Women in Residential Real Estate

Women

in Residential Real Estate

San Antonio RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE Outlook

By Blithe Wiley

In 2021, San Antonio’s residential real estate market continued to climb, with tight inventory, rising demand, low interest rates, and increasing numbers of people shifting to a work-from-home lifestyle. The pandemic did not slow down the local market as home sales continued at a brisk pace all year, and demand continued to outpace supply. The San Antonio real estate market is predicted to outperform other Texas cities in 2022, with home prices predicted to rise by 3.5% this year. This is more than both Austin (3 percent) and Houston (2.4 percent).

The Outlook for San Antonio Residential Sellers

The Outlook for San Antonio Residential Buyers

According to Tracie Hasslocher, current president of the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® and owner of Hasslocher Boutique Realty, LLC, current residential real estate housing forecasts indicate the market will continue to stay competitive.

“San Antonio home buyers need to be prepared to make an offer quickly,” she said. “It’s important to know what you want and have preapproval from your lender or have cash. You also need to be prepared to compete with other buyers and stay in constant communication with your REALTOR®.” Hasslocher noted that the home-buying environment will most likely stay the same until home builders are able to catch up with the current demand for homes. With interest rates expected to rise somewhat in 2022, some buyers may find they have a little less buying power.

“For example, someone’s purchasing budget may go from $300,000 to $290,000. It may make a slight difference for them.”

“If sellers get their home move-in ready, with all necessary repairs done and have their house properly staged, they can expect multiple offers, with some even over asking price,” said Hasslocher. “In this environment, sellers need to be able to determine which offer is best for their specific situation. For example, for some sellers, a cash offer may be a better choice, even though it’s $10,000 less than the highest offer.”

Last December, Realtor.com released its annual residential forecast report, which offers a snapshot of housing markets in the 100 biggest cities in the U.S. Along with providing homebuying trends, it ranks the

metros according to three key criteria (combined yearto-year sales and price change and standalone yearto-year sales change and year-to-year price change). For 2022 the website ranked the San Antonio-New Braunfels area at No. 66 among the top 100, ranking it above both Austin-Round Rock (No. 72) and HoustonThe Woodlands-Sugar Land (No. 80).

Heading into 2022, Realtor.com predicts the Alamo City will see an 8.6 percent increase in both combined growth in home sales and listing prices. In 2021, a total of 340,858 residential properties sold in San Antonio, with a median price of $286,200.

“San Antonio will continue to be one of the most desirable places in the country to live,” said Hasslocher. “We have so much to offer culturally and economically. We will continue to see population growth here as we attract new residents from different parts of the county.

She noted that San Antonio has multiple thriving sectors of its economy, including the military, the medical community, and all of the educational opportunities for university students.

“San Antonio has been called the hidden gem, but now people are discovering it, and it’s not so hidden,” Hasslocher said.

Hasslocher has specific advice for anyone who is looking to buy or sell a home. “You need to find the right REALTOR® for you. Outline your priorities and conduct interviews with multiple REALTORS® to find someone who is a good fit with your style and personality, and who communicates the same way you like to communicate, whether it’s by phone or text,” she explained. “Buying or selling a home is such an emotional process, and it’s one of the biggest, if not the biggest, transactions you will make. You have to feel good about the person guiding you through the process.” She noted that good sources for REALTOR® recommendations are people that you trust, REALTOR® website reviews, and even your lender.

Hasslocher recommends that San Antonio buyers and sellers consider working with a REALTOR®, as opposed to working with a real estate agent. This is because all REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®. They must adhere to a specific code of ethics and have sworn to uphold certain professional standards.

Overall in 2022, Hasslocher predicts the San Antonio real estate market will remain steady. “As families continue to move here from more expensive parts of the country, they think this is an affordable city in which to buy a home.”

Tracie Hasslocher, Licensed Real Estate Broker

Co-Owner Yvette Boatwright & San Antonio Agent Success Manager Marisa Jackson

REALTY SAN ANTONIO

For San Antonio native Yvette Boatwright the expansion of Realty Austin into San Antonio was the culmination of a long-term vision for the company. Realty San Antonio opened its spacious La Cantera Parkway offices in October of 2021. Today, the San Antonio operation is comprised of 56 full-time REALTORS® and is poised for additional growth.

Boatwright moved to Austin after graduating from the University of Texas at San Antonio and soon began her career as a real estate agent. She then fast-tracked to become a licensed real estate broker and co-founded Realty Austin in 2004. Today, the Austin real estate company is made up of 577 agents.

Collectively, the San Antonio and Austin operations achieved $6.1 billion in sales and sold 10,500 homes in 2021. Today, Realty Austin and Realty San Antonio are the #1 independent brokerage firm in Central Texas.

“Establishing a presence in San Antonio always was a goal for us,” Boatwright says. “I see San Antonio as being where Austin was 10 years ago in terms of being an affordable and thriving city. We are excited to make an impact on the tremendous growth San Antonio is about to experience.”

According to the company’s website, “Realty San Antonio breaks the mold of the traditional brokerage by providing world-class technology, an innovative and collaborative office space, and a vibrant company culture with a focus on giving back to the community.”

Boatwright notes that, since the company’s inception in 2004, developing the best technology tools available has been a central business focus for Realty Austin. These tools include a proprietary website, robust client management systems, and a modern and automated technology platform. Applying these technical systems to the San Antonio operations allowed the new office to hit the ground running last year, achieving $100 million in sales.

Boatwright says that what is key to the company’s success is the company culture. “We truly care about each and every agent as an individual. We strive to help them achieve life balance for themselves and for their families,” says Boatwright. “We check in on each other.”

Boatwright notes that Realty San Antonio and Realty Austin are both deeply committed to giving back to the San Antonio community. “We have been a supporter of Habitat for Humanity for the past 10 years,” she says. “Today, we support six organizations in the affordable housing space, plus we also support Operation Homefront in San Antonio. We ask each of our agents to donate $50 per commission into our company’s charitable fund.” In 2021, the brokerage firm gave $616,000 to their affordable housing charitable partners.

Yvette’s sister, Marisa Jackson, joined the brokerage firm as San Antonio Agent Success Manager when the San Antonio office opened. “My role allows me to focus on working with our agents to help them with their sales skills. We focus a great deal on training agents to be their best,” Jackson says.

Jackson worked as a school psychologist before becoming a real estate agent. When she joined Realty San Antonio, she traded her role as an agent for that of a manager. “None of our company’s managers sell real estate,” she says. “All of us are completely focused on training and developing our team.”

Realty San Antonio only hires full-time agents, and the company seeks out individuals who share their commitment to striving for excellence in their work and possess a collaborative spirit. “When our agents join our brokerage, they become part of a like-minded organization,” said Boatwright.

“Our company mantra is ‘Work Hard, Play Hard and Give Back,’” Jackson says. “When we give back to the community, we don’t just write a check. We also volunteer our time. For our company, volunteering together on community projects is team-building at its finest. We work together to give back to the city that we all love.”

In terms of plans for the future of Realty San Antonio, Boatwright says they intend to bring the same spirit, passion, and energy that has fueled the growth of Realty Austin into Realty San Antonio. “In Austin, we are known as the brokerage where serious real estate agents go to grow their careers. We look forward to establishing the same reputation here in San Antonio.”

Boatwright notes that part of Realty Austin and Realty San Antonio’s success is a result of being, as she likes to call it, “The Nordstrom of Real Estate.” “Whether you are a firsttime buyer or a high-end client, we will treat you exactly the same with exceptional customer service.”

17346 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 101 San Antonio, Texas, 78256 (210) 361-6000 | realtysanantonio.com

Encore Bank

Opening Doors for a Variety of Mortgage Customers

By Jenny Webster Jurica | Photography by David Teran

From left to right: Carol Hunt Alyssa Tamez Lopez Erin Clementson

The wide variety of mortgage solutions available for customers is one of Alyssa Tamez Lopez’s favorite things about working for Encore Bank. Operating under the umbrella of Encore Bank’s home loan division, and by utilizing a little creativity and a lot of expertise, Lopez and her team assist customers with their goals of becoming homeowners on a daily basis.

Lopez, who is Senior Vice President Mortgage Banker at Encore Bank, explains that buying a home is likely one of the most costly, emotional, and impactful decisions that a person makes and can often be very stressful.

“There’s a lot of emotion involved in home buying, and if you don’t have the right lender, that can make the experience unenjoyable and more stressful,” says Lopez.

“We {at Encore Bank} can’t take all of the stress out, but we try to make the lending experience a positive one. We’ve been doing this long enough that we’ve seen a lot of what not to do. As a result, we’ve crafted specific processes and priorities to help with the operation,” says Lopez.

Lopez, born and raised in San Antonio, began her career practicing law in New York but recognized early on that real estate was her true calling. The daughter of a real estate agent, she returned home to San Antonio and found her niche in the field when she discovered the mortgage banking side of the industry.

“When I started as a young mortgage banker, I was a trained attorney learning an entirely new industry. There is no manual or book that teaches you how to do this job. It took a couple of years to get really good at originating loans, but I was determined and just kept at it.“ remembers Lopez.

That determination has guided Lopez through the past 10 years of her career in mortgage lending and inspires her to help her clients to realize the full potential of their financial situation.

“Different” is the word that best describes Encore Bank and, more specifically, its personal mortgage lending team. This different approach to banking is also one of the paramount reasons that Lopez recently made the transition to this (relatively) young bank that is making waves across the country for its unconventional yet pragmatic approach to lending.

Amassing a wealth of expertise in finance, lending, and real estate, the team at Encore Bank has unique knowledge and experience advising clients on their finances from a different point of view. Lopez’s team at Encore Bank, which she lovingly refers to as “The Dream Team,” is well-rounded and brings skill sets and expertise to every transaction that you don’t typically find with other lenders.

“When someone has a good mortgage lending experience, it’s a result of, not just the loan officer but ALL the people that work on the loan from start to finish. That’s a huge reason why our process is so smooth and also why we have repeat customers,” says Lopez.

“It takes a cohesive team with a mission to serve to create an excellent lending experience, which is what we strive for with every customer we serve,” she added.

Lopez was drawn to Encore Bank, in large part, due to their modern-day approach to banking. While Encore offers the full range of conventional loan products, the bank has also created an extensive line of portfolio loans for those who might not fit into the traditional box when it comes to lending. These products serve a wide range of clients, from those who are self-employed; to physicians, veterinarians and chiropractors who are starting their own practice; as well as special programs for first responders and educators. This wide array of programs are part of the reason Lopez is able to help a variety of clients find the right loan product for them.

The success of Encore Bank can also be attributed to how its employees are treated. Carol Hunt, Mortgage Production Officer at Encore Bank, appreciates the investment that Encore makes in not only its customers but also its employees.

“We are not just employees; we are also owners. All of us are shareholders in the bank, and that inspires us to do our best for each and every customer,” says Hunt.

Erin Clementson, Vice President Business Development Officer for Encore Bank, feels as though Encore Bank is paving the way in so many unique ways that are truly client-centric.

“It’s a breath of fresh air to work in such a motivating environment where the expectation is exceptional customer service, and therefore, our team does what it takes to get deals done and works together to do so,” says Clementson.

“I have never had so much pride, confidence, and enthusiasm about a workplace and what we have to offer our business partners and clients than I do here. These parameters, matched with two experienced and professional mortgage lenders, make our service unparalleled.”

Encore Bank 711 Broadway Suite 350, San Antonio, TX 78215 bankencore.com

Jessica Gergen

REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

The Hill Country Group at Compass

O (210) 598-7211 Ext. 2 C (210) 842-6215 HCGCompass.com Jessica@HCGCompass.com @JessicaGergenRealtor Jessica is a bilingual (Español) San Antonio Realtor with an engineering background, a proud military wife, and a mom of two sweet toddlers!

“How did you get into real estate?”

I have always had an appreciation for interior design and interest in complex problem solving. As a firsttime home-buyer years ago, I hopped on Google and researched the best buyer’s agents in San Antonio. My online search led me to an agent who I quickly ended up firing because all he cared about was making a sale and not protecting our best interests. I learned so much during the process. I knew it was something I could do, and HAD to do better, for other people.

“What makes you different from the thousands of other agents in San Antonio?”

I genuinely care about people and am empathetic to my core. I genuinely love meeting new people and forming friendships - most of my clients become close friends of mine. I am not a sales-y person and absolutely disagree with and hate sales tactics. I am committed to keeping their best interest at heart, educating them on the process, and making friends along the way! I am a helper at heart.

Aside from my personal core beliefs and values, I have a Dual Engineering Degree from the South Dakota School of Mines and 5 years of experience in the construction industry. That knowledge and experience has been monumental for me and has been an incredible resource for my clients.

“What advice would you give to readers when looking for an agent to represent them?”

My advice would be to make sure that you have a great negotiator on your side - someone who really looks out for you, listens to you, and is intentional with your wishes.

Leesa Harper Rispoli

President, Broker/Owner

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS®

18756 Stone Oak Parkway, Suite 102 San Antonio, TX 78258 (210) 483-7070 www.cbharper.com Born and raised in San Antonio, Leesa Harper Rispoli has been known to exhibit incomparable work ethic and grit — a testament to her iconic mother, D’Ann Harper, who was hard at work building a premier real estate brokerage, while simultaneously running the family’s cattle ranch. The lessons and skills Leesa learned over those formative years can be seen in action today as she has since taken D’Ann’s place as broker and president of the brokerage, while continuing to champion the Harper legacy of exceptional service.

Since Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® (CBDHR) first opened their doors in 1986, they have been assisting hardworking Texans in accomplishing their real estate dreams. With over 470 REALTORS®, the company’s mission never strayed from guiding people home. CBDHR has accepted the coveted Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Award for over 35 years consecutively — the most prestigious designation to receive from Coldwell Banker National. Additionally, Leesa sits on The Realty Alliance Board (a network of North America’s elite real estate firms) and was presented with the Inaugural Coldwell Banker Women on the Move Award in 2021.

Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, REALTORS® has expanded to include multiple specialized divisions. The Global Luxury program has established a legacy of luxury, while the dedicated, full-service Commercial division specializes in investments of all asset classes. The expert Farm and Ranch team is devoted to providing unmatched service to the buyers and sellers of Texas’ hunting, equestrian, and cattle ranches. The award-winning Relocation Department assists clients moving throughout the world, and a first-class Property Management Department provides top-notch professional services for single-family residential properties.

Having generated over a billion dollars in sales annually for eight consecutive years, CBDHR has built an expectation for itself to reach new heights and break old records year over year. CBDHR stands as a beacon amongst many brokerages as a brand built on integrity, impeccable work ethic, and grit — at every level.

Cory Flores

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Heritage

1717 N Loop 1604 E. San Antonio, TX 78232 O (210) 493-3030 C (210) 870-3909 info@coryflores.com IG: @thestyledrealtor365 Designations: Historic House Specialist, Graduate Real Estate Institute, Pricing Strategy Advisor, Military Relocation Professional, Seller’s Representative Specialist, Accredited Buyer’s Representative.

Cory Flores, fondly known as The Styled Realtor 365, is a wife, mom of twin girls, realtor, and influencer. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, her parents instilled hard work and dedication at a young age.

Before her career in real estate, Cory obtained a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Cory worked as a speech therapist for several years and although she enjoyed her role in that profession, she found her true passion in serving her clients with one of their most important decisions, the sale or purchase of real estate.

Cory chose to partner with Keller Williams Heritage, because of their commitment to seeing their agents succeed in the industry. Cory brings a strong level of dedication to her clients as well as a tailored approach by recognizing that real estate transactions are uniquely different for each person. Her ability to create a connection of trust and listen to the specific needs of her clients, allows her to assist them in accomplishing their objectives.

This fashionista offers her followers on social media, everything from lifestyle tips to real estate advice. Cory aspires to inspire not only her daughters but other women to define their own success. A quote Cory lives by You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you. - Maya Angelo

Natalee Newell

REALTOR®

Phyllis Browning Company

6061 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209 O (210) 824-7878 C (210) 215-1212 www.phyllisbrowning.com nnewell@phyllisbrowning.com Natalee Newell, a San Antonio native, has been matching people with their dream properties since 1999. In 2000, she was named Rookie of the Year and has kept up the pace ever since. She combines her experience and expertise with her creative, out-of-the-box thinking to work for her clients, often producing results that exceed all their expectations. Natalee is a Luxury Home Specialist and has been listed frequently as a Platinum Top 50 REALTOR® finalist and winner. The San Antonio Business Journal placed her in the top 1% of Luxury Real Estate Agents in 2019 and 2020. She consistently closes over $15 million in real estate per year.

With over two decades in her illustrious career, Natalee has not only had the privilege of working with some extraordinary clients, but has even helped multiple generations for many families. She often sees the same home change hands multiple times and enjoys seeing the personal touches each client adds to its history.

A natural linguist and avid traveler, Natalee speaks Spanish, along with some French from her time in Paris at La Varenne Culinary School, and a little Italian. She is extensively involved in the community, her church, the Laurel Heights Garden Club and the Gardenia Musical Society. She is also active with the San Antonio Botanical Garden and Impact San Antonio.

Natalee considers referrals to be the ultimate compliment. When clients give her a referral, they not only trust her with their real estate goals, but also the real estate goals of their friends and family. Find out why Natalee has earned the trust of so many people, contact her today!

Jennie Embrey

BROKER - OWNER

Embrey Realty

7801 Broadway suite 210, San Antonio, TX 78209 O (210) 999-0797 Jembrey@embreyrealty.com | embreyrealty.com Embrey Realty is a premier, woman-owned and operated residential real estate firm with a team of savvy, smart and talented women realtors.

Serving the most desirable neighborhoods in San Antonio since 2019, Embrey Realty’s agents have experience in a number of industries. From the title industry to interior design and fine jewelry to financial services and the fine art industry, the collective experience and talents provides Embrey’s clients with the optimal selling and buying experience.

“With our combined experience, we can go into clients’ homes and organize stage prepare for market,” Jennie Embrey, Embrey Realty founder and owner, said. “We work together as a team bringing our unique capabilities to each sale. Our team work allows for a more seamless experience.”

Embrey Realty’s agents have a collective 30 years experience in the real estate industry and have a deep understanding of the San Antonio market and its unique neighborhoods. Embrey’s understanding of the market combined with the outside knowledge of a variety of other industries allows its agents to effectively and creatively market each property to help clients to buy and sell. Embrey Realty provides a high level of service clients have come to expect from its professional team of realtors.

Visit Embrey Realty’s website to see a list of current and recently sold properties.

CORIE PROPERTIES Group

Partners with Compass to Continue Founder’s Legacy

CORIE PROPERTIES, founded by the late Corie Boldt, is celebrating its one-year anniversary of joining Compass.

Corie Fuhrmann Boldt was known throughout her community as a high-energy power agent with an abundance of knowledge on the San Antonio real estate market, a penchant for giving back to the community she served, and a loving mother to Hunter and Samantha. Corie passed away in August 2020.

Now led by her husband Fred Hutt, the team will continue to honor Corie’s legacy with its partnership with Compass.

“Through the strength of Corie’s spirit, we have chosen to carry on her legacy through a strategic partnership with Compass,” says Fred Hutt. “By joining Compass, we can empower our CORIE PROPERTIES family and continue to provide exceptional service to our clients in a way that I know would make Corie proud.”

CORIE PROPERTIES Group

4901 Broadway, Suite 132 San Antonio, Texas 78209 O (210) 824-1115 www.corieproperties.com

Corie Properties Group is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

Mission Haus Group

Danielle Voigt Kruciak

REALTOR - Team Lead

“Changing Lives one Haus at a Time” – Mission Haus Group was founded by REALTOR® Danielle (Voigt) Kruciak, in 2019. Kruciak’s vision was to start a team that was ministry-minded, serving not only their clients in real estate, but also their community. Our team has grown since 2019 & now consist of team members: Danielle Kruciak, Claire Neutze, Angela Brooks, and Vyanka Rojas. Collectively our team has 19+ years of experience in our industry. Specializing in areas to include but not limited to San Antonio, New Braunfels, Uvalde, and the Texas coastline. Although each agent specializes in their respective areas, there isn’t an area in Texas they won’t go for their clients. With every closed transaction, MHG tithes a percentage from their proceeds to a ministry called Mission Haus Foundation, which is a non-profit ministry, that helps under-served individuals within the community that are in transitional situations.

MHG is brokered by Greater San Antonio Real Estate.

Mission Haus Group

252 Horse Hill , Boerne TX 78006 O (210) 837-2091 missionhaus.home.blog | Danielle.kruciak@yahoo.com

Leslie Reyes Idais

REALTOR®

Phyllis Browning Company

4372 N. Loop 1604 West, Suite 102 San Antonio, TX 78249

O (210) 408-2500 C (210) 548-6929

phyllisbrowning.com lidais@phyllisbrowning.com

A San Antonio native with years of experience in military relocation, she knows how important it is for families to find homes that provide them with comfort and familiarity while they transition into their new environment. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT FINDING THE RIGHT HOME it is understanding the situation and help navigate through the process of buying or selling as smoothly as possible. “My goal is to provide as much support as possible so that my clients can focus on their family and new community.”

Amy Kolb

Realtor, CLHMS, ABR

Amy Kolb Real Estate Co.

3922 Morgans Creek San Antonio, TX 78230

O (210) 860-0668

amy@amykolb.net www.amykolb.net

Amy Kolb is widely known for her energy, professionalism and knowledge of the San Antonio and Hill Country real estate market, licensed since 2002. Amy loves this city and knows it like the back of her hand. When you start working with Amy, you’d better be ready, because her energy and enthusiasm will draw you in, and when looking for your new place to call home, she won’t stop until you do. She has an uncanny ability to make the process, whether buying or selling, very low stress and enjoyable. Her goal and focus are on her clients’ complete satisfaction. More than 99% of her business comes from repeat business and referrals. In 2020 she ranked # 3 individual agent in San Antonio Business Journal.

Photography by Nina A. Padilla

Josie Rees

ABR®, GRI, REALTOR® Certified Success Coach eXp Realty

17806 W IH 10 Ste 300 San Antonio, TX 78257

C (210) 392-0738

josierees.com josie.rees@exprealty.com

As a sixth-generation Texan, Josie Rees loves helping people plant roots in the great Lone Star State. She prides herself on a “no-pressure” approach to real estate, helping clients buy or sell on their own timelines as she expertly guides them throughout the process. With a career background in Human Resources, Josie is no stranger to walking alongside others through life’s biggest transitions. With a heart for people and a head for business, she is a strong advocate for her clients throughout the complex processes of a real estate transaction.

Josie loves to educate homebuyers and sellers, expose outdated and misinformation by contributing to nationwide real estate articles seen on Business Insider, Fox News, Realtor.com and more.

Photography by Brittany Paul

Carmen Bean

REALTOR®

O (210) 876-4120 C (830) 391-3967

Carmen.Bean@eXpRealty.com CarmenSellsTexas.com

Carmen Bean epitomizes integrity, energy, hard work and creative service in every detail of real estate transactions. She consistently ranks #1 and #2 Residential Real Estate Agent in San Antonio by San Antonio Business Journal since 2017 and a Platinum TOP 50 - Winner & Finalist from 2014 - 2020. Her dedication to success in real estate speaks volumes of her commitment to her clients. Carmen has built her real estate business based on strong client relationships, her business comes mostly from referrals she receives from her legion of satisfied customers, raving fans, and involvement in the community.