Realty Line November 2011 Issue

in this issue…

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™

• ABoR's annual Realty Round Up • WCAoR "Halloween at the WC" Membership Mixer • Texas American Title Cedar Park Office Open House • and much, much more!

Associates in Progress

Associates in Progress

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page 29 TM

NOVEMBER 2011 • VOLUME 16 • ISSUE 7

Real Estate Leadership Changes and Awards

by Stacy Hale

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ere is a look at what’s going on in our industry as 2011 comes to a close, including new leadership in your local associations, industry professionals recognized with awards, and details on upcoming gala events.

Williamson County Association of REALTORS (WCAoR)

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

P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708

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Secretary Jack Stapleton Austin Suburban Properties

WCAoR 2012 Board Officers President Christy Gessler RE/MAX Capital City II

Past-President Victoria Reviel 98th Meridian

President-Elect Stacey Rider Keller Williams Realty Treasurer Marty Kelly Keller Williams Realty

The event will contain plenty of time for networking, meeting the new directors, a live auction, videos, plated dinner, and a special live presentation which will encompass presenting the 2011 Industry Awards, words from sponsors and lots of action and excitement as WCAoR kicks off the 2012 real estate year.

Nominations for the awards are just beginning and winners are kept a surprise

Upcoming Events Printed on recycled paper.

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

Industry Awards Banquet The WCAoR Installation and Real Estate Industry Awards Banquet will take place on Thursday, Dec. 15 in the Starlight Terrace at the Oasis. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., just in time for sunset. WCAoR will be installing the

2012 Board of Directors and Officers. WCAoR will soon vote on its four director positions, but board officers have been selected.

Monday, Nov. 28 WCR Christmas Shopping in Fredericksburg Bus Trip Depart from ABoR Parking Lot 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 29 CRS 3rd Annual Christmas Gala Casino Night and Fundraising Event DR Horton Corporate Office - 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 1 NAHREP Installation Reception Design with Consignment - 4 to 7 p.m.

CCIM Holiday Party Steiner Ranch Steakhouse - 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 2 ABoR Installation Gala Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort 4 to 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 5 Schaible Realty Charity Golf Tournament Twin Creeks Country Club - 10 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 CRS Luncheon - Westwood Country Club 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

AMBA Annual Holiday Event Maggiano's Little Italy - 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8 WCR 2012 Installation Banquet Renaissance Austin Hotel 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec.13 NAPMW Monthly Luncheon Norris Conference Center - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

See more events, education and property tours at www.myRealtyLine.com

until that evening, which makes for lots of extra excitement! There will be opportunities available for video sponsorships, dessert sponsor and of course, purchase your PBS table now so you don’t miss out on anything. There will be a special setting for TREPAC major investors as well as all the TRLP graduates. You don’t want to miss this event of the year!

Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) The 2012 ABoR Leadership Team Please join ABoR in honoring Leonard Guerrero of JB Goodwin, REALTORS as the incoming chairman of the board. Guerrero’s exemplary career in the industry is longstanding. Involved in ABoR since 1994, Guerrero has served on numerous committees, including Realty Round Up, Grievance, Professional Standards, Community Service, Most Worthy Citizen, Installation and Awards, ACTRIS and Strategic Planning.

Guerrero is dedicated to fulfilling the 2012 Installation theme, “Involvement Spurs Success” by encouraging members to get involved in the Association.

These individuals will join Guerrero in 2012 as officers of this organization: Chairman-Elect Cathy Coneway Stanberry and Associates Secretary/Treasurer Bill Evans Austin Real Pros, REALTORS Immediate Past-Chairman Judith Bundschuh Catalyst Realty

Aiding the officers are returning directors of the Board Aaron Farmer of Texas Discount

Front Page: Continued on page 16

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Austin Board of REALTORS®

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Chairman’s Column

By Judith Bundschuh • 2011 Chairman

Get Ready to Celebrate at the Annual REALTOR Installation and Awards Gala

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he Austin Board of REALTORS is gearing up for the REALTOR party of the year, ABoR’s 2012 Installation and Awards Gala. Scheduled for Friday, Dec. 2, this elegant event will honor the 2011 industry award winners and install the 2012 ABoR officers and directors and the ABoR foundation directors. Themed “Involvement Spurs Success,” the gala will include an exquisite meal, award and installation ceremony, music from Brother Magnum and the Razor Bumps, dancing and prizes.

The 2012 Installation and Awards Gala will be hosted at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa, in Lost Pines. Be sure to purchase your $40 ticket soon, as tickets will be available until Nov. 23 or until they sell out. Make this event a weekend excursion, and book your hotel room at a discounted rate today at bit.ly/p1jCTj. I look forward to honoring our outstanding members and the 2012 leadership team. I hope to see you there.

For more information, contact Shirley Williams in ABoR’s education department at

454-7636, ext.1603 or swilliams@abor.com.

For complete details, visit www.abor.com/ Installation.

Last Chance to Register for the 2012 Leadership Academy The Leadership Academy is a premier course where you can gain useful spokesperson training, strengthen your leadership skills and learn more about diversity. It’s also a great place to get started if you wish to become active at the national, state and local level. The eightweek leadership course kicks-off at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa on Jan. 19.

Subsequent sessions will be held at the Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) and ABoR offices, and run through May 10. I encourage you to apply soon as the deadline is Nov. 30.

For $375, students will receive in-depth sessions, as well as the retreat itself. Applicants from the Certified Commercial Investment Member, National Association of Property Managers, Certified Residential Specialist,

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November 2011

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Women’s Council of REALTORS (WCR) and other groups are eligible for anticipated National Association of REALTORS (NAR) scholarships. To find out if your organization is also eligible, visit www.abor.com/ LeadershipAcademy. Don’t miss this great leadership opportunity and chance to advance your career.

your $65 ticket until Jan. 11 or until tickets run out. The 2012 Housing Forecast will take place at the Renaissance Austin Hotel in the Arboretum. To learn more about this informative event or to pursue partnership opportunities, contact Shirley Williams in ABoR’s education department at 454-7636, ext.1603 or swilliams@abor.com.

2012 Housing Forecast Promises Insightful Expert Speakers

The ABoR Ambassador Program Wants to Hear From You

Strategically prepare your business plan for the coming year by attending the 2012 Housing Forecast, hosted by ABoR and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12. Hear from industry experts, including University of Texas’ McCombs School of Business faculty member Dr. Greg Hallman, director of the Austin market for Metrostudy Eldon Rude and KXAN News Chief Weathercaster Jim Spencer, about the latest changes in the economic and housing markets, as well as the implications of the drought on the real estate market.

Visit www.abor.com/Forecast to purchase

ABoR is thrilled about our new Ambassador Program, which was designed to improve communication between ABoR members, staff and leadership. This program will help identify the issues that matter most to our members and help ABoR to connect our area’s local real estate industry professionals.

The ambassadors invite you to schedule an office visit to share your experience in order to increase the value of your membership. I strongly encourage you to contact ambassador program staff executive Angela Brutché at 454-7636 or abrutche@abor.com to share your input today. RL

ABoR Academy Educational Course Listings Nov. 18: Lunch & Learn Nov. 24: ABoR Office Closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 25: ABoR Office Closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 29: Zip Forms: What You Need to Know Nov. 29: What’s New & How Do I Use It

Details at www.abor.org

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

The folks at Independence Title show off their radical '80s style at ABoR’s “Flashback to the '80s” Realty Round Up at the Austin Convention Center.

Pictured are Kara McGregor, Melinda Carroll, Marjorie Tinnell, Brian Pitman, Susan Patterson and Eric Phillips.

Buy photo: RL_111311_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Derrick Jones of Austin City Living doesn’t miss a chance for a photo op with HBA Executive Vice President Harry Savio while his team is yelling at him to take his turn at the HBA “Strike Against Hunger” charity bowling tournament benefiting Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

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Amy Kobza of Capital Title has her real estate fortune told at the WCAoR “Halloween at the WC” membership mixer.

Buy photo: RL_110911_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Summer Pavliska of Texas American Title snags her free tickets to the Austin Toros game from the team’s mascot at the company’s “Game Day” themed open house in Cedar Park.

Buy photo: RL_111111_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Quality Service...Like Clockwork®.

Boost your career at the

2012 Leadership academy The Austin Board of REALTORS® is currently accepting applications for the 2012 Leadership Academy. Revitalize your career at this eight-week training course that includes specialized sessions on spokesperson training, planning for success, creating balance, diversity among us and more.

We are your Closing Professionals.

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January 19, 2012 – May 10, 2012 Kick-off at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa $375 (includes cost of retreat) Apply by November 30, 2011

In addition to enhancing leadership skills, the Leadership Academy is a great place to start if you are looking to get more involved at the national, state and local level. Are you ready to take the next step in your career? If so, apply for the 2012 Leadership Academy at www.abor. com/LeadershipAcademy by November 30 and ultimately, advance your profession.

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©2011 KB Home (KBH). The HERS® Index is a registered trademark of the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). The HERS Index rating shown on this label is based on the relevant home plan as designed, not as built, using RESNET-approved software, RESNET-determined inputs and certain assumed conditions. The typical new home HERS Index rating of 100 is the RESNET HERS Index reference home, which is built to the specifications of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code. More information about the HERS Index rating can be found on RESNET’s website at http://www.resnet.us. The typical resale home HERS Index rating of 130 is a U.S. Department of Energy rating per its EnergySmart Home ScaleSM. The actual as-built HERS Index rating for this KB home will be determined by a RESNET-certified independent energy rater based on an on-site inspection and an analysis of the final construction plan, and it may vary significantly from the as-designed rating shown on this label depending on changes made to the relevant home plan, including changes in interior and exterior options, appliances or features, and on the location, orientation and manner in which the home is built. The HERS Index rating is a measurement of a home’s energy efficiency per RESNET standards, but it is not a warranty or guarantee of energy utility costs or savings. KB Home does not guarantee that any specific level of electric and gas energy utility costs or savings will be achieved or maintained, even if the home is built as designed per the relevant home plan, and actual energy utility costs will depend on a number of factors, including but not limited to personal utility usage preferences, the rates, fees and charges of local energy utility providers, daily activities, home maintenance practices, household size, use and/or operating condition of appliances, lighting and internal climate control systems, and the surrounding climate and weather conditions. The estimated monthly electric and gas energy bill cost shown on this label is also generated from RESNET-approved software using assumptions about annual energy use solely from the heating and cooling systems, appliances and lighting that are included as standard with the relevant home plan, and average local energy utility rates available at the time the estimate is calculated. Gas utilities may not be available in some communities and energy utility costs in those communities will reflect only electrical utilities. Due to the various factors and inputs that can affect a HERS Index rating and monthly energy bill costs, buyers are cautioned against and should not rely solely or substantially on the HERS Index rating and the estimated monthly energy bill costs shown on this label in making a decision to purchase this or any other KB home. KB Home is not affiliated with RESNET, its service providers or with any home energy efficiency rating organization or system, software program or rater.

New Mexico>Anderson Heights>1913 These parties are all independent third parties. KB Home cannot guarantee that an as-built HERS Index rating will be equal to or lower than the HERS Index rating shown on this label. 04/11

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All ENERGY STAR® qualified KB homes feature an EPG®: an Energy Performance Guide that shows you our homes’ energy efficiency and an estimate of the average monthly energy costs.

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See reverse for a complete list of KB Home communities in the Austin area.

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Kay Bowen of Sky Realty gets a personal tour of new model homes by Jeannie Lauzon of Milestone Community Builders at the company’s REALTOR Grand Opening of its new Ravenscroft community in South Austin.

Buy photo: RL_110811_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Laura Rosales of Austin Title and Ron Urias of Farmers Insurance play Sumo Wars at ABoR’s Realty Round Up. The object of the game is to be the first to get the ball and answer a question correctly.

Buy photo: RL_111611_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_111311_X.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

KB Home REALTOR Liaison Chelsea Brown informs Pam Buske of RE/MAX Capital City about all the benefits of buying a KB Home at the company’s REALTOR Party on the Patio at Plucker’s Lakeline.

ROCKY CREEK

ROCKY CREEK, one of the best selling communities in the

Austin area, now has many new inventory homes ready to show your clients. Among the spectacular features Rocky Creek has to offer: Community amenities: • 300 acres of open and green space • Hill Country Views • 5,000 Linear feet of Rocky Creek frontage • Primitive hike and bike trails • Neighborhood swimming pool Now Open!

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Galleria shopping

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Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®

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President’s Column

By Victoria Reviel • 2011 President

WCAoR to Install New Leadership at Banquet December 15

I

invite you to attend the WCAoR Installation Banquet to be held on Thursday, Dec. 15 at the Oasis Starlight Terrace. WCAoR will call forward the 2012 Leadership Team, Officers, and Directors to recite and swear that they will: Lead and guide, for the benefit of all, carry out their duties as they are directed by the bylaws, and to carry out the bylaws in a professional, honorable manner.

The members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS have chosen you to serve in leadership positions as officers and directors for the coming year. They have placed their trust in you to make decisions on their behalf...not in your personal best interests, but in theirs. Be aware of their needs. Listen to their wishes.

For the next 12 months, these individuals will work to live up to their promise to the membership to lead and guide the Association to new levels of professionalism while never losing focus of the mission of the association:

The Mission of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS is to help its members meet present and future real estate challenges in Williamson County, to enhance and promote REALTOR members’ professionalism, to encourage member involvement in the various communities of Williamson County, and to provide quality services for its members.

In addition to the swearing in of the 2012 leadership, we will be honoring the REALTOR of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Affiliate Company of the Year and many more members who have excelled in their profession during 2011. If you would like to nominate someone for any of these awards please visit www.wcaor.org for the nomination forms.

Volunteering for a Committee WCAoR is your local REALTOR organization, and we thank you for your interest in becoming involved. WCAoR committees are comprised of a hard-working group of local real estate professionals and

www.myRealtyLine.com affiliates who work to achieve specific goals for the Association.

Each December, WCAoR has an open call for volunteers, where you can sign up to join a specific committee. We have several to choose from: education, membership, community service, TREPAC, governmental affairs, golf tournament and many more.

Committees work with WCAoR staff and the board of directors to support and assist with achieving the organization’s goals.

According to the bylaws, you must be a primary or secondary member of the WCAoR to participate. Get the form on our website at www.wcaor.org or call the WCAoR office at 255-6211 and submit your request.

November 2011

2012 Mansion Members Sponsors. Sign up now!

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Is your company seeking REALTOR business? Choose to be a WCAoR Mansion Member or sponsor individual events to reach REALTORS who interact with thousands of local home buyers and sellers throughout Central Texas. This is a great opportunity to brand your company. Through our website, events and educational seminars, we offer many opportunities for those who seek to network with REALTORS or advertise their business. Please contact Jackie Woodfin at 255-6211 for more information and get started today. RL

Upcoming WCAoR Events/Education Nov. 18: TREC Ethics & Legal; Fundamentals of Foreclosure Auctions Nov. 30 - Dec. 2: ASP Staging Class

Details at www.wcaor.org

Buy Photos + Find Events + View Archives

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

It’s a magic mystery tour where agents tour homes in Belterra for an extra chance to win $1,000. Leslie Bradshaw of Natural Development, Belterra’s developer, and Kim Burke of Capital City Sotheby’s International Realty show REALTORS where to begin the tour.

Buy photo: RL_110311_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Kyle Henson of Buffington Homes shows off one of many spec homes ready to move into at Stonewall Ranch in Liberty Hill.

The homes start from the $140s.

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Helen Thomas of RE/ MAX Austin Skyline and Steve Builta of Hometrust Mortgage try to figure out which cart is theirs at the AMBA Annual Fall Golf Tournament.

Buy photo: RL_111311_Z.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

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Carrie York of Austin Real Pros makes a mad grab for some cold hard cash in the wind booth at ABoR’s Realty Round Up.

Texas American Title Company Texas American Title wants to extend our sincere Thank you for your continued successful partnership through the Holiday season!

Donica Williams, Karen Black, Julia Bechara, Krystal Watts, Pavliska s, Jim Goldrick, Summer Sum Round Rock Office 1001 S. Mays Suite 103 Round Rock TX 78664 Office: 512-255-1550

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Suite 205 Cedar Park, TX 78613 Office: 512-259-5950

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HBA of Greater Austin

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President’s Column

By Hank Smith • 2011 President

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HBA President Wraps Up Year, Looks Ahead

n Nov. 1, new leadership took over the reins at the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. I would like to introduce you to Marshall Durrett who is the new HBA president for the rest of 2011 and 2012. I am honored to be one of the many past presidents during the last 58 years of the HBA. Marshall is a custom home builder who has built and remodeled homes throughout the Austin area. His company, Durrett Builders, is an innovator in the local homebuilding market. He is also a Graduate Master Builder, a Certified Green Professional and a Certified Graduate Builder. I am sure you will enjoy getting to know Marshall next year as he keeps everyone up to date on the homebuilding industry in 2012.

Now let’s look back over 2011 during my tenure and see what’s ahead for the next year.

There were plenty of challenges and plenty of accomplishments last year in the home building industry.

One of the recent events in this industry is the horrendous wildfires that struck this

area. The HBA has made its considerable resources available to ensure that the reconstruction of these homes is done by qualified home builders. I am sure we will be working hard over the next months and years to ensure only reputable builders are available for the reconstruction efforts as those areas transition from cleaning-up to rebuilding.

In October 2011, we sold our “Benefit Home” that was built by many volunteers and with a considerable amount of donated material from HBA members. The home was built in West Cypress Hills by Milestone Community Builders. As a result of these efforts, over $100,000 was donated to various charities including $68,000 to the Dell Children’s Hospital, more than $25,000 in donations and material went to the Ronald McDonald House charities and $10,000 to the Marbridge Foundation. Since 1991, the HBA has given more than one million dollars to local charities. We look forward to continuing this tradition and giving back to the community.

In 2011, the number of new home sales in

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November 2011

this market were still below previous levels.

Our industry continues to look for a return to a normal building cycle. Even though Austin is considered one of the best home building markets in the country, builders in our region continue to be denied access to construction credit. That may mean a shortage of new homes and buyers may have fewer choices. We will continue to work with our Congressional delegation to underscore the issue and push for solutions.

Water conservation efforts have made their way to the forefront of the home building industry as the drought in this area persists with no foreseeable end in sight. The current drought will likely have a major effect on the landscape industry. Our builders are working closely with new home buyers and regional water providers to develop new standards for new landscaping that can flourish in these days of water conservation efforts. Some government entities may require more “water

wise” landscapes in the very near future. I think this will be one of the biggest challenges next year, to balance housing affordability and water conservation.

On Nov. 17, we will host the first ever “Green Building Symposium.” We have been planning this showcase event for months. It will provide educational opportunities to learn about green building design, green products, water conservation and net zero capable homes.

For the past year, we have also been working on a “Tour of Homes” where we plan to open up new and remodeled homes all across Austin. That event will kick off in late April and should provide an opportunity for Central Texans in our five-county area to check out the wide array of housing opportunities available in our region.

It’s been a busy year. Thank you to everyone for their support this past year during my tenure as president. RL

Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin President Hank Smith presents Rita Willoughby and Missey Wood, both of Dell Children’s Medical Center Foundation, with a check for $68,000.

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Jazz Lough of Champions School of Real Estate says hello to J. Rene Ward of Best Agents in Texas at the CRS Quarterly Membership Meeting at Westwood Country Club.

Buy photo: RL_110511_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

HBA Past President Hank Smith awards Jimmy Dimanoff of Milestone Community Builders with the association's Production Builder Member of the Year Award at the HBA's President's Awards and Installation Banquet.

Buy photo: RL_111311_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

It’s a nice day for a white wedding! Tara Goldwasser and David Schneider, both of Goldwasser Real Estate, show off their Billy Idol and Madonna duds at the ABoR Realty Round Up where “Flashback to the ‘80s” was the theme.

Submitted Photo

Austin Area Market Update U.S. Existing Home Sales

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$240,000

Home Sales

Median Price $230,000

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Partnerships Built on Trust

$220,000 $210,000

6

$200,000 $190,000

5

$180,000 $170,000

4

$160,000 $150,000

3 Jan-02

$140,000 Jan-03

Jan-04

Jan-05

Jan-06

Jan-07

Jan-08

Jan-09

Jan-10

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

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November 2011

Giving Back Community Connecting Locally to Make a Difference

Gracy Title is a proud supporter of Foundation Communities as a major ally in fundraising efforts, sponsoring families during FC’s Christmas Adopt-a-Family program, and volunteering for a variety of hands-on projects throughout 2011. Where Foundation’s communities have opened, property values have gone up, crime has gone down, and once at-risk schools have begun to thrive. Housing has been provided in Austin and North Texas to over 2,500 families and communities have been stabilized, creating enriched learning environments for over 700 children.

The Texas wildfires destroyed more than 1,400 homes and devastated the lives of many of our fellow Texans. As a result, Gracy Title joined the community matching donations up to $10,000 in support of disaster relief. Gracy employees also collected supplies for the victims of the wildfires & were granted paid time off to volunteer at area relief sites.

Every year, Gracy forms a team of employees, family, friends, and clients to help support the Austin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen in the fight against breast cancer. We celebrate our efforts together as a team at the Race for the Cure.

Now through December 2nd, 2011 Please join us to support the children and families of Wounded Warriors stationed at Fort Hood by supporting the 2nd Annual Purple Santa Toy Drive.

Toys will be distributed to the children at a Purple Heart Christmas Party given in honor of the Wounded Warriors and their families in December at Fort Hood.

Please drop off donations at any of the Gracy Title Offices Visit www.gracytitle.com/locations to see a list of offices or contact Donna Simmons at donna.simmons@gracytitle.com to arrange a donation pickup

Partnerships Built on Trust

Visit us online for more information or to find out how to get involved at: www.gracytitle.com/about-us/giving-back

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The team at Gracy Title spends their time at ABoR’s Realty Round Up raising awareness for Susan G. Komen’s Fight for the Cure for breast cancer.

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HBA members Dawn Matlock, Marilyn Beene, Cynthia Davis and Jennifer Turner cast a spell and win Best Dressed Team at the HBA’s Sales and Marketing Council “Strike Against Hunger” charity bowling tournament.

Buy photo: RL_110211_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

We’ll take the dessert, oh and the wine! Ann Carson of Independence Title and Cheryl Spencer of Nextage Lincoln Ray Realty sample a little of everything at WCAoR’s Dessert and Wine scholarship foundation fundraiser at the Highland Homes model in Arbor Place.

Buy photo: RL_111111_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_110611_J.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Leisa Ormsbee of JB Goodwin REALTORS gets her geek on while playing “pop a balloon” at the WCAoR “Halloween at the WC” membership mixer.

Experienced. Reliable. Excellence.

Linda Komm A seasoned mortgage veteran with 30 years of experience and committed to excellence.

lkomm@swbc.com 512-531-1807

The Komm Team Linda Komm, VP NMLS #219050

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Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Construction, HELOC

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We reserve the right to modify specifications, prices and/or plans without notice or prior obligation. All square footages are approximate.

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Buffington Homes’ Dow Wright gets ready to throw his “Strike Against Hunger” at the HBA’s charity bowling tournament to raise money to help feed Austin’s homeless population.

Buy photo: RL_110211_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

HBA Membership Director Debbie Horridge receives her fifth President's Award from HBA Past President Hank Smith at the HBA's President's Awards and Installation Banquet.

Buy photo: RL_111311_D.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Can’t get in without them, ABoR’s Vicky Harris and Charlie Henson of Highland Lakes Real Estate sport their wristbands for ABoR’s Realty Round Up at the Austin Convention Center.

Submitted Photo

(512) 320-8833 | brohnhomes.com

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November SOLD! SOLD! January 2012

For more information: Robyn Mattinen | (512) 363-8992 | robynm@brohnhomes.com

ITCrlHappyHolidays110711d.pdf

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Independence Title E x p l o r e w w w. I n d e p e n d e n c e T i t l e . c o m

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November 2011 Front Page: Continued

Realty, David Burton of Horizon Realty, Janet Murdock of JB Goodwin, REALTORS, Marcus Cox of Avalar Austin, Julie Potts of Hill Country Property Management, Helen Edwards of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, Sharon Rosshirt of Stanberry & Associates and Barb Cooper of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS, who was re-elected to serve a three-year term.

ABoR also looks forward to working with the newest additions to the Board, including Chad Cardani of Cardani Group, REALTORS, Cheryl Jenkins of Realty Executives, AustinNorth and Susie Kang of Joa Realty.

2012 Installation and Awards Gala Join ABoR at the 2012 Installation and Awards Gala. This exciting event is expected to draw many members of the Austin real estate community, so be sure to purchase your ticket in advance.

Scheduled from 6 to 11 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2, this year's premier event will be hosted at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa. You can look forward to an exquisite meal, an award and installation ceremony, music from Brother Magnum and the Razor Bumps, dancing and prizes. The 2012 ABoR officers and directors and the ABoR Foundation will be installed, while the 2011 industry award winners will be recognized and honored during the ceremony: REALTOR of the Year Joe Bryson, Real Estate Alliance, Inc. Affiliate of the Year Laura Pagnozzi Independence Title Company Community Service Award Mary Miner, Nextage Lincoln Ray Realty

www.myRealtyLine.com

Rookie of the Year Award Vanessa Nunez, Vox Real Estate, LLC Salesperson of the Year David Schneider, Goldwasser Real Estate Tickets cost $40 and will be available for purchase until Nov. 23 or until sold out. Visit www.abor.com to reserve your ticket and transportation to the event. Complimentary bus transportation is available from two locations, including ABoR's offices and Barton Creek Mall. Pick-up time is 5 p.m., while departure from the event will take place at 11:45 p.m. Space is limited so reserve your seat today.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal, black-tie attire. For more details regarding this event, contact Shirley Williams in ABoR's education department at 454-7636.

Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin New leadership for the HBA of Greater Austin took office this month, guiding the 59year old organization through the next year.

Marshall Durrett, President of Durrett Builders, took office as President of the HBA on Nov. 1.

In addition to building homes, Marshall is also a REALTOR and licensed real estate broker offering additional independent services.

The following members will join Marshall on the Executive Committee for 2011-2012.

President-Elect Roger Arriaga KB Home Past-President

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Past-President Hank Smith Texas Engineering Solutions First VP Brent Allison Lake Travis Builders VP of Education Alex Pettit Spring Builders, LLC VP of Government Relations Robert Kleeman Munsch, Hardt, Kopf & Harr, PC VP of Membership Carol Baker Capital City Insurance VP of Operations Mike Smith Mesa Home Systems VP Sales and Marketing Mary DeWalt Mary DeWalt Design Group VP Special Projects Gabriel Trinidad Lighting, Inc.

Builder Members for the HBA board of directors are, Ken Blaker, MWI Texas, LP, Natalie Bowers, Mercedes Homes, Scott Branc, New Urban Home Builders, Justin Cox, Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes, Jimmy Dimanoff, Milestone Community Builders, James Dorney, Buffington Texas Classic Homes, LLC, Walter Elias, Brookfield Residential Properties, Inc., Steve Krasoff, Scott Felder Homes, LLC, Randy Rollo, Rollo Homes, Mitch Schwartz, Schwartz Custom Homes, Stan Voelker, Voelker Custom Homes, Inc., and Wes Wigginton, Foursquare Builders, LLC. Associate Members for the HBA board of directors are Curtis Hausmann, BMC, Mike Kolar, Kolar Advertising and Marketing, Karen Matuszewski, By Design Real Estate Services and Custom Home Consulting, Meagan McCoy-Jones, McCoy’s Building Supply, Ryan Rogers, Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS, Eldon Rude, Metrostudy, Doug Scott, ViewPoint Bankers Mortgage, Bob Wetmore, Cornerstone Group Architects, and Bob Scanlon, Renaissance Stone Works, LLC. The following HBA members were recognized with annual awards: Production Builder Member of the Year Jimmy Dimanoff Milestone Community Builders Custom Builder Member of the Year Mitch Schwartz Schwartz Custom Homes Associates of the Year Mary DeWalt Mary DeWalt Design Group Karen Matuszewski

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

By Design Real Estate Services and Custom Home Consulting The following members were also recognized with a President’s Award for going above and beyond the call of duty: • Natalie Bowers, Mercedes Homes • Miki Cook, Austin Energy • Julie Hatfield, Texas Gas Service • Curtis Hausmann, BMC • Debbie Horridge,HBA of Greater Austin • Robert Kleeman, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, P.C. • Karen Matuszewski, By Design Real Estate Services and Custom Home Consulting • Jim Rado, David Weekley Homes • Anna Twitty, HBA of Greater Austin A special congratulations to everyone from all of us at Realty Line. RL

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P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com Publisher: Doren L. Carver doren@myRealtyLine.com Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com Managing Editor: Naomi Bludworth naomi@myRealtyLine.com Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb Contributing Writers: Stacy Hale, Naomi Bludworth, Linda McNabb Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Naomi Bludworth, Linda McNabb Columnists: Judith Bundschuh, Hank Smith, Victoria Reviel, Tom Berry, Terry Godbold, Vaike O'Grady, Kay DaSilva, Cheryl Jenkins Submission Guidelines: Submit photos, press releases and calendar items to naomi@myrealtyline.com. All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name and company affiliation. Press releases must be fewer than 300 words. Non-advertisers submitting calendar items will be charged $25 per submission. All submissions must be received at least seven calendar days prior to ad copy deadlines published at www. myrealtyline.com/advertise.html. Submission items will be included as space allows.

Realty Line Austin is published monthly by Caxton Publications, Inc.© as a non-subscription publication for the more than 8,000 members of the Austin Board of REALTORS®(ABoR), the more than 1,100 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAoR) and the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin. Realty Line Austin is printed on recycled paper.

Realty Line Austin is a proud member of the Austin Board of REALTORS®, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® and is a honorary member of the Women’s Council of REALTORS. Realty Line Austin is not responsible for opinions or facts expressed by non-staff writers or for errors and any by-products in advertising or editorial copy. REALTOR® is a registered trademark.

The word REALTOR® sometimes appears in this publication without the registered trademark symbol (®) for the purpose of saving space. Wherever the word REALTOR® appears in this publication, the registered trademark should be assumed.

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Women’s Council of REALTORS®

President’s Column

By Cheryl Jenkins • 2011 President

Joe Thweatt, Tony Cordova, Pam Jenkins and Matt Posey, all of AmeriPro Funding, take refuge in the shade for lunch at the Austin Mortgage Bankers Association Annual Fall Golf Tournament.

Buy photo: RL_110411_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Chris Rodriguez of Austin Real Pros, Susan Horton of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, and Terry Godbold of Reliable Property Management attend the opening ceremony at the ABoR 2011 Realty Round Up show. Chris served as chairman of the Realty Round Up committee this year.

End Your Year with WCR

T Buy photo: RL_111311_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Kristin Carroll and Kenton Brown, both of Sente Mortgage, sponsor lunch at the CRS Quarterly Membership Meeting at the Westwood Country Club.

he year is quickly coming to an end and our calendars are jam packed with holiday parties, installation events and family gatherings. This is the time of year that our minds and hearts are filled with giving and caring for others. WCR is thankful for our many members, and most certainly for our supportive affiliate partners. We would like to thank those that partnered with us for 2011.

This year has been a year filled with excitement and accomplishments. In 2011 we showed that our membership is the key to our success. The membership voiced what they wanted and we delivered. There are still a few events remaining for the year and you don’t

want to miss them.

Back by popular demand, our annual Fredericksburg Shopping Trip is planned for Tuesday, Nov. 29. Look for information on our website and Facebook pages.

We will cap off the year with the installation of our 2012 leadership team. The exciting event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m, Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. Purchase your tickets for $40 at www.austinwcr.org WCR continues to grow and meet the needs of our members. There are exciting events being planned for 2012, so renew your membership now and be included. RL

Buy Photos + Find Events + Property Tours

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Kick Start 2012!

Attend our full day

Business Planning Boot Camp

TREC MCE Elective Course #: 07-00-063-23146

Thursday, January 12th 9 am – 4 pm Cost: $50 for Seven MCE Elective Credit Hours (Cash or Check only, payable at the door)

Start your year off right. Attend our full day Business Planning Boot Camp.

• • •

Accurately identifying your financial goals.

Create and track your business objectives.

Learn to make time investments rather than time expenses.

For more information on any of our MCE Classes and to register visit:

www.SenteMortgage.com

Click on Real Estate Power Lunches at the bottom of our homepage or call 512-637-9900 • Sente Mortgage, Inc. MCE Provider #9841

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November 2011 1 11/7/2011 2:54:56 PM

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2012

ABoR Installation and Awards Gala

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Yvonne Manning of Home Simple of Texas takes a look at all of the one-of-a-kind jewelry designs offered by Penny Jamrack at the WCR Business Resource Meeting where she was a tabletop sponsor.

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ABoR staff members Kate Mack and Stan Martin watch Stephanie Toal rack up the high score on Ms. Pac-Man in the ABoR Lounge at Realty Round Up.

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Austin Closed Units Year-to-Date through 10/31/11

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Tony Brodie Team Leader Keller Williams Austin Northwest 512.637.8425 214.460.4300 tonybrodie@kw.com

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November 2011

Director ‘s Column

By Kay DaSilva • 2011 Director

HigHland Homes

Realtor Rewards

great way to define leadership is “the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.” As leader of the Austin region CRS this year, the common task for which I enlisted aid and support of my fellow designees was to serve the membership of this very prestigious group.

Leadership brings many benefits to those who lead. It takes a certain kind of person who is willing to give of their time and energy to make a group or association better.

I have been blessed to have such a talented group of professionals serve with me in meeting the needs of our Austin region CRS members in 2011. They have all generously donated their time and effort to work toward this common goal with me. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize these caring and hard working individuals: Rise’ Johns – director-elect Fred Norton – immediate past-director and current Technology and Communications chairperson Joanne Norton – Finance committee Lynda Conway – Programs committee Les Sherman – Ways and Means committee

Hellena Frazier – Membership committee Carrie Weikert – Education committee Sherri Teepen and Laura Nye - Chapter with Heart committee Cindy Reeder - Realty Round Up committee Emma Polk – Chaplain As we look toward 2012 and the future of the leadership of CRS, I am honored to mention here that the national leadership of this fine organization will be in the hands of Austin’s own Mark Minchew. Mark was the first president of the Lone Star CRS Chapter and was one of the founders and the first president of the Austin CRS Sub-Chapter. He has served the Council on multiple committees, on the board of directors and as a regional vice president.

Mark was installed on Nov. 12 as National President of CRS for 2012.

As I step down as Regional Director of the Austin CRS region after five years in various roles with this organization, I am proud to hand over the reins to Rise’ Johns. My wish for her is that she enjoys her leadership role as much as I did and that the needs of our membership continue to be met with hard work and dedication. Knowing Rise’, I know that will be the case. RL

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*All qualified sales must be original contracts written between January 1, 2011 and35December 31, 2011. For any Realtor incentive or bonus program offered by Highland Homes it is a condition of eligibility to receive payment that the Realtors not offer to rebate or contribute any portion of a bonus or a commission to a home buyer or any other person who is not a licensed Texas Realtor. The company has sole discretion in determining whether this eligibility requirement is met for each sale. We only recognize one Realtor name per sale.

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November 2011 Experts Speak Out

www.myRealtyLine.com

Commentary

By Tom Berry • Gracy Title

Looking for New Buyers?

Pay Attention to Where They are Coming From, and Why

L

ast year Forbes magazine published an interactive map of the United States with every county shown for every state. The Forbes map allows users to click on any county and instantly see how many people are moving to that county, and from where. The data is actually pretty useful and visually stunning.

As you click on a county the map “draws” lines to and from every other county in the country that exchanged 10 or more people with that county. Red lines indicate outflow, black lines indicate inflow.

I clicked on Travis County, out of curiosity, and the results are amazing. A lot of people are moving here from all over the country. The Travis County map looks like a giant black spider web, with only a few red lines. More telling is where those lines are coming from: Southern California, Northern California, and the Northeastern Seaboard. They’re also coming from Florida, and the rest of Texas.

It’s no longer a secret that a relatively strong, diverse economy and affordable housing is attracting people to Texas in unprecedented

numbers. In our industry, that means new clients, but it also means reaching those clients with compelling value, and ideally reaching them before your competition. So where do you go to get the information contained in the Forbes map? It turns out the answer is the federal government, and specifically the IRS. The IRS publishes county by county inflow/ outflow migration data. Better yet, they only cross reference counties in which 10 or more people moved from one county to another, so you can easily pick out migration trends, and focus on areas of the country significant numbers of people are moving from.

Additionally, a variety of academic institutions (one good example being the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire) have taken that data, along with Census data, and done some really useful analysis identifying migration trends and their root causes. This information is, by-and-large, freely available online.

Another place to look? Allied Van Lines has published a Top Magnet States report for

25 Years of Service Arboretum Branch 4807 Spicewood Springs Rd., Bldg. 1, Ste 1100

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43 years, which analyzes migration patterns based on where their moving trucks are taking people. The top inbound state for the past six years? You guessed it, it’s Texas.

Just as important as where people are moving from, is why they are moving. If you can understand the motivations behind the decision to relocate, you can better focus your value proposition to match their particular sensitivities. To that end, the Federal Reserve Bank in Washington D.C., as well as the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas and St. Louis have published reports on their website analyzing long-term migration trends in the U.S., and the underlying reasons for movement between

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

states. Additionally, these reports break down migration patterns by different income and education demographics.

The bottom line is that knowing people are moving to Texas is only half of the equation if you want to articulate a value to those people, and place yourself in the position of working to help them purchase a home. Reaching them before your competition, and understanding their motivations is critical to successfully retaining them as clients.

Fortunately, there are tremendous resources freely available online to answer these questions, and provide critical insight.

You just need to know where to look. RL

Buy photo: RL_111411_F.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

So the big challenge here is to keep your head on straight. Melinda Carroll of Independence Title, Doug Land of Sotheby’s International Realty and Marjorie Tinnell of Independence Title make a rockin’‘80s video with their heads on the bodies of various ‘80s icons.

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Lisa Forte Loan Officer

Lynn Edgar Mortgage Consultant

Kimberly Altier Rosemary Jennings Sr. Loan Officer Loan Officer Westlake Branch 950 Westbank Drive, Suite 104

(512) 615-6499 Bradley Rife Cindy Fenley Branch Manager Senior Loan Originator

Monty Meusch • Area Sales Manager, Auctioneer Phone: (817) 600-9485 11933 Palisades Parkway Austin, Texas 78732 MMeusch@FarmersNational.com Serving America’s Landowners Since 1929

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The National Association of Professional Mortgage Women's Halloween party and bottle auction finds Eddie Rinehart of WR Starkey Mortgage surrounded by two Ashleys - Ashley Kelsey, left, of Capital Title and Ashley Howard, right.

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Michael Neuman of Realty Executives and mortgage professional Charlie Bradham spend time meeting with REALTORS at Realty Round Up, the annual trade show hosted by the Austin Board of REALTORS.

Buy photo: RL_111411_H.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

CRS Chapter President Kay DaSilva of Avalar Austin welcomes Debra Kelsey of RE/ MAX Capital City I, Sherri Teepen and Risé Johns, both of Keller Williams Realty, to the group’s Quarterly Membership Meeting at Westwood Country Club.

Buy photo: RL_110211_F.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Buy photo: RL_110511_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Doug Scott of Viewpoint Mortgage gives a “thumbs up” when he learns that the HBA’s annual charity bowling tournament to benefit Mobile Loaves and Fishes sold out.

There’s only one thing better than the things you find on the Thanksgiving table. . . it’s the people sitting around it.

Pull up a chair - join our family of loan originators at United Lending.

Contact Kevin Ginsburg: 512-632-7971 | kevin.ginsburg@unitedlendingusa.com

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

Capital Title 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

A

lthough Capital Title launched its Austin area operation just 10 months ago in January, they haven’t wasted any time becoming a big success. With an unparalleled depth of knowledge and both statewide and national expertise, Capital Title has earned a reputation of trustworthy residential and commercial title services that have helped serve lenders, developers and investors to build strong and lasting relationships with their local community.

CEO Bill Shaddock began Shaddock Title in 1987 and grew the company to many locations in the Dallas area.

Between 1987 and 2006, Shaddock created the largest Fee Title Network in Texas. He then acquired Capital Title in 2006, ultimately resulting in Capital Title being recognized today as the largest independent title company in Texas. Locally, the company facilitates transactions in 23 counties and has four branches in the Greater Austin area — and they’re still looking to grow. As an independently owned company based in the Dallas area, Capital Title has over 40 offices in Texas.

But size isn’t the end of the success story. This family-owned company operates like a boutique firm, where its

CEO provides his cell phone number on his business card, and knows the families of the employees. A personal investment in each person involved in the company, from clients to employees to REALTORS and other industry professionals, defines Capital Title. Relationships are the cornerstone of the title business, and the servant leadership philosophy of this company is that each leader works for their employees, everyone works as a team, and the business is structured in a way that benefits the employees and clients the most.

“You cannot go wrong if you hire someone and the expectations are set to match exactly what they want to do,” says Stacy Mock, area vice president of business development.

Being a large, independently owned company gives Capital Title the advantage of the financial resources of a corporation, without the layers of management that can make working for a large company stifling. In other words, things get done and the people here love their jobs. Capital Title maintains a level of personal care in relationships and continues to exceed expectations in the manner the Capital Title team does business with its clients and industry partners.

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“We try to know all of our clients personally and professionally. We try to be a part of their team, not just an escrow agent facilitating their transactions,” says Monica Middleton, president of the Austin region.

This dedication to a personal investment in relationships extends to the community as well. When Capital Title opens an office in any Texas town, it becomes an integral part of that community, forging relationships with the local mayor, civic and nonprofit organizations, and participating and giving back in any capacity possible and at every opportunity.

The company is Stewart Title Guaranty Group’s No. 1 title agent in the nation and remains in the top percent of the title companies designated in the Multiple Listing Service. Capital Title’s business development strategy and team are at the core of its consistent success, and although its reps operate at the cutting edge of technology, each armed with laptops and iPads and a paper-free philosophy, the art of the handshake is not forgotten. Taking it back to the way things used to be in the title industry, day-to-day business is about making introductions, sharing resources, forging partnerships with other industry professionals, educating REALTORS and helping them build their book of business, and doing plenty

Bill Shaddock CEO

of homework on the needs of each client.

If you’re a Capital Title client or partner and you need a tip on where the next big tech company is setting up shop, bringing in jobs and buyers in need of a home, they’ve got you covered. Or if you need anything from a good dry cleaner to a four-star steakhouse to treat your clients, or even a referral on a baby sitter, just ask—many of the Capital Title employees were born and raised in the Austin area.

Join Capital Title on Nov. 30 for appetizers, drinks, live music and convenient holiday shopping. See www. ctot.com for details. RL

Lake

Home for the Holidays:

line .

Blvd ress Cyp ek Rd. Cre

3

25+ Inventory Homes to Close in 30 Days

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1

2

on M

west cypress hills

The Pinnacle Collection

Greenbelt Homes from the $200’s-$400’s 512-264-0900 • 5200 Cypress Ranch Blvd. • Spicewood

ers And

5o% n

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ill Rd .

2

ory Invenmt es Ho

cypress creek

Townhomes from the $130’s 512-215-5220 • 1900 Little Elm Trail • Cedar Park

3 THE RESERVE at BRUSHY CREEK*

1

5

6 7

The Pinnacle Collection Single Family Homes from the mid $200’s Breakway Rd. & Brushy Creek Rd. • Cedar Park

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4 5

9

8

6

*

Coming soon

paradiso villas

Garden Homes from the $160’s 512-215-3424 • 11400 West Parmer Lane • Cedar Park

7

ravenscroft

8

SOUTHPARK MEADOWS*

9

ARBOR RIDGE*

Townhomes from the $130’s 512 410-7790 • 11249 Lost Maples Trail • South Austin

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Garden Homes from the $150’s - $200’s 512-567-2768 • South Austin Townhomes from the $90’s 512-567-2768 • Southeast Austin

RIVERSIDE VILLAS*

Garden Homes from the $140’s - $200’s 512-567-2768 • 5401 E. Riverside Drive • East Austin

silver leaf

Garden Homes from the $290’s 512-410-7683 • 2602 Del Curto Rd. • Downtown Austin

southbridge villas

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

www.MyMileStone.com 5% available only on inventory homes; must close within 30-60 days. Other restrictions apply. See sales consultant for details.

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November 2011

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Steel Jackson of Milestone Community Builders, right, shows Jean Wiedenfeld of Stanberry and Associates the builder’s new model homes at Ravenscroft in South Austin.

Buy photo: RL_110811_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

HBA Past-President Hank Smith hands over the gavel to newly elected HBA President Marshall Durrett at the HBA's President's Awards and Installation Banquet.

Buy photo: RL_110411_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com Submitted Photo

Fore! Jay Tucker of Reliant Title puts all his strength in knocking his ball down the fairway at the AMBA Annual Fall Golf Tournament.

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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November 2011

REALTY EXECUTIVES AUSTIN Director of Coaching and Training

Our Newest Executives

Christine Vega 956.266.2249

Martha Chavez 512.922.4833

May Somerville 512.749.5847

Donna Dobbs 512.689.1732

Ralph McCarty 512.963.2416

Robert Abbott 512.627.3711

George Somerville 512.749.5890

Gary Griffin 512.554.4673

Carolyn Abbott 512.633.7080

Cheryl Jenkins 512.699.6530

Sheri Forbes,Broker 512.775.6167

Susan Brown 512.844.5553

Scott Cunningham 512.497.6116

Larry Sauls 512.585.3830

Bob Svienty 512.560.3117

Ruby Johnson 512.215.1737

Claus Markussen 512.422.7513

Gilbert Alires 512.636.1019

Joyce Shorter 512.255.8940

Larry Gilman 512.762.3605

Rob Hernandez 512.784.3385

Jacob Iloka 512.731.4664

Matt Wright 512.577.3676

Bruce Bai 512.293.0951

Michael Potter 512.789.5248

Tori Troxel 512.522.8674

Morgan Simpson 512.436.4244

Jim Harp 512.567.9136

Austin North Office: 512.716.0300

Sue Barnes 512.300.5527

Michael Prillaman 512.636.5033

Linda Todd 512.785.8303

Business Broker Division Austin Business Brokers, Inc. Sunil Verma 512.800.7085

Westlake & Austin Metro Office: 512.716.0300

Austin Central Office: 512.222.7325 McAllen Real Estate Company Office: 956.971.8989

Billy Kourkounakis

Director of Business Development

512.544.5529

www.SouthPadreProperty.com

Kaema Roberson

Marketing Services Associate

512.716.0300

Roman C. Esparza

Broker, ABR, GRI, RSPS Austin Metro, McAllen, South Padre Island

512.745.7777

Keith Stewart

Commercial Division

512.965.6160

www.AustinRealtyExecutives.com

Michael Neuman

South Padre Island Office: 956.761.1500

CCIM, CRS, CRI, RPA Regional Broker/Owner

Developer

www.McAllenRealEstate.com

WE LEND ALL OVER TEXAS

Charlie Bradham: NMLS# 290126 Balt Regalado: NMLS# 310734 512.689.9837 512.789.4638

Rosie Garcia: NMLS# 287137 210.724.4260

Eddie Johnson: 956.331.9550

Serving Central Texas, San Antonio, McAllen & South Padre Island

27

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November 2011

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

B ook Announcement

“Sudden Wealth... It Happens”

Now Available at

Buy photo: RL_110511_C.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Carol Medley Parker of Coldwell Banker United REALTORS and Warren Marshall of John Horton Realty, a Private Label Realty company, trade business secrets at the group’s quarterly membership meeting.

46261 ISBN-13: 978-14611 7 ISBN-10: 146114626

Buy photo: RL_111411_N.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Sudden Wealth is more common than you might expect. Follow the stories of seven families as they walk through their own unique challenges of sudden wealth.

Learn what they did right, what they did wrong, and how you can prepare for your sudden wealth event.

How would you handle it?

A unique financial guide created by recognized wealth advisors David Rust and Shane Moore. Informative and

Laquita King of Affordable Home Protection Services hands out candy to the “kiddies” at ABoR’s Realty Round Up.

Welcoming Back ~ Clive Hambrook ~ 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 allow us to simplify and expedite the approval process.

insightful — Sudden Wealth... It Happens is the #1 resource for anyone who experiences a sudden financial windfall.

Clive Hambrook © Clear Standard Publishing, LLC

Learn more at

SuddenWealthHappens.

com

28

facebook.com/SuddenWealthHappens

Production Partner to Eddie Rinehart and Julie Black NMLSR # 190073 Office: 512-329-9040 chambrook@starkeymortgage.com

Starkey Mortgage 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.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Grand Haven Homes 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

G

rand Haven Homes is an award winning, privately owned home builder founded in Austin, Texas, recognized by the Texas and Austin homebuilding associations for superior craftsmanship and exemplary home designs.

With their unique and personalized homes, Grand Haven Homes is bringing something new to the Austin market. “Inspired by life, built for living,” Grand Haven homes introduce a fresh perspective to Austin area buyers with flexible floor plans, design options and Lifezones to make each home truly unique.

Grand Haven Homes builds single-family detached homes, principally for the move-up buyer, active lifestyle, and relocation buyer.

Typically ranging in size from 1,900 square feet to more than 4,600 square feet and priced from $180,000 to over $600,000, these homes offer innovative, progressive designs and amenities appointed with the latest technology and design elements.

When industry veterans Eric Rome, Shay Brinkley and Mike Beckett decided to leave a national homebuilder to start their own company, they noticed that many of the homes in Greater Austin’s master planned communities had very similar design features and facades. Grand Haven’s founders wanted to do things differently, to create and design homes in Austin that meet the needs of today’s buyers with today’s designs, and bring

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995

a fresh perspective with more buyer choices to the market. Their answer was a market solution called “Lifezones,” enabling buyers to personalize their new home according to areas that are most important to how they live, on the inside and out.

Creating your own Grand Haven Home is easy. Just go to www.grandhavenhomes.net and create your own Lifezones profile. Lifezones offers homebuyers an innovative alternative to the traditional home purchasing process.

Lifezones segments six main areas of the home including gourmet kitchen collections, spa experiences, outdoor living, organizational spaces, and other design modifications, allowing buyers a high level of personalization and luxury never before offered in a production atmosphere. Structural options and design selections add value and detail where buyers most want it in their homes. While most design modifications are significant to homebuyers, they typically involve one of the many predesigned and engineered structural changes of the Lifezones collections, keeping the product offering competitively priced and seamless.

Often, Grand Haven is the exclusive builder with its own enclave inside a masterplanned community, and its streetscapes are instantly recognizable. Combining green building practices, land preservation, and the appropriate collection of homes within the land plan lends a consistent, mature feel

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November 2011

to the neighborhood. The overall effect is a sense of harmony within the community. To this end, Grand Haven dedicates considerable effort into understanding buyers prior to developing new home designs and communities.

The company’s accelerated research approach assembles architects, strategic suppliers, and focus groups to develop new home designs while considering buyer trends and responding to the market with precision.

Close relationships with other industry professionals contribute to Grand Haven’s successful, collaborative approach to home building. Solid relationships with suppliers and manufacturers allow them to achieve competitive prices and the best possible service, thereby reducing costs and ensuring timely deliveries. A sophisticated design process that garners input across all teams eliminates unnecessary material and labor costs, creating additional value for buyers. On average, most homebuilders see 65 percent to 80 percent of their sales from REALTOR traffic. At Grand Haven Homes, the figure is on the high side of the statistic, averaging 78 percent to 80 percent in any given quarter. "We recognize the hard work and value REALTORS bring to the transaction," says Sharon Murray, marketing director at Grand Haven Homes.

Shay Brinkley, Mike Beckett and Eric Rome Owners/Partners

Grand Haven is pleased to announce its new Portocasa Collection, with tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and bright, open spaces poised on the east rim of Cap Rock at Crystal Falls from the $290’s. Grand Haven’s successful growth has enabled expansion into four new communities in 2012: Pearson Place at Avery Ranch, Avery Station, Estates at Crystal Falls, and Sarita Valley, a master planned community north of FM1431, with a trail system that ties into the Brushy Creek trail system master plan. For a list of all 11 Grand Haven neighborhoods with price ranges, visit www.grandhavenhomes.net.

Lifezones is a registered trademark of Grand Haven Homes. RL

CHAMPIONS SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE

®

Broker License • SAE • MCE • Designations • Classroom • Correspondence • Online

30 HOUR BROKERAGE CLASS ADDED

WHY GET YOUR BROKER’S LICENSE? 1

It’s the only designation the general public recognizes and that gives you instant credibility.

A 2010 survey showed that the median gross income for agents with a Designation or Broker’s License was $21,800 more than an agent without one.

For many agents with a college degree, it only takes two more 30-hour courses to get your Broker’s License!

www.ChampionsSchool.com Austin/Round Rock Campus - 3203 S IH-35 Ste 520 TREC #0005 Open to the Public Lone Star College Tomball Provider #0123

IMPORTANT TREC UPDATE:

Effective January 1, 2012, to qualify for a Broker’s License, the “active” status requirement of a Salesperson’s License will increase from 2 years to 4 years. Now is the time to get your Broker’s License before Dec. 31st, 2011

Real Estate Brokerage

30 Core hours required for TREC Broker License

Dec 10 - 11th

Price is per course when purchasing 10 or more classes

$120 each

512-244-3545 Located at IH-35 & 45 Toll Road Brokerage #0711; 3T’s #09-00-012-8954; Legal #03-03-121-8649 Ethics #03-03-121-8650; Webinar MCE# Pending

Sat - Sun 8:30am - 4:45pm

MANDATORY CONTINUING EDUCATION (MCE)

Tools, Trends and Technology: The 3 T’s to Success in Today’s Marketplace

15 MCE hours including 6 hours of TREC Ethics and Legal

Dec Broker’s License Program Special

$155

8 - 9th

Thurs - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm

LIVE STREAMING WEBINAR

TREC MCE Ethics Update with Chuck Jacobus; 3 MCE hours

Dec 9th

$99

Fri

$30

9am - 12pm

Choose to be a Champion!

Register Today!

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November 2011

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Taste testers Jennifer Wakefield of Alamo Title, Anne Cano of Realty World Neal Barnes and Associates and Stacey Rider of Keller Williams Realty try out all the desserts and wine at the WCAoR scholarship foundation fundraiser.

The event was held at the Highland Homes model in Arbor Place.

Buy photo: RL_110611_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Lacey Warren, Denise Moody and Tracy Miller, all of Gracy Title, attend the AMBA monthly meeting where Steven C. McCraw, director of the Department of Public Safety, is about to discuss issues the state faces along the border.

Buy photo: RL_111511_A.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Austin Title's Susan Graham, Rudy Hopkins and Becky Hopkins go undercover at the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women's costume party and bottle auction.

Buy photo: RL_111311_R.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

"Luke, I'm..." Oh you know the line. Realty Round Up Chairman Chris Rodriguez of Austin Real Pros and Anita Spadaro of Real Living, Lifestyles Realty square off in the middle of the show put on annually by the Austin Board

One-Time Close Construction Loans

So You’re Building a Home (Congratulations!)

If you decided the only home worthy of your welcome mat is one you build yourself, ViewPoint Mortgage is ready to assist you in financing your dream home!

Consult your loan officer for current rates and terms and conditions. Normal credit standards apply. 10/20/10

11130 Jollyville Road, Suite 302 Austin, Texas 78759-4819 512-323-0224

512-695-4580

Ben Morton Vice President, Loan Officer

512-689-2564

doug.scott@ViewPointMortgage.com

Joe Krupp Vice President, Loan Officer

ben.morton@ViewPointMortgage.com

CONTACT YOUR VIEWPOINT MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS.

Joe.Krupp@viewpointmortgage.com

Buy photo: RL_110111_E.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Doug Scott Senior Vice President, Area Manager

512-971-2233

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November 2011

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Experts Speak Out

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Commentary

By Vaike O’Grady • Newland Communities

Events Add Year ‘Round Marketing “Oomph” Buy photo: RL_111411_G.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com

Frank Gray, Al Leissner, Philip Leung and Mike Sumerlin, all of RE/MAX of Texas, meet up with several prospects at the ABoR Realty Round Up show at the Austin Convention Center.

Submitted Photo

Ori Yair of O Realty, 2012 ABoR TREPAC Chair Bill Evans of Austin Real Pros and Cheri Price of Bright Price Austin Realty join first time TREPAC Investor Clive Rutherford of Lake Travis Real Estate, LLC at the October New Member Orientation held at the Austin Board of REALTORS offices.

W

ith the supersonic rise of iPads, social media, smartphones and who-knows-what just around the corner, the marketing mix has changed dramatically in the past few years.

But one thing that hasn’t changed – and probably won’t for quite some time – is the need to actually get people to your site to see the homes and communities you are marketing. Even in an increasingly virtual world, there’s no substitute for boots on the ground when you’re marketing something as tangible as real estate.

With everybody living such hectic and often stressful lives today, we can still count on two things to draw big crowds. The first is fun. The second is free, or nearly free as long as you’re benefiting a good cause.

As the following descriptions of recent events and promotions illustrate, there’s no limit to the number of creative ideas you can come up with.

Schools

Buy photo: RL_110811_B.JPG at www.myRealtyLine.com

Marty Kaye of RE/MAX Capital City and Cindy Lindsay of Tree Top Properties are sure to tour all of Milestone Community Builders’ inventory and model homes at the Ravenscroft Community to qualify for door prizes.

Education is the top priority for many home buyers, and even buyers without schoolage children appreciate the effect that strong schools typically have on property values.

Potential residents also like to see community involvement with schools, and events are a great way to put this spirit on display. Events also make it easy to put the spotlight on schools while also promoting other elements of the community, such as recreation.

A "fun run" benefiting your school is a great way to raise money and awareness, especially if young active adults are a target audience. A successful run can attract hundreds of prospects on-site, word-ofmouth and social media activity.

We’ve also done successful promotions tying schools to home sales – i.e. we made a donation to on-site schools for every new home sold during a certain period.

Amenities

Submitted Photo

Coldwell Banker United agents enjoy lunch at North by Northwest. Pictured are Carrie White, Dina Carlson, Cathy DeLotto, Ellen Kelsey, Susan McNutt, Mary Witt, Debbi McCall, Janette Friend-Harrington, Doug Harrington, David Thompson, Dorie Dillard, Gene Dillard, Vanessa Bivens, Carol Cantelmo and Paul Johnston.

The grand opening of a new amenity provides a perfect opportunity to invite current homeowners (think referrals) and prospects. The recent preview opening of one of our community’s Bark Park and Gardens provides a great example of elements you can have during a public event.

With dogs taking the spotlight for this event, we created a day of activities themed around America’s favorite four-legged friend, including a free pet clinic, a pet costume contest, photos with Fido, and training tips and giveaways. We brought in outside partners, including a local vet clinic and major pet retail chain, to help us expand the menu of activities

while keeping our cost down. These partners were more than happy to take advantage of the exposure in front of hundreds of visitors – a win-win for all!

If your community has a golf course or a place to accommodate live music, you’re already set to create some effective promotions such as charity golf tournaments and concerts.

Community If your community has a big annual resident event, it’s pretty easy and effective to invite key prospects to join the fun and get a taste of what they’re missing out on by not living there.

If you don’t have a community tradition, then why not start one? We did just that with a Chili Cook-Off, and it quickly became an annual favorite for both residents and guests.

Ditto for fall festivals, where hundreds take part in activities like pumpkin decorating, hay rides, carnival games, arts and crafts, and seasonal goodies like caramel apples.

Sports are also a big draw, and fall is a great time to devote a day to football. (It’s hard to compete with football, so why not embrace it and make it an attraction?) In October, we had a day of football with the big game showing on a giant outdoor screen, along with appearances by a former UT quarterback and local high school stars. Tailgate food (hot dogs, popcorn, etc.) and live music rounded out the activities.

Product Sometimes, it’s all about the product – in our case, new homes in master-planned communities.

A huge segment of the population, especially among your target audience, loves “home” and everything about it – decorating, landscaping, home entertainment and technology, energy efficiency, etc. So a special event themed around “home” and “living” can be very successful and attract droves of qualified prospects.

Sometimes, the bigger the better – but not necessarily. This year, we promoted the grand opening of new Model Home Villages with festivities that included live music, food and refreshments, and prizes. But you can also be successful with an event featuring one or more showcase or inventory homes, especially if there is a special attraction like a new plan or a decorated interior.

As these ideas show, events can bring your key features and benefits to life and can introduce your product to hundreds of new prospects in a very favorable light. Whatever the occasion, as one astute marketer has put it – just do it! RL

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November 2011

CONGRATULATIONS PT50 SEMI-FINALISTS 98TH MERIDIAN LLC Victoria Reviel AMELIA BULLOCK, REALTORS Kay Andrews Pattie Webster Susan Griffith Susie Dudley ASHLAUR REAL ESTATE INC Russell Tam AUSTIN FINE PROPERTIES, PRIVATE LABEL REALTY John Teinert

DEN PROPERTY GROUP Bryan Cady Casey Chapman-Ross William Steakley DENNY HOLT REALTORS Denny Holt FINE AUSTIN LIVING, REALTORS Todd Smith GOLDWASSER REAL ESTATE Chad Goldwasser David Schneider Kari Cooper

AVENUE ONE Francie Little

GOTTESMAN RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE Anne Giles Carol Burdette Chris Long Dana Dean Jan Downs Kenneth Hilbig Laura Gottesman Megan Gattis Nicole Kessler Robin Wright Banister Shannon Windham Stephanie Panozzo Tammy Koen Anne Wheeler

BETTY HOOD REAL ESTATE, LLC Betty Hood

HOMESVILLE REAL ESTATE Paul Reddam

BY DESIGN-REAL ESTATE SERVICES Karen Matuszewski

HORIZON REALTY David Burton

CAPITAL CITY SOTHEBYS ITL RLTY Lynn Robin Sandy Cary

J.B. GOODWIN, REALTORS Chuck Jenner Gay Puckett Janet Murdock Karen McGrath Kimberly Perez Leisa Ormsbee Lynda Conway Marc Moore Maria Barlow Peggy Little Ron Mason Tish & Jeff Darey

AUSTIN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS Bob McKenna Les Sherman AUSTIN SUBURBAN PROPERTIES, PRIVATE LABEL REALTY Jack Stapleton AVALAR AUSTIN Diana Proud Louis Cartwright Michelle Robach Paul Borman

CAROL DOCHEN REALTORS, INC. Arlene Maze Carol Dochen CENTURY 21 HSK & ASSOCIATES Billy Kurtz COLDWELL BANKER UNITED REALTOR Barb Cooper Christina Harmon Deborah BenNun Diane Kennedy Doreen Dillard Jacquelyn Foreman Janette Friend-Harrington Kay Roush Mary Battaglia Pat Vincent Paula Greenfield Ryan Rogers Simon Magnus Teresa Gouldie

JOHN HORTON REALTY Susan Horton Tarek Morshed KELLER WILLIAMS - LAKE TRAVIS Amber Hart Cyndi Cummings Delilah Fuentes Gene Arant Georganna Zaba Gregg Klar Lori Wakefield Melanie Damron

Peg Braxton Rise’ Johns Russ Eitel Scott Bullard Warren Chirhart KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY Amani Wang Brian Martin Carole Martin Charles Scott Lawrence Cong Nguyen Gwendolyn Watkins Kathleen Bucher Kristen Williams Memo Vargas Michael Harrell Natasha Baker Richard Cain Russ Phillips Sherri Williams Steve Mallett MARATHON REAL ESTATE, INC Luisa Mauro MORELAND PROPERTIES April Womack Bertina Schreiber Clayton Bullock Cord Shiflet Ellen Helweg Linnann Guest Mary Briggle Rita Keenan Terry Williams

REALTY AUSTIN Cara & Joe Keenan Drew Griffin Lisa Munoz Lori Anne Goto Sonny & Erin Bara Tammy Elliott Tom Thornton Beverly M. Williams Denise Bodman REALTY EXECUTIVES,AUSTIN-NORTH Cheryl Jenkins RICHARD SCHLEY REALTY, LLC, PRIVATE LABEL REALTY Richard Schley SCHAIBLE REALTY Brad Schaible SKY REALTY Janet Kay Bowen Shannon Ensor SPYGLASS REALTY Ryan Rodenbeck STANBERRY & ASSOCIATES Cathy Coneway STRÜB RESIDENTIAL Mark Strub TATE PROPERTY, PRIVATE LABEL REALTY Anna Morrison Lee

OBERG PROPERTIES Guy Oberg III

TEXAS PLATINUM PROPERTIES Paula Hui

OUTLAW REAL ESTATE GROUP, PRIVATE LABEL REALTY Blake Outlaw

THE GOODLIFE TEAM Krisstina Wise

PACESETTER PROPERTIES Kathy Chappell PRIVATE LABEL REALTY Robin LeTourneau PRUDENTIAL TEXAS REALTY Kent Redding RE/MAX AUSTIN ASSOCIATES Ernie Hatton RE/MAX AUSTIN SKYLINE Donna Harris RE/MAX CAPITAL CITY John Mick RE/MAX CAPITAL CITY II Christy Gessler

TRUST REALESTATE ADVISORS, PRIVATE LABEL REALTY Bridget Walker TURNQUIST PARTNERS, REALTORS Ben Phillips Heather Jones Kathryn Scarborough Bechtol Laurel Prats Mary Ann Kuhlmann Paula Jo Pierce Rick Payton Robin Hammond Sara Madera Shannon Schmitz ZIPREALTY Stephanie Timmons

Mark your calendar for December 1st and make plans to join Platinum Top 50 for the inaugural Awards Ceremony at Austin Music Hall at 8:30-10:30 a.m. Breakfast provided. For information, call 512-522-7280 or email info@platinumtop50.com.

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November 2011 Experts Speak Out

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Commentary

By Terry Godbold • Reliable Prop. Mgmt.

So You Want to be a Property Manager?

A

fter 20 years experience as a property manager, I have found that being a property manager is a job that requires many talents. Let me just list a few.

A property manager is a people manager, employee, employer, fair housing specialist, salesperson, insurance person, leasing agent, tenant screener, application processor, rent collector, eviction and small claims specialist, bookkeeper, record keeper, trust accountant, mediator, arbitrator, psychologist, computer wiz, appraiser, financial adviser, contractor, plumber, electrician, handyman, risk and liability specialist, banker, real estate advertiser, landscaper, photographer, maid, locksmith, carpet cleaner, chauffeur, makeready specialist, pseudo-attorney and a “Jack of all trades” but “master of none.”

A property manager takes angry calls and never loses his cool and listens to lies without saying: “you are just lying.” He or she answers and solves middle-of-the-night emergencies without even waking up all while maintaining copious, detailed records. Oh yeah, and every

once in a while, can take their significant other out to dinner without being interrupted.

Brokers of property mangers are required to maintain a trust account that must be balanced to the penny each day and are required by their insurance company to maintain a liability policy that, in many cases, is far more than that which they are carrying.

When a tenant moves out, the property manager must determine what is considered normal wear and tear and what is not, then refund the tenant out of their deposit. All of this must be done within 30 days from the day a tenant returns the keys.

Then there is the fiduciary responsibility each property manager has to their owner.

This means minimally, the rent must be collected on time each month. What happens when the tenant is late, or even worse, does not pay? Well, there is the eviction process that starts with a vacate notice (generally 72 hours) and ends with the manager going to court in the owner's name. The middle of this process includes everything from the possibility of

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negotiating with the tenant, to filling out all of the necessary paperwork, then filing the paperwork. In general, each justice court is a little different, some lenient toward tenants and others toward the landlord.

The hours are long and the pay? It seems that there is a belief (more like a myth) that the property manager’s job is to collect rent and send the owner a check at the end of the month. That check is considered small because it is believed that it was reduced by a horrendous amount of money called a management fee. In reality, this fee could be as little as $25 per month. Sounds pretty easy, does it not? A successful property manager must collect a whole bunch of these small fees. Just managing three or five properties is a lot of work for very little pay, in some cases, not even enough to pay for gas. On top of all

that, property managers are in business for themselves and assume all of the expenses any REALTOR must pay but face the most litigious area of real estate.

Now that you know the magnitude of the job, if you still want to be a property manager, get an education. There are several classes offered by the Texas Association of REALTORS or the Austin Board of REALTORS. Experienced, professional, residential property managers teach these classes. Also, there are several trade associations such as the National Association of Residential Property Managers or the Institute of Real Estate Management where one can acquire, a professional designation as a Residential Management Professional.

Remember, residential property management is a profession, not a hobby and not a way to make a quick buck. RL

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City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell snips the ribbon to officially open the Austin Board of REALTORS annual Realty Round Up at the Austin Convention Center.

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Provided for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend; not all borrowers and/or properties will qualify. DHI Mortgage Company, LTD, NMLS# 14622, 12554 Riata Vista Circle, First Floor, Austin, TX 78727. NMLS #38686.

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Zenia Alvaraz and Jill Driskill, both of Meritage Homes, give away lots of prizes in their booth at Realty Round Up. Their nifty wheel makes sure everyone’s a winner.

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Deborah BenNun of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS celebrates her birthday with colleagues at the Northwest office.

Buy photo: RL_110111_S.jpg at www.myRealtyLine.com EconForecast_RealityLineNov.pdf 1 11/7/2011 4:52:59 PM celebrate old-school style Reliant Title's Tiffany Hyland, Charles Galati, Paula Bacon and Cindy Blow with their gangster and flapper gear at NAPMW's Halloween party and bottle auction.

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What lies ahead for the local housing market in 2012?

Our Speakers: Join the Austin Board of REALTORS® and the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin to hear the most recent statistics and insight on our economy and housing market.

Hear from the experts at the 2012 Housing Forecast:

Thursday, January 12, 2012 Registration 7:30 a.m.

Breakfast 8:00 a.m.

Program 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Renaissance Austin Hotel 9721 Arboretum Boulevard Austin, TX 78759

Individual tickets: $65 Corporate Tables: $550 (seat 10) Seating is limited. NO Billing. ALL tickets must be pre-paid with cash, check or credit card.

NO replacement of lost tickets. NO tickets will be sold at the event.

Eldon Rude

MODERATOR AND AUSTIN HOUSING MARKET FORECAST

Serving as director of the Austin Market for Metrostudy, Rude has earned a reputation in the housing industry for thorough analysis and candid insight into the factors that impact the supply and demand for housing.

Dr. Greg Hallman

NATIONAL ECONOMY FORECAST

Hallman is a faculty member at The University of Texas' McCombs School of Business, where he teaches graduate-level courses in valuation, real estate finance and investment theory, and serves as the Director of the McCombs MBA REIT Fund. Dr. Hallman also works as a consultant on valuation and litigation matters.

Jim Spencer

DROUGHT IMPLICATIONS FOR LOCAL AREA

Spencer serves as the Chief Weathercaster for KXAN News. He is a fourtime winner of the Texas Associated Press Best Weathercast Award and a 10 time winner of the Austin Chronicle’s Best Weathercaster Award.

Additionally, he is a past recipient of the National Weather Association’s Weathercaster of the Year award.

Online: www.Abor.com/Forecast or www.AustinHomeBuilders.com

By Phone: 512-454-7636 (ABoR) or 512-454-5588 (HBA)

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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Lulah Leon, Susan Anglin, Caryn Pollock and Kelsey Danielson, all of Highland Homes, host the WCAoR scholarship foundation fundraiser at the builder’s model in Arbor Place.

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LuCinda Bachman of AmeriPro Funding wastes no time getting started at her Realty Round Up booth where she hands out information to Liliana Jackson of Keller Williams Realty.

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Agents from the JB Goodwin Westlake office volunteer their time at KUT to take pledges for the public radio station.

A total of $36,000 was collected plus a $25,000 matching pledge from an Austin software company.

AMBA Chapter President Mike Carroll, left, thanks Director of the Department of Public Safety Steven C. McCraw, second from left, for speaking at the AMBA Monthly Meeting where Pam Jenkins, Rachel Fowler, Amy Core and Allen Polunsky, all of Polunksy and Beitle Real Estate Law, attend each month.

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Kathy De La Cruz, right, of RE/MAX Austin Associates is excited to work with her colleague Penny Payne, also of RE/MAX Austin Associates. Penny, who is fluent in American Sign Language, spoke at the WCR Business Resource Meeting about working with the hearing impaired.

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Diane Kennedy of Coldwell Banker United attends the company's Potluck Luncheon and Silent Auction benefiting the American Cancer Society where she catches up with Paula Hudgins.

Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

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November 2011

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At Rough Hollow, the 1,787-acre lakefront community in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, The Rough Life means thoughtfully crafted home designs complemented by a wealth of social and recreational activities at the Yacht Club & Marina and the Highland Village water-themed amenity now under construction. It also means cocktails at The Grille overlooking Lake Travis.

Stop by the Welcome Center for a map to our eight brand new, move-in-ready homes!

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Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.

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Real Estate News & Notes of the market share in Austin. The national Keller Williams luxury division was originally spearheaded by Dee Shultz, a longtime leader in the Austin luxury homes market.

“I am delighted to have these agents become members of our national luxury homes division and I'm so looking forward to working more closely with these top agents who epitomize professionalism and integrity within our industry,” Shultz says.

The 11 agents forming Portfolio Properties collectively represent more than 125 years of real estate experience and expertise, and are looking forward to taking their business to the next level,” Lipscomb says.

In addition to Charlotte Lipscomb, Jeannette Spinelli, Mark Moore, Martha Small, and Francie Little, the agents forming Portfolio Properties include Liz Newell, Shari Chambers, Laurie Graham, Lockie Ealy, Weston Lipscomb, and Elaine Trull. RL

Sente Mortgage Attains No. 6 Ranking in Austin Business Journal's Listing of the Area’s Fastest Growing Companies Sente Mortgage received a number six ranking in the Austin Business Journal’s (ABJ) listing of the 50 fastest growing private companies in Central Texas with revenues over $10 Million. This is the first year Sente Mortgage was included in the ABJ’s Fast 50.

The ABJ based their 2011 Fast 50 ranking on a company’s compound annualized growth rate over a 3-year period. Nominees must be

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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™

Central Texas CCIM Chapter Recognizes New Designees

11 Top-Producing Agents Launch Portfolio Properties in Partnership with Keller Williams Luxury International A group of well-known luxury residential agents are partnering with Austin-based Keller Williams Luxury and Keller Williams International, the second largest real estate company in North America, to launch Portfolio Properties Austin.

The 11 top-producing agents, who left Avenue One Properties together, include Charlotte Lipscomb, Martha Small, Jeannette Spinelli, Mark Moore, and Francie Little. “We investigated many possibilities for launching our new venture,” Lipscomb says, “and we chose Keller Williams because of their seemingly unlimited resources in providing exceptional technical marketing tools that are critical in today's real estate climate,” Lipscomb says.

The luxury market is defined as the top 10 percent of residential properties, and presently, a luxury property is one priced at $500,000 or more in the Austin area. Keller Williams luxury home division has 17 percent

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headquartered in Central Texas, and verify revenues of at least $500,000 in 2008, with positive growth reported from 2008-2010.

Companies are split into two categories; under $10 million and over $10 million. RL

The Central Texas CCIM Chapter has recognized 11 chapter members who recently earned the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation from the CCIM Institute, one of the leading commercial real estate associations in the world.

Awarded the designation at the institute’s business meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, were Brentley Brinegar of Landmark Properties, Carole Cates, Eric Cooper of Jamail and Smit, Phillip Hutchinson of McCoy Corporation, Kristopher Kelley of American Campus Communities, Karl Koebel of Marketplace Real Estate Group, Marc Rankin of Rankin Companies, Robert Rein of NAI REOC Austin, George Schmidt of Affordable Housing Analysis, Jon Strelec of Tibeca Company and Lise Wineland of Marketplace Real Estate Group. They were among 346 commercial real estate professionals who passed the CCIM Comprehensive Examination. Only about six percent of the estimated 150,000 commercial real estate practitioners nationwide hold the CCIM designation.

The CCIM designation is awarded upon successful completion of a graduate-level

education curriculum and presentation of a portfolio of qualifying experience. The curriculum addresses financial analysis, market analysis, user decision analysis, and investment analysis. CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, asset management, valuation, and investment analysis.

The Central Texas CCIM Chapter is one of nearly 62 local chapters of the CCIM Institute. The mission of the chapter is to provide quality education programs, networking opportunities, and technology products to its 234 members, as well as to promote the merits of the CCIM designation to prospective members and the business community at large. RL

Submission Guidelines:

Submit photos, press releases and calendar items to naomi@myrealtyline.com.

All photos must be at least 300 dpi and include a caption with first/last name, 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 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.

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John Mcclellan Branch Manager Supreme Lending - Austin NMLS #207768 3420 Executive Center Dr. #300 Austin, TX 78731 512-279-1150 Office

Loan product availability is subject to loan amount and qualification of borrower. Not every applicant qualifies or is eligible for every loan program. Some loan products may not be available in all states. Loan approval, note rate and annual percentage rate are dependent on factors including, but not limited to, credit, collateral, income, assets and overall financial history. Not all applicants will be approved for a loan. All loan programs, terms and annual interest rates are subject to change without notice. For all other licenses, visit http://www. nmlsconsumeraccess.org/. © 2011 Everett Financial, Inc. dba Supreme Lending (NMLS ID #2129) at 14801 Quorum Dr., #300, Dallas, TX 75254. All rights reserved.

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Bill Evans and Carrie York, right, both of Austin Real Pros, present $5,000 checks to Kris Asthalter and Hester Weigand both of Austin Empty Bowl Project, for the 15th Annual Austin Empty Bowl Project.

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New and prospective RE/MAX agents attend regular training sessions in an effort to keep informed of industry news and RE/MAX technology best practices.

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Waiting to hear what the Director of the Department of Public Safety has to say about border issues at the AMBA Monthly Meeting, Michael Task and LuCinda Bachman, both of AmeriPro Funding, visit with Carol Drolette.

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Mary Mealy of Nextage Lincoln Ray Realty catches up with Dolise McClure, Becky DeButts and Neal Barnes, all of Realty World Neal Barnes and Associates, at the WCR Business Resource Meeting at Cool River CafĂŠ.

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WCR recognizes Sandra Hunt, Bobbie Nelson, Becky Hill, Rita Santamaria and Sharon Morton, all of Champions School of Real Estate, for the school's statewide and local commitment at the Statewide WCR Leadership meeting.

Sam Wachnin, Jan Moreland, Bertina Schreiber and Emily Moreland, all of Moreland Properties, hear from proponents of the Lake Travis ISD bond proposals before the election.

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No ‘80s flashback theme is complete without a hair band!

Nickolas Nowak and Jason Huval, both of Central Metro Realty, rock out with Dan Keiderling at the Austin Convention Center for ABoR’s annual Realty Round Up.

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No one got arrested at this protest! HBA members Carol Baker and JD Steanson “Strike Against Hunger” with Kayvon Leath and Jody Jones at the HBA’s charity bowling tournament benefiting Mobile Loaves and Fishes.

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Ruby Johnson of Realty Executives shows off her alter ego at the WCAoR “Halloween at the WC” membership mixer. She meets ups with WCAoR Association Executive Marge Phillips. Hey Marge, does the tree come with the listing?