in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• NAHREP Black and White Affair • TREPAC Wine Tasting • Real Estate Networking Night • Goldwasser Real Estate Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening • and much, much more!
Associates in Progress
Georgetown Grand Opening page 9
page 25
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SEPTEMBER 2013 • VOLUME 18 • ISSUE 5
Five reasons you should join an association By Stacy Hale
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rofessional associations elevate the real estate industry and offer resources and relationships you can’t find anywhere else. The mission of these organizations is to be a valuable asset to members and safeguard their interests. Membership offers exclusive benefits, education and even perks that you may not expect. For example, the Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) offers cost-effective insurance programs, and the Williamson County
Association of REALTORS (WCAoR) provides access to legal advice through award winning Texas licensed attorneys as well as numerous discounts, such as Sprint mobile and YMCA memberships. By joining a professional organization in your field, you align yourself with an organization that cares about your business and advocates for you and the community. You connect with hundreds of like-minded professionals who can support you with advice, networks and potential business. Here are five reasons it makes sense to become a member of a professional association in your area.
Network and advertise The first and most obvious benefit of joining an association in your field is networking. Networking and advertising opportunities through association memberships give you better chances not only to extend your reach and connect with potential customers, but also to build relationships with other complementary professions within the industry and form a trusted network of partners. Professional associations hold meetings, events and other networking opportunities that foster relationships, strengthen your network, and could later turn into a niche in the market. Good news for REALTORS on the north side: If you do most of your business in the Williamson County area, you can join an association where you do business the most and network with other agents who focus on the area where you live and work. Promote your business through official channels through advertising opportunities and events: The Home Builders Association of Greater Austin (HBA) publishes a membership and buyers’ guide, and provides multiple avenues for advertising and sponsorships through its annual Parade of Homes, golf tournament, and other events.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, September 18 Teravista "Brand Spankin New" Grand Opening Teravista - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, September 19 WCAoR "Wild Ride" Scavenger Hunt WCAoR Office - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wednesday, October 2 AMBA Monthly Luncheon Westwood Country Club - 11:30 a.m.
These organizations create advertising campaigns that promote property ownership and reach a large percentage of prospective homeowners. The strength of the media outreach that the associations proactively pursue garners hundreds of thousands of dollars in editorial coverage. There are also plenty of advertising opportunities through listing sites. ABoR hosts AustinHomeSearch.com, which draws six million page views per month—an average of 300 views per property.
Make a difference Professional associations provide unique opportunities to serve and participate in the community where you do business. If you’re an HBA member, you have multiple opportunities to participate in and sponsor charity and community events such as the annual Benefit Home and Parade of Homes. The Austin Board of REALTORS holds events that connect you with hundreds of real estate professionals, including Realty Round Up, an Installation and Awards event, Foundation property tours and Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee (TREPAC) golf tournaments. TREPAC is one of several ways to be heard by your local and state government by participating in a political action committee. It is the muscle that stands behind
Front Page: Continued on page 30
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Thursday, October 3 HBA Golf Extrvaganza Teravista Golf Club - 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, October 4 WILCO HREP Lunch & Learn KB Home Office - 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 9 WCR Bras 4 a Cause Shoal Crossing - 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, October 15 NARPM Monthly Luncheon Balcones Country Club 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 16 ABoR Realty Round Up Palmer Event Center 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, October 18 NAPMW Annual Monster Mash Bottle Auction Shoal Crossing - 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 19 NARI 2013 Remodeled Homes Tour - Various locations - 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 20 NARI 2013 Remodeled Homes Tour - Various locations - 12 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 23 HBA Annual BBQ Bash & Elected Officials Appreciation Night HBA Office - 6 to 9 p.m. More at www.myRealtyLine.com