in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• Chicago Title Bee Cave Office Grand Opening • ABoR Realty Round Up • WCR Bras for a Cause • AMBA Mike Carroll Golf Classic • & Much, Much More!
TM
NOVEMBER 2017 • VOLUME 22 • ISSUE 7
IT'S EASY TO ENTER TO WIN!
$100 Gift Card Just Like us on Facebook by November 19, 2017
Submit a review on our FB page for 2 chances to win! Winner will be announced 11/20/17
THE
PENINSULA AT
ROUGH HOLLOW
A PRIVATE LAKESTYLE NEIGHBORHOOD
ON ROUGH HOLLOW
REALTORS looking for the right broker have many options to consider By Riki Markowitz
A
s a real estate broker in Texas, consider yourself exceptionally lucky. It’s one of the top paying careers you could have, especially in Central Texas. And if you’ve just recently passed your real estate license exam, you may well be on your way to making the list of Austin top earners, too. But first, you have some work to do – namely, find a broker to work with.
Visit us online 24/7 at www.myRealtyLine.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708
TM
austin
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Printed on recycled paper.
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Austin, Texas Paid Permit #715
How to choose an agency
Choosing a brokerage to join is a little like picking a college. Do you want a small firm that provides hands-on experience? Or do you prefer a large firm that offers comprehensive educational programming, technical support and business development? Maybe something in between? Successful brokers that we’ve spoken to suggest reaching out to several different agencies and setting up an interview. Jennifer Archambeault, a broker/ owner at Urban Provision REALTORS, says, “Choosing a broker boils down to what the broker gives you in terms of value.” It may sound simple, but in reality, many agents get overwhelmed with the options. There are about as many different agency models as there are brokerages. According to Lisa Jacobson, branch manager at Coldwell Banker, “You will be bombarded with brokers giving their sales pitch and everyone telling you how great you are.” She explains that new licensees are bound to be confused this early in their career because—like everything else—you don't know what you don’t know.
Large agencies You’ve probably heard of the large ones— Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker, just to name a few. For the most part, they aim to create a dynamic culture for agents interested in growing a business. Diane Johnson, a broker and team leader at Keller Williams
Featured Event December 15th, 9 a.m.
PT50 Awards Ceremony
says, “ We tend to attract entrepreneurial agents who want to own their own business and run it as they see fit.” At Johnson’s office, there are 17 staff members who work on an in-house educational curriculum, a coaching program, providing access to technology tools and much more. “We’ve been ranked the number-one training company in the world,” says Johnson, “and we look for learning-based agents, top performers, and those who immerse themselves in education in order to be better at their business.” Johnson and her team describe their office as a “productivityrich environment.” Coldwell Banker has been around for a
cent u r y, so there’s a level of trust, says Lisa Jacobson, vice president of sales. Because of the company’s legacy, newer agents feel they’re in good hands. Jacobson’s goal is to allow REALTORS to concentrate on doing what they got into this business to do: complete transactions. “I check every contract. Nothing goes in and out of this office without my approval.” There’s also someone onsite responsible for marketing and listings. “We’re a one-stop shop. We include everything for agents, whether they’re new or ex-
Front Page: Continued on page 28
Features of the Month Column: ABoR—Tap Your Spirit of Giving.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 3 Column: WCAoR—Creating Client Satisfaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 7 Column: HBA—Study Shows Buyers Prefer New Homes in the Suburbs . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 15. Expert Commentary: Fitting Round Pegs into Square Holes Can be Done. . . . . . . . . . pg. 22 Associates in Progress: Newland Communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 25 Associates in Progress: Texas National Title. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 27 Column: WCR—'Tis the Season to be Thankful. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 32 Upcoming Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pg. 33
2
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
AUSTIN’S BEST CLOSING EXPERIENCE IS JUST A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP AWAY.
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
You need a closing team you can trust to always be there when you need them. At Stewart Title of Austin, we are here, every day, with the real estate transaction expertise you are looking for. Our team knows all about living and working in Austin – we provide the helpful tools, quick responses and local-market knowledge you need to succeed. That’s how we deliver a seamless closing experience from contract to close. Swing by our conveniently-located South MoPac office and enjoy the closing experience you and your clients deserve.
We’re with you, every step of the way. Stewart Title of Austin, LLC South MoPac 1801 S. MoPac Expy., Ste. 250 Austin, TX 78746 512.306.1120 main 512.306.0104 fax stewart.com/austin Diana Rangel, Escrow Officer
© 2017 Stewart. All rights reserved.
Karen Hays, Escrow Officer
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
Austin Board of REALTORS®
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
T
Help gift a home to the Soto family Speaking of giving, the ABoR Foundation is looking to fill volunteer spots for Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build 2017! This is always one of my favorite volunteer activities, as we can all see the direct impact our hard work makes on a deserving family. I’m looking forward to helping bring the gift of a home to the Soto family and I hope you can join me. This will be the first home that Laura Soto and her three
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
President’s Column
a full list of designations and certifications.
your invoice by Friday, Dec. 15.
By Brandy Guthrie • 2017 President
Keep your association benefits
Thank you volunteers and committee members!
Tap your spirit of giving he holiday season is upon us and while gifts and travel plans are on the forefront of your mind, this year, I ask that you reach out within your community and find ways to volunteer. Grab your friends, family, or colleagues and put together holiday packages and uplifting notes to active-duty military and veterans, collect donations for a local food bank, volunteer at a homeless shelter, or donate gently used clothes and coats. A small act of kindness goes a lot farther than you might think. Lead by example, do it together, and make it fun!
teenage kids will own, so you can imagine their excitement! Each year, ABoR members prove that volunteering is at the core of their hearts, because so many flock to the sign-ups sheets, eager to participate. Shifts begin Tuesday, Nov. 28 and end Friday, Dec. 15. Visit the Events Tab on ABoR.com to see shift times, tasks and more volunteer day information.
November is National Designations Month Enhance your professional skills and set yourself apart with a designation or certification this month. Why? In today’s market, continuing education is a great way to stay ahead of the competition. The best part is, you don’t have to look far for designations, because the ABoR Academy offers eight! From Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) to Graduate, REALTOR Institute (GRI), we have a designation that coincides with your real estate interests. What better way to step-up your REALTOR game than during National Designations Month. Head over to ABoR.com/Academy for
Advocacy. Education. Inman Select. Fun Events. These are just some of the great benefits that come with your ABoR membership. The list goes on and on! If you choose not to renew your ABoR membership, you’ll miss out on your 25 percent Canyon View Event Center member discount, discussing the latest industry trends at ABoR forums, and having to pay for attending fun events like Realty Round Up. Don’t let 2018 be the year you’re left out and visit your Member Portal to pay
3
ABoR is successful in serving our community because of the help of ABoR volunteers and committee members. And with that said, I say thanks! It’s been a pleasure to see so many of you brainstorm and work together with the Board of Directors and staff to bring change. Your time, effort, and ideas have truly impacted the association in a positive way and make ABoR what it is today, so thank you again! RL
AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS EVENTS & ACADEMY EDUCATIONAL COURSES: MORE AT ABOR.COM
Nov. 23 – 25: All ABoR Offices Closed Nov. 28 – Dec. 1: Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build Nov. 29: ABoR Forum— When a Disaster Strikes, ABoR HQ Nov. 27: Broker Responsibility, ABoR North in Cedar Park (TREC# 31450) Nov. 28 : REALTOR® Code of Ethics: Your Promise of Professionalism , ABoR South (TREC# 32692) Nov. 28: Top 10 Secrets to Protect Real Estate As An Investment, ABoR South (TREC# 32937) Nov. 29 : Accredited Buyer Representative (2-day course), ABoR South (TREC# 16-00-107-28651) Nov. 29 : The Essentials of Residential Leasing, ABoR HQ (TREC# 30980) Nov. 29 : The TAR Residential Lease Agreement, ABoR HQ (TREC# 30982) Nov. 30 : Agency Issues Impacting Property Managers & Leasing Agents, ABoR HQ (TREC# 30979) Nov. 30: Marketing and Leasing Residential Properties, ABoR HQ (TREC# 30981)
4
November 2017
Grant Thomas of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty wins a $100 Gift Card just for liking the Realty Line Facebook page in October! You could win too! The next drawing is November 20th. Like the Realty Line Facebook page for one chance to win, rate our page and you'll get two chances to win!
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
PRIZE WINNER
Download Photo: RL_111217_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
AYREP Treasurer Corrine Elgin of Realty Austin and AYREP Vice President Andrew Thurston of Supreme Lending staff the AYREP booth at Realty Round Up where they meet "new blood" for the organization that brings young professionals in real estate together for unique opportunities to network and learn. Download Photo: RL_111117_W.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Laura McMillan of Austin Domain Properties stops by the new Chicago Title office in Bee Cave where Cindy Yates is excited to give her a tour of her new office space. Chicago Title has eight locations around the Austin area, making it even more convenient to close with Chicago Title.
Download Photo: RL_111017_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Download Photo: RL_110917_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
VOTED BEST PLACES TO WORK 2017 AUSTIN BUSINESS JOURNAL
Veterans and first responders modeled one-of-a-kind bras at the Women’s Council of REALTORS’ Fifth Annual Bras 4 A Cause. Real estate organizations decorated the bras based on popular movies and guests bid on the contraptions to raise money to support the Breast Cancer Resource Center, which is dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of those touched by breast cancer.
CLOSE IN OUR NEWEST CASTLE, WHERE WE TREAT YOUR CLIENTS LIKE ROYALTY. Meet Your Bee Cave Team of Escrow Experts
AUSTIN
NEW OFFICE Galleria Oaks 13215 Bee Cave Parkway Building B, Suite 100 Bee Cave, TX 78738
512.840.5290 www.chicagotitleaustin.com
CLOSE SMARTER. CLOSE WITH CONFIDENCE. 8 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU • PROTECTING YOUR HOME & COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENTS SINCE 1847
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
5
4TH CLOSING+
BE SOLD
1ST AND 2ND CLOSINGS
3%
3RD CLOSING
3% PLUS
1% BONUS
3% PLUS
2% BONUS
Sell more. Earn more. Talk about rewarding! Take advantage of this great opportunity to increase your commission with each new sale. Just another way it pays to partner with KB Home. Visit kbhome.com to find a KB Home community in the Austin or Temple areas.
Have homebuyers who are relocating? Get 3% commission plus an additional 1% bonus
when you sell a KB home to a relocating homebuyer. Valid only on first and second closings.
Broker Cooperation Welcome. Š2017 KB Home (KBH). Payment of Broker Co-op and bonus requires Broker or agent to accompany and register buyer on first visit to community and comply with Broker Co-op Agreement. Bonus commission is valid on each eligible sale of select KB homes in the Austin and Temple areas and on contracts for full list price only. Broker must submit a relocation verification form at time of contract. For Broker to receive bonus, buyer must sign purchase agreement between 1/1/17 and 12/31/17, and close escrow by 12/31/17. Bonus not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be combined with any other offers. Once client has closed escrow, Broker will receive bonus by mail. Bonus awarded only on non-contingent contracts. Cancelled sales are not eligible. Sales of model homes excluded. Broker must be legal U.S. resident and 18 or older, and an active, licensed real estate agent in Texas. Other exclusions, qualifications, restrictions and limitations may apply. Photos may depict upgraded landscaping/options and display decorator items/furnishings not available for purchase, and may not represent lowest-priced homes. Photo does not depict racial preference. See sales counselor for details. AUS-110358
6
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â„¢
REALTOR Helen Thomas grabs a bite to eat with Tim Dockery of Willow Bend Mortgage at the Mike Carroll Golf Classic hosted by Austin Mortgage Bankers of Austin at Great Hills Country Club.
Download Photo: RL_110817_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
TREC Chair Avis Wukasch of Keller Williams Realty moderates a town hall meeting with the ABoR Board of Directors, officers and members. The meeting served to allow members to express their concerns.
Download Photo: RL_110917_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Download Photo: RL_110717_H.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Cindie Brooks of Chicago Title welcomes AREA Immediate Past President Angie Lee to the company's brand new office in Bee Cave where they celebrated with a grand opening and ribbon cutting.
Thankful for Clients Like You! In this season of thanks we have many things to be grateful for. And one of them is wonderful clients like yourself. Thank you for your confidence and loyalty. Trinity Title of Texas extends to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Season. AUSTIN | BASTROP | GEORGETOWN | LAKEWAY | ROUND ROCK | WEB WWW.TRINITYTITLETX.COM
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
President’s Column By Suzanne Gantner • 2017 President
Creating client satisfaction
“G
reat Job.” “Thanks for all your help.” “You did a fabulous job!” “You got us a fantastic deal.” “Your time is truly appreciated.” Isn't it nice to hear those words? It feels good, doesn't it? I know it isn't something everyone hears all the time, but it sure feels good when someone acknowledges you for your hard work. I hope that we all strive for great customer/ client satisfaction; it is something we can do that doesn't cost a lot of money, and doesn't really take up much time. I have been contemplating new and more innovative ways to give the best client experience. Are your clients happy when you first contact them? What do you do to make yourself appear more trustworthy? I think the first thing we do is to share with them your experience and your knowledge. Knowledge is power, and by proving your knowledge, we gain credibility. I like to provide them info and stats about the area and the homes that they are interested in. You should be their tour guide and
go-to person; it speaks volumes. I have even made appointments with schools for them. Ok, so now you have them under contract, by keeping constant communication, you will ensure that they remain informed and kept up-to-date about the progress of their home and the closing on it. The title company and the lender can also be your rock stars to keep your clients in the loop. It helps if you have a village or a team because it helps you remain the professional that you are. Sometimes an email or text is all they need; I like to suggest restaurants, shopping, and fun things to do nearby their new residence. REALTORS Property Resource (RPR) is a useful source to send them info about the neighborhood and things around where they are going to be. It gives the client peace of mind and helps them get to know the area beforehand. I think providing valuable info makes a lot of sense to your client and ultimately gives them satisfaction. The best thing about RPR is that it is a free benefit with your NAR membership. Check it out at www.narrpr.com
www.myRealtyLine.com Now you’re headed to closing, don’t forget to bring flowers or a bottle of champagne; help your clients celebrate once they get the keys to their new place. That evening, or even the day of move in, I show up with one of two things. Depending on the people, I either take a basket full of cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, Windex, Ajax, etc. or a basket with lasagna, a green salad, garlic bread and brownies. Don't forget to throw in some paper plates, plastic silverware and napkins. You will
November 2017
be a hero either way and don't you think your client satisfaction rating just went up? Yes, I know so. Bottom line, your clients want to see you, hear from you, be with you and rely on you to help them make one of the hardest decisions in their life. It's so worth it in the end. Oh, and don't forget pop-bys and little presents after they have settled in their new home, or holidays or special events, or because you can. Remember, it is all about them. RL
COURSE SCHEDULE November
TREC Legal II Update 17th 23rd -24th WCREALTORS Closed for Thanksgiving Turbo Charge CMA 27th Make Your Open House a Hit! 28th Introduction to Matrix 30th
December
5th GoMLS Installation & Awards Banquet 7th GRI Brokerage (4-day class) 8th Introduction to Matrix 8th Creating a Comprehensive CMA in Matrix 12th Matrix Listing Input 15th Farming with Realist 18th
Register at www.wcaor.org
MY WHY?
I’m selective about who I work for. So, when I heard about the origins of RE/MAX, I was intrigued. Their North Star was simple, yet radical: pay agents what they deserve. And that I can get behind.
Why RE/MAX? Their story is my why. ©2017 RE/MAX, LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated. 17_221825
7
Find your why at joinremax.com
8
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Members of the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association gather for a networking social at The Dogwood at the Domain.
Download Photo: RL_110617_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Grant Gold and Craig House, both of All Streets Realty, welcome all new REALTORS to join their agency. They set up a booth during Champions School of Real Estate's Career Fair to meet new graduates.
Download Photo: RL_110517_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
These ladies mean business at the WCREALTORS Boots & Bling Scholarship Banquet and Silent Auction. Marley Ketchum, left, and Bobbie Lockett, right, both of Trinity Title and Paula Fiedler of Berkshire Hathaway Texas REALTORS were not going to be outbid on the items they were eyeballing — it's that drive that makes them so great at their jobs!
Download Photo: RL_110717_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Download Photo: RL_110417_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
bout A k As r New Ou tyle
s Lifegram! Pro
If you're visiting the ABoR Headquarters, chances are you are going to run into people you know. John Horton of John Horton Realty and Lynda Conway of Stanberry & Associates chat while waiting for the ABoR Town Hall meeting to begin.
The rolling hills of the Texas Prairie are the backdrop of this
live bright side on the
master-planned community, conveniently located 15 minutes south of downtown Austin. Whether exploring by foot or bike, you will leave your worries about traffic and the added noise of city life behind you. Enjoy the miles of hike and bike trails and roam the open fields, parks and green spaces. Our list of natural and resort-style amenities is long and continues to grow! • Sunflower Amenity Center with Lazy River, Shade Structures, Picnic Areas, Sport Courts (Opens 2018) • Junior Olympic Swimming Pool with Lap Lanes & Spray Park • Frisbee Golf Course • Catch and Release Fishing • Dog Parks • Organic Community Garden/Orchard • Covered Mail Pavilions/Bus Stops • Picnic Pavilion
master-planned living on the south side of austin from the $190s CENTEX • CASTLEROCK • GEHAN HOMES • CHESMAR HOMES
Sunfieldtx.com austin 35 2001
buda
WHIT
✪
E WIN
G TR
AIL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
GIVING THANKS! JANICE HATAWAY EXECUTIVE VP OPERATIONS MANAGER 210-837-2217/janice.hataway@austintitle.com
MONICA PEREZ, ESCROW OFFICER 512-244-2266/monica.perez@austintitle.com
I am thankful everyday and blessed beyond measure for my life is full of faith, happiness, health, love, family and great friends.
I am blessed to have 10 grandchildren with another due at Christmas. The sweetest sound to my ears is one of them calling out “Maw.”
JENNIFER HUNZIKER,ESCROW OFFICER 512-823-2800/jennifer.hunziker@austintitle.com
SUSAN GRAHAM, AVP/BRANCH MANAGER 512-346-4020/susan.graham@austintitle.com
I am so thankful for my sweet children, my supportive family and the guidance they have given me. I’m centered by my faith and thankful most of all for the memories I have with all people who have been in my life. We are all blessed with minutes and moments in the day, we need to embellish them and live life to the fullest!
I am thankful for my family, health, being alive and faith!
EMILY MORRIS, ESCROW OFFICER 512-244-2266/emily.morris@austintitle.com CHERA CARTHRAE JOHNSON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 512-574-6310/chera@austintitle.com
I am thankful for my awesome team here at the Round Rock office!
I am thankful for sunshiny days, cool crisp fall air to breath, the love of family and friends, the laughter and hugs from children, butterflies, soft sheets to sleep in and any vacation!
DANA LYNCH, ESCROW OFFICER 512-459-7222/dana.lynch@austintitle.com
I am most thankful for my awesome children. My life is enriched in so many ways because of them!
LESLIE LINDER AVP/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 512-415-6706/leslie.linder@austintitle.com
I am so thankful for all the love and support as my family welcomed baby girl #2 this year! I am truly blessed to work for such a great company.
SARAH JAEHNE, ESCROW OFFICER 512-303-9633/sarah.jaehne@austintitle.com
I am thankful for my wonderful clients especially when they are so appreciative for what we do. CRISELDA AYALA, AVP/ESCROW OFFICER 512-329-0777/criselda.ayala@austintitle.com
I am grateful for my family. After losing my grandparents, I have learned to cherish every moment with my parents, siblings and nieces. I am also thankful for my health; it gets harder and harder to keep out of the red as one gets older! And, Lola….I am so glad I met Lola. She’s my dog!
CHERYL SCULLY AVP/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 512-632-5136/cheryl.scully@austintitle.com
I am grateful and thankful for my beautiful daughter Meghan, my family, my work family and my friends.
VERONICA HARRISON, AVP BRANCH MANAGER/ESCROW OFFICER 512-244-2266/veronica.harrison@austintitle.com
BECKY HOPKINS, AVP/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 512-656-7095/becky.hopkins@austintitle.com
I am blessed to work for a wonderful company and love what I do!
There is always something to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family who is always there for me. I am blessed everyday.
www.austintitle.com
9
10
November 2017
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Download Photo: RL_110417_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
WCREALTORS staff Hannah Poyo works with King Bravo of Nextage Lonestar REALTORS to check people in at the WCREALTORS Boots & Bling Scholarship Banquet.
BLACK FRIDAY Has Never Been Better. Forget Black Friday sales that last just one day. M/I Homes is offering Black Friday deals for the entire month of November. We’re not only offering our lowest prices of the year, we’ll also pay your clients closing costs if they buy in November and close by the end of the year.*
CONGRATULATIONS! October
2017
Top Producer at
On Q Financial Austin Branch
MONICA JENKINS Schedule your appointments today! 512-253-7339 • SalesAustin@mihomes.com
MORTGAGE CONSULTANT
NMLS#224483 | TX#224483
P: 512.773.6793 O: 512.831.4178
Monica.Jenkins@OnQFinancial.com MonicaJenkins.OnQAustin.com
5914 W. Courtyard Drive Ste 150 B, Austin, TX 78730
mihomes.com
This promotion is only valid on contacts written November 1st-November 30th for an inventory home that can close by December 28th, 2017. Buyer to receive up to 3% of their loan amount towards closing cost and must use M/I Financial. Buyer must qualify and apply for their loan application within 48 hours of writing their contract. Buyer must occupy the property and meet all qualification requirements. Financing is offered through M/I Financial, LLC (NMLS #50684).
On Q Financial Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS#5645 | TX#5645 ER1101170681Y000003N6Gj
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
NEWLAND COMMUNITIES WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE ITS 2016
TOP TEN
These highly-performing Real Estate Professionals worked with Newland Communities Austin and its builder partners to achieve new home closings at Rancho Sienna, Sweetwater, Teravista, and Falcon Pointe in 2016!†
NEIL DESAI
JASON TAYLOR
Move-Up America
Desai Real Estate
Realty Austin
“Newland affords our clients the opportunity to live in some of the area’s most popular destinations and school districts. In terms of amenities, greenspace and community design, you would be hard pressed to find more aesthetically pleasing communities anywhere places families are proud to call home.”
“In summary, a Newland Community is a place where people can find their dream home: one of comfort, luxury and style. Builders at Newland Communities offer a variety of homes perfect for all ages, as well as superior features, amenities, customer service and care.”
“Newland Communities offer the full package – a variety of builders with forward-thinking floor plans, great school districts, convenience to major freeways/landmarks, beautiful amenities, well-manicured landscapes and an active community association. Our clients love living in a flourishing community and we are grateful to be able to help.”
CLAY WOODARD
TOM FORD Keller Williams
JEFF & CANDACE PATTERSON Team West Realty
PAUL KUDRLE Co-Op Realty
JEFF SEHON
SIJO VADAKKAN
Realty Austin
Trinity Texas Realty
ELLEN OUTLAW
DANNY WILSON
Reilly Realtors
Keller Williams
WE APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORTS TO MARKET AND SELL IN OUR NEW-HOME COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU!
Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the United States from coast-to-coast. Together with our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com and www.nashcommunities.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY • †Real Estate Professionals selected based on new home closing volume, January 1–November 30, 2016. • This is not intended to be an offer to sell or a solicitation of offers to buy real estate in the Falcon Pointe, Teravista, Rancho Sienna, or Sweetwater communities (the “Austin Communities”) to residents in Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, or Oregon, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. • No guarantee can be made that completion of the Falcon Pointe, Teravista, Rancho Sienna, or Sweetwater communities will proceed as described. • © 2017 Newland Austin. All Rights Reserved.
11
12
November 2017
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Chera Carthrae-Johnson and Becky Hopkins, both of Austin Title, are ready to set sail at Realty Round Up where they pitch Austin Title's services to thousands of REALTORS attending the show at Palmer Event Center.
Download Photo: RL_100817_D.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Mary Miner of Nextage Lonestar Realty teaches a Broker Responsibility class hosted by KB Home at Siena in Round Rock where she shares a few laughs with David Raesz of Keller Williams Realty.
Download Photo: RL_110317_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Download Photo: RL_110217_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
WR STARKEY MORTGAGE, LLP IS NOW
Christina Isaac of North American Title learns the right moves in a self-defense class hosted for REALTORS at the WCREALTORS offices in Round Rock.
The Leaves May be Falling,But
Our Numbers Are on the Rise!
2017 YTD (Jan.-Sept.) vs. 2016 YTD (Jan.-Sept.) To schedule an appointment to learn how you too can enjoy a rise in your business, please contact:
13%
Written Volume: +
kw Northwest (512) 346-3550 Michelle Busby & Paul Campanaro
kw Southwest
(512) 448-4111 Diane Johnson & Melanie Kennenmann
12301 RESEARCH BLVD, STE 150 AUSTIN, TX 78759
5323 LEVANDER LOOP AUSTIN, TX 78702
Phone: 512.334.1080 Branch NMLSR# 1277027 Branch TX Lic.# 1277027
Phone: 512.329.9040 Branch NMLSR# 291662 Branch TX Lic.# 291662
Certainty Home Loans, LLC, 6101 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093 (NMLS#2146). 1-866-599-5510. Copyright©2017. All Rights Reserved. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Not all customers will qualify. Information, rates, and programs are subject to change without prior notice. All products are subject to credit and property approval. Not all products are available in all states or for all dollar amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. Certainty Home Loans, LLC is required to disclose the following license information: Texas Mortgage Banker Registration No. 2146, NMLS ID# 2146 ( www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)
Listing Volume:
kw Round Rock (512) 255-5050 Matt Labitta
kw Lake Travis
4%
+
12%
Closed Volume: +
(512) 263-9090 Melissa Webb
Gross Commission Income:
2%
+
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
13
A NEW POINT
of view
A Gehan Homes Company
New Homes Starting From $195,990 Affordable 3-4 Bedroom Homes Call Today | 512.501.1198 graypointhomes.com
N
Hutto
Cedar Park
Round Rock
© 2017 Gray Point Homes. All rights reserved. Prices reflect limited time savings. Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Offers may not be redeemed for cash or equivalent and offer may not be combined with other promotions or discounts or current buyers. Gray Point Homes reserves the right to modify/cancel promotion at any time. In order to qualify for Broker compensation, Broker/Agent must accompany prospect and register on first visit or have called ahead to schedule an appointment. Realtor’s commission cannot be used to reduce the purchase price of home. Prices, promotions, incentives, floor plans, elevations, dimensions, specifications, materials, and availability of homes are subject to change without notice or obligation. Prices may not include lot premiums, upgrades or optional features which may vary per community. Financing incentives available through the use of the Sellers preferred Mortgage Company only. Deposit restrictions may apply. See Sales Counselor for details.
14
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Avi Homes
End of Year Savings Event! Help your buyers celebrate the holidays with a new Avi Home in one of Austin’s top 5 new home communities!
$2500 in design options & $2500 towards closing cost! Addison, Final Opportunities Remain! 5516 Gooding Drive • Austin, TX • 78744 • Contact Debbie Ates at 512-659-1501 MLS
ADDRESS
1653576
5216 Bonneville Bend
6601955
5204 Bonneville Bend
Hudson
1110996
5208 Bonneville Bend
Harrison
5000 Bonneville Bend
Hudson
5016 Bonneville Bend 5004 Bonneville Bend 5512 Gooding
PLAN
SQ.FT.
BR/BA/G/ST
CURRENT PRICE
COMMISSION
READY
Hudson
2464
4/3.5/2/2
$328,722
3% +$4K BONUS!
December
2464
4/3.5/2/2
$360,978
3% +$4K BONUS!
December
2446
4/2.5/2/2
$327,729
3% +$4K BONUS!
December
2464
4/3.5/2/2
$369,634
3% +$4K BONUS!
December
Lawrence
2447
3/2/2/1
TBD
3% +$4K BONUS!
December
Harrison
2122
4/2.5/2/2
TBD
3% +$4K BONUS!
December
Adams
2122
3/2/1/2
TBD
3% +$4K BONUS!
December
Easton Park, A lifestyle rooted in the best of local culture! 7104 Cardinal Bloom Loop, Austin, TX 78744 • 517-614-6196 or 713-498-8520 MLS
ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ.FT.
BR/BA/G/ST
CURRENT PRICE
COMMISSION
READY
8009 Beacon Knob Way
Hayes
1904
3/2/2/2
$307,172
3%
May
7124 Lombard Lane
Hayes
2470
3/2/2/2
$330,815
3%
May
Goodnight Ranch, Sales Office Now Open, From the $230’s! 5917 Charles Merle Dr., Austin, TX 78747 • Contact Ruben Cortez at 512-439-9229 MLS
ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ.FT.
BR/BA/G/ST
CURRENT PRICE
COMMISSION
5801 Charles Merle Dr.
Unit A
1792
3/2.5/2/2
$239,990
3%
5809 Charles Merle Dr.
Unit A
1792
3/2.5/2/2
$239,990
3%
5813 Charles Merle Dr.
Unit B
1792
3/2.5/2/2
$239,990
3%
5901 Charles Merle Dr.
Unit A
1792
3/2.5/2/2
$239,990
3%
READY
WCR president Becky DeButts makes sure she has a paddle at the organization’s Fifth Annual Bras 4 A Cause so she can do her part to ante up the bids in hopes of beating last year’s fundraising record for the Breast Cancer Resource Center.
The Landing At Mueller, Final Savings Event! 2400 Sorin St. • Austin, TX • 78723 • Contact Dillon Woodall at 512-635-4550 MLS
ADDRESS
PLAN
SQ.FT.
BR/BA/G/ST
CURRENT PRICE
COMMISSION
READY
4881369
2404 Sorin Street
Townhome
2635
3/3.5/2/3
$610,000
3% +$4K BONUS!
NOW
7106176
2506 Sorin Street
Townhome
2635
3/3.5/2/3
$610,000
3% +$4K BONUS!
NOW
4017 Berkman Drive
Greenway
2582
3/3.5/2/3
$660,000
3% +$4K BONUS!
NOW
4019 Berkman Drive
Tower
2618
3/3.5/2/3
$660,000
3% +$4K BONUS!
NOW
4015 Berkman Drive
Tower
2771
3/3.5/2/3
$670,000
3% +$4K BONUS!
NOW
1942227
Download Photo: RL_111017_O.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
GRAND OPENING!
Whisper Valley, Model Home Coming Soon! 16520 Moonlit Path • Austin, TX 78653 • Contact Debbie Ates at 512-659-1501 MLS
PLAN
SQ.FT.
BR/BA/G/ST
CURRENT PRICE
COMMISSION
READY
10012 Dalliance Lane
ADDRESS
Washington
1716
3/2.5/2/1
$296,597
3% +$4K BONUS!
January
10016 Dalliance Lane
Hudson
2440
4/3.5/2/2
$337,077
3% +$4K BONUS!
January
16409 Sumptuous Drive
Raleigh
1679
3/2/2/1
$285,157
3% +$4K BONUS!
January
16408 Fetching Avenue
Washington
1716
3/2/2/1
$291,731
3% +$4K BONUS!
January
Raleigh
1679
3/2/2/1
$284,857
3% +$4K BONUS!
January
10008 Dalliance Lane
Avi Homes New Communities, Coming Soon! The Cottages at Meadow Lake • The Park at Legends Village The Townhomes at Goodnight Ranch • LaCrosse at Circle C Ranch CALL TO SET UP AN OFFICE TOUR of our high tech, interactive Whisper Valley Discovery Center and learn about our
Move-In Ready Homes NOW AVAILABLE In East Austin’s Newest Master-Planned Community From Low $200s to $400s
www.avihomes.com
amenities and an organic farm meals ready-to- cook to your
AVI HOMES • PACESETTER HOMES
door. Now that’s what I call eating local!
35
CERTIFIED HOMES
©2017 Avi Homes. Prices and availability subject to change without notice. Offer ends 12/31/17.
700-acres of parks, great program that delivers delicious
WhisperValleyAustin.com
Better Value, By Design.
zero energy capable homes,
AUSTIN
973
71 A Taurus Master-Planned Community www.tiholdings.com
290
130
✪
BRAKER LN.
512-710-3799 9400 Petrichor Blvd. Whisper Valley, TX 78653
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
President’s Column By Steve Krasoff • 2017 President
A recent study shows buyers prefer new homes in the suburbs A majority of homebuyers prefer a new home to an existing one, and 65 percent want that home to be in the suburbs, according to new research and surveys conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The 2017 study, “Home Buyer Preferences: Age, Income and Other Factors,” is based on a survey of recent and prospective home buyers, providing insights into what buyers are looking for and the trade-offs they are willing to make. The survey showed that the preference for home size goes up as income goes up, with buyers in the $150,000-plus income bracket preferring homes just under 2,500 square feet. Yet, no matter what the income, buyers overwhelmingly prefer having more features and amenities to simply having a larger home. More than two-thirds of buyers are willing to trade size for high-quality products and features. In fact, in 2015, the typical new home had 2,689 square feet. In 2016, it dropped to 2,634, according to U.S. Census data. That’s the first
drop in size since 2009 and a sign that the home building industry is preparing for the coming wave of first-time buyers as millennials begin to dip their toes into the market. NAHB expects the size of homes to continue to decline as demand increases from first-time buyers. Among the specific amenities that home buyers want, a separate laundry room tops the list of must-haves across all income groups. Energy-efficient features like low-E windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, ceiling fans and programmable thermostats are also at the top of buyers’ wish lists. Home buyers also want their homes to include a patio, exterior lighting and a full bath on the main level. NAHB’s study complements new research from Better Homes & Gardens (BHG) that targets a subset of these homeowners: “first millennials” between the ages of 22-39 who have purchased their first home. These buyers generally purchase older housing stock in need of fixing up. It’s not surprising that most of this subset wants to learn about home improvement and they aren’t afraid of taking on
6 REASONS TO CONSIDER
JOIN OUR AUSTIN TEAM: www.movementlo.com
www.myRealtyLine.com some DIY projects. This group is already thinking ahead about building equity to enable them to purchase their next home. When that happens, they aren’t looking for oversized master suites or over-the-top finishes. They want mud rooms, separate laundry rooms and plenty of gathering space. Many buyers, and REALTORS, have the misperception that new homes are much more expensive than their re-sale counter-
November 2017
15
parts. While in most markets, this is true; and, in the Austin area, new homes are priced an average of just 5 percent higher than a comparable re-sale home. However, total cost of ownership is the real comparison; and Once you factor in the utility bill savings enjoyed in new, energy efficient homes - , most find that overall, the new home actually costs less. To search for a new home that meets your buyer’s wish list, check out area builders at www.hbaaustin.com. RL
Download Photo: RL_110817_D.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Kristin Carroll of Sente Mortgage and Sheri Brummett of Coldwell Banker United, REALTORS are in it to win it. They are suited up and ready to golf at the AMBA Mike Carroll Golf Classic at Great Hills Country Club.
#3 OUR COMMUNITY We started Movement School to bring about generational change through educational experience to underserved communities.
www. move me n t .com 10814 Jollyville Rd #180, Austin, TX 78759 | Tony Ruff - Movement Mortgage - Branch Manager - NMLS# 104486 | TX, NC-I-127844, SC-MLO-104486 | Movement Mortgage, LLC supports Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS ID# 39179 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | 877-314-1499. Movement Mortgage, LLC is licensed by TX, NC # L-142670, and SC # MLS-39179. Interest rates and products are subject to change without notice and may or may not be available at the time of loan commitment or lock-in. Borrowers must qualify at closing for all benefits. “Movement Mortgage” is a registered trademark of the Movement Mortgage, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. 8024 Calvin Hall Road, Indian Land, SC 29707. CPID 47 13 | Exp. 2/2018
16
November 2017
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Natalie Penland of Legacy Mutual Mortgage hands out extra drink tickets to placate guests during a timeout to repair a sound system during WCR's Bras 4 A Cause. The move also was made in hopes that well hydrated guests would bid freely to reach the $15,000 fundraising goal. Legacy was one of the primary sponsors for the event.
Download Photo: RL_111017_M.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Kay Zazy and Brandy Harrison, both of United Real Estate Austin, grab their ABoR Foundation raffle tickets at Realty Round Up in hopes of winning a Mercedes Benz and a trip to Germany to pick it out!
Download Photo: RL_110517_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Download Photo: RL_111117_BQ.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Samuel Flesner and Daniel Ramirez, both of Bella Via Realty, show new agents at the Champions School of Real Estate they can hit a hole in one with Bella Via Realty. Sign up today!
WE’RE DOING MORE THAN JUST TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMESTM
SecurityNational Mortgage Co. has already donated up to $18,000 just this year. If you would like to donate go to:
www.fundraising.stjude.org/SNMC
SecurityNational Mortgage Company is continuing to support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in an ongoing effort to combat childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude patient Gideon with his parents, Gary and Katie
• Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food - because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
• St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and from around the world.
• Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago.
9737 Great Hills Trail, Suite 200, 220, 150 | Austin, TX 78759 | Branch NMLS# 258173 | Office 512.795.5596 | SecurityNational Mortgage Company | Co. NMLS# 3116 This is not a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower and property qualifications. Contact loan officer listed for an accurate, personalized quote. Interest rates and program guidelines are subject to change without notice. SecurityNational Mortgage Company, NMLS# 3116 | SNMC0817MISC1455
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
17
DISCOVER
rough,
BEST
MASTER-PLANNED COMMUNITY
TEXAS
AVAILABLE HOMES ON LAKE TRAVIS FROM THE $300S TO $3 MILLION+
PRICE
ADDRESS
$379,420 $382,900 $385,620 $386,875 $394,325 $399,900 $406,502 $445,175 $450,807 $481,444 $491,755 $499,900 $517,533 $530,839 $533,301 $541,484 $548,490 $549,990 $552,900 $559,990 $574,900 $579,468 $588,901 $589,950 $599,900 $604,094 $637,429 $679,730 $699,990 $799,000 $899,990 $999,900 $1,013,850
203 Cartwheel Bend 201 Cartwheel Bend 209 Cartwheel Bend 212 Cartwheel Bend 210 Cartwheel Bend 112 Cartwheel Bend 118 Cartwheel Bend 211 Cartwheel Bend 306 Ansley Cove 318 Highland Village Drive 513 Baldovino Skyway 609 Anfield Circle 491 Anfield Circle 507 Baldovino Skyway 204 San Donato Cove 400 San Donato Drive 212 Vista Village Cove 211 Grant Cannon Lane 308 Borgo Allegri Cove 481 Anfield Circle 610 Anfield Circle 469 Anfield Circle 209 Grant Cannon Lane 205 Enchanted Hilltop Way 203 Woodlands Court 398 San Donato Drive 392 San Donato Drive 306 Cuore Bianco Cove 207 San Siro Cove 320 Bisset Court 402 Woodside Terrace 510 Woodside Terrace 505 Barolo Cove
BED / BATH 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 5 4 4 3 4 4 5 4 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 5 5 4
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2 3.5 3.5 3 3.5 2.5 3.5 3.5 4 3 2.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3 4 4 4.5 3.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 3.5
SQ. FT.
FLOORS
EST. COMPLETION
BUILDER
1,702 1,926 1,708 1,702 1,926 1,708 1,858 2,571 2,398 2,300 3,723 2,634 3,298 2,720 3,290 3,448 3,655 3,138 3,562 3,825 3,370 3,357 3,477 3,647 3,145 4,019 3,665 4,188 3,500 4,392 4,647 4,793 4,587
2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2
Winter Winter Winter Winter Winter November November Winter January December NOW January January NOW January NOW NOW NOW November NOW January January November NOW NOW NOW December NOW November NOW NOW January December
Village Builders Village Builders Village Builders Village Builders Village Builders Village Builders Village Builders Village Builders Centerra Homes Brookfield Residential Centerra Homes Century Communities Westin Homes Scott Felder Homes Westin Homes Westin Homes Scott Felder Homes Coventry Homes Century Communities Westin Homes Century Communities Westin Homes Coventry Homes Brookfield Residential Brookfield Residential Westin Homes Westin Homes Scott Felder Homes Scott Felder Homes Wes Peoples Homes Highland Homes Drees Homes Westin Homes
VIEW OUR FULL INVENTORY & DISCOVER ALL 21 NEIGHBORHOODS AT ROUGHHOLLOWLAKEWAY.COM Welcome Center Open Daily • 512.872.4304 Developed by Legend Communities in partnership with Crescent Communities. Exclusive sales and marketing by Legacy International Resort Properties. Obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.
110117_TC_RH_RealtyLineAd_FullPage_Nov.indd 1
11/2/17 10:47 AM
18
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â„¢
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
#bestthanksgivingever! NEW HOMES FROM THE LOW TO MID-$200’S | MODELS OPEN IN SPRING 2018
HOME. HEART. HILL COUNTRY. •
•
•
•
•
•
800 acres of dedicated open space and park land Close proximity to Texas State University, business, shopping and entertainment 45-acre Central Park recreation space Desirable location off IH-35 between Austin and San Antonio Resort-caliber amenities and playgrounds 10+ miles of trails
L a C ima TX. Com
19
20
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
David Tandy and Lacey Warren Brown, both of Texas National Title, Yvette Boatwright of Realty Austin, new Habitat homeowner Claudia Duran, and Jonathan Boatwright of Realty Austin work together to build Claudia's new home for her and her family as part of Realty Austin's annual Habitat build. Submitted Photo
Trinity Title takes home the prize for Most Spirited Booth at the Austin Board of REALTORS' Realty Round Up where the theme was "Make a Splash." Pictured left to right are your Trinity Title allstars Beth Coffey, Michelle Nelson, Renay Jenkins, Denise Guerrero, Brian Davis and Jeremy Tapp. Download Photo: RL_111117_BK.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Annie Goforth of Goosehead Insurance, Richie Rodriguez of Hometrust Mortgage and Hayley Duhon of ARCH Mortgage have a beer together while hanging out at the Texas Mortgage Bankers Association Mix & Mingle event at The Dogwood at the Domain.
Download Photo: RL_110917_J.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Download Photo: RL_110617_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
With Heartfelt
Gratitude
North American Title Associates are dedicated to serving the Central Texas Real Estate Community with excellence and professionalism. RESEARCH 11044 Research Blvd. Bldg. D, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78759 t: 512.249.0576
NORTH AUSTIN 5608 Parkcrest Drive Suite 150 Austin, TX 78731 t: 512.302.3892
ROUND ROCK 1 Chisholm Trail Suite 3100 Round Rock, TX 78681 t: 512.255.6550
www.facebook.com/Austin.nat www.nat.com/ Texas Š2017 North American Title Group, LLC and its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. North American Title Group, LLC and its subsidiaries are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. North American Title Company and related design and Like Clockwork are registered Service Marks of North American Title Group, LLC or its corporate parent. | TX 17-12089 R 11.1.17
Jackie Bienski of Chicago Title checks out the Maserati at the company's Bee Cave Office Grand Opening event. Super fast cars + super fast closings makes Chicago Title the place to close your next transaction.
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â„¢
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
2017
21
22
November 2017
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Experts Speak Out
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Commentary By Harold Copher, Jr. Willow Bend Mortgage
Fitting round pegs into square holes CAN be done!
W
e’ve all been warned not to “try to fit a square peg into a round hole.” The funny thing is, some people do this for a living. Perhaps you are someone who occasionally has to try to fit a square peg into a round hole. I’m sure some REALTORS work in nice, tidy, worlds, where people with great credit scores walk up pre-approved for loans larger than the homes they want, looking for homes you have in inventory. Not your world? Mine neither! Sure, it happens, but not often enough to earn a living. So, what about the rest of the time? That’s when we have to get creative, and work with other professionals who are just as creative as ourselves. I recall a comment from about 15 years ago to the effect that “if you can fog a mirror, you can get a mortgage.” The government was encouraging lenders to find ways to help more people enjoy the American dream of home ownership, and lenders were creatively rising to the challenge. Things changed in 2008. Markets had to adjust to a very different world. Loans became tougher, if not impossible, for people who didn’t fit a more “traditional” borrower profile. At the time, that made sense, as the creative lending programs appeared to fail. Now, it is 2017, and while the tendency for stricter (than pre-2008) lending still exists, there are lenders who realize that some great creative lending ideas had been “thrown out with the bathwater.” Many home buyers did not transfer well into the box of rules and documentation imposed by FHA, VA, FNMA and FHLMC. These lenders have introduced lending programs that recognize some borrowers have the ability to repay their loans, even though traditional lending guidelines don’t necessarily recognize that ability. In other words, they can help a lot of those “square pegs” enjoy the American dream. These “square peg” loans are more often based on the characteristics of the Borrower and/or Property that mitigate the risk assessed by standard underwriting guidelines. In other
words, these lenders prioritize the reality of the situation over a more traditional formula. Here are five loan types that can benefit from this creative thinking: Non-Warrantable Condo Loans: Because the value of the condo depends on many more factors than a typical single-family home, the underwriter may look for lower qualifying ratios and possibly higher credit scores. There may also be slightly higher interest rates and down payments, but this square peg can fit into that round hole! Asset Depletion Loans: We’ve all heard stories about someone with a ton of money and other assets who can’t get a loan for a home because they don’t have a “regular” income. Using a formula that is typically “total liquid assets divided by a number of months,” the underwriter can see that the borrower has plenty of ability to repay the loan, making it unnecessary for the borrower to liquidate those assets to purchase the home. Bank Statement Qualifying: All too often, self-employed or 1099 income Buyers’ tax returns don’t represent sufficient household cash flow to fit “round peg” qualifying income requirements. Borrowers with good credit and sufficient liquid assets can use their gross deposits into business and personal bank accounts as gross qualifying income. Professional Mortgage Loan Programs: Think of giving younger (or seasoned) professionals the opportunity to buy homes better suited to their long-term family needs. Qualifying borrowers will generally have high credit worthiness, demonstrate substantial increased earnings potential, and may have high student loan debt. Typical applicants are physicians, medical residents, nurses, dentists, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, pharmacists, veterinarians, attorneys, CPA’s, CFP’s, engineers, architects, and doctorate degree holders. These loans will offer lower down payments, reduced (or no) mortgage insurance requirements and competitive rates. Homes for Texas Heroes Loan Program: Who may qualify — teachers, police officers, correctional officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and veterans. The benefits of this program include 30-year fixed rate loan terms, with down payment and closing cost assistance (up to 5 percent of the sales price). This Down Payment Assistance (DPA) is truly a gift – it does not have to be repaid. What’s the good news? You sometimes can fit a square peg fit into a round hole! RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
23
Now throu Nov. gh 30 th
?????? ????? ?????? ???? ?????? ???? ??????
30 DAY COUNTDOWN BEGINS!
REALTOR
REWARDS
d19 r prizes
Sell one of our 23 move-in ready homes and win
Watch Facebook Live on the Santa Rita Preferred Realtor Page to see who’s won and the prize behind the door! FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/SRRPREFERREDREALTORS
Al to-be-built h e sales wil also qualify to win a Visa gift card!
Wi er: Artimus Salas R an Esparza er: Be ina Leyva Wi
Wi er:
Smasung LED Curved 4K Ultra HD Smart TV I A Classic Louis Vuitton I Home Theater Package I Kendra Scott Giveaway
Wi er: Shawn Culhane
Electric Cruiser Bike I The Ultimate Home Cleaning Kit I The Green Egg I Ipad Pro I The Vitamix Life Combo Smart Home Goodies I Golfer’s Swag I Yeti Bundle I Travel In-Style Luggage Set I Nespresso Gift Pack I New Wheels Dyson Vacuum I Blowout Bonanza I Kiehl’s Skin Care Package I Spa Day I WÜSTHOF SET I Taste of Texas Wine Tour
TO SEE HOW TO WIN VISIT: SANTARITARANCHAUSTIN.COM/REALTORDOORPRIZES Santa Rita Ranch Realtor Realtor Rewards program effective September 1, 2017, through November 3o, 2017. Prizes awarded at time of closing. Realtor Realtor Rewards program is subject to change without notice. 11/17
24
November 2017
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Keller Williams Austin Portfolio Real Estate agents Charlotte Lipscomb, Weston Lipscomb and Alaina Martin head back to the exposition area at Realty Round Up to visit exhibitor booths and meet new people.
Download Photo: RL_111117_CA.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Legacy Mutual Mortgage's “Nightmare Before Christmas” bra was an early holiday hit at the Women’s Council of REALTORS Bras for a Cause fundraiser supporting breast cancer research. Legacy Mutual Mortgage supports WCR Austin annually with sponsorship dollars. Download Photo: RL_110417_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Download Photo: RL_111017_BB.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
WCREALTORS staff are ready for a little boot scootin at the organization's Boots & Bling Scholarship Banquet fundraiser hosted at The Spring Georgetown. Pictured left to right are Debby Moran and WCREALTORS Executive Officer Marge Phillips.
t e e w e s hom t s u r t e hom
1310 S 1st Street, Suite 100, Austin TX 78704 512-458-3730 ofc / 512-458-3736 fax info@austinrealpros.com www.austinrealpros.com
WORLD PEACE through Property Management
Home is where you gather with family and friends and make memories that last a lifetime. Hometrust Mortgage has been helping people buy, refinance and construct homes in the Austin area for 31 years. We offer a full array of home mortgage products and your loan is processed and underwritten locally.
Contact Hometrust Mortgage today for a free consultation or to get started on your home purchase or refinance.
Call (512) 450-1222
Richie Rodriguez
Lynn Edgar
Catherine Darwin
NMLS# 222698 rrodriguez@hometrust.com
NMLS# 221412 ledgar@hometrust.com
NMLS# 1606718 cdarwin@hometrust.com
Hometrust Mortgage Company, NMLS# 149932 4301 Westbank Dr. Escalade B Suite 150 Austin, TX 78746
• • • • • • •
You receive first month’s management fee for your referral Your clients are returned when it’s time for you to sell their property Your client gets a professional team to care for their investment Over 60 years of combined experience in real estate Refer your clients to a company you’ve come to know and trust Commercial, Apartment, and HOA Management Services Ask us about our parallel marketing program
512-458-3730
Sales • Leasing • Property Management Agents! We have great opportunities to advance your career. Give us a call today!
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Newland Communities
Falcon Pointe + Teravista + Rancho Sienna + Sweetwater 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 K a t i e A g n e s s
D
uring its 50-year history, Newland Communities has been involved in building more than 140 real estate developments, including more than 20 million square feet of commercial and retail space and more than 175,000 homesites. Today, Newland Communities is the largest privately held residential and mixed-use community developer in the U.S. “Homeowners choose a Newland community because of the amenities and activities, leading homebuilders and great schools, to name a few reasons,” says Bill Meyer, senior vice president and Austin division manager for Newland Communities. “After 50 years, Newland has a solid track record of keeping its promises, and creating communities that will look as good in 20 years as they do now, if not better.” Newland Communities’ presence in Texas is strong, with eight developments underway in Austin, Dallas and Houston. “Austin currently has four active Newland projects,
more than any other Texas market right now,” Meyer says. Newland’s four Austin-area communities include Falcon Pointe in Pflugerville, Teravista in Round Rock and Georgetown, Rancho Sienna in Georgetown, and Sweetwater near Lake Travis. “We choose the locations of our communities based on strong school districts, the beauty and character of the land, and access to major employment centers, shopping and other amenities,” Meyer says. When developing a new community, Newland focuses on offering a diverse selection of homes, both in price and style. “We work closely with our homebuilder partners to make sure our communities offer new homes that reflect the architectural flavor of Austin and the Hill Country,” Meyer says. “This typically begins with spacious and inviting front porches, and exteriors that blend native Texas stone and other natural materials to create a very pleasant street scene.” To address affordability in Austin, Newland
Award Winning Developer — Austin Business Journal — Green Builder Magazine — Home Builders Association of Greater Austin
www.myRealtyLine.com has created neighborhoods with home options starting in the low $200,000s with “paired villa” duplex homes in Falcon Pointe and Teravista and single-family homes in Rancho Sienna. “This can offer first-time buyers the opportunity to become homeowners in a true master-planned community with a high level of recreational amenities,” Meyer says. Additionally, most of Newland’s homebuilders offer customization opportunities, even in the most affordable price ranges, such as “flex” rooms that can be built as a study or extra bedroom or opportunities to move walls for a custom floor plan. With all of the price and style options, builders within a Newland community cater to the needs and wants of various home buyers. “We try to serve as many different buyer and family profiles as possible,” Meyer says. “Our communities offer everything from low-maintenance homes with yard care provided, to plans for multi-generational families. There are also plenty of onestory homes, which are popular with all kinds of buyers, from young families who want the parents and kids all on one floor, to older buyers who don’t want to climb stairs.” To cater to its residents, each community has a unique blend of amenities and features to fit the character of the area and the community’s distinct personality. “We also strive to serve residents from all walks of life with our recreational amenities and activities,” Meyer says. “All of our communities have at least one major community center that serves as the social hub for recreation, events and activities.” Amenities typically include swimming pools, plus splash pads, fitness centers, meeting rooms, playgrounds, sport courts, dog parks and more. Newland Communities’ developments also offer ample activities for outdoor enthusiasts. “Hugely
eth·i·cal ADJECTIVE/ ƏTHƏK(Ə)L/ 1. relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
All clients surveyed at closing; 94% reported they would use Legacy Mutual Mortgage again, and 92.6% would refer us.
TWO CONVENIENT AUSTIN LOCATIONS: NORTH: 10801 N. Mo-pac Expressway, Bldg. 2 | Suite #140 Austin, TX 78759
SOUTH: 5707 Southwest Parkway, Building 2 | Suite 150 Austin, TX 78735
Ready to join the Legacy Mutual Mortgage Team? Contact Natalie Penland today! e: Natalie.Jack@legacymutual.com c:512.694.4100 LENDER
NMLS#278675
www.legacymutual.com
November 2017
25
Bill Meyer, Senior Vice President & Austin Division Manager
popular with residents, the trails are a vital connective tissue for the community, linking diverse neighborhoods with parks, schools, the community centers and other amenities,” Meyer says. “Other amenities you’ll find in our Austin communities include lakes, ponds and wildflower meadows.” Recently, Newland Communities was selected as Developer of the Year by Green Builder magazine, and all four of the Austin-area residential developments have won Community of the Year awards from both the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin and the Austin Business Journal. “We focus on creating a true sense of community,” Meyer says. “The main goal of all of the amenities and activities is to help foster a strong sense of community among residents, so that neighbors become friends. We want to make our communities beautiful and relaxing places to live, with the goal of honoring the history and character of the land.” RL
26
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
David Harding, left, of Flagstar Bank, and Mabely Reyes, right, of RE/MAX POSH Properties, learn more about energy saving opportunities from Andrew Tighe and Tim Kisner at the Austin Energy booth at Realty Round Up.
Download Photo: RL_100817_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Bill Flood of Stanberry & Associates congratulates Chicago Title President Charlie Valdes on the grand opening of the company's new office in Bee Cave. The company now has eight locations to serve REALTORS around the Greater Austin area. Download Photo: RL_110917_L.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Steve Builta of City Bank and John McClellan of Supreme Lending are ready to win the Mike Carroll Golf Classic hosted by the Austin Mortgage Bankers Association at Great Hills Country Club. Download Photo: RL_100117_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Download Photo: RL_110817_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
DHI Mortgage takes pride in making the home buying process as seamless as possible. Local experienced Mortgage Loan Originators are one of the many reasons to choose us! GET TO KNOW MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR,
JESSE FERNANDEZ
“I look forward to working with you and your family to help you achieve the American Dream of homeownership!” Jesse Fernandez
Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1465083
www.dhimortgage.com
10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 120 Austin, TX 78750 Direct: 512-533-1328 Cell: 512-969-8170 JFernandez@dhimortgage.com
Financing offered by DHI Mortgage Company, Ltd. Branch NMLS #38686. 10700 Pecan Park Blvd., Suite 120, Austin, TX 78750. Company NMLS #14622. For information on DHI Mortgage licensing, please visit www.dhimortgage.com/licensing. Provided for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. Not all borrowers will qualify. REV: 11/02/17 / EXP: 11/02/18
Christine Wright, right, of Champions School of Real Estate checks in with Mallory Mundy of JB Goodwin REALTORS and the rest of the exhibitors at the school's Career Fair where recent graduates and students visit with various agencies to learn about the various options available from agency to agency.
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Texas National 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 K a t i e A g n e s s
S
pecializing in title and escrow operations, Texas National Title is an independent agent focused solely on providing the highest quality services to the Texas real estate industry. “At Texas National Title, we do not outsource or offshore any of our core services and strongly prefer to keep our services internal,” says David Tandy, president of Texas National Title. “We believe this level of control is critical to providing the high degree of customer service we expect.” Formed and licensed in 2016, Texas National Title is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mother Lode Holding Company, one of the largest, privately owned independent title agencies in the United States. “After our founding, we officially began operations in April 2017,” says Tandy, who is responsible for overseeing the company’s strategic growth and success through process and efficiency optimization, customer development and employee growth. Today, Texas National Title has 10 office locations, including Austin, Georgetown, Cedar Park,
Round Rock, Lakeway, Dripping Springs, Buda and Wimberley. “We quickly grew to 100 employees with 10 office locations, and several other markets are being evaluated with the expectation of expanding into one new market this year,” Tandy says. “We continually look for good expansion opportunities, but only if they are good fit for our culture.” Working with customers in both the residential and commercial real estate businesses, Texas National Title’s experienced team ensures a successful buying or selling experience. “We have one of the most experienced teams of closers and title examiners in the industry,” Tandy says. “The escrow teams that have joined TNT have many years of experience in the industry.” Tandy adds that security has become a growing concern in their industry saying, “Now more than ever, buyers and sellers need a trusted settlement agent to protect them from cyber or wire fraud or theft of private and confidential information, as well as to ensure the transaction is properly closed and insured. This is what TNT provides and why
"...we officially began operations in April 2017. We quickly grew to 100 employees with 10 office locations, with the expectation of expanding into one new market this year." — David Tandy, President
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
buyers and sellers give us strong referrals and great feedback after the closing.” When Tandy decided to form Texas National Title, he strategically chose Mother Lode Holding Company for its ability to support emerging trends, particularly in regards to technology advancements and security concerns. “Part of the reason I chose the parent company I did was to better prepare the company for the technology trends in our industry—from online closing software to cybercrime to paperless transactions,” Tandy says, who serves as chairman of the Cybercrime and Wire Fraud Task Force for the Texas Land Title Association. “We are big enough to address all of the technology, security and regulatory compliance demands, yet we are not a big, publicly traded company that cannot be nimble and creative in how we respond to the market.” In addition to ensuring safe, secure and reliable title transactions, Texas National Title is strongly involved in community outreach and philanthropy. “One of my personal passions is providing stable, affordable housing, and I have worked with a local non-profit called Foundation Communities,” Tandy says. “Many of our offices are involved yearround in supporting different community nonprofits and charities. I think companies have a big responsibility to continually give back to the community where they operate and where employees live.” To ensure employees continue to provide quality service through industry knowledge and motivation, Texas National Title is invested in the development and continued success of their employees. “When agents direct their clients to a title company, they want to know they can trust and rely on the title and escrow teams to ‘get it right,’” Tandy says. “They want to work with trained escrow teams who are experts in their field and know how to make sure the transaction is closed on time, that
David Tandy, President
customer information is protected, and that buyers and sellers leave the closing knowing their transaction was handled by quality professionals.” At Texas National Title, ongoing audit and training programs are provided to escrow staff to further career development and ensure knowledge of all trends and regulatory changes. “Additionally, we also focus on promoting within, which motivates our escrow staff to distinguish themselves through education and quality service,” Tandy says. For TNT, quality service begins with quality employees. Through hiring and promoting great employees and steering away from micromanagement, Tandy says his employees have been able to find their greatest success. “I believe many companies today are too caught up in managing by spreadsheets, and they lose sight of how important it is to get to know your employees who do the real work,” he says. “Listen to them, know about them, give them the tools they need, and then watch them do great things. If employees are happy and trust their leaders, then they will make sure our customers are well served, which is our goal at Texas National Title.” RL
512-244-3545 ChampionsSchool.com/Austin TEXAS COMPLETE WITH BROKER RESPONSIBILITY 119
DEC 7 - 8
$
Thur: 8:30 am - 6:50 pm Fri: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Classroom
18-hour program includes: • TREC Legal Update I & II • Regulatory Aspects of Management • How to Write and Understand a Policies and Procedures Manual
• How to Supervise Sales Agents • Technology Update • How to Operate a Brokerage Firm
All 18-Hour Programs Available Online
99
$
Online
14-HR NON-ELECTIVE BROKER RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM
Day 1 & 2: 6 pm - 10 pm Day 3 & 4: 6 pm - 9 pm
18-HOUR CE PROGRAM
DEC 6 - 7 Wed: Thur:
8:30 am - 6:50 pm 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
$
79
ChampionsLive!
Go to ChampionsSchool.com/Live
119
$
Classroom
18-hour program includes: • Agricultural Lending & USDA Farm Loans • The Mineral Estate • Water & Wind Rights • Texas Veterans Land Board • Environmental Concerns • Environmental Protection Legislation • TREC Legal Update I & II
STRATEGIES FOR CAREER EXCELLENCE
DEC 7 - 8
NEW EVENING CLASS
DEC 18 - 21
FARM & RANCH REAL ESTATE
Thur: Fri:
27
8:30 am - 6:50 pm 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
18-hour program includes: • TREC Legal Update I & II • Success Strategies • Generational Selling • Includes the book Texaplex, by David Winans
Open to the Public; TREC #0005; Broker Responsibility #31450; Success Strategies #29975; Tech Update #29978; Legal I #29622; Legal II #29623; Policies and Procedures Manual #31025; Farm and Ranch: 29949
119
$
Classroom
28
November 2017 Front Page: Continued
perienced,” says Jacobson. “We don’t expect them to come in here and buy their cards and their signs.” The idea is to make it a little easier for independent contractors to get their business running. RE/MAX 1 is a franchise co-owned by Tammy Kress, who is also a managing broker. “It’s all about empowerment for the agent,” says Kress. “We want to teach them how to maximize their efforts, create a business they can call their own and eventually scale it up to the type of brokerage they want.” RE/MAX 1 does take on newer agents, but the majority of their current contractors have been licensed for more than 10 years. Corey Casper, director of agent development at RE/MAX 1, says he specifically looks for people who want to grow their business. “Our focus at this office is mastery of the sales business game,” says Casper. “Because when they grow and continue to learn, we can have a collaborative work environment where we can all learn from each other.”
Small agencies Many REALTORS aren’t interested in the bells and whistles offered by the larger companies. Those agents look instead to hang their license in a small brokerage like UrbanSpace, located downtown. Simon Cawley, vice president of residential brokerage at UrbanSpace says the agency has a slightly different model. They’re the exclusive sales agent for the Independent—soon to be the tallest skyscraper in Austin. “We’re not just selling it,” says Cawley. “We go in at inception of the project and work with the developers on unit floor plans and across a whole range of criteria.” It turns out that you don’t need a large company for this type of project-based model. UrbanSpace has 15 brokers and six are on the sales team for the Independent. While UrbanSpace does take on agents with very little experience, people need to be prepared to learn by pounding the pavement rather than attending classroom lectures and seminars. “Agents at UrbanSpace must have a lot of ambition in terms of getting up to speed on the downtown residential market.” That means getting out of the office, walking the buildings, understanding the market, shadowing people and working on transactions. A more typical small agency model is where a roster of agents work under the supervision of a managing broker, and sometimes an associate-broker is on-site, too.
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
These agencies don’t have classes or large, swanky offices with conference rooms, computer rooms and coffee bars. When working with a small brokerage, you will have a more intimate working relationship with your broker and coworkers. Because boutique brokerages don’t offer all the extras that you can opt-in to at their larger competitors, it’s even more important to have the type of relationship with your broker that works with your personality. “Sometimes I’m a therapist, sometimes a mentor, coach or someone they call to bounce an idea off of,” says Archambealt. “The biggest thing to look for, though, is a broker who provides quality to their agents. They have to have some skin in the game.”
Commission split and fees All agencies have some type of commission split and some offer profit sharing and increased commissions for high earners. Various other perks, such as classes, desks, and important technical platforms like DocuSign, are available for free at a limit, and then an opt-in fee. That’s why it’s so important that you feel your brokerage is providing value that is at least equal to your financial investment. For large agencies, you get education, training, and tools; at small agencies it’s the one-onone relationships and autonomy. Other benefits to consider are the lead-sharing models, social media and marketing expertise.
Making a decision You may be tempted to simply choose the brokerage with the most liberal commission split, but that’s not the best way to choose a brokerage when kickstarting your career. On the one hand, if you want rookie training and business development, you’re a good candidate for the large-agency model. If you are a self-starter who learns best by doing, a small agency is where you would thrive.
Broker’s license So after all that hard work—simply choosing a broker—you may be wondering why you don’t just get your broker’s license. After all, it is the only real estate designation that consumers recognize, according to Champions School of Real Estate. But first, you need 48 months of agent experience before you can even take your broker’s exam. So while you’re counting down the days, make the most out of your time by crafting the best professional real estate agent persona for yourself that you can. RL
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 514-3141 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: naomi@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 Caroline Carver
Contributing Writers: Riki Markowitz, Katie Agness, Naomi Bludworth, Linda McNabb
Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver, Philip Haustein Linda McNabb
Columnists: Brandi Guthrie, Suzanne Gantner, Steve Krasoff, Becky DeButts 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/blog/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 1,500 members of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCREALTORS) 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®, the Home Builders Association (HBA) of Greater Austin 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.
JUMBO 95% Loans Up to $1,500,000
• 95% LTV up to 1.5 mil: Purchase, Rate/Term, Cash Out • Max DTI 35% • DTI Max 43% when LTV < 90% • DTI allowed up to 50% when LTV < 80%
• Min FICO 720, 760 for cash out CO NTAC T M E TO DAY F O R M O R E I N F O R MAT I O N . P E N NY G R E E N
NMLS #226538
REGIONAL SALES MANAGER 512.784.6090 Download Photo: RL_111117_X.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Jolie Dumoit and Evie Tavarez, both of Blackburn Communities, grab a selfie before the crowd hits the exhibition floor at Realty Round Up where these ladies visited with thousands of REALTORS and industry professionals as they visited dozens of booths at Palmer Event Center. If you missed it, check out Blackburn Communities' floorplans and neighborhoods on at their website at www.blackburncommunities.com/tx-new-homes.
pgreen@s1lending.com 13809 Research Blvd. Suite 808 Austin, TX 78750
Synergy One Lending Inc. NMLS 1025894. 3131 Camino Del Rio N 190, San Diego, CA 92108. Texas Mortgage Banker Registration 1025894.
RL
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
29
Lakeside Courtyard Homes from the $600s
AVAILABLE HOMES 1% BONUS COMMISSION 21 0 M ARINA VIEW COU RT
316 & 318 MARINA VIEW COURT
300 & 302 MARINA VIEW COURT
COMMUNITY & HOME FEATURES:
• 3-4 Bedroom Floorplans from the $600s • Lock & Leave Conveniences • Access to Rough Hollow’s Resort-Style Amenities
• Privacy Gate • Balcony Views of Lake Travis • Dedicated Swim Dock
L ake R i d g e Roug hH ollow.com • 5 1 2.41 0.6091 *Bonus Commission available only on 210 Marina View Court. New home construction managed by LC Luxury Homes. Exclusive sales and marketing by Legacy International Resort Properties. Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.
1102717_TC_LakeRidge_RealtyLine Ad_10.25x13.5.indd 1
11/6/17 10:00 PM
30
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â&#x201E;˘
Download Photo: RL_110817_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Joe Thweatt of AXIA Mortgage is multi-talented. He can close a mortgage in record time and play a good game of golf. It's good to have a well rounded mortgage broker, go Joe!
Download Photo: RL_111117_BN.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Regina Spurlock, left, and Angie Bell, right, both of Santa Rita Ranch, tell this REALTOR about the $2 million in commission waiting for her at Santa Rita Ranch. For more information, stop by the community in Liberty Hill.
Download Photo: RL_110217_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Joanne Lattrel of JB Goodwin REALTORS, Phoenix Pike of EXP Realty and Carlos Flores of RE/MAX Capital City join their fellow brokers for a Brokers Responsibility class hosted by KB Home at Siena in Round Rock. Mary Miner of Nextage Lonestar Realty taught the course.
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
31
Bonnie Doplin and Beverly Colosky, both of Coldwell Banker GreenMills, come prepared to haul the pounds of swag they scooped up at Realty Round Up.
Download Photo: RL_111117_CL.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Chasity Harris and Shelly Walzel, both of Walzel Properties, spread the news about the company at the Champions School of Real Estate Career Fair. Have you heard that Walzel Properties offers no commission splits, no monthly fees and no franchise fees? This may be the brokerage for you! Download Photo: RL_021117_S.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Suad Kreeber, left, of Riley REALTORS is excited to see Chicago Title's Bee Cave office is now open and ready for business. She thanked Chicago Title's Joy Stokes for the grand tour.
GIVE YOUR CLIENTS
Download Photo: RL_110517_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
exactly WHAT THEY WANT Convenient living with room to breathe!
Steve Klein Custom Builder has been
1-ACRE HOME SITES FROM THE $400s G E O RG E TOW N Sage Creek from the $600s Chris Dodd, (512) 844-6813
Morningstar from the $280s Adrian Garcia, (512) 750-9637
serving Texas families for more than 27 years. Our attention to detail combined with a concierge approach to customer service gives each client the first-class experience they deserve. Don’t let your clients settle for the rest when they can have the best. STEVEKLEIN.COM
LEANDER
Greatwood from the $400s Amanda Bixler, (512) 657-3714
L I B E RT Y H I L L Rancho Santa Fe from the $400s Chris Dodd, (512) 844-6813
NOT ALL BUILDERS ARE THE SAME. EXPERIENCE THE STEVE KLEIN DIFFERENCE.
AWARD WINNING BUILDER
32
November 2017 Women's Council of REALTORS
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
President’s Column By Becky DeButts • 2017 President
austin
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
important in our field to have a large sphere of influence. One of the best ways I know of is serving in your community. Try your children’s schools, the Rotary Club, your church, your city council or a charity. Make your brand known. Choose the brokerage model that best supports your vision.
Please join us for our November 16 luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dave & Buster’s in Northwest Austin as we celebrate the WCR Austin 60-year anniversary. We are proud to have John Harrell, a speaker, financial planner and writer who will be sharing "Live on Purpose" with us. See you there! RL
'Tis the season to be thankful
W
e have so many things to be thankful for, such as the opportunity to be a REALTOR. Just today I had a doctor visit that gave me a boot to wear. I began to feel aggravated that I would have to wear this ghastly boot to NAR the next day. Upon returning home, I heard that a friend of mine had just received a bad report. This was after battling cancer for several years. I immediately made 180º turn around and was thankful that it was only a boot. None of us knows what tomorrow brings, so it is important to keep perspective and be grateful for where you are and what you have. This concept is true in business as well as our personal life. I have been in a large franchised real estate firm to a small, six agent firm and I can say both served a purpose in shaping my business. Each one of us must look at all things brokerages offer to decide what our path will be. Some of us have a goal to be independent and know this from the start. Others want that big name branded by the brokerage feel. Still oth-
ers want the freedom to hang their license and work pro bono. Whatever your vision, you will need to be direct and purposeful in your goals and listen to others experience. Always, make it a point to interview several different broker models. In any case it is your choice, there is no right one there is only the one you choose. Be thankful for the right to make that choice. This right is another side to diversity and is who we are as REALTORS; each one as different as who we are as individuals. This is an area where Women’s Council of REALTORS encourages our members to be themselves, making sure they understand branding and how they choose to do this. This year alone we have had four different speakers that are also coaches with different approaches to training you to become your own brand. Never lose sight of your vision, your reason, or what some call your “why.” While, 2017 is coming to an end, I would like to encourage you to find a place to serve. Women’s Council is good place to start. It is
Download Photo: RL_111117_BC.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Joel Garcia of KB Home hands out inventory lists and useful swag at the KB Home booth at Realty Round Up.
PrimeLending Capital City Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, & Jumbo to name only a few home loan products!
Candy Buzan Branch Manager The Candy Buzan Team
Max Leaman Branch Manager Leaman Team
Kim Nielsen Production Manager The Candy Buzan Team
Amy Bailey Oehler Production Manager Leaman Team
Daniel Hyzak Team Loan Officer The Candy Buzan Team
Marie Cyr
Jori Stern
Amanda Stewart
Adam Biehler
Leaman Team
Leaman Team
Leaman Team
Diane M. Clark
Missy Driskell
Trudy Savage
Eiric Smith
Mary Kennedy
Mark Hoffman
Two Great Locations! © 2017 PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company. PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company (NMLS: 13649) is a wholly owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender TX V121013. 1450002 (Hyzak), NMLS 268025 (Clark), NMLS 179666 (Kennedy), NMLS 180066 (Driskell), NMLS 180854 (Savage), NMLS 151263 (Leaman), NMLS 225339 (Bailey), NMLS 177299 (Stern), 208244 (Biehler).
810 Hester’s Crossing, Suite 150 Round Rock, TX 78681 3724 Executive Center Drive, Suite 110 Austin, TX 78731
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â&#x201E;˘
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
Upcoming Events & Education Networking & Other Events
Monthly Association Meetings
Thursday, Nov. 16 RECA: November Happy Hour The Alibi, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 16 WCR: Monthly Luncheon Dave & Busters, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 30 Shepherd Nelson Realty: Ribbon Cutting & Blue Santa Toy Drive 2006 Bagdad Suite 190, Leander, 4 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 3 AMBA: Monthly Meeting Austin Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 2 ABoR: Installation & Industry Awards Celebration Brazos Hall, 5:30-11:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 HBA: Installation & Industry Awards Banquet Phillps Event Center, 6 -10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 WCREALTORS: 45th Annual Awards & Installation Banquet Sheraton Georgetown, 6-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 AMBA: Holiday Party Hotel Van Zant, 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 Platinum Top 50: Awards Ceremony Sheraton Austin, 9-11 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 16 CTAMP: Monthly Meeting Great Hills Country Club, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Continuing Education Classes Monday, Nov. 20 HBA: TAB Builder Contracts Training Phillips Event Center, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29 KB Home: There's a Form for That FREE CE Greenlawn Village, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6 - Thursday, Dec. 7 Champions School of Real Estate: Farm & Ranch Real Estate Champions Round Rock Campus, 8:30 a.m. start both days Thursday, Dec. 7 - Friday, Dec. 8 Champions School of Real Estate: Texas Complete with Broker Responsibility Champions Round Rock Campus, 8:30 a.m. start both days Thursday, Dec. 7 - Friday, Dec. 8 Champions School of Real Estate: Strategies for Career Excellence Round Rock Campus, 8:30 a.m. start both days Thursday, December 7 Champions School of Real Estate: TREC Legal Update II Champions Round Rock Campus, 1:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 Independence Title: Property Tax Chat Rollingwood Office, 10-11 a.m.
Commitment to 5-Star Service We put an emphasis on delivering an unparalleled experience for all of our clients, and it shows with hundreds of positive ratings on Facebook. Contact your local Sente Loan Officer at www.SenteMortgage.com Sente Mortgage NMLS #132111 Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30pm Office: 512.637.9900 901 S Mopac, Bldg. IV Suite 125 Austin, Texas 78746
Wednesday, Dec. 20 KB Home: There's a Form for That FREE CE Pioneer Point, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18 - Thursday, Dec. 21 Champions School of Real Estate: Non-Elective Broker Responsibility Program Evening Class Champions Round Rock Campus, 6 p.m. start all days
Learn more at myRealtyLine.com
33
34
November 2017
Real Estate News & Notes ABoR promotes Stan Martin to MLS Director The Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR), one of the nation’s most progressive Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), announced last month that Stan Stan Martin, MLS Director Martin has been promoted to Director of MLS. Effective immediately, Stan will assume the responsibility for leading efforts to continue to drive strategic relevance and operational excellence of the MLS for ABoR in partnership with its Board of Directors. An experienced MLS executive, Martin provides a strong combination of product management and operational expertise to ABoR, building on trusted relationships gained with both ABoR members and industry leaders, while also contributing to significant growth for the Association. Brandy Guthrie, president of the Austin Board of REALTORS, says, “Stan has a depth of understanding about what Central Texas REALTORS need from the technology of the MLS. He knows how to deliver timely and superior service to our participants and subscribers. Under Stan’s leadership and guidance, satisfaction of the technology services our Association offers is strong. We are thrilled to see him step into the role to lead our entire MLS operation.” Prior to accepting this role, Martin served as interim MLS Director at ABoR. He began his
RL
www.myRealtyLine.com
tenure with ABoR in 2003, serving multiple roles ranging from data support services to MLS supervisor. For the past 14 years, Martin has been instrumental in numerous MLS system conversions and product implementations. Most recently, Martin reduced the average phone hold times 50 percent by leading the restructuring of ABoR departments to enhance daily operations and strengthen member support. Martin is an active leader in the MLS industry, earning the Council of MLS’s CMLX3 Executive Certification and serving on its Finance Section Council. He also serves on the board of directors for MLS Grid, participates in the CoreLogic Advisory Group and is actively working with RESO to provide testing platforms for developers and brokers. “With his extensive involvement and industry relationships, Martin is well positioned to lead effective change in the industry,” added Guthrie. Martin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from St. Edward’s University. The Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) builds connections through the use of technology, education and advocacy to strengthen the careers of its 13,000 members and improve the lives of Central Texas families. We empower Austin REALTORS to connect their clients to the region’s most complete, accurate and up-todate listings data. For more, contact the ABoR Department of Public Affairs at marketing@abor. com or 512-454-7636. For the latest local housing market listings, visit AustinHomeSearch.com. RL
austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
NEW OWNERSHIP: JP & Associates REALTORS acquires Private Label Realty in Texas REAL Trends, the trusted source for news, research, and information about the real estate brokerage industry, just announced that leading Texas-based residential brokerage firm JP and Associates REALTORS (JPAR) acquired substantially all the assets of Private Label Realty’s (PLR) Texas operations. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. “We are pleased to announce this profound partnership,” said JPAR Founder and Owner Giuseppe (JP) Piccinini. “The talent and market knowledge of PLR combined with JPAR’s productivity and service culture will continue to lead and expand our motto of exceeding expectations of our clients and agents across Texas and soon, beyond.” Private Label Realty’s success stands out, with over $650 million in sales in 2016. The company’s team is made up of over 200 licensed agents and brokers operating in major markets across Texas in locations such as Austin, DFW, Houston, and San Antonio. “The combination of PLR and JPAR in the Texas market will be a force to be reckoned with over the coming years. I look forward to seeing our PLR agents flourish as part of the JPAR family,” said Ali Hedayatifar, President of PLR’s parent company Tenura Holdings, Inc. (a privately-held investment company in Austin, Texas). Charles Galati, SVP and general manager of PLR, will be joining JPAR as part of the acquisition and is looking forward to the future of the two companies. “I’m incredibly excited about the poten-
Best
tial this unlocks for us in the years to come,” Galati said. “PLR was created to support producing agents who want to keep more of their commission and work in a fun, rewarding and exponentially growing environment. By aligning ourselves with a leading Texas brokerage that mirrors our agent-centric culture our agents will be able to capitalize on the additional support, tools and services that JPAR has to offer.” After the acquisition, JPAR will be operating 16 offices in the greater DFW, Austin, Houston and San Antonio regions. Having grown over 700 percent in the last three years, JPAR is in excess of $1 billion and plans to expand outside of Texas for future growth. As the company nears the end of its 3rd quarter, Piccinini says JPAR is looking to close about $1.7 billion, with a 60 percent growth from 2016. This year, JPAR ranked in the Dallas Business Journal’s Top 20 Largest North Texas Residential Real Estate Brokerages, as well as Number 586 on the 2017 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest- Growing Private Companies. The Dallas Morning News also ranked JPAR in the Top 100 places to work, and JPAR made the REAL Trends Top 500 brokerages in the US for volume and sales. With this new acquisition, JPAR and PLR will continue to grow a successful business culture, as well as maintain and execute elevated goals for the future of the company as a strong partnership. RL
New Sectio n Now Open
of both
Worlds Neighborhoods from the $300s - $800s In the newest Belterra neighborhood, The Trails, homebuyers can enjoy living right on the greenbelt with meandering paths and a network of scenic trails. Homes in The Trails are within an easy walking distance of one of Belterra’s many parks, including The Retreat that features a new community splash pad. While you are visiting the community, be sure to ask about the Lifestyle Program for residents. Retail, dining and entertainment will be even closer with Belterra Village opening in early 2018. Brookfield Residential I Drees Custom Homes I Highland Homes I Scott Felder Homes Sitterle Homes I Toll Brothers I Trendmaker Homes I Wilshire Homes
512.301.5000 I belterratexas.com
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
www.myRealtyLine.com
November 2017
Thank You To Our Amazing Team!
For Voting For Us As A Top Workplace
Honored as the
Number 3 Small Employeer in Austin With Special Recognition For Our Ethics
2017
IN OUR FIRST YEAR AS A COMPANY, WE’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH TOGETHER
Learn more about our winning team at
www.TexasNationalTitle.com
35
36
November 2017
www.myRealtyLine.com
RL austin
TM
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â&#x201E;¢