in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• Realty Austin Annual Bowling Tournament • WCAoR Tech Tune-Up • Champions School of Real Estate Career Day • and much, much more!
Associates in Progress
for REALTORS
page 25
page 17
Grand Rewards
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SEPTEMBER 2012 • VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 5
Getting ready for the 2013 legislative session by Stacy Hale
A
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lthough the 82nd Texas Legislative Session officially begins on Jan. 8 of 2013, political action committees and government affairs offices in our industry’s associations are gearing up. The general election will be in November, and there are plenty of issues on the table that affect REALTORS, builders, brokers, and other industry professionals. It’s up to organizations such as ABoR, WCAoR, TREPAC, HBA of Greater Austin, and on the state level, Texas Association of Builders and Texas Association of REALTORS, to keep the path
to homeownership clear from unnecessary legislation and overregulation. Realty Line spoke with the leaders of some of these organizations to get the scoop on the important issues and policies they expect will be discussed in the upcoming session, as well as why your support is needed.
Infrastructure “I think you’ll see TAR step out on some infrastructure issues,” says Emily Chenevert, director of government affairs and community relations with the Austin Board of REALTORS. “Specifically finding sources of revenue for the statewide water plan.” In the past, ABoR has focused mostly on typical private property rights and REALTORrelated issues, but water in the state of Texas is
such a growing concern that REALTORS and builders have to take part in the conversation. The state has not yet funded the water plan, and in light of the drought, it is of serious concern as our area continues to grow and builders and developers look for new sources of water to supply the homes. The Texas Association of Builders is also heavily involved, working with business and cities to make headway toward making the water plan a reality. Road infrastructure is likely to be an issue up for discussion. As the Texas Department
of Transportation runs out of funds, after next year, it may be unable to properly maintain existing roads, much less build new ones. There are on average over a 1,000 people per day moving to Texas. In order to build homes to house them, transport needed materials, and get people to work, road infrastructure should be an obvious concern.
Front Page: Continued on page 26
Upcoming Events Thursday, September 20 WCAoR Pardner Up Event WCAoR Office - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, October 2 HBA Lakeway Chapter Fore - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, October 16 HBA Georgetown Chapter Bob's Catfish 'N More - 12 to 1 p.m.
NARI General Membership Meeting Dave & Busters - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WCR Bras for a Cause Maggiano's Little Italy - 6 to 10 p.m.
HBA Golf Extravaganza Forest Creek Golf Club - 12 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 5 AMBA Monthly Luncheon Austin Country Club - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, October 17 AMBA Fall Golf Tournament Great Hills Country Club - 10 a.m.
CCIM Skeet Shoot and Horseshoe Tournament Four-O Ranch - 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 27 imortgage Open House imortgage Office - 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 28 WCAoR Farm & Ranch Meeting WCAoR Office - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. More at www.myRealtyLine.com
Tuesday, October 9 ABoR Realty Round Up Austin Convention Center 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 10 HBA Elected Officials Appreciation Night & BBQ - HBA Office- 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, October 11 WCR Monthly Meeting Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CRS Bi-Monthly Meeting Westwood Country Club - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. NAHREP Monthly Luncheon Cool River Café - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, October 25 HBA Parade of Homes VIP Preview Party The Overlook Estates - 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, October 27 HBA Parade of Homes Kicks Off The Overlook Estates - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes Various Locations - 12 to 6 p.m.