in this issue…
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995™
• ABoR TREPAC's Got Talent • Capital Title White Party • Teravista Blue Agave REALTOR Event & Home Tour • WCREALTORS Luxury Home Tour • and much, much more!
Associates in Progress
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Page 24 SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOLUME 21 • ISSUE 5
Slow months in the real estate market? What to do... By Riki Markowitz
F
or the majority of Austin real estate professionals, the past decade has been on an endless upward trajectory. Brokers have gotten used to receiving a dozen or more bids on the same home and buyers are also making multiple offers before going into contract. It’s such a hot market, some agents complain – or brag, depending on who you’re talking to – about going years without as much as a “staycation.” The logic goes: There will be plenty of time for rest when the inevitable slow-down arrives.
It’s always slow somewhere in Austin
Visit us online 24/7 at www.myRealtyLine.com
P. O. Box 81366, Austin, Texas 78708
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If you look at the numbers, it is true that Austin is booming and has been for years, but that doesn’t mean there’s no downtime to carve
out. According to Shawn Rooker, REALTOR at Realty Austin, “Everyone has slow months. Everyone. Even when it’s busy, I’ve gone four weeks where it’s been fairly slow.” It’s easy to panic when you’ve gone a month or so without a lead or represent one of the few Travis County homes that go more than a week or so without a single viable offer. Any agent with more than a few years under his or her belt, regardless of location, knows that panicking is not an option. In fact, when you do hit an inevitable speed bump, it’s a great time to get some business in order. It’s a time when agents can start planning their end-of-year holiday card blitz, work on their marketing strategy, or just go see a movie. When things get slow, it means you can dedicate more attention to the business you still have, says Steve Crorey, 2016 Austin Board of REALTORS (ABoR) secretary and treasurer. “Mortgage lenders have fewer loans to process, attorneys and title companies have fewer closings, and home inspectors have fewer inspections to fulfill. All of these factors should lead to a quicker transaction and a closing for everyone involved, especially busy REALTORs.” So rather than lamenting a sparsely filled calendar, it’s actually a great time to get to know other Austin professionals in the real estate industry.
lunch, and have dinner at home with the family in the evening may feel exhilarating at first. But then a week or two goes by and some agents may start feeling panicky – especially those who haven’t experienced a few cycles. Allowing yourself to get anxious can actually work against you. If you’re under duress, your finetuned pitch to potential clients may sound less self-assured. In other words, it’s an easy time to make little mistakes. So rather than turning into an armchair analyst and attempting to predict when the market will pick up again, use this time to attend to your personal business in ways you can’t when you’re in the weeds. Sarah Edwards, a REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty, says that no matter what time of year it is, whenever she has a chance to come up for air, she thinks about the holiday season, specifically the handmade gifts she gives to clients and colleagues. A lot of work goes into an agent’s holiday mail campaign – from choosing cards to hand writing a unique message for scores of recipients. When another break in business rolls in again early in summer, “I will reorganize my database and look to see if there’s anyone I haven’t been touch with. I’ll improve my general e-mail campaign, too. I’m constantly looking for ways to improve,” says Edwards.
Don’t Panic
Always be prepared
Going from a 10-hour-per-day work schedule to suddenly having time to hit the gym in the a.m., study for your license renewal after
“The key question for me is, ‘What do I do when I am busy?’” says Rooker. "I think this is more important. Any time I advise an agent, I
tell them the best thing to do is not to prepare for the slow months, but do the right things when you’re busy.” First: never stop looking for new business, no matter what your schedule looks like. “Take at least two hours every day to do something that results in finding new business.” Getting out of practice will make those slow periods more stressful. “I think one potential downfall for new agents is when they get really busy and they stop prospecting.” Crorey, a 2016 ABoR Foundation chair, has been around long enough to know that for his business, holidays tend to be slow. He uses this time to help clients make their homes more marketable by updating photos or by creating virtual tours. Of course, it did take Crorey, Rooker, and Edwards some time to get to the point in their career where they even have slow periods to plan for. An ordinary busy stretch can feel even busier when you’re new to the industry and finding your way while a slow period can actually challenge your decision to become an agent in the first place. A single deal takes several weeks to close. During that time, agents are like worker bees – there are stacks of paperwork; time dedicated to tracking down buyers, brokers, underwriters, and others to collect signatures; and also scores of tiny, endless tasks. One can have the sensation of feeling lost when there’s not much to do. And from lost, it’s a short hop to concerned, then worried, and ultimately
Front Page: Continued on page 28
Upcoming Events Tuesday, September 20th WCREALTORS: Boots & Bling Scholarship Banquet - Lone Oak Barn - 6 to 10 p.m.
Thursday, September 22nd Keep Austin Weird: AYREP 2016 Charity Event - Tellers - 6 - 9 p.m.
Wednesday, October 19th ABoR: Realty Round Up Palmer Events Center - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wednesday, September 21st Belterra Monthly Home Tour Belterra Welcome Center - 9 a.m.
Saturday, September 24-26 Austin NARI Tour of Remodeled Homes Various - 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesday, October 26th HBA: Parade of Homes Preview Party Caliterra/Dripping Springs - 6 - 9 p.m.
Wednesday, September 21st Bryson Home Tour & FREE MCE David Weekley Model - 9 a.m.
Tuesday, October 4th WCR Bras 4 a Cause Norris Conference Center - 4 - 6 p.m.
More at www.myRealtyLine.com
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Stewart Title of Austin, LLC, is proud to introduce the newest members of our Cedar Park area associates.
Longtime Stewart Title associate, Kathy Morford, recently made her move to become the sales executive for the Cedar Park offices of Quest Parkway and Parmer Lane. Jennifer Beck has made her debut in the company as the sales executive for our Cypress Creek office location. Together, they are here to assist our customers from contract to close, each serving as the liaison to all parties throughout the closing process. Escrow officer Patricia Stevens and escrow officer Dina Luther, with her assistant Cindy Gilley, have all joined our Cedar Park Parmer Lane location as our newest escrow teams. They are enthusiastic and prepared to take on all challenges that any transaction may bring. Pictured above from left to right: Jennifer Beck, Patricia Stevens, Dina Luther, Cindy Gilley and Kathy Morford. Visit us at any of our Cedar Park locations to get acquainted with our teams. Cypress Creek – 1903 Cypress Creek Rd., Ste. 102, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 331-9647 Quest Parkway – 900 Quest Pkwy., Ste. B, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 690-2260 Parmer Lane – 3009 Glacier Pass Ln., Ste. 102, Cedar Park, TX 78613 (512) 343-4168 Stewart Title of Austin, LLC
stewart.com/austin
© 2016 Stewart. All rights reserved.
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Austin Board of REALTORS®
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President’s Column
the Board of Directors to reach goals and build
By Aaron Farmer • 2016 President
ABoR committees include Philanthropy, Out-
a better future for your peers in Central Texas. reach, Advocacy, Business, and Education, as well as Board-Appointed ABoR committees, so there is a committee to suit you. I encourage you sign-up for a committee, as they bring great value to Central Texas REALTORS and help guide ABoR.
Attend Realty Round Up for FREE
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egistration for Realty Round Up 2016 is now open! Realty Round Up is the best place to showcase your business and its services to your peers. Attend our biggest event of the year at the Palmer Events Center, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet and mingle with more than 2,000 real estate professionals. This year’s theme is “Game On,” so it’s sure to be an exciting day filled with networking and fun. Attendance is free for REALTOR members if you register online by Friday, Oct. 7. If you register after that date, there will be a fee at the door, so be sure to register early. Add Realty Round Up 2016 to your calendar and register today at ABoRRoundUp.com. I can’t wait to see you there!
September is REALTOR Safety Month The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) is committed to protecting its members and maintaining your personal safety. As part of its efforts to keep members safe, the association dedicates the month of September as REALTOR Safety Month. Selling real estate involves some risk, so it is pertinent to be alert
and learn how to protect yourself at events such as open houses and even in your car. You can find useful resources regarding safety on NAR’s safety pages.
Conquer the Internet with Social Power Join us at the ABoR Headquarters for Social Power on Thursday, Sept. 29 and learn how to conquer the Internet world and social media marketing. The Internet and social media have some great tools to further your business. As a REALTOR, you’ve likely noticed how almost all homebuyers and sellers use social media to take advantage of effective marketing. While the Internet is a great tool, it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. By the end of this exclusive course, you’ll leave with an action plan that best suits you. Visit ABoR.com/Calendar and choose Social Power on Thursday, Sept. 29 to sign up.
ABoR Committees open October 1 By volunteering on an ABoR committee, you get to work closely with ABoR staff and
Industry award nominations The ABoR Industry Award nominations
September 2016
give us the chance to acknowledge members who go above and beyond. Members are recognized for their outstanding contribution to the real estate industry and the community. Winners are chosen based on a variety of criteria and are nominated by their peers. You can nominate a colleague for: REALTOR of the Year, Salesperson of the Year, Affiliate of the Year, Rookie of the Year, or the Community Service award. I am happy to see more members each year doing a great job of serving their clients and the community. RL
ABoR Academy Educational Courses Sept 20: Sept 21: Sept 21: Sept 22:
GRI Finance (4 Day Class) (TREC# 0444) TREC Legal Update I – ABoR HQ (TREC# 04-04-127-29622) TREC Legal Update II – ABoR HQ (TREC# 04-04-127-29623) Professional Standards for REALTORS - ABoR HQ (TREC# 03-00-027-28212)
Sept 22: 5 Essential Strategies to Serving Seniors – ABoR HQ (TREC# 03-00-067-28895)
Sept 24: Introduction to Matrix – ABoR South – (TREC# 03-00-057-2894) Sept 26: Seller Beware: 32 Buyer Outs in Real Estate Contract ABoR North in Cedar Park (TREC# 30678) Sept 26: Get Glad with ECAD Real Estate Agent Classes Sept 26: Green MLS: The Key to Unlocking the Green Home Market (TREC# 30890) Sept 26: Austin Energy ECAD Re Agent Series Classes Sept 27: Guerilla Marketing for Real Estate Pros (TREC# 03-00-117-29749)
More at www.ABoR.com/courses
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Becky Hopkins of Austin Title almost didn’t recognize Ruby Johnson of J Stafford Group in her Lucille Ball get up at the TREPAC’s Got Talent Show.
Buy Photo: RL_090216_M.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Nancy Baier, left, and Penny Green, right, both of Willow Bend Mortgage, join Shelby Leppin of Capital Title to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Capital Title’s Austin division at its White Party.
Buy Photo: RL_071116_J.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Buy Photo: RL_090716_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
2016 AYREP President Stephanie Winans of Legacy Mutual Mortgage gets ready to knock the ball out of the park, (oh wait, wrong sport) at the AMBA Top Golf Social.
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BE SOLD
3%
5
4TH CLOSING+
3RD CLOSING
1ST AND 2ND CLOSINGS
September 2016
3%
3%
+2% BONUS
+1% 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. Š2016 KB Home (KBH). Three percent Broker Co-op is applicable only on KB homes sold in Texas. 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 area 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 1/1/16 and 12/31/16, and close escrow by 12/31/16. 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-62213
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Monica Middleton, second from left, and her team at Capital Title keep cool in August while celebrating five years in Austin at the Capital Title White Party.
Buy Photo: RL_090716_G.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Hello, my name is… Andrew Thurston of Supreme Lending and Mary-Lynn Dunn of Cross Country Lending. The two took names and handed out name tags at the AYREP Education and Happy Hour event at ABoR Headquarters.
Buy Photo: RL_080616_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Josh Penland of Legacy Mutual Mortgage and Denny Holt of Denny Holt REALTORS have some beers and some laughs at the North American Title Thrive at Five event at North by Northwest. Buy Photo: RL_090816_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Becky DeButts of Nextage Lone Star Realty and Jennifer Lish of Keller Williams Realty collect some cool school supplies for low income children at the WCR monthly Business Resource Meeting.
Buy Photo: RL_090316_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
PrimeLending Capital City Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, & Jumbo to name only a few 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
Diane M. Clark
Jori Stern
Amanda Stewart
Adam Biehler
Leaman Team
Leaman Team
Leaman Team
Missy Driskell
Eiric Smith
Trudy Savage
Mark Hoffman
Mary Kennedy
Two Great Locations! © 2016 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
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Williamson County Assoc. of REALTORS®
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President’s Column By Shavonne Martin • 2016 President
WCREATLORS is now part of Central Texas Multiple Listing Service
T
he Williamson County Association of REALTORS is proud to announce its partnership with Four Rivers Association of REALTORS and Temple-Belton Board of REALTORS in the creation of Central Texas’s first Regional Shareholder Multiple Listing Service covering Bell, Caldwell, Comal, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, and Williamson Counties. After many town hall meetings and surveys of the membership, the Williamson County Association is now a shareholder in the Central Texas Multiple Listing Service. Until now, the Williamson County Association of REALTORS was the only association of its size, the ninth largest in Texas, without an ownership interest in an MLS. This partnership now allows the Association to derive many of the benefits afforded to those associations who do have ownership in a local MLS. It is also important to remember this is an additional benefit for our members and does not need to replace your current ACTRIS membership. Rather, it gives you, our mem-
bers, an opportunity of subscribing to either the CTXMLS, staying with your current vendor, joining both MLS systems or subscribing to any MLS you wish to join. The benefit to our members is the freedom to participate in the MLS or MLSs that will give your clients the greatest exposure of their listing. Values Behind Our Vision: • Control and scrutiny of how members’ subscription dollars are spent • Better management, oversight, and enforcement of MLS rules, data fields and field positioning, enhancements, features, and choice of technologies • Better control of how listings are syndicated • Local ability to assist members with the purchase and management of keys and lockboxes and local MLS training and support • Access to market data as it relates to Williamson County and allows the association to be the “Voice of Real Estate” in our county
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• Expansion of our marketplace while reducing the need for multiple MLS systems as well as provide more accurate sold data • Gives WCREALTORS fractional ownership with all the benefits that entitles • Permits local members’ subscription fees to remain local with our organization to enhance member benefits, help fund local initiatives, and give back to our own local communities rather than support another MLS that gives no financial support to our association or our community • Reduction of duplicate MLS fees currently being paid by members to multiple MLSs that are now members of the Regional MLS • Be a part of leading edge MLS cooperation throughout the state of Texas • Local representation at State and National MLS meetings and conventions • WCREALTORS will have a seat at the table if a State or National MLS is formed.
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The 2016-2017 Central Texas MLS Board of Governors will consist of: • Beckie Whittier, Four Rivers, 2016-2017 Chairman • Jack Stapleton, Williamson County, 2016-2017 Vice Chairman • Christy Gessler, Williamson County, 2016-2017 Secretary/Treasurer • Brian Johnson, Four Rivers • Jarred Bryan, Temple-Belton • Melanie Kirchmeier, Temple-Belton This new partnership is the first step toward taking down walls within our region and the state to offer our members the best possible exposure for their listings. Our focus as an organization has always been to offer the best services to our members and this is a continuation of that laser focus. Watch your e-mail, the WCREALTORS Blog, and social media in the upcoming weeks for news about the new CTXMLS, including pricing and the implementation timeline. Thank you for making WCREALTORS your “board of choice” as we move into the future. RL
View Continuing Education Courses
www.wcrealtors.org
RE MARKABLE Does your company stand out? Or blend in? Billions of dollars have been spent promoting the RE/MAX brand, building credibility that translates into transactions for RE/MAX agents. In real estate, there are no perks to being a wallflower.
Find your alternate ending.
©2016 RE/MAX, LLC. Each RE/MAX® office is independently owned and operated. 16_107715
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Sheila Balagia of Texas Capital Title, Michael Schwartz of Capital Title and BJ Green of Redefy Real Estate mix and mingle at the Capital Title White Party.
Buy Photo: RL_090716_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Barbara Ditlow of Realty Austin and Nicholas Landis of Keller Williams Realty tour one of the available units at Wes Peoples Homes’ Summer Block Party at The Alpine.
Buy Photo: RL_090616_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Buy Photo: RL_090516_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Brittney Heffernan of Highland Homes does a clean sweep of the yard while volunteering for AREAA’s Building Community Day. AREAA Building Community Day (ABCD) is the organization's national campaign committed to improving living conditions and creating a safe haven for Asian American homeowners who cannot afford to improve the safety and health of their homes.
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AUSTIN TITLE HARTLAND PLAZA
THE LEVEL OF OUR STABILITY IS MEASURED BY OUR LONGEVITY. PLEASE CALL US FOR YOUR RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS. WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS.
TROY CONOVER SVP/Branch Manager Troy.Conover@austintitle.com 512-329-0777
Hartland Plaza 1717 W. 6th St., Ste.105 Austin Texas 78703 www.austintitle.com
CRISELDA AYALA
PAMELA BEAUCHAMP
AVP/Escrow Officer Criselda.Ayala@austintitle.com 512-329-0777
Escrow Officer Pamela.Beauchamp@austintitle.com 512-329-0777
SARAH SCHOLWINSKI MCCALLAY Escrow Officer Sarah@austintitle.com 512-329-0777
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Shanna Terry of Virtuance and Alysha Cable and JB Goodwin, REALTORS, kill two birds with one stone at the AYREP Education and Happy Hour event. The two learn and network at the same time!
Buy Photo: RL_080616_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Kay DaSilva and Debra Groch, both of Avalar Austin, get ready to see some talented folks “do their thing” at the ABoR TREPAC’s Got Talent event.
Buy Photo: RL_090216_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Capital Title CEO Bill Shaddock welcomes guests to the company’s White Party celebrating five successful years in Austin with Anna Sheffield and Kevin Clark. Buy Photo: RL_090516_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Wes Peoples of Urban Homes by Wes Peoples thanks Mike McCoy of Mission Mortgage for making it out to his Summer Block Party at The Alpine which featured live music, food trucks and Tito's vodka.
Buy Photo: RL_090716_D.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
SHADOW GLEN · MANOR
13105 Craven Lane · 78653 · 512.579.4809
James Pham · jpham@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.731.6756 Rob Lewis · rlewis@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.797.5539 13300 Craven Lane 16920 John Michael 17008 John Michael
Parker-C 2,747 Nimitz-B 3,217 Stevenson II-C 2,546
SILVERLEAF · ROUND ROCK Blanco-A Colorado-E Comal-E Blanco-C
2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar
$317,490 $337,230 $303,380
JAN JAN JAN
9563769 7264719 6783004
20301 Hidden Gully Lane · 78660 · 512.614.2377
2,020 2,577 2,084 2,030
PENLEY PARK · PFLUGERVILLE
1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/3Bath/2.5Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar
Caldwell-B Pedernales-B Parker-B Caldwell-C Connally-C Parker-C Parker-C Sterling-D Sterling-C Houston-B Houston-A
$321,760 $337,205 $342,400 $330,690
DEC OCT NOW DEC
1327049 9219300 9515539 6851625
20301 Hidden Gully Lane · 78660 · 512.614.2377
1,812 2,580 2,747 1,772 1,984 2,747 2,747 2,448 2,448 2,340 1,975
1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/3Bath/3Gar 2Story/4Bed/3.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/3.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/3.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/5Bed/3.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/3Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar
3651 Sandy Brook #200 3651 Sandy Brook #202 3651 Sandy Brook #204 3651 Sandy Brook #235
Muirfield-B Oakmont-A Turnberry-C Muirfield-C
1,773 1,713 1,966 1,905
2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar
VILLAGES of HIDDEN LAKE · PFLUGERVILLE
$299,990 $282,410 $290,590 $300,920
NOV NOV NOV JAN
4738198 5926134 1176001 8875805
3916 Jennie Marie Drive · 78660 · 512.645.0059
Lillian Pham · lpham@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.775.5447 Brennan Doty · bdoty@mybuffington.com · Cell 409.853.6942
Deborah J. Peel · dpeel@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.998.0051 Martin Ramos · mramos@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.868.7884 20200 Hidden Gully 20305 Hidden Gully 708 Carillion Drive 717 Carillion Drive 725 Carillion Drive 700 Gunning Cove 20201 Navarre Terrace 20145 Navarre Terrace 20205 Navarre Terrace 705 Manzano Lane 732 Coltrane Drive
78665 · 512.579.4809
Lillian Pham · lpham@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.775.5447
Martin Ramos · mramos@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.868.7884 Deborah J. Peel · dpeel@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.998.0051 104 Blue Spruce Way 108 Blue Spruce Way 204 Blue Spruce Way 212 Blue Spruce Way
THE VILLAS at UNIVERSITY PARK · ROUND ROCK
$266,870 $389,990 $317,140 $267,200 $285,510 $322,920 $316,920 $299,990 $305,665 $322,450 $292,480
NOW NOW NOV NOW OCT OCT DEC OCT OCT DEC DEC
4813963 7674239 4880625 7540998 9313163 4275531 9048897 6782582 1183539 7325262 2470371
3612 Anchor Bay Dr. 3700 Wetland Dr. 18308 Drecker Springs 18312 Drecker Springs 17300 Silent Harbor 17321 Silent Harbor 17324 Silent Harbor 17328 Silent Harbor 17405 Silent Harbor 17409 Silent Harbor
Timberlake-C Ferguson-II Houston-B Stevenson II-C Blanco-C Brazos-C Sabine-F Rio Grande-B Blanco-B Brazos-C
2,027 1,657 1,975 2,492 2,030 2,422 2,062 2,981 2,368 2,422
ORCHARD RIDGE · LIBERTY HILL
1Story/3Bed/2Bath/3Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/3Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar 1Story/4Bed/2Bath/3Gar 2Story/5Bed/3Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/3Bath/2Gar 2Story/4Bed/2.5Bath/2Gar
$281,220 $249,800 $268,380 $282,360 $299,990 $317,760 $299,990 $341,205 $338,690 $322,360
NOW OCT OCT OCT DEC SEPT NOW SEPT DEC DEC
104 Orchard Park Drive · 78628 · 512.579.4809
Lillian Pham · lpham@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.775.5447 Brennan Doty · bdoty@mybuffington.com · Cell 409.853.6942 Thomas Van Lith · tvanlith@mybuffington.com · Cell 512.484.8677 609 Beebrush Court 133 Firewheel Pass 249 Wild Sage Lane
Parker-H Houston-I Houston-H
Austin’s Leading Local Homebuilder
2,756 1,908 1,908
4985421 7928269 8383492 1254477 7748654 6108282 9316029 2964311 7604871 7401052
2Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar 1Story/3Bed/2Bath/2Gar
$362,000 $340,260 $311,890
JAN JAN JAN
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™Aug2016.PRESS.pdf LifeisPrettyRough.RealtyAd austin
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September 2016
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Developed by Legend Communities in partnership with Crescent Communities. Exclusively marketed by Legacy International Resort Properties. Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits of value, if any, of this property.
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Kim Correa of North American Title and Shaun Rakhar of First Unique Realty both have something in common with Happy Gilmore — hit that puck ladies! The two have some fun at the AMBA TopGolf Social.
Buy Photo: RL_080716_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Judy Dawson of Keller Williams Realty and Joanie Davis of JP & Associates REALTORS learn a thing or two about staging while attending a MCE course at the Brohn Homes model home at the Oaks at San Gabriel.
Buy Photo: RL_090216_J.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Oliva Flores, aka Marilyn Monroe, shows off her skills at TREPAC’s Got Talent Show.
Buy Photo: RL_090116_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Continuing Education Programs (CE) 18-Hour CE Program
Texas Complete with Broker Responsibility Oct 13 - 14
119
Thu: 8:30 am - 6:50 pm Fri: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
• NEW How to Write and Understand a Policies and Procedures Manual • How to Operate a Brokerage Firm
Wed: 8:30 am - 6:50 pm Thu: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Included in this 18-hour program: • Investors and Types of Buyers • Valuation of Properties • Commercial Contracts • Leasing and Property Management • Due Diligence Checklist
$
Includes Legal Update I & II $80 for 8 hours TREC Legal Update I & II only
18-Hour CE Programs
Insider’s Guide to Commercial Real Estate Oct 12 - 13
119
$
• Records Organization and Retention • 8-hour TREC Legal Update I & II
Strategies for Career Excellence Oct 13 - 14
Thu: 8:30 am - 6:50 pm Fri: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
• TREC Legal Update 1 & 2 • Success Strategies
• Technology Update • Texaplex, published book by David Winans
8-Hour Legal Update I & II
$80 for 8 hours TREC Legal Update I & II only
18-Hour Commercial/Farm & Ranch Programs Also Available Online
Real Estate
99
$
80
$
Oct 28 Fri: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm This course is offered via the new delivery method, ChampionsLive! Visit ChampionsSchool.com/live to find out more.
Loan Origination
Home Inspection
Appraisal
Business Etiquette
Austin/Round Rock Campus Round Rock Crossing Plaza 3203 S I-35 Ste 520 Round Rock, TX 78664 Located at I-35 & 45 Toll Road
ChampionsSchool.com/Austin | 512-244-3545
Open to the Public; TREC #0005; Insider’s Guide: 29948; Broker Responsibility #27767; Legal I #29622; Legal II #29623; Texaplex #30042; Contracts #29904; Strategies for Career Excellence #29975;
ITCescrow083016RL.pdf 1 8/30/16 Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.â„¢
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
Ashley Anyankor of Brohn Homes thanks David and Celeste of Premier Property Group for attending her company’s free MCE course, Staging to Sell, at the Brohn Homes model home at the Oaks at San Gabriel.
Buy Photo: RL_090116_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Meet the WCR Officers. From left to right are 2016 WCR Austin President Ruby Johnson, 2017 WCR Austin President Becky DeButts, President-Elect Carol Hardy, VP of Membership Jennifer Lish, Secretary Dodi Meyer, and Treasurer Aaron Lee. Buy Photo: RL_090816_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
The wheels on the bus go around Teravista for a tour of the luxury home quick movein models available. Danny Hill of Keller Williams Realty and Don Cox of Realty Austin were among those who caught a ride. Buy Photo: RL_080716_H.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Tami Baker of Riverstone Real Estate takes a whack at the ball. Wait, did we just hear a car alarm? Oops!!
Buy Photo: RL_090916_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
NOW SELLING! The Enclave at Covered Bridge
PRIDE IN OUR WORK “Optimum customer satisfaction and a smooth transaction is always my goal.” Jessica Valenzuela
Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1094810
www.dhimortgage.com
Call DHI Mortgage today!
512-502-0545
• • • • • • •
3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-bedroom plans Minutes from downtown Austin Close to AMD Beautiful greenbelt home sites Only 83 homes available! Gorgeous views Near Southwest Parkway
SW Austin Homes From The Low $400s 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/otherpages/licensing. Provided for informational purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. Not all borrowers will qualify. REV: 08/29/16 / EXP: 08/26/17
J.R. Esquivel
512.831.4389 | JR@Brohnhomes.com
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Home Builders Assoc. of Greater Austin
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President’s Column By Wes Wigginton • 2016 President
F
Austin's quality of life and diversity depend on our ability to work with elected officials
or the last 11 years, the HBA of Greater Austin has hosted its Elected Officials Appreciation Night and BBQ Bash to honor our local elected officials and thank them for their service. This year was no different. On Sept. 14th, HBA members welcomed several dozen officials from city, county and state government that represent citizens within the HBA’s six-county Central Texas region. It’s an opportunity for members to educate them about the realities of what it takes to deliver housing to the region and how the regulatory decisions made on the government level impact housing prices. More importantly, we are able to open a real dialogue with them about how their decisions impact the ability of residents to buy a home here. The Central Texas region has seen, and continues to see rapid increases in housing prices and builders cannot build fast enough to keep up with demand. Experts say that we need to be delivering a minimum of 15,000 new homes annually to maintain a balanced housing market and keep prices at an affordable level, yet in 2015 builders struggled to deliver little more than 11, 500 new homes — well below the recommended
level. The main culprit for the low level of housing starts continues to be lot constraints. Developers must work within the regulatory process to deliver lots for builders to provide homes. The process, in many cases, is broken, taking more than two years from start to finish. It’s no wonder why home builders are struggling to deliver the number of homes needed to balance the market. More than four years ago, the City of Austin, adopted the CodeNEXT plan for a new development code that would ease the backlog, yet we have yet to see a draft code. The problem will not go away on its own. It’s important that our elected officials are properly informed so that they are equipped to make the best decisions they can in order to have a positive impact on our community. For this reason, the HBA continues to welcome an open dialogue with our elected officials. It is absolutely necessary to address the affordability crisis. The region’s quality of life and diversity depend on it. We encourage you to get involved. Our strength is in our numbers. Together we can make a difference. Please consider donating to the HBA’s HomePAC so we can continue the
2016 Parade of Homes entry by Sterling Custom Homes. The 5,105 sq. ft. house includes five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms and is currently for sale. Visit www.ParadeofHomesAustin.com for details.
fight for everyone’s right to home ownership in Central Texas. Contact Geoffrey Tahuahua, HBA VP of Public Policy at (512) 982-9175 or e-mail him at Geoffrey@hbaaustin.com to find out how you can make a difference.
2016 Parade of Homes Builder Spotlight Last month, we highlighted the third of four beautiful homes that will be on display at the 2016 Parade of Homes that will take place Oct. 28 – Nov. 13 in the Dripping Springs luxury home community of Caliterra. Visitors are in for a treat and will be inspired by the latest building technology, upgrades galore and the best design ideas in the region. If you have a client looking to settle into a prestigious, luxurious and comfortable “home of their dreams,” buying a Parade home is an opportunity of a lifetime. Each home is for sale and waiting for the perfect buyer. Here’s a peek at one of the homes “on Parade” this Fall: Sterling Custom Homes has developed a unique process that allows it to transform a customer’s ideas into reality. Since 1989, Sterling Custom Homes has created and optimized systems that streamline every aspect of the custom home building process. From lot analysis to design, through selec-
tions, and on to construction and closing, Sterling Custom Homes has the expertise, talent and systems to make the process easy and fun.
About the home The Sterling Custom Homes entry combines Hill Country ambiance with a modern touch. Its clean lines and smart color combinations create a soothing, comfortable living environment. When you enter this home you will immediately feel the connection from inside to out – compliments of nearly 40’ of 10’ tall glass walls that line the back of the home leading out to the spacious covered outdoor living area. The beautiful oak trees and inviting pool are so visible that they become an extension of the indoor living space. The pocketing glass wall section that opens the entire breakfast room to the outdoor patio offers the indoor/outdoor transition buyers are looking for. A chef’s kitchen, professional grade media room and an abundance of other technologically advanced features will be on display for visitors to experience. Smartly decorated to create a relaxing, comfortable living environment, this home will provide a tranquil retreat for its owners. For more information on the 2016 Parade of Homes, visit paradeofhomesaustin.com. RL
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Natalie Roberts of Social Strategies welcomes Mike McCoy of Mission Mortgage to the Wes Peoples Homes Summer Block Party at The Alpine.
Buy Photo: RL_090516_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Marjorie Burciaga of Independence Title, Natalie Penland of Legacy Mutual Mortgage and Carol Baker of Capitol City Insurance mingle a while at the AMBA Top Golf Social.
Buy Photo: RL_090416_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Buy Photo: RL_080716_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
SCORE BIG with
North American Title
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
Like Clockwork ®
www.nat.com/Texas www.facebook.com/Austin.nat
WCREALTORS President Shavonne Martin and WCREALTORS staff Kent Prickett give the Luxury Home Tour bus a little “push” to get this show on the road.
Join us OCT.19 at the Palmer Events Center for the Austin Board of REALTORS® 2016 Realty Round Up – the largest real estate tradeshow in Central Texas. Visit us at Booth 523 to meet North American Title’s closing professionals and to engage in a little ‘fun and games’ with our associates.
Your Closing Professionals
CHRISTINA ISAAC Business Consultant c: 512.497.7306 e: cisaac@nat.com
BETTE COOK Business Consultant c: 512.965.9856 e: bcook@nat.com
VICTOR AGUILAR Business Consultant c: 512.909.1532 e: vaguilar@nat.com
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
©2016 North American Title Group and its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. North American Title Group and its subsidiaries are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. | TX16-9684 TX 8.30.16
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ELEVATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS!
As one of Texas’ top homebuilders, Trendmaker Homes has delighted clients like yours with exceptional homes for over 45 years. Now, Trendmaker is building elegant, fully appointed homes in Belterra and Crystal Falls. Each one designed and built with Trendmaker’s higher standards from the start. Full communication and transparency for you. Great care for your clients.
Call Kim at 512.575.4714 to schedule your VIP tour!
Now in Belterra and Crystal Falls.
Coming soon to Rancho Sienna and Headwaters.
Earn a 1% bonus commission now through September 30.* * Offer applies to contracts written and accepted between now and Sept. 30, 2016. Home must close and fund to receive bonus. Offer cannot be combined with any other bonus selling to agent (BTSA) or any current offer. Realtor is responsible for taxes and will receive a 1099. Offer is redeemable after the close and funding of home. Realtor must be registered as client’s Realtor of Record at time of initial visit and is not valid on previously negotiated or written contracts.
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address & builder
sq. ft.
bed
bath
garage
529 CHITALPA
david weekley homes
1,976
3
2
2
$
617 CHITALPA
2,641
4
3.5
3
$
scott felder homes
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
TEXAS
LEANDER
18
price
comm.
324,990
5%
357,990
5% david weekley homes
601 CHITALPA
scott felder homes
2,426
3
2.5
2
$
359,990
5%
533 CHITALPA
david weekley homes
2,760
4
3
2
$
369,990
5%
2032 TEXAS SAGE grand haven homes
2,560
3
2.5
2
$
373,415
5%
520 CHITALPA
grand haven homes
2,732
3
2.5
2
$
398,000
5%
717 GERMANDER
3,389
4
4.5
3
$
499,900
5%
drees homes
drees custom homes
grand haven homes
528 GERMANDER drees homes
3,846
4
4.5
3
$
539,900
FOR A LIST OF ALL INVENTORY HOMES PLEASE VISIT LIVEATBRYSON.COM
5%
scott felder homes
LIVEATBRYSON.COM | HOMES FROM THE $300s to $500s | 512.259.1035 *This offer is available to licensed real estate professionals acting as buyer’s agent for select new homes in the Bryson community built by David Weekley Homes, Drees Custom Homes, Grand Haven Homes, and Scott Felder Homes. Home must sell on or before 12/31/16. Additional rules, regulations and restrictions apply. This advertisement shall not constitute an offer or solicitation to sell land in the Bryson community (the “Project”) to residents of any state where registration of the Project is required by applicable law. Home sites in the Project are available for sale without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Prices and specifications are subject to change. 8.30.16
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September 2016
OUR BIRTHDAY! YOUR PARTY! OCTOBER 15TH, 12-4PM Bryson is turning 1! Come celebrate a year of community building with us and discover why so many families are calling Bryson home. Be one of the first 50 families to arrive and get a free Bryson lawn blanket. Visit brysonbirthday.com to learn more!
LIVE BLUEGRASS BY LOST PINES BAND FRAICHE AND ROSARITO FOOD TRUCKS BEER AND WINE
FACE PAINTING
GAMES BIRTHDAY CAKE AND MORE
liveatbryson.com | homes from the $300s to $500s | 512.259.1035 | located off 183A in leander
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Buy Photo: RL_090216_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Bill Evans of Austin Real Pros seems to have lost his sheep at the TREPAC’s Got Talent Show.
Since 1976
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
austin
Women's Council of REALTORS®
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
President ‘s Column By Ruby Johnson • 2016 President
When the market slows, take advantage of WCR benefits
A
ustin WCR is the place to be when the real estate market slows down! Why you ask – “We are a network of successful REALTORS, advancing women as professionals and leaders in business, the industry and the communities we serve.” WCR offers the tools to help you be successful through education, informative programs, we serve our community and the local, state and national referrals are a bonus. Did you know that Women’s Council of REALTORS is the 12th largest U.S. Women’s Professional Organization? Women’s Council was founded in 1938 and 10 percent of the members are male. Austin WCR was chartered in 1957. We firmly believe that through education you will be able to weather the slow market so when it’s strong again you can have the knowledge and confidence to keep your client’s best interest in mind. Through fresh and relevant programs, Austin WCR provides monthly topics of interest to help you be successful in your business. For example in August, Laura Fowler, managing
shareholder of the Fowler Law Firm, LLC presented the “Top Ten Legal Mistakes You can Easily Avoid if you are a REALTOR or Real Estate Professional.” This is certainly a topic real estate professionals should be aware of and can pass on to their clients. Austin WCR will host several additional programs at our Business Resource Meetings at 10000 Estancia Churrascaria, 10000 Research Blvd., Austin, TX 78759 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Oct. 20 – Michelle Baker, Congruency Catalyst • Nov. 17 – Jan Goss, Civility Consulting On Oct. 4, Austin Women’s Council of REALTORS will host The Fourth Annual Bras 4 A Cause at The Norris Conference Center, 2525 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 365, Austin, TX 78757. This is a great networking event featuring men modeling decorated bras that will be auctioned to the highest bidder with proceeds from the bras going to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Central Texas (BCRC). We have teamed together with BCRC because breast cancer affects us all and it will
www.myRealtyLine.com only be eradicated with the persistent efforts of our community as a whole. The reason we chose BCRC is because it is a non-profit, grass roots organization created by breast cancer survivors. Who better to know what is needed than those who are affected! BCRC is a centralized source for breast cancer information, education and support. This organization helps people of any age, culture, education, profession, gender and financial status navigate breast cancer from diagnosis through recovery at NO CHARGE! We have some exciting opportunities available for sponsorship. Please contact Christina Isaac, Bras 4 A Cause, Chair at (512) 497-7306 or cisaac@nat.com and please look for additional info on our FB Page. We would love to see you – come have fun with us. Austin WCR recently partnered with the MicroSoft Store at the Domain and provided a large amount of school supplies for the less fortunate children in the Austin area. Referrals on the national, state and local level are certainly an added benefit. Women's Council Members Do Referrals
September 2016
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• Average commission income from WCR member-to-member referrals: $13,217 • Percentage of members who referred business to another member annually: 56 percent • Percentage of members who cite ROI in dues dollars in Women's Council referral network: 58 percent • Percentage of members who cite Women's Council network as #1 referrals source: 45 percent • No. 1 reason cited for doing Women's Council member-to-member referrals: "Council membership means a high-level business leader who will follow through on client needs." Who doesn’t love Bunko? Who doesn’t love Blingo Bingo? Who doesn’t love dancing to the local band Suede? We would love to see our members and future members at our next business luncheon. Please visit our website at www.austinwcr. org for event and program information and follow us on Facebook. RL
Buy Photo: RL_090816_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Networking is easy at WCR Austin Business Resource Meetings. Jay Brummett of Jay Brummett REALTORS and Ann Marie Sandlin of Jay Gohil Realty take advantage of the opportunity to make new friends.
OPENING
FALL 2016 Playground. Sanctuary. Immersive. Home.
Begin anew, come to the source. A cherished past. A vital future. An amazing collection of amenities, neighborhoods and scenic expanses with something close to every home. It’s time to claim yours. DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES | DREES CUSTOM HOMES | TRENDMAKER HOMES LiveHeadwaters.com Materials are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. All rights in these materials are reserved. All products and company names marked as trademarked (™) or registered (®) are trademarks of their respective holders. Copying, reproduction and distribution of materials without prior written consent of Freehold Communities is strictly prohibited. All information, plans, and pricing are subject to change without notice. This information does not represent a specific offer of sale or solicitation to purchase property within Headwaters. Models do not reflect racial preference.
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Laura Fowler of The Fowler Law Firm gives WCR Austin members some insight on the top 10 legal mistakes you can easily avoid if you are a REALTOR. She was the guest speaker at the WCR Austin monthly Business Resource Meeting.
Buy Photo: RL_090816_F.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
More than 30 REALTORS attend Teravista’s Blue Agave REALTOR event for updates on neighborhood plans and a peek at the quick move-in homes available in the new Blue Agave neighborhood.
Buy Photo: RL_090916_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Helen Thomas of Re/ Max Austin Skyline and Bette Cook of North American Title mix and mingle a while at the North American Title “Thrive at Five” event at North by Northwest. Buy Photo: RL_090716_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Lisa Moguel of CMG Financial and Tommy Holmes of Capital Title catch up while attending the Capital Title White Party.
Buy Photo: RL_090316_A.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
THERE IS A PASSING OF THE TORCH HAPPENING….
Int�oducing
Matthew LaBita AS THE NEW TEAM LEADER AT
P. S. AVIS WUKASCH IS STILL THE BROKER
SOUTHWEST Diane Johnson Melanie Kennemann 448-4111
NORTHWEST Christi Davidson Brian Martin 346-3550
LAKE TRAVIS Melissa Webb 263-9090
ROUND ROCK Matthew LaBita 255-5050
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Becky Johnson
Kirk Sebastian
Bill Cozart
Mike Tvinnereim
Doris Stout
Quin Linich
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Can you match each Drees Custom Homes’ market manager with their community? Visit five market managers and take a selfie with them to be entered to win a $500 Lowe’s gift card*!
September 2016
Belterra
Rocky Creek
Bryson
Rough Hollow
Caliterra
Sweetwater
Cimarron Hills
Deer Haven
Submit your selfies to Sue Gugala at sgugala@dreeshomes.com by October 15, 2016 to win.
James Ament
Jim Reed
You can post your selfies on Facebook using the hashtag #dreeshomes and tag us @DreesCustomHomesAustin.
©2016 The Drees Company. All rights reserved. 170561 8/16
See a Drees Market Manager for details.
Jon Blance
Judd Brook
Sara McGettrick
Clearwater Ranch
dreeshomes.com
Travisso
Enclave at Brushy Creek *Realtors who visit a minimum of five Drees model homes September 15 to October 15, 2016 and email a photo of themselves with each Market Manager will be entered into a drawing to win a $500 Lowe’s gift card. All entries must be received by October 20, 2016. Entries may be submitted via email to Sue Gugala at sgugala@dreeshomes.com or mail to Drees Custom Homes, Attn: Sue Gugala, 7300 RR 2222 Building 2, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78730. Drees is not responsible for undeliverable or missing emails.
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Supreme Lending A S S O C I AT E S I N P R O G R E S S - A d v e r t i s e r P r o f i l e b y K a t i e B r o w n
S
ince it was established in 1999, Supreme Lending has been one of the industry’s top mortgage brokerage firms. Supreme Lending continues to grow by adding branches, loan officers and support staff across the United States. Today, Supreme Lending’s McClellan Region includes four offices in the Austin area, one in San Antonio and one in Houston. “We currently employ over 35 loan officers in the region,” says John McClellan, regional manager. “The branch was started in 2007, and we have seen sustained growth over the past six years or so.” McClellan, who is responsible for managing the branch and region, says one of Supreme Lending’s top priorities is ensuring its clients and employees are happy. “We are focused on creating a great working environment and great customer experience,” he says. “This helps us ensure we close loans on time, every time.” Whether a first-time homebuyer or repeat client, Supreme Lending McClellan Branch offers residential loans and programs to meet their client’s needs. “Our goal is to offer all clients the same professional service, rates and programs,” McClellan says. “We are real people who are available to communicate with clients throughout the process. Our support team, underwriters and closers work together
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September 2016
to ensure we maximize the experience for our clients.” Because purchasing a home for the first time can seem like a daunting process, Supreme Lending guides new homebuyers through the process of buying and financing their first home. “The process may seem a little intimidating, so we do everything we can to create a low barrier of entry and educate them and guide them through the process,” McClellan says.
austin
down payment,” he says. “Additionally, we offer FHA and VA loans with little down payment as well.” Another way Supreme Lending helps is by ensuring the industry is up-to-speed with the evolving loan and mortgage industry. “I have a passion for sharing and educating our community about real estate,” McClellan says. “Several times a year, we bring market update classes to our industry partners and share new guidelines and programs with local real estate agents.” When it comes to choosing a mortgage lender, Supreme Lending is known for being local, accountable and knowledgeable. “It is important to work with a reputable lender that is available and knowledgeable in this competitive market,” McClellan says. “You or your REALTOR can reach my loan officers anytime and ask them anything you may want to know.
We found that 96.4 percent of customers surveyed were very satisfied, and REALTOR satisfaction surveys measured a 94.6 percent satisfaction rating ...
For homebuyers needing some help with their down payment, McClellan notes that there are several options available. “There are down payment assistance programs to help a buyer that may not have enough funds for
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
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Our loan operations are local with a dedicated processing, underwriting and funding team.” To ensure it is meeting and exceeding the expectations of its clients, Supreme Lending pays attention to feedback directly from the source. “We measure our success in three
John McClellan, Regional Manager
ways: customer satisfaction, REALTOR satisfaction and the amount of time it takes to get a loan closed. We found that 96.4 percent of customers surveyed were very satisfied, and REALTOR satisfaction surveys measured a 94.6 percent satisfaction rating,” McClellan says. “We also track the amount of time it takes to get a loan closed, from the day our clients make a loan application until the loan is clear to close (#CLR2CLS). Our measurement is 21.28 days, which outpaces most in the industry.” By striving to provide a high-quality working environment for employees and a great experience for customers, Supreme Lending is able to ensure a successful mortgage and home buying process. “Customers can expect to be treated like family by a dedicated team of professionals who love helping put families into homes,” says McClellan. RL
2016 R E A LT O R R E WA R D S
Mercedes
drivehome in a new
ESTABLISHED. EXPERIENCED. LOCAL. BARTON SKYWAY OFFICE 1501 S. Mopac, Suite 130, Austin, Texas 78746
from highland homes !
(512) 480-8353
Sell 2 Highland homes between
JANUARY 1 & SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 and you'll be entered for a chance to win a
MERCEDES E-350!
MORE SURPRISES AWAIT!
DRIVE IN STYLE!
Jennifer Pedersen
Debbie
Shonte
Peek Battle VP/Branch Manager Sr Commercial EO VP/Sr Escrow Officer Escrow Assistant
Tabitha Jacobs
Escrow Assistant
Kelly Mosley
Escrow Assistant
Ruth Bukowsky
Escrow Assistant
Ellen Banks
Escrow Assistant
www.chicagotitleaustin.com
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From the $400s-$600s
404 W. Alpine, Austin, TX 78704
Exceptional Design & Urban Sophistication. The Alpine Austin is the culmination of years of careful design and planning by master builder Wes Peoples Urban Homes. The wonderful heritage live oak trees were preserved on the property, creating a park-like setting for the 17 unique townhomes. These homes are available now and at only $281 per square foot, are the best value on the market in 78704. We welcome you to explore our website and then come visit us at the property for a tour of our model home.
The homes merge thoughtful design, architectural originality, and material quality, creating a blend of luxury, location and lifestyle that culminates in a truly remarkable living experience.
Located in the bustling South Congress – S. 1st Street area. The community was created in partnership with nationally known and award-winning Kipp Flores Architects and Mary DeWalt Design Group.
The new townhomes focus on energy savings and low maintenance living. Plans range from 1,357 to 2,466 square feet in 2 and 3 bedroom configurations with flexible living spaces, private yards, and attached garages.
Give us a call or go online for more information. 404 W. Alpine, Austin, TX 78704
wespeopleshomes.com | thealpineaustin.com
Prices, terms, specifications, and availability are subject to change without notice. See Sales Associate for details.
To schedule a tour contact: Matt Ditlow | 512-638-7977 | mattditlow@realtyaustin.com
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Skyler Gardner of 360 Home Connect shows Vicki Jones Jennings of Keller Williams Realty all the things you can do with a smart home at the AYREP Education and Happy Hour event at ABoR’s headquarters.
Buy Photo: RL_080616_D.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Amber Houmes of Brohn Homes and Amy George of Impact Interiors are excited to see a full house for the free MCE course, Staging to Sell, at the Brohn Homes model at The Oaks at San Gabriel.
Buy Photo: RL_090116_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
The DHI Mortgage “Dancing Divas" take home the 2nd Place Prize at TREPAC’s Got Talent Show.
Buy Photo: RL_080716_E.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Christina Isaac of North American Title takes aim at that Pokemon on the green at the AMBA Top Golf Social.
Buy Photo: RL_090216_L.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
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and opportunities are boundless, ensuring each customer is able to build a home to build his or her specific needs and dreams. “At M/I Homes one of the main things that we pride ourselves on is that not only do we have a lot of features that are included but we have an extensive list of included choices at no additional cost, including interior doors, hardware, bathroom and kitchen sinks, and more,” Conner says. “M/I Homes of Austin has one of the strongest offerings of included features of any Austin builder.” For homeowners who decide to build from the ground, they can choose from more than 30 types of custom-made cabinets, seven included granites, 10 interior paint colors, four interior lighting finishes, two door styles, three kitchen sinks, two bathroom and kitchen finishes, and much more. Addition-
MI Homes A S S O C I AT E S I N P R O G R E S S - A d v e r t i s e r P r o f i l e b y K a t i e B r o w n
F
or more than 40 years, M/I Homes has been building new homes of outstanding quality and superior de-
Kreg Conner, vice president of sales and marketing for M/I Homes. When it comes to its customers, M/I Homes has options for every type of homebuyer. “We give our customers the opportunity to build a home from the ground up and experience our brand new in-house design center or they are able to purchase an inventory home that has already been built or in the process of being built,” Conner says. “We offer a selection of homes that will
sign. In 1976, M/I Homes was founded as a family business by Irving and Melvin Schottenstein and has grown as a national leader, providing more than 100,000 homeowners with their dream homes. M/I Homes has been building homes in the Austin market since 2013, and in just three short years, has expanded into 11 dif-
September 2016
ferent local communities and developments.
27
Kreg Conner, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
design center. “At our design center, our customers have the opportunity to enhance their home with a wide variety of flooring, bath,
M/I Homes is currently selling in Caballo
cabinet, stair, and kitchen materials, as well
Ranch-Leander, Parkside at Mayfield Ranch-
as color selections and additional unique fea-
M/I Homes of Austin has one of
Georgetown, Paloma Lake-Round Rock, Highlands at Mayfield Ranch-Round Rock,
tures in several areas of their home,” Conner says.
the strongest offerings of included
Sweetwater-Austin, Palmera Ridge-Leander and Terra Colinas-Bee Cave. By the end of
Ultimately, the success of M/I Homes is due to its ability to provide quality, custom
features of any Austin builder.
2016, M/I Homes will also be open and selling in Arrowhead Ranch-Dripping Springs,
homes that meet the individual needs and dreams of each customer — from the single
Goodnight-Austin, White Oak Preserve-Bu-
professional to the growing family. “People
da and Wolf Ranch-Georgetown.
who choose M/I Homes choose us as their
While the Austin division of M/I Homes has expanded quickly over the past few years,
provide for a wide variety of homeowners, including first-time homeowners, young urban professionals, growing families and right-sizing families of all ages.” At M/I Homes, customization selections
it continues to look ahead into new areas. “We are looking at continued growth in both the Northern areas of the greater Austin and several South and central areas as well,” says
GIVE YOUR CLIENTS
ally, most of the M/I Homes floorplans come with structural options to further customize the new home. To ensure customers are able to choose the perfect features, M/I Homes has its own
builder based off our included features and choices, our outstanding sales and construction teams, and how we pride ourselves on our founder’s belief in ‘always treating our customers right,’” Conner says. RL
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September 2016 Front Page: Continued
panic.
Social Media Rooker is a guy who is active on social media whether he’s busy or not. Crorey also uses social media 365 days a year. Not only does social media make it easy for agents to stay in touch with colleagues, but it’s also a great resource for getting referrals from friends. “You want to be sure people don’t forget you,” says Rooker. “I try to post just the right amount on sites like LinkedIn and Twitter – just about once a day. That’s one way I market myself and it’s done great things for me.” He also stays connected to all his clients on Facebook. “They know I’m paying attention. It doesn’t go unnoticed,” he says. Before you start Tweeting or jumping on board of the latest trending Facebook topic, however, all professionals should draft a personal social media code of conduct of sorts. First, determine how much time you can afford to spend on social media before it starts interfering with work. While friends and coworkers may like following your 30-day Girl Scouts cookie drive for your local troop, there is a threshold at which your professional network will start noticing that they see you more on Facebook than in working situations. If you’re seemingly posting news updates, liking friends’ posts, and commenting on memes morning, noon, and night, folks will wonder where you find time to work. Too much social media activity is one reason why real estate clients will cite for opting to not work with a broker. But even more importantly, the more time spent on Facebook or Instagram, the more likely you are to get caught up in controversy. It may be entertaining when it happens to a snooty fashion icon or an egotistical athlete, but
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for individuals who live on commission and referrals, taking the wrong side of a social media debate could end up being career suicide. That’s a slow period that can be extraordinarily difficult to recover from. In 2013, one female publicist made a bad joke before boarding a flight to South Africa. By the time she landed 11 hours later, the world knew her name – she was trending on Twitter. Soon, the woman was out of a job and getting trolled on the Twitterverse in the vilest ways. Years later, she had to employ a special web strategist to lower her search engine rankings, which is completely opposite from everything any businessperson every learned about developing their online reputation. Rooker is adamant about avoiding controversy. His policy is to steer clear of all “impolite” conversation: Politics, religion, money, and non-PG topics. It also helps to keep most social media accounts viewable to a handpicked group of friends and family and for the rest of your network of colleagues, co-workers, clients, and prospects, always be professional.
See a movie We live in a society that values work so passionately, it can feel like a weakness if you admit that you need eight hours of sleep. But here’s the real deal: You do need to sleep. You also need to take some time off and even see a movie once in a while. Taking a break from work is crucial for mental and physical health. REALTORS are very hard working individuals,” says Crorey. If you’ve hit a slow patch, you should feel lucky that you’ve been busy enough to notice. Not only shouldn’t you feel guilty about looking forward to an occasional slow down, but by all means, work them into your schedule. “It makes sense to take a vacation and enjoy your life.” RL
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P. O. Box 81366 • Austin, Texas 78708-1366 (512) 821-1900 www.myRealtyLine.com E-mail: info@myRealtyLine.com
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Associate Publisher: Tawanna K. Carver tawanna@myRealtyLine.com
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Contributing Editor: Linda McNabb
Contributing Writers: Riki Markowitz, Katie Brown, Naomi Bludworth
Contributing Photographers: Doren L. Carver
Columnists: Aaron Farmer, Shavonne Martin, Wes Wigginton, Ruby Johnson, Suzanne M. Maddalon, Terry Shuffler 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.
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September 2016 Experts Speak Out
Commentary By Terry Shuffler Trendmaker Homes
Beyond floorplan and features: selling the benefits of healthy and efficient new homes
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ousing demand is hot in Austin and homebuyers are savvier than ever when it comes to knowing what they want in a home. In addition to functional floorplans and new finishes and features, energy efficiency continues to top the list. Real estate agents who understand and can communicate efficiency benefits provide unique added value to the growing number of buyers who, whether they recognize it or not, want these features in their homes. Energy efficiency not only contributes to a healthier environment overall, but to a more comfortable home and lower monthly utility bills for the buyer. In a competitive housing market like Austin, buyers have simply come to expect these things. Whereas in resale homes features like this may come with an added cost, newly constructed homes have the benefit of these features being included from the start.
Behind the scenes With new home construction, builders can offer a variety of energy-efficient features that start with the foundation and infrastructure of
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the home all the way through to the appliances and finishes. Depending on the builder, these features may include insulation, filtration, preengineered wood, LED lighting, and more. Builders that tout their energy efficiency and sustainable prowess will offer buyers a myriad of energy-saving and healthy living options and features that come standard with the cost of the home. Advantages include healthy living and cleaner air, less energy usage and lower utility bills, and features and landscape design help conserve water usage. More specifically, the technology, materials, and products typically used in new homes could include water filtration systems, lowVOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, low-formaldehyde carpet pads, insulating foam made with 20 percent recycled materials, low E2 glazing on windows, radiant roof barriers, and low-formaldehyde insulation. In water-parched Austin, offering buyers low-water features and amenities including faucets, irrigation systems with timers, water saving-washers and dishwashers, and region-
Congratulations August 2016
Top Producer Julie Black
Senior Loan Officer NMLSR # 232023 Phone: 306-6357 e-Fax: 866-561-8955 jblack@starkeymtg.com
A Solid, Proven, and Committed Lender! WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR# 2146 | 807 Las Cimas Pkwy., Suite 150, Austin, TX 78746 | This is not a guarantee of financing. All borrowers must meet certain underwriting guidelines and credit criteria. Rules and Regulations may apply.
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friendly landscaping is a huge plus. These features all contribute to offering better energy solutions than most resale homes. This is a point of distinction that real estate agents can make to clients for the case of buying a newly constructed home.
Selling points: new homes win The advantages to selling your clients a new energy-efficient home is that you can offer clients increased comfort though temperature control (that 1920s bungalow might be charming, but does your buyer want to live in it during our hot summers?), greater savings through lower utility bills, healthier communities with lower carbon footprints, and in many cases, a higher resale value than older existing homes. Insulation and weather stripping may not be the sexiest amenities but they stop moisture and control the humidity in most new homes that are built. In fact, we take it a step further and employ a third-party thermography check to ensure that each home’s building envelope is tight and not inviting additional moisture. This also checks for electrical shorts, air leaks and missing insulation.
Know thy builder To help buyers visualize how a home’s materials and energy-efficient technology perform, many builders have these features on display in a model home through cutaways in the wall and exhibits throughout the home. It helps to be specific with building materials that aren’t as obvious as a lighting fixture or stainless steel appliance. Agents should do their research and visit new home communities to see if they have these types of displays. Agents should also take the time to talk with the builder and/or sales representatives about the energy features in the home in order to educate themselves before
they tour clients so they are better equipped to sell the options and value.
Sustainability isn’t a fad – it’s all about performance Most of today’s homebuilders have discovered that building with sustainable and energy-efficient materials makes their homes healthier and less expensive to operate for the occupants. Homes built with these materials not only help differentiate the builders who use them, but can also help agents stand out in what they can offer a client. Sustainable builders keep the environmental impact of their homes in mind from start to finish and take great care in where and how they build homes so it is conducive to a healthy, happy lifestyle. Our new homes take it a step further and are independently certified to exceed local energy codes. We believe efficient homes are betterbuilt homes. By highlighting the energy-efficient features offered in new homes, one can differentiate oneself by showing value-add options to clients. Because most of the efficiency features offered are built into the overall price of new homes, it doesn’t feel like an added cost for the buyer. That is one huge selling point. Terry Shuffler is vice president and general manager of Trendmaker Homes’ Austin division. RL
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NEWLAND COMMUNITIES WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE ITS SECOND QUARTER
TOP TEN REALTORS
These highly-performing Real Estate Professionals work with Newland Communities Austin and its builder partners to achieve new home closings at Falcon Pointe, Rancho Sienna, Sweetwater, and Teravista in 2016!†
TOM FORD
NEIL & SAM DESAI
DOUG BURD
Keller Williams Southwest
City View Realty
ReMax Lake Travis
“At Home Action Team, we do a lot of move-ups, and we find that people in a Newland Community tend to want to stay in a Newland Community. They may move up in square footage or down in square footage, but they are not interested in any other development besides a Newland Community.”
“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.”
“I love showing and selling Newland Communities! The developer has taken the family into consideration by not offering a just the standard pool and clubhouse but by creating an environment that can be enjoyed every day by everyone. Resort-style pools, playgrounds, sport courts, trails and sidewalks are just some of the standout features that are offered.”
JENNIFER WELCH Amazing Realty
DANNY WILSON
Keller Williams Southwest
TANA CAMPBELL
Keller Williams Southwest
GILBERT GONZALES Keller Williams Cedar Park
CRAIG SCOTT
KIM KAHN
Coldwell Banker
WARREN CHIRHART Keller Williams Lake Travis
Realty Austin
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, April–June 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. • © 2016 Newland Austin. All Rights Reserved.
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September 2016 Experts Speak Out
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Commentary By Suzanne M. Maddalon Freehold Communities
Healthy living through community – keeping up with “active” homebuyers
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ealthy living goes back generations, but it has recently become a top priority for many homebuyers. For thousands of homebuyers across the U.S., total wellness has become a way of life, and typical amenity centers alone don’t make the cut when looking for a new community. Over the past 60 years, we’ve seen fitness and connectivity seamlessly – and gradually – blend into lifestyle. Technology advancements, such as wearable devices, are selling at an all-time-high, and emphasis on sports has shifted from the country club to outdoor recreational activities. The blend of exercise and a connected lifestyle is not a fashionable trend, but an active shift in a homebuyer’s journey that REALTORS must understand to best serve clients looking for healthy living through community, rather than just amenities.
What is a Vital Community? From first-timers to those looking to tradeup or trade-down, home buyers across generations are moving away from the traditional amenities of a golf course community and
searching for communities designed with a “Vital Communities” concept that includes miles of nature trails, open spaces, playfields, parks and organized events that promote physical activities like hiking, biking, yoga and more. Also important to the Vital Communities concept is providing spaces for gathering and cultivating active participation by residents, essentially creating a healthy living lifestyle that cultivates neighbors getting to know one another. People are looking to be connected to each other, a true sense of community, family, togetherness and belonging.
What the research says The Vital Communities approach is backed up by comprehensive research conducted in local Texas markets by Reach Advisors, a New York-based research firm. Survey participants, all from the San Antonio and Austin regions, purchased a home in the past five years or are planning to purchase within the next five years.
How to identify appropriate clients To best pinpoint clients, it is important to
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first know a more active lifestyle starts with an emphasis on outdoor recreation. Reach Advisors found that, in the U.S., individuals and families pursuing healthy lifestyles continue to accelerate among those with higher education. “One of the biggest consumer trends this decade is that outdoor recreation and fitness lifestyles have grown significantly among college-educated households,” says James Chung, president of Reach Advisors. “It’s changing how they allocate their time and spending, and where they want to live." Common desires of this growing group are to pursue their favorite fitness passion and to connect.
When it comes to age groups, there were some differences in preferences. Income-qualified prospective buyers in their 30s, who are typically married with children and have a desire to pursue outdoor recreation with family or a workout partner, mostly prefer new single homes in master-planned communities and are willing to pay more for a community with running, walking and biking trails, even if that means having a 30-40 minute commute. A population group that is expected to grow by as much as 30 percent by 2025, prospective buyers in their 40s with children are the most likely to “trade up” to a larger home. In the Austin area, 80 percent of respondents in this de-
Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995.™
mographic group are considering buying a new home within five years, most preferring a large master-planned community laden with features. Men and women in their 50s and 60s perceive a healthy community to include a large fitness center, walking trails, as well as access to fresh, local produce and within close proximity to quality medical care.
Conclusions For the most part, participants across all age groups found a healthy living-designed residential community appealing, and indicated they are likely to buy a home in a community that incorporates a system for walking, running or biking and has neighborhood parks, playgrounds, resort-style pools and large fitness centers—features that not only promote fitness and wellbeing, but allow residents to experience these together as a family or as a community. Healthy living is not a luxury anymore, but a necessity. Aside from income, age groups and education backgrounds, we are living in a decade of total wellness where consumer health and wellbeing is a fundamental and accelerating shift, not just a short-lived fad. For REALTORS, recognizing where healthy living fits our clients can prepare us for navigating our clients to their dream community. To learn more about Vital Communities, go to www.freeholdcommunities.com.
About the Author As the vice president of marketing for Freehold Communities, Suzanne Maddalon directs the company’s strategic marketing program, which includes market research, branding and development of new communities, including Headwaters, a new “Vital Communities” residential development in Dripping Springs, Texas, slated to open in fall 2016. RL
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September 2016
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Real Estate News & Notes M/I Homes' Dripping Springs community, Arrowhead Ranch, is now open M/I Homes continues its expansion in the Austin area with the grand opening of its newest community, and its first in Dripping Springs, Arrowhead Ranch. The Austin area has always been attracted to Dripping Springs for its small town feel and big city proximity. And it’s one of only 10 “Dark Sky” communities in the United States, where enlightened lighting standards reduce light pollution and preserve the beautiful, star-filled, night skies. Homeowners in Arrowhead Ranch will love this safe, gated community. When it’s all said and done, there will be a community pool and pavilion, dedicated parkland, nature trails that wind through the Hill Country and access to Onion Creek. M/I is building two of its most popular series of homes in Arrowhead Ranch: The Prestige Series and the Legacy Series. Available home sizes range from 2,263 to 3,594 square feet and they come with a long list of included features like granite counters in the kitchen and all baths, 10-foot ceilings on the main floor, blinds on all windows, tongue and groove wood patio ceilings, Rinnai tankless
water heaters and covered back patios. Both home collections are designed to fit today’s Texas lifestyle and are built to M/I’s exclusive money-saving, energy-saving Whole Home Building Standards. There are fully decorated model homes for both the Legacy Series and the Prestige Series that can be toured right now. They incorporate the latest ideas and techniques in interior design. Pricing is affordable, with the Legacy Series starting in the $330s and the Prestige Series starting in the $419s. Built on 60- and 70-foot homesites, the community offers beautiful Hill Country views, Onion Creek overlooks and cul-de-sac homesites are available, too. The Dripping Springs ISD couldn’t be more convenient. Walnut Springs Elementary is just two miles away. Dripping Springs High School is even closer, and Dripping Springs Middle School is less than a half mile away. Customers interested in personalized tours of Arrowhead Ranch can schedule an appointment by contacting Adrienne Morrison at (512) 265-0288 or at salesaustin@mihomes.com. RL
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Schwartz Custom Homes and Taylor Real Estate launch new 48-condominum project in South Austin Local builder Schwartz Custom Homes has teamed up with local real estate firm, Taylor Real Estate to launch 48 condominium units in South Austin. Looking to bring modern, sustainable and an affordable product to the South Austin market, Schwartz has strived to fill an un-met need in the area. The gated community’s 48 units will all boast 3 bedrooms, 2.5+ bathrooms, attached garages and fenced backyards with patios. Comprising of stone, stucco and hardiplank exteriors, the units will average 1,800 square feet and will embrace green and sustainable building practices, awarding every homeowner with an Environments for Living guarantee, which will guarantee their home’s energy efficiency for the first three years of ownership. Seeking to bring a fresh perspective to modern architecture in South Austin, the Kipp Flores-designed units will host a vast array of exterior color accents, paired with sleek interior finish-outs. Professionally designed Mary DeWalt, a nationally awarded yet Austin-based interior designer, the interiors
feature gleaming white quartz counter tops, a choice of full-overlay white, grey or espresso cabinets, and an impressive collection of subway, glass and glazed ceramic tiles. Optional wood floors, stainless Whirpool gas appliances and 5 color palette options allow buyers to choose many of their interior options as well as choose from a list of upgrades such as indoor and outdoor built-in speakers. Broker Blake Taylor says he’s “excited to bring something to the area that is completely different than is what is currently being offered. The architecture is fresh and modern, the finish out design-forward, and the units deliver more standard features at an attainable price point. Our hope is that this combination will make the project an overwhelming success for the neighborhood and bring a new, revived sense of community to the area.” The first units are slated to deliver in February of 2017. Interested parties can find more information at www.liveathaven.com. RL
Hundreds of guests visit Rough Hollow's community wide open house— "A Day in the Life" More than 350 guests visited Lakeway’s premier master-planned community, Rough Hollow, on Saturday, July 23 to experience A Day in The Life as a community resident. Guests grabbed their swimsuit, friends and family and headed out to the annual event hosted by Legend Communities Inc. and
Crescent Communities LLC to enjoy a day full of family-fun and tour the beautiful waterfront community. Upon arrival guests were given a community map and “passport” to tour as many of the 10 featured homes as they pleased. Attendees were able to pick and choose which homes they toured that matched their personal style and taste and at each stop, guests were engaged in fun activities, food trucks, face painting, wine bars and much more. Additionally, guests
were encouraged to take advantage of the many community amenities, from the pool to the lazy river and splash pad, offering the ‘Rough’ life experience in the exclusive Rough Hollow community. Every attendee that visited four of more stops received VIP access to the pool party featuring complimentary BarB-Que, Deep Eddy’s Vodka, live music performed by Executive Steel Band, games, and fantastic giveaways. Located on Lakeway’s western frontier, Rough Hollow extends and enhances the casual elegance of this dynamic Lake Travis community. Whether on land, air or lake, Rough Hollow redefines a joy of the great outdoors with activities such as golf, tennis, hiking and flying, plus scuba diving, sailing, water skiing and even parasailing. Fine dining, boutique shopping, and numerous other activities can also be enjoyed within minutes of this exciting community. Rough Hollow spans 1,800 acres on Lake Travis in Lakeway, Texas. With 19 neighborhoods offering homes and home sites ranging from $360s to $1 million plus. For more information, please visit www. roughhollowlakeway.com RL
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Texas Real Estate Commission proposes four new changes The Texas Real Estate Commission’s most recent quarterly meeting included several proposals of interest to license holders. However, the agency did not discuss any changes to current advertising rules, choosing instead to continue to work with the Texas Association of REALTORS® toward a solution that protects consumer interests. Here are some highlights: Unlicensed assistants showing a property Proposed changes to TREC Rule 535.4, License Required, would define “showing” a property to include “causing or permitting the property to be seen by a prospective buyer or tenant, unlocking or providing access onto or into the property, or hosting an open house at the property.” All these actions would have to be carried out by a licensed broker or agent. Several exceptions to this rule were added, such as: Allowing an unlicensed assistant to show a vacant property (with the only personal property left behind remaining with the property), as long as the owner and the prospective buyer or tenant prior to the showing sign a consent acknowledging that: • The unlicensed assistant is an employee • TREC has not conducted a criminal background check on the unlicensed assistant • The unlicensed assistant can’t answer questions or point out features about the neighborhood or property, and • The broker is responsible for all acts and omissions of the unlicensed assistant. Allowing an unlicensed person to have unescorted access to view a vacant property (with the only personal property left behind remaining with the property), as long as the owner pri-
or to the property being viewed signs a written consent acknowledging that: • The owner is aware that unescorted access may occur, and • The broker enabling access is responsible for any damage that results. A proposed change to TREC Rule 535.5, License Not Required, would remove the section that currently allows unlicensed people to host open houses. Renewal fee for sales agent licenses The commission proposed to reduce the fee to renew a sales agent license from $72 to $66. If approved, this reduction would go into effect Jan. 1, 2017. Notifying TREC regarding changes to broker supervision TREC Rule 535.2, Broker Responsibility, already requires a broker who delegates supervisory duties to another license holder to notify the commission of such delegation. The proposed addition to this rule would also require the broker (or a newly licensed broker or broker associate, if their status as a delegated supervisor changes) to notify the commission when that delegation has ended. Use of the TREC seal The commission proposed a new rule, 535.45, which pertains to the Texas Real Estate Commission’s seal, logo, and name. It basically prohibits anyone from using such materials in a way that could mislead people into thinking that the person using the logo is part of the commission or endorsed by the commission. You can read more at TREC’s website. RL
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Putting a Face on Real Estate since 1995
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WCREALTORS President Shavonne Martin gives the “go ahead” to the driver to get the WCREALTORS Luxury Home Tour on the road.
Buy Photo: RL_090416_C.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Rela Manigsaca of Realty Austin, Alka Shah of JB Goodwin REALTORS, Ron Glenn and Brittney Heffernan, both of Highland Homes, and AREAA Executive Director Cindy Spackman put together a team to help clean yards for lower income Asian American homeowners for the organization’s Building Community Day. Buy Photo: RL_090616_B.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Harold Presnell, Donna McKay and David Perkins, all of Keller Williams Realty, get a taste of some Blue Agave tequila during a tasting event in one of the models at the new Blue Agave neighborhood in Teravista. Buy Photo: RL_090216_Q.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com Buy Photo: RL_090916_D.jpg at www.myrealtyline.com
Christy Gessler of RE/MAX 1 takes home 1st prize at the TREPAC’s Got Talent Show for her impression of Amy Winehouse singing “Rehab.”