartphone or office computer. With wireless technologies, retrofits have become much easier. For the real estate industry, we are able to combine the best of all worlds. New technologies are readily available today for our office, for buyers and our own personal convenience. RL

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Kudos to Scott Felder Homes for taking home the Grand MAX Award for a volume builder at the HBA's MAX Awards Gala at The Oasis on Lake Travis.

MORTAGE COMPANIES, LIKE MANY THINGS, CHANGE OVER TIME How can United Lending help you shape a better future for your career? As a mortgage broker and banker we are constanlty adapting to keep up with industry trends, technology and tools. We welcome loan originators with experience and a desire for professional growth. For more information contact: Kevin A. Gingsburg (NMLS # 218826) 512-632-7971

United Lending, a division of Network Funding LP #2297

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May 2012

Choose Your Own Adventure : Check Out Our 14 Available Inventory Homes Stunning Custom Home Offerings 8 Homes From the $300’s to Over $1M Featured in the 2012 HBA Tour of Homes

With Home Designs By

And Featuring

COVENTRY • GRAND HAVEN SCOTT FELDER • STANDARD PACIFIC VILLAGE BUILDERS

HOMES FROM THE $280’S CUSTOM HOME SITES FROM THE $100’S CUSTOM HOMES FROM THE $600’S

N O W P L AY I N G I N L A K E WAY 512.617.1776 | RoughHollowLakeway.com Developed by Legend Communities in partnership with Crescent Resources. Exclusively marketed by Legacy International Resort Properties. Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.

May 2012

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Austin CRS Chapter

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President ‘s Column By Risé Johns • 2012 President

Marilyn Van Uum of Independence Title congratulates longputt champion Jason Tarr of Keller Williams Realty. Independence Title sponsored the golf tournament that t the Hays CISD Education Foundation.

Continuing eduction propels agents to the top

o, you want to earn more money? You work 60 to 70 hours per week and are still struggling to pay your bills— welcome to the world of real estate. After two years, 80 percent of new agents are out of the business. If you don’t fit into that 80 percent, you might find yourself in the group that survives the challenges of those first two years and who is barely making ends meet. You could start thinking—the top agents who make all the money leave very little business for everyone else. What separates the top agents from the pack? Most top agents continue their education throughout their career. It’s these agents that understand real estate is always evolving and they need to stay informed if they are to continue to offer true expertise to their clients. This group of agents takes more courses than what is required to renew their licenses. They

Submitted Photo

All REALTORS need a little R&R at the end of the day. Thanks to Milestone Community Builders, Barbara Siegwalt of Keller Williams Realty and her husband Steve take the opportunity to “Unwine” at the builder’s West Cypress Hills community while they learn about a new section of homesites.

seek out mentors and education to make themselves better at their job. Roughly four percent of agents earn the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation. CRS designated real estate agents earn more than twice what the average REALTOR earns. These professionals are the ones who are not only surviving—they are thriving. Depending on how long you have been licensed and how many transactions you have had, there are several ways to earn your CRS designation. The various programs are based on education and production requirements. Whether you are working toward your designation or haven’t begun to do so, check out the Austin Area CRS Chapter. You will understand why CRS agents are so successful. If you want to earn more money and respect from both your peers and the public, get your CRS designation now. RL

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5-5-25: A Communication Strategy

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5-5-25: A Communication Strategy Using the 5-5-25 as the primary communication strategy for a year, one of our loan originators increased business by 65%! It works for Realtors as well. The 5-5-25 is a personal communication practice which translates into daily actions that WILL increase your business.

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May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Grand Haven Homes celebrates the opening of the Sarita Valley Greenbelt and Trail with City of Leander Mayor John Cowman, center.

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Becky Hopkins of Austin Title and Debbie McCarty celebrate the 10th anniversary of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) at its monthly meeting. Becky is co-chair and Debbie is chair of the CREW Public Relations Committee.

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Submitted Photo

Custom builder and remodeler Jeremy Martin takes home the Grand MAX Award for a custom builder at the HBA’s MAX Awards Gala. HBA past-president Wes Peoples presented him with the award at The Oasis on Lake Travis where the event was held.

Texas American Title Company

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every time! Your Williamson County Team! Cedar Park Office Round Rock Office 715 Discovery Blvd. 1001 South Mays Suite 205 Suite 103 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Round Rock, TX 78664 Office: 512-259-5950 Office: 512-255-1550 Fax: 512-259-0540 Fax: 512-255-2329 Summer Pavliska Account Executive Cell: 512-577-5166

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May 2012

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May 2012 Front Page: Continued

he says. “No matter how adept an agent is with technology, if he can't have a personal, face-to-face conversation, he will be at a disadvantage.“ As more REALTORS understand how to properly integrate technology, increased sales and happier clients should follow.

How to create a mobile office Hardware According to Chapman, there are four tools that every REALTOR needs. “A mobile office requires a smartphone, a lightweight printer for mobile printing, an AC converter for the car to power the laptop and printer and a smartphone program that acts as a wireless modem,” says Chapman. Cloud Technology The Cloud has simplified accessing information as data can now be moved from the desktop and stored online. It allows users to collaborate on a project simultaneously while alleviating paper usage and hardware costs. “Carbonite and Mozy are two secure online backup systems that ensure valuable data is protected,” says Cardani. “There are certainly no guarantees for data security since breaches occur all the time. Choosing secure passwords and paying attention to the way you are connecting to the Internet is helpful,” he says. “The benefit of a ‘private cloud’ is that a private system is somewhat less attractive to hackers. The drawback is paying a premium for something that doesn't have all that much of an advantage over the mainstream solutions.” Dropbox is another free tool that offers

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users access to files by avoiding a lengthy e-mail exchange. Once an account is established, documents, photos and files can be shared from any tablet, computer or smart phone. Voice over IP (VoIP) transfers analog audio signals into digital data. According to Cardani, Google Voice and Ring Central are effective tools that allow instant communication. These tools assign one number for every phone as well as free long distance and online voicemail capabilities. Evernote is an effective way to toss out those cocktail napkins covered in big ideas. It’s an online notebook where REALTORS can store notes, websites, photos and projects. This free cross-platform tool stores everything in one accessible location. Mobile Applications (Apps) Software created for mobile devices are used for everything from checking bank balances to ordering concert tickets. REALTORS have a vast selection of apps that can make their mobile office more efficient. According to Cardani, personal marketing apps are an effective method for creating physical marketing materials that customers expect. These apps provide a variety of personalized collateral including postcards, business cards, calendars, targeted marketing campaigns, newsletters, greeting cards and QR codes. A Quick Response code (QR) is the trademark for a matrix barcode and smartphones scan and store the information. “I’m a believer in including QR codes on flyers and listing signs because the code takes people straight to a listing website or to my contact information,” says Chapman. Other apps he recommends includes a bubble level,

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

a barcode/AR code scanner, a compass and weather radar.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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How to stay current As the latest tablet or smartphone becomes obsolete almost as soon as the credit card receipt is signed, it’s important to be aware of trends. Cardani recommends attending Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) technology workshops and knowing a tech-savvy agent. “Agents shouldn't spend a ton of time trying to stay ahead of the ball,” he says. “Find the tech that works for you, integrate it and then be aware of what's new but avoid changing course at the drop of a hat.” agrees that following Chapman technology experts is a good way to stay current. “Network with people who are tech savvy, read real estate blogs and visit search engine optimization (SEO) forums,” he says. Time Management With all these amazing tools comes the responsibility of knowing when to tune out. “Set the expectation with your clients from the beginning,” says Cardani. “I value my personal time and my family time and most people understand that.” Understanding the role of technology will also help REALTORS know how to better incorporate it into their business model. “Technology should be increasing your productivity and decreasing your busywork after you have a command of the technology and have developed a system,” says Cardani. “If the technology solution is doing the opposite after you have worked hard to understand and implement, then that technology clearly isn't providing a benefit to you.” RL

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com Managing Editor: Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb Contributing Writers: Stacy Hale, Autumn Rhea Carpenter, Naomi Bludworth, Linda McNabb Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Linda McNabb Columnists: Leonard Guerrero, Marshall Durrett, Christy Gessler, David Tandy, Risé Johns, Anita Farrell, Rita Santamaria Submission Guidelines:

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Submit photos, press releases and calendar items to naomi@myrealtyline.com. All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name and company affiliation. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Non-advertisers submitting calendar items will be charged $25 per submission. All

... because with the right message and consistency, advertising with us will get you noticed.

submissions must be received at least seven calendar days prior to ad copy deadlines published at www. myrealtyline.com/advertise.html. Submission items will be included as space allows. Realty Line Austin is published monthly by Caxton Publications, Inc.© as a non-subscription publication for the more than 8,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS®(ABoR), the more than 1,100 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. Realty Line Austin is printed on recycled paper. Realty Line Austin is a proud member of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® and is a honorary member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS. Realty Line Austin is not responsible for opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any by-products in advertising or editorial copy. REALTOR® is a registered trademark.

Call 512-821-1900 for information.

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May 2012

You can’t call it work when you’re having this much fun! Beth Gatlin and Angela Brutsché, right, both of ABoR, chat with Pam Drawbaugh, left, of Four Directions Realty and Jim Smith of Property Management Company at the ABoR PAC/AYREP Sip & Stroll and scavenger hunt in downtown Austin. Buy photo: RL_050512_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Rodney Rodriguez of Keller Williams Realty receives the "Rookie of the Year" award at the Keller Williams Cedar Park/Leander awards night from co-team leader Michelle Busby.

Submitted Photo

The CRS Austin Chapter always draws a big crowd at its quarterly meetings at the Westwood Country Club. Buy photo: RL_050612_E.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

“When you're a Jet, you're a top cat in town.” Cecilia Roberts of Coldwell Banker United, REALTOR and Mary Boatright of RE/MAX 1 are earning their Jet status on the WCAoR West Side Story Bus Tour. The tour showcased properties along the west side of IH 35 in Williamson County.

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Candy Buzan

Max Leaman

Kim Nielsen

Amy Oehler

Janet Widmer

Branch Manager Sr. Loan Officer

Sr. Loan Officer

Trudy Savage

Mary Kennedy

Missy Driskell

Sr. Loan Officer

GREAT RATES LOW FEES

Diane M. Clark

Eiric Smith Mark Hoffman

Sr. Loan Officer

CLOSE ON TIME CALL (512) 238- 7888 Amanda Stewart

Misty Lynch

Jori Stern

Sherri Eckert

Loan Officer

Sr. Loan Officer

Loan Officer

810 HESTER’S CROSSING, STE 150 | ROUND ROCK, TEXAS 78681

Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, HomePath & Jumbo just to name a few loan products! © 2012 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS #: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in TX. Texas Regulated Loan License-license #7293. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. NMLS #: Buzan 179412, Leaman 151263, Nielsen 180307, Oehler 225339, Smith 176530, Savage 180854, Kennedy 179666, Driskell 180066, Clark 268025, Hoffman 171464, Stewart 292478, Lynch 280093, Stern 177299, Eckert 357516, Widmer 232054.

Sr. Loan Officer

May 2012

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

AYREP board members Jason Stubbs, Alisa LeBlanc Stubbs, Kylie Lynch, Cissy Stasio and David Schneider present a $1,500 check to Holly Chacona, center, of Hospice Austin. The group chose the charity as its 2011 focus.

Submitted Photo

In this business, you’ve got to know what’s out there. Chris Dodd of Buffington Homes and David Schneider of Goldwasser Real Estate tag along on the ABoR PAC and AYREP Sip & Stroll and scavenger hunt while checking out the West 6th Street district.

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Neal Barnes of Realty World, Neal Barnes & Associates tries to convince Dolise McClure, also of Realty World, Neal Barnes & Associates, to buy her broker (him) one of the cakes for auction at the WCR monthly meeting. Judging by the look on her face, that looks like a long-shot.

We make “easy” an understatement. Starkey Mortgage (WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP) is an independently owned correspondent mortgage bank specializing in conventional and government home loans. In-house processing, underwriting and funding allows us to simplify and expedite the approval process.

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Eddie Rinehart Julie Black S. TX Area Manager NMLSR # 198209

Senior Loan Officer NMLSR # 232032

Clive Hambrook Production Partner NMLSR # 190073

WR Starkey Mortgage LLP NMLSR# 2146 807 Las Cimas Parkway Suite 150 Austin, Texas 78746

WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR #2146. This is not a guarantee of financing. All borrowers must meet certain underwriting guidelines and credit criteria. Rules and regulations may apply.

RELIABLE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC. Terry Godbold, MPM® RMP® ARM® GRI® TRLP® www.LandLordAustin.com • www.ReliableTeamHome.com

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

The strategy paid off, owing also to a very selective hiring process. Each United Lending loan officer is an experienced professional who does their work full time and with integrity, averaging $1 million per month in production. Hiring selectively has meant slow but steady growth for the company. Now with 25 loan officers and 12 staff members in processing, closing and underwriting, there are 50 employees total, including originators, assistants and other administrative staff. Business continues to increase. United Lending is 31 percent higher in volume than the previous year. Tommy and David attribute this growth to favorable market conditions, a solid team and a dedication to supporting loan officers in their success. Clients who work with United Lending appreciate the culture almost immediately. Many of the people on the team have worked with either David or Tommy for 15 to 20 years. Both managers have also had a history of very high personal production (in 1999, for example, David closed over 840 loans). “We all have the same mindset, and it shows,” says Tommy. “We’re working for the client. And we understand that without excellent customer service, we wouldn’t be in business.” On the inside, many years of combined experience naturally contributes to an atmosphere of sharing and collaboration. Customer service also means serving the

or United Lending, the secret to success is simple: Hire only exceptional people, stand behind them and above all, always close on time. And it works—this Austinowned and operated business averages about $30 million per month. Lending has become more and more difficult, say the founders of United Lending. Making it work starts with the loan officers; having experienced people and the ability to be nimble means that if something comes up, the team moves quickly and the transaction continues to move forward. Everyone stays in front of industry changes. As a rule, files stay in underwriting 24-48 hours maximum, even in the busiest times, and every officer is backed by coordinated sales and marketing support. It’s a tightly run operation, but every loan officer has the autonomy and support of a CEO. United Lending was founded in 2008 by David McMillan, long-time loan producing manager and former stockbroker, and Tommy Nelms, senior branch manager, who has been a mortgage loan consultant since 1995. The two founders believed that to build a successful company, they first had to build the best operation system possible—and that included everyone: underwriters, processors, and closers. “We knew if we had that sound operational structure in place, we would be able to attract great quality loan officers and the production would follow,” David says.

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May 2012

internal customer—loan officers share ideas and information, and every role within the business pulls together to create an energy of teamwork and an environment that promotes low turnover and longevity. Everyone gets a profit sharing check. United Lending has shared over $100,000 with its employees in the last five years. United Lending’s business model is driven toward the REALTOR. About 75-80 percent of the company’s production is purchase business, and because rates have been so low for so long, volume is up. While many mortgage lending companies are 50-75 percent refinances, United Lending has formed strong local partnerships that have contributed to a purchase-driven business. United Lending is the preferred lender for Keller Williams Realty; the company has five offices and United Lending has originators in all of them. There are United Lending officers in all three of JB Goodwin’s local offices as well. But while these strategic alliances put United Lending in partnership with about 1,800 local real estate agents, they only account for about half of the company’s business. Independent REALTOR relationships are paramount to success. United Lending collaborates with REALTORS on co-branded marketing programs, including e-mail and direct mail campaigns, closing gifts, neighborhood market reports and post-closing campaigns. Communication is the number one key to the success of every loan. “Our loan officers are focused on asking the right questions, learning the REALTOR's business and what is important to them,” Tommy says. “We know their expectations so we can exceed them.” To learn more about United Lending, visit www.ULMtg.com. RL

David McMillan Senior Branch Manager

Tommy Nelms Senior Branch Manager

Sister Companies Austin Title and Alamo Title Have Come Together as One 1. Anderson Mill 9707 Anderson Mill Rd., Ste. 240, Austin, Tx 78750 512.331.2097

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9. Cedar Park Coming Soon! 901 Cypress Creek Road, Ste. 202, Cedar Park, Tx 78613 Colorad

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10. Hartland Plaza Coming Soon! 1717 W. 6th Street, Ste. 105, Austin, Tx 78703

The Best of Both Worlds Local Roots with Financial Strength and National Reach

May 2012

www.myRealtyLine.com

austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Women’s Council of REALTORS®

President’s Column By Anita Farrell • 2012 President

Taylor Morrison earns a total of four awards at the HBA's annual MAX Awards Gala— taking home two for best product design and one each for best interior merchandising and best e-mail message for a volume builder. HBA Past-President Wes Peoples congratulates Taylor Morrison's VP of Sales and Marketing Jeff Hudson.

To refer or not to refer— that is the question

Buy photo: RL_051012_I.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Renee McQuillan, center, of Ashton Woods Homes says it was fun making a mess, albeit temporarily, in someone else’s model. She was cleaning up after the winner was declared in the Five Card Draw event at Westside Preserve at Buttercup Creek.

Buy photo: RL_050112_Q.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

very REALTOR asks this question when assessing a new client: “Am I the best REALTOR to help this client or would the client be better served if I refer them to another REALTOR?” What would you do in these situations? Client 1: Is English a second language for this client? Difficulty in communication arises when explaining the process because of the language barrier. I would refer to a REALTOR who speaks their native language, if possible, to avoid any misunderstandings. Client 2: Does the client have special needs? Depending on what the need is, this could be a referral situation or a delightful experience. I worked with two “little people” and it was a delight. However, in certain situations, it could be wise to refer to someone with expertise in their area of need. Client 3: The client is interested in an area you do not usually work. Are you not familiar with the client’s chosen geographical area? Would you be facing a long drive? Do you want to take the time to get familiar with the area?

Client 4: The client is interested in a property in a “niche market” area. Do they want a golfing community, a senior citizen community, acreage, or horse property? Is it out of your area of expertise? This is the perfect time to refer to a REALTOR who can guide the client well. How do we find qualified REALTORS to whom to refer our treasured clients? As with leads, we have “mets” and “unmets.” REALTORS we have met and like are the people to whom we want to entrust our clients. Women’s Council of REALTORS is the perfect place to meet and get to know other REALTORS. Even with a long distance relocation referral, we can have “mets” if we attend state and national meetings that are available to all WCR members. WCR meets monthly and delivers the best value to its members; the best speakers; up-to-date market information; and of course, networking. The Austin Chapter is celebrating 55 years of service to the Austin community in 2012. The Chapter also won the GOLD award for Chapter Excellence in 2011. Come join us and watch your business grow to the next level. RL

RED Day is Keller Williams’ international day of service. This is a day about serving the community where we live and work. KW Round Rock Market Center spent the day at the Texas Baptist Children’s Home in Round Rock to help give where we live.

SOUTHWEST Diane Johnson 448-4111

NORTHWEST Gene Frederick 346-3550

LAKE TRAVIS Mary Lynne Gibbs 263-9090

ROUND ROCK Avis Wukasch 255-5050

CEDAR PARK/LEANDER Michelle Busby 616-4000

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

www.myRealtyLine.com

May 2012

*When

your buyers purchase between 4-1-12 and 5-31-12, they can:

Take advantage of Red Hot Savings Now!

WATCH FOR HOMES WITH BONUSES!*

SOLD! 2824 Granite Hill Cove CRYSTAL FALLS

Buy photo: RL_051012_N.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

The team at Ashton Woods Homes is all smiles at the HBA’s MAX Awards Gala at The Oasis on Lake Travis after taking home the big prize for the Best Website for a Volume Builder.

11724 Shadestone Terrace Shadestone Villas in STEINER RANCH

BRODIE SPRINGS • South Austin • (512) 292-6186 Cindy Phillips 788-4664 (cell) 10424 Antelope Run Montclair 5/4.5/2/3 3,379 sf $473,640 $443,640 ($4K) BONUS! 3017 Raspberry Rd. Buckingham 4/3/1/3 3,158 sf $528,088 SOLD! FALCONHEAD WEST Lantern Ridge • Bee Cave • (512) 263-5196 Sean LeGrant: 589-2555 (cell) • Anne Ford: 554-5198 (cell) 16321 Rockies Run Buckingham 4/3/1/3 3,158 sf $531,109 $521,109 ($2K) BONUS! FALCONHEAD WEST Copper Canyon • Bee Cave • (512) 263-5196 Sean LeGrant: 589-2555 (cell) • Anne Ford: 554-5198 (cell) 15212 Swiss Alps Cordoba 4/3.5/1/2 3,435 sf $559,531 $549,531 ($2K) BONUS! EMERALD RIDGE in Steiner Ranch • (512) 266-4697 Greg Weeks: 554-9800 (cell) 204 Summer Alcove Way Barcelona 5/5.5/2/3 4,222 sf $659,920 $629,920 ($3K) BONUS! 412 Summer Alcove Way Florence 5/4/2/3 4,200 sf $680,397 SOLD! SHADESTONE VILLAS in Steiner Ranch at The UT Golf Club • (512) 266-6503 Chris Krueger: 844-9198 (cell) 11509 Shadestone Terrace Santa Barbara 3/2/1/2 2,176 sf $498,768 $438,000 Jun. 11705 Shadestone Terrace Santa Barbara 3/2/1/2 2,176 sf $502,582 $438,000 Jun. 11605 Shadestone Terrace Santa Barbara 3/2/1/2 2,176 sf $492,784 $428,000 Jun. 11621 Shadestone Terrace Coronado 3/2.5/2/2.5 2,922 sf $587,773 SOLD! 11724 Shadestone Terrace Santa Cruz 3/2/1/2.5 1,859 sf $387,848 SOLD!

Submitted Photo

Linda Malesky, Shanna Schneider, Shelby Rank, Brooke Barrows and Darnel Casper, all of RE/MAX Capital City meet with Diane Hartman, third from left, at the Dell Children’s Hospital for their annual meeting and tour of the facility. RE/MAX Capital City is a leader for contributions made to the Children’s Miracle Network of Hospitals.

Congratulations April Top Producer

PALISADES in Steiner Ranch • (512) 266-5968 Courtney Lasater: 560-7115 (cell) • Michael Lindeman: 402-4969 (cell) 113 Piedmont Hills Pass Montclair 5/4.5/2/3 3,485 sf $565,640 $535,000 NOW! 108 Piedmont Hills Pass Buckingham 4/3.5/1.5/4 3,718 sf $564,074 $534,000 May FAIRWAYS in Steiner Ranch • (512) 266-1577 Katrina McCormick: 512-786-6681 (cell) • Traci Garner: 512-227-5746 (cell) 12220 Long Bay Cove Roma 4/2.5/2/2 2,745 sf $405,841 $395,841 ($4K) BONUS! 2932 Old Course Dr. Palermo 3/2/1/2 1,998 sf $364,513 $344,513 ($4K) BONUS! 12204 Long Bay Cove San Marino 4/2.5/2/2 2,732 sf $380,586 $375,576 ($4K) BONUS! CRYSTALL FALLS Crystal Cove • Leander • (512) 260-0718 John Henion: 512-791-4401 • Bruce Jones: 512-785-8507 • Jeannie Bruton: 512-736-2274 2824 Granite Hill Cove Sonora 5/3.5/2/2 2,800 sf $274,865 $266,865 NOW! 2024 Granite Hill Dr. Sonora 5/3.5/2/2 2,800 sf $277,381 $269,381 NOW! 2813 Granite Hill Cove Sonora 5/3.5/2/2 2,800 sf $278,656 $270,656 NOW! 2833 Amber Valley Ln. Wisteria 4/2.5/2/2 2,607 sf $260,614 $255,614 Jun. 2813 Amber Valley Ln. Cimarron 3/2/1/2 1,687 sf $189,020 $184,020 Jun. 2104 Granite Hill Dr. Cimarron 3/2/1/2 1,687 sf $204,760 SOLD! CRYSTALL FALLS Mesa Oaks • Leander • (512) 260-0718 Bruce Jones: 512-785-8507 • Jeannie Bruton: 512-736-2274 • John Henion: 512-791-4401 2205 Lookout Knoll Dr. Preston 3/3/1/2 2,540 sf $294,560 SOLD! 2701 Outlook Ridge Loop Wentworth 4/3/1/3 2,729 sf $304,933 SOLD! 2601 Outlook Ridge Loop Hampton 4/3 .5/1/3 3,357 sf $339,636 SOLD!

Frank Capparelli

CRYSTALL FALLS The Fairways • Leander • (512) 260-0718 Jeannie Bruton: 512-736-2274 • John Henion: 512-791-4401 • Bruce Jones: 512-785-8507 2408 Champions Corner Dr. Nottingham 4/3.5/2/3 3,437 sf $367,596 $347,596 Jun. 2004 Long Bow Altessa 4/3/1/3 3,163 sf $423,708 $403,708 Jun. 2012 Long Bow Florence 5/4/2/3 4,263 sf $493,399 SOLD! 2500 Champions Corner Dr. Buckingham 3/3/1/3 3,370 sf $408,941 SOLD!

$4,000

Senior Mortgage Banker

BONUS!*

512-524-2177 O • 512-497-5777 C fcapparelli@wbmtx.com • NMLS # 29436

113 Piedmont Hills Pass

PALISADES IN STEINER RANCH

12220 Long Bay Cove

FAIRWAYS IN STEINER RANCH

BRING YOUR BUYERS IN TODAY! Apr. 1 thru May 31, 2012 only! taylormorrison.com Professional Service. Tailored Loans. 13809 Research Blvd, #802 • Austin TX 78750

© April, 2012 Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc. All rights reserved. Offer void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. *Bonuses are paid at closing. Price reductions are available only on homes that contract between April 1, 2012 and May 31, 2012. Savings vary by community and plan. Please see a Taylor Morrison Sales Associate for details and visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. 0411

May 2012

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austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

REALTORS and new home sales representatives “unwine” at the West Cypress Hills amenity center where Milestone Community Builders held a special sneak preview event to showcase new homesites.

Buy photo: RL_040412_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Jackie Woodfin, right, WCAoR’s director of professional development, asks Stacey Rider of Keller Williams Realty if she brought some of her famous goodies with her on the WCAoR West Side Story Bus Tour. Stacy, otherwise known as “The Four Points Foodie” authors a blog full of her recipes at www. fourpointsfoodie.com. Buy photo: RL_050612_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Mark Hairston, left, and John Horton, right of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, learn about social media and blogging from Chad Cardani, center, of Keller Williams Realty at ABoR’s Technology Timeout and Happy Hour.

Buy photo: RL_050412_G.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Buy photo: RL_040112_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Custom homebuilder and real estate broker Steve Zbranek gets ready to speak to CRS members at its quarterly luncheon at the Westwood Country Club. CRS Austin Chapter President Risé Johns of Keller Williams Realty thanks him for coming.

The Ron Uriasint Agency HelpP 4425 Mopac South, Bldg 2, Ste. 101 Austin, TX 78735

Home • Life • Auto • CommerCiAL • renters

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the avallon building, building 1 | 10415 morado Circle, ste. 100 | austin, tX 78759

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

austin

Experts Speak Out

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Commentary By David Tandy • Gracy Title

The office on four wheels

ou spend a lot of time in your car, don’t you? In real estate, your car often becomes more of an office than the one you have with a desk and photos on the wall. So the question is, how do you make the most of your office on wheels? We are going to uncover some of the best tips, tricks, and gadgets to make your mobile office the envy of your “real” office. The most important gadget in your mobile arsenal is your cell phone. With all the features built in to our smartphones and the apps available, your phone can practically replace all the bulky office electronics. Your phone can serve as a GPS with built in mapping functions, can become a portable scanner by using the camera and an app like Genius Scan, and you can even access MLS on the go. By visiting www.ABoR.com on your phone’s web browser, you can either utilize the Mobile MLS or the Mobile Edit utilities. Mobile MLS will allow you access listing details, showing info, and photos. The Mobile Edit function gives you the ability to modify your own

listings while on-the-go. Mobile MLS requires that you use your ABoR.com login (the one you use to pay bills) and Mobile Edit is your normal MLS login. Warning—the size of your phone screen can cause wrinkles around your eyes from squinting. The better choice could be a lightweight laptop or a tablet. Lightweight laptops are often referred to as ultrabooks and many mainstream brands now offer this new style of laptop. An ultrabook will allow you the full functionality of a laptop but without the backache of lugging a six-pound PC and the crow’s feet created by a smartphone. Searching a website like www.CNET.com for “ultrabook” will give you reviews for brands from HP, Toshiba, Samsung, Lenovo, and more. Patterned after Apple’s MacBook Air these laptops generally weigh several pounds less than traditional laptops. The other option is the incredibly popular tablet. Most widely recognized are the iPad, Samsung Galaxy, and Asus Transformer Prime. Tablets can be a great option but be

www.myRealtyLine.com

May 2012

sure to weigh the pros and cons of them. Tablets may not have USB ports, lack the traditional amount of document storage, and have compatibility issues with some real estate programs. However, by utilizing a remote desktop program like LogMeIn, GoToMyPC, or Team Viewer, you can have the best of both worlds. These programs allow you to use your tablet and create a remote connection to another computer. That could be a laptop or desktop at your home or work. By creating a remote connection you can view and modify all the documents and programs of the home or work computer as if you were sitting there. This means you could be at a coffee house or a client’s home and from your tablet you could show them photos that are saved on your office computer, you could open Microsoft Outlook and read and send e-mail, or access client files that are stored on your home computer’s hard drive. Utilizing remote desktop software really frees you to carry only a tablet and leave the bulky PC at home. Cloud services have garnered major buzz in the past few years. Cloud services simply mean that the program or service resides online rather than strictly on a single computer. Cloud services are a dream come true for your office on four wheels because you are now able to access information from any internet connection. This could be through your phone, your laptop, your tablet, or a friend or client’s computer. Cloud services offer you freedom to go on vacation and still have access to all your files, e-mails, and notes from any computer. Zipforms and Docusign both offer cloud versions so that you can store your contracts online and create, modify, and submit forms from any coffee shop in town. Web/Cloud based e-mail services like Google’s

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Gmail are proving to be worthy adversaries to static programs like Outlook. With the Cloud, you are free to roam in or out of town and still have seamless access to all client information. A few other gadgets to consider include a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, a power inverter, and an e-fax. A Wi-Fi hotspot will enable you to have Internet access on the go without worry about whether or not your favorite coffee shop offers free wireless. Devices range from free to $300 depending on the provider and you will need a monthly data plan as well. Verizon and AT&T both offer hotspots. A power inverter will allow you to plug in a normal AC/DC cord to your charger in your car. This will help you be sure that your laptop is never without power no matter how many miles you drive. An e-fax service gives you the freedom to receive faxes via e-mail as a pdf attachment. You are given a fax number so clients and agents can fax just like normal but you will receive it via e-mail rather than paper on a machine. You can find a number of services online offering e-fax numbers. Last but not least, your mobile office should work for you and can literally tell people that you are a REALTOR. Services like SkinIt.com give you the ability to create custom covers and “skins” for your mobile devices. You can create a custom skin for your laptop and your phone to advertise your brand and let people know that you sell real estate. This is the updated version of a car magnet. It’s also a great conversation starter while you are working at your favorite coffee shop or any time you are waiting in line and playing Angry Birds, ahem, I mean, “working,” on your mobile device. Your office may have four wheels but that doesn’t mean you can’t have convenience, be effective, and have fun. RL

Providing Award-Winning Real Estate Education Since 1983

Austin/Round Rock Campus Jun 14 - 15

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CHAMPIONS SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE

Real Estate | Loan Origination | Home Inspection | Appraisal | Online Open to the Public; TREC #0005 Lone Star College Tomball Provider #0123

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ABR #15-00-053-22956; SFR #09-00-012-23890; SRES #15-00-122-17703; CHMS #09-00-082-9562; ALHS #15-00-032-9111; Insider’s Guide #09-00-062-9414 Ethics #03-03-123-23556; Legal #03-03-123-23555; Farm & Ranch #09-00-063-23070; BPOR #07-00-014-23969; Game Changers #09-00-123-23783; *Experience requirement – Work with 2 luxury home clients. (A luxury home client is 2 times the average sales price in your market area.

www.myRealtyLine.com

May 2012 Experts Speak Out

Commentary By Rita Santamaria Champions School of Real estate

Fear of success gets you nowhere

igns of self-sabotaging your relationships and your business and personal goals are demonstrating your fears of success. Why do we have fear? We feel vulnerable to new environments, situations, and people. Getting to the point of success can expose our weaknesses and make us come face-to-face with our flaws; therefore, we maneuver around what could be successful opportunities. The fear of success is very real and often happens when you are moving forward in your life. The future is what we are talking about and we are all heading in that direction. We just don’t know how to work on the future. Sometimes we fear success as much as we fear failure. We may openly express our fear of failure but keep our fear of success to ourselves. Success can be intimidating and then what if we don’t live up to our achievements? What if we become a bag lady? People may not believe in their personal opportunity for success because they feel they may not be good enough, smart enough, and handsome enough.

Here are some signs of sabotaging your road to success: • Negative, pessimistic thoughts: “what’s the point of preparing for this showing, they probably won’t buy anyway and I will have wasted my time.” “I’m not worth it. I don’t deserve to be successful.” • Focusing on all things that could go wrong: “what if I get to that area of town and I don’t know my way around. I am going to look really unprepared or stupid or if I achieve that goal I may lose my identity.” • Procrastination: instead of doing your tasks at hand, you putter around and do inconsequential tasks or fluff work. You don’t take the practical steps to get the work done. • All talk and no action: you talk about what you want to accomplish, a lot, but you don’t start by taking the steps to get it started. • A crummy self image. “I am not worthy”

Put your Trust in our Experience With over 100 years of combined industry experience, our executive team continues to take aggressive steps to innovate and improve the industry.

Arboretum

Westlake

4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg. 1, Ste 1100

950 Westbank Drive, Suite 104

(512) 450-1222

(512) 615-6499

Steve Builta Jim Sikes Kat Carter Dan Adams Martin Ochs Richie Rodriguez

Bradley Rife Lynn Edgar Cindy Fenley Rosemary Jennings

www.hometrust.com

RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

or “wow, did I just get lucky, they bought from me.” Why self sabotage? It helps you avoid change and allows you to just stay in your comfort zone. People with a fixed view of their abilities get unsettled when they succeed and then their performance begins to decline. Here are some suggestions for helping you get moving into the successful direction you desire. • Do not see your abilities or role as set in stone. You are a piece of clay always ready to be flexible and changeable. • Create a detailed picture of the future you want to create and achieve. • Write down your fears and then destroy the paper. • Imagine the worst case scenario if you don’t achieve, then go step-by-step tearing it away and destroying it in your mind.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Women often fear success because it may lead to loneliness. They fear being too powerful and therefore rendered themselves unlovable. Even the fear of losing weight, we are told, is the fear of becoming more attractive and not knowing how to handle this new situation. Take your power back. Once you conquer your fear and move forward you realize you could have been there all along. What is there to gain from being powerless? Success is tied to achievement. Achievement is a good thing and the fact is, we never expected, intended or wanted to be a failure. Change your behavior, your mindset and believe in yourself. There are people out there who are smarter, faster, and more handsome than you but there are millions of people out there who do not hold a candle to you. RL

Buy photo: RL_051012_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Zoe Ann Heep is excited to be recognized as Mortgage Professional of the Year at the HBA’s MAX Awards Gala. Grand Haven Homes recognized her talents and submitted an award entry on her behalf. She is pictured here with HBA past-president Wes Peoples at the gala at The Oasis on Lake Travis.

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5/2/12

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â&#x201E;˘

8:29 AM

RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

www.myRealtyLine.com

May 2012

www.myRealtyLine.com

May 2012

Real Estate News & Notes inlays. Complete with an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, this remarkable model home offers a downstairs master bedroom, a graceful curved staircase, and the signature Lifezones Cuisine Kitchen Collection and Newport Spa. Grand Haven Homes is now selling homes in Sarita Valley from approximately 1,900 square feet to over 4,000 square feet on 50', 60', and 70' home sites, priced from the mid $200's. Both one- and two-story plans are available; the community is adjacent to the planned Leander ISD campus. Call 535-7740 or e-mail saritavalley@ grandhavenhomes.net. From IH35, take FM 1431 West, right on Ronald Reagan Blvd. (North) for approximately two-and-a-half miles. Sarita Valley will be on your right. RL

Christy Gessler joins Keller Williams Realty in Cedar Park Keller Williams Cedar Park/Leander Market Center is excited to announce that Christy Gessler, formerly with RE/MAX Capital City and the current Williamson County Association of REALTORS board president, has joined the company as the co-team leader and broker. Christy is teaming up with Michelle Busby to form a top-notch leadership team to serve current and future Keller Williams agents. Christy brings extensive sales experience as well as coaching, mentoring and teaching skills to the market center. With her extensive industry knowledge with WCAoR and the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee,

Christy will serve as

positive

resource to agents for

industry

information and real estate related

issues

in the political landscape. Christy strongly

Christy Gessler

believes in helping agents succeed and grow their business while maintaining a worklife balance, a perfect complement to the company. RL

Sente Mortgage celebrates fourteen employees honored as 2012 Five Star Mortgage Professionals Sente Mortgage is pleased to announce that 14 of its mortgage experts were selected as 2012 Five Star Mortgage Professionals. Those included were; Donna Alexander, Steve Benet, Joe Brown, Brian Hurd, Kenton Brown, Josh Brown, Kristin Carroll, Vince Chacon, Karen Elliott, Jim Craig Hess, Dominik Kilpatrick, Paula Lowe, Patrick Odom, and Harper Ray. The 2012 Five Star award winners are a select group of fewer than seven percent of

mortgage professionals in the Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas area. According to the award notification letter received by the recipients, Texas Monthly partners with Five Star Professional to identify the mortgage professionals who provide exceptional service and overall satisfaction as indicated by clients, peers and industry experts. The 2012 list of Five Star Mortgage Professionals will appear in a special section of the June 2012 issue of Texas Monthly. RL

Sente Mortgage raises money for Hill Country Ride for AIDS In April, Sente Mortgage had a small but mighty team participate in the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. Together, Sente’s own Josh Penland, Erin Dee, Kim Vitray and Andrew Smith raised $2,058.10 for the cause. In total, the event surpassed its 2012 fundraising goal of $500,000, raising $585,000. Josh Penland, mortgage banker with the Penland Team at Sente served as an event corporate sponsor. Josh, along with mortgage banker Andrew Smith, took part in the 10K run. Secondary market analyst, Erin Dee logged a 15K run. Sente’s human resources manager, Kim Vitray participated in the 13 mile bike ride. The Hill Country Ride for AIDS is an annual cycling and running event that takes place

austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

After wildfires, RE/MAX helps associate rebuild in Austin

Grand Haven Homes model now open in Sarita Valley Austin-based Grand Haven Homes announces its model home is now open in Sarita Valley, Leander’s newest master planned community. Nestled within 163 wooded acres off of Ronald Reagan Blvd., Sarita Valley home owners will enjoy 40 acres of dedicated parkland within the community as well as a hike and bike trail that will eventually tie into the Brushy Creek Regional Trail System master plan, a key element of the Sarita development and community lifestyle. Grand Haven’s newest model, the two story 3,222 square foot 6022 residence, features four spacious bedrooms, three-anda-half baths, study, an oversized game room, and a two-story family room with a distinctive landscape style fireplace with iridescent tile

in the hills of Central Texas. Since its inaugural event in 2000, the organization has raised over $4.5 million for the thousands of Central Josh Penland, Erin Dee, Andrew Smith Texans living with HIV/AIDS, with the funds raised going to 10 local nonprofit organizations. The ride is not a race and all levels are welcomed and celebrated. Participants choose a 13, 27, 53, 70, or 100 mile bike ride or 5K, 10K, or 1/2 marathon run. RL

Michael Underwood was not a RE/MAX associate when his family’s house burned down on Sept. 4, 2011, during the Texas wildfire disaster spurred by a record drought. About four days after losing everything— including the family pet dog, Jett, Underwood and his family were eager to rent a home as the insurance companies sorted everything out. He found one listed by Jim Erdeljac, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX River City, and he called him. “I said, ‘Jim, this is Michael Underwood of Realty of Austin and he says, ‘I’m on the golf course right now,’” Underwood recalled. “I said, ‘My house burned down four days ago and I need to find a place to rent quickly because I know all the rental property in Steiner will be gone.’ Jim says, without missing a beat, ‘I have a house I will give you.’” Underwood took a moment to glance down at the phone, then at his wife. “That is not necessary. Save your property for someone that may not have insurance like we do—we have it,” Underwood told Erdeljac. “He then told me that if I wanted the house I was standing in that I could have it, because I was a fellow REALTOR and had experienced such tragedy he would hold the property and work with me, even though he knew there were others that wanted the house.” Now, Underwood is a RE/MAX associate working in Erdeljac’s office. “I decided to leave my two-man show which I was trying to build

Underwood family home after September wildfires. Inset: Michael Underwood

up from the ground and join Jim,” Underwood says. “I have too much pressure right now to try to compete with the bigger shops while trying to build a real estate company and a house—Jim and the RE/MAX River City team have been very good.” Underwood has worked in the real estate industry for 12 years, with more than two years experience as a licensed agent in Texas. “Anytime I start to feel sorry for myself, I remind myself that 23 of my neighbors lost everything they had just like me—not a partial fire — everything,” Underwood says. “One of the hardest things for my wife and I to tackle was to be willing to accept what others wanted to give. We have always strived to give rather than to receive so it made it very awkward, yet touching, when we received things from total strangers. You can never imagine the acts of kindness that have taken place for my family since we have had this setback in our lives.” RL

Sente Mortgage employees assist a visually impaired runner cross finish line in the 2012 Boston Marathon On April 16, two of Sente’s own, Andrew Smith and Mack Blankenship, took part in the Boston Marathon as sighted guides for Team With a Vision, in association with the Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Andrew and Mack participated as sighted guides to Joe Paschall, athletic director for

Texas School of the Blind and Visually Impaired. This is the second marathon that Andrew and Joe competed in together. In January they ran in the Chevron Houston Marathon to qualify for Boston. RL

Andrew Smith and Joe Paschall

Austin NARI frames a home for Habitat for Humanity Members of the Austin NARI chapter assisted Habitat for Humanity in framing a home located at 6807 Lucy Cove in Austin, on Saturday, March 31. The Austin Chapter has approximately 20 volunteers to frame the home and other NARI members who will serve the workers lunch on a very rewarding day for both Austin NARI and Habitat for Humanity.

NARI members helped to sponsor the T-Shirt that volunteers wore at the event. NARI members are very excited to be involved in this project to help the community and family who will live in the home. “ The NARI association hopes to be involved in future projects to help the community in years to come,” says NARI President David Davison. RL

Lourdes Norton, real estate broker, announces the launch of the new boutique firm, Twin Realty Group Twin Realty Group specializes in buying, selling and leasing residential real estate in Austin. Additional specialty services include international relocation and multilingual clients. Twin Realty Group is affiliated with Tenura Holdings, a company that offers

real estate brokerage, mortgage banking, insurance, and home warranty. This affiliation allows Twin Realty Group to offer clients a small firm’s customer service with the backing of a large and diversified real estate services holding company. RL

Submit photos, press releases and photos to naomi@myrealtyline.com All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name, company affiliation and a short description. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Calendar items are free to advertisers and $25 per submission for others. All submissions must be received seven calendar days prior to ad copy deadlines published at www.myrealtyline.com/advertise.html. Submission items will be included as space allows.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

ADDRESS

PLAN

austin

SQ. FT.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

BD/BA/STORIES AVAILABLE COMMISSION PRICE

BRADSHAW CROSSING • ERIC: 512-507-0404, OR BORIS: 512-626-8473 5636 Emma Thompson Way Navajo

1,641

3/2.5/2

NOW

5601 Emma Thompson Way Tuscon

1,313

4/2/1

MAY

5820 Zachary Scott Street

1,418

3/2/1

MAY

5% 5% 5% 5% 5%

168,990 $ 145,890 $ 158,840 $ 162,990 $ 141,840

Jasmine

COLORADO CROSSING • J.R: 512-762-0316, OR CLYDE: 512-496-4163 Sedona Tuscon Saguaro Sante Fe Carlsbad

2,402 1,313 1,789 2,206 1,230

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

MAY MAY MAY JUNE JUNE

165,490

156,221

171,890

2905 Dusty Chisolm Trail

Blanco

2,102

3/2/1

JUNE

2909 Dusty Chisolm Trail

Brazos

2,324

4/2/1

JUNE

19617 Drifting Meadows

Onyx

1,797

3/2/1

MAY

2908 Dusty Chisolm Trail

San Jacinto 2,850

4/3.5/2

MAY

2913 Dusty Chisolm Trail

Sabine

2,675

4/2.5/2

JUNE

19616 Maiden Grass Drive

Travertine

1,983

4/2/1

JULY

2,384

4/2.5/2

JULY

STONEFIELD • SALLY: 512-401-7717

242,959

260,940 187,540

271,878

264,938

205,640 207,308

279 Travertine Trail

Travertine

1,983

4/2/1

JUNE

307 Travertine Trail

Onyx

1,797

3/2/1

JUNE

317 Travertine Trail

Obsidian

2,384

4/2.5/2

JUNE

325 Travertine Trail

Cantera

1,550

3/2/1

JUNE

SUMMERLYN • WILL: 512-913-1863, OR DENISE: 512-777-9565

113 Chickadee Lane

PLAN

SQ. FT.

BD/BA/STORIES AVAILABLE COMMISSION PRICE

TERAVISTA • SANDEE: 512-670-6804

388,290

4522 Cervinia Drive

Concordia

3,548

5/4/2

NOW

1596 Courmayeur Court

Belmeade

2,407

4/2/1

MAY

4520 Cervinia Drive

Savoy

2,834

4/3.5/2

JUNE

4516 Cervinia Drive

Castille

3,246

4/3.5/2

JUNE

VBIA193423_NP • 2C Spot Red • 8.5”x 11” w/.25” margin • eric

322,130

343,708

185,540 178,681

195,443 166,940

Tucson

1,313

4/2/1

MAY

Iris

1,899

4/2.5/2

MAY

140,966

Sante Fe

2,206

4/2.5/2

MAY

Navajo

1,641

3/2.5/2

MAY

Jasmine

1,389

3/2/1

JUNE

181,030

172,580 149,821 157,066

367,574

4611 Monterosa Lane Concordia 3,548 of Luxury 5/4/2 MAY 5% 408,607 The Designer Label Homebuilding $

REALTORS RECEIVE A 4318 Woodledge Place

Oakmont

3,501 ®

5/4/2

MAY

5% COMMISSION!

437,987

4305 Woodledge Place

New Haven 3,946

5/4.5/2

JUNE

4303 Woodledge Place

Bayberry

5/3.5/2

JULY

4/3.5/2

NOW

3,487

RIM ROCK • KYLE: 512-627-0900 1098 Flint Rock Loop

Castille

3,246

$ 1122 Flint Rock Loop TERAVISTA Langford• SanDee 3,154 • 512-670-6804 4/3.5/1 • From the NOW 260s

4203 Grand Vista Circle, Round Rock, TX 78665

Address $

112 Chickadee Lane

ADDRESS

May 2012

FALCON POINTE • BRUCE: 512-657-3326

1913 Meandering Meadows Obsidian

www.myRealtyLine.com

1140 Flint Rock Loop

1596 Courmayeur Court 4520 Cervinia Drive 4516 Drive 1072Cervinia Flint Rock Loop 4611 Monterosa Lane 4318 Woodledge Place 268 Southern Sunset Cove 4305 Woodledge Place 4303 Woodledge Place

Sq. Ft.

Concordia 2,407

3,548

3,246 Kinsley

2,800

2,834

Price

5/4/2 4/2/1

4/3.5/2 4/3.5/2 4/3/1 5/4/2 5/4/2 4/3.5/2 5/4.5/2 5/3.5/2

NOW $319,130

$364,574 NOW

$340,708

446,183

403,045 450,199

Available $

433,007

May June $ June 415,132 May May $ 421,074 June July

$405,607 $434,987 NOW $469,237 $437,683

262 Southern Sunset Cove Concordia 3,548 5/4/2 JUNE RIM ROCK • Kyle • 512-627-0900 • From the $300s

1158 Flint Rock Loop

JULYPrice

$ 5% Available 466,177

Address

268 Southern Sunset Cove 262 Southern Sunset Cove 204Flint TavishRock TrailLoop 1158

3,548 3,501 Castille 3,946 3,487

Bed/Bath/Stories

472,237

3,246

297 Towering Cedar Drive, Driftwood, TX 78619

Oakmont 3,501 Sq. Ft.

5/4/2

Bed/Bath/Stories

3,246 ROUGH HOLLOW • WILL:3,548 512-809-8026

Belmeade 3,501

2,834

4/3.5/2 5/4/2 4/3.5/2 5/4/2

$418,074 $436,840 SUMMER ʻ12 $463,177

HOLLOW3,766 • Will • 512-809-8026 • From theʻ12$370s 101 Waverley SpireROUGH Court Concordia 4/2/1 SUMMER Address

205Wester WesterRoss RossLane Lane 205 204 Tavish Trail 101 Waverley Spire Court 205 Tavish Trail 205 Tavish Trail

201 Tavish Trail, Lakeway, TX 78738

Sq. Ft.

Savoy2,834

2,834

3,766 Castille

3,246

2,407 3,246

Bed/Bath/Stories

Price

5% 5%

439,840

Now! June $ 419,930 July

425,900

Available

4/3.5/2 4/3.5/2

SUMMER ʻ12 $388,900

$ 5% Summer 388,900 '12

5/4/2 4/3.5/2

$425,900 SUMMER ʻ12

$ '12 5% Summer 455,124

4/2/1

4/3.5/2

$419,930

$455,124

Summer '12 Summer '12

For communities visit

VillageBuilders.com/austin *5% REALTOR commission available on select Village Builders Austin area homes that sell by 4/30/12 and close by the date of the purchase agreement. Offers, incentives and seller contributions are subject to certain terms, conditions and restrictions, which may include use of designated lenders and closing agents. See a New Home Consultant for details. Copyright © 2012 Village Builders Corporation. Village Builders and the Village Builders logo are registered service marks of Village Builders Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. 4/12

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

RL austin

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

www.myRealtyLine.com

May 2012

“Why I oughta…” Chris Rodriguez and Bill Evans, both of Austin Real Pros, try to outbid each other on a yummy cake at the WCR cake auction held during the group’s monthly meeting at Cool River Café.

Buy photo: RL_050312_H.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

The Realty Austin team is wigging out at the ABoR PAC and AYREP Sip & Stroll and scavenger hunt that kicked off at J. Black’s in downtown Austin.

Buy photo: RL_050612_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_050512_K.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Jacque Smith of Independence Title and Carol Hardy of Century 21 HSK & Associates collect donations for the Caring Place while waiting for the WCAoR West Side Story Bus Tour to begin.